Looking for something a little bit unusual for a day out in Lancashire. We’ve listed a few suggestions below, as well as two great hotels to base yourself for your Spring or Summer holiday.
Bee Keeping
Fancy yourself as a Bee Keeper? Well, here’s your opportunity. The Bee Centre in Preston runs an award-winning Bee Experience where participants are given an introduction to honeybees and beekeeping. You are then invited to put on one of The Bee Centre’s beekeeping suits and get up close to the bees and the hives. A great way to learn about the valuable role of honeybees in supporting our environment. Take away a jar of honey made by Samlesbury Hall bees as a memento of your day.
Parachute Jump
The Black Knights Parachute Centre offer a range of skydiving courses. Booking is essential and it can be subject to the weather, but it is an experience you will never forget. It is the longest running parachute jump centre in the country, in operation for over 50 years. They offer Accelerated Freefall and Static Line courses throughout the year and can offer Tandem skydiver to 15,000 ft – the highest in the UK.
There are options to do your jump for charity and get family and friend involved, and your charity will give you guidelines on how to do this before booking.
Be a Blacksmith for a Day
Blacksmithing can be traced back as far as 1500 BC. In mediaeval times every village in the land had a blacksmith creating functional pieces of equipment and tools – works of art in their own right.
John Law of Bespokers Forge loves this ancient craft and operates an open door policy to give people the opportunity of seeing blacksmithing in action. He produces beautiful bespoke pieces and is inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement and Art Nouveau design.
It is also possible to take part in a Blacksmithing course for a maximum of 2 people where you will learn the basic techniques before trying your hand at a project of your choosing.
Carnforth Heritage Centre
Carnforth Railway Station is ‘Milford Junction’ the setting of the iconic 1945 film, Brief Encounter, the Carnforth Heritage Centre celebrates everything about one of the best-loved films of all times. The screenplay was written by Noel Coward, and the movie was directed by one of the leading film makers of the time, David Lean. The Heritage Centre has a wealth of information about the film shoot and the leading actors, Trevor Howard and Celia Johnson. The Life and Works exhibition features details of David Lean’s personal and professional life, including contributions from the British Film Institute. There’s also the opportunity to watch the movie played on the big screen whilst making yourself comfortable in the original theatre seats donated by The Winter Gardens in Morecambe.
The Brief Encounter Refreshment Room has been restored to the 1940s glory and you can enjoy home made fayre whilst imagining yourself as a star in the movie. Breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea are served daily.
Take A Brewery Tour
Learn about brewing beer by taking a tour at Lancaster Brewery Tour. A great way to discover the brewing process including malting, mashing, transfer to the Copper where hops are added for bitterness, fermentation, racking and cold store. There are different tours available from Amber, Blond to Premium Red. You can even become a brewer for a day for the ultimate learning experience. Questions are encouraged and your tour will end at the bar, of course. The choice of pint is then down to you.
Morecambe Bay Walk
Prepare to get your feet wet at times, as you are led across the infamous sands of Morecambe Bay.
The Guide over Sands Trust is a charity formed in 1877 by the Duchy of Lancaster to see people safely across the Leven and Kent estuaries. The guides have specialist knowledge of the sands and the dynamics of the bay, usually fishermen. In recent years, crossing the bay has become very popular, particularly with charities. Be prepared for changeable weather and different conditions underfoot including sand, footpaths and marsh land. It is mostly flat rippled sand, sometimes under water. Barefoot walking on sand can be hard on the feet, but exhilarating at the same time. The Arnside to Grange walk will guarantee that you get wet, usually up to your knees. Check out the charity walks as a great way to have fun and be contributing to a worthwhile cause.
Other Things to do in Lancashire in Spring and Summer
For additional suggestions of things to do in Lancashire, take a look at the following pages – Lancashire Attractions for Children and Families, Lancaster Castles, Grand Houses, Monuments and Museums, Lancashire Attractions for Adults and Couples, Things to do in Lancashire in Spring Summer and Walk Lancashire in Spring and Summer.
Lancashire Hotels offering a particularly warm welcome
Lancaster House
Close to the grandeur of the Forest of Bowland, Lancaster House is a comfortable base with lots of added benefits. Tired from your day’s excursions relax n the warmth of the sauna or steam room, or take a few lengths of the indoor pool. With a choice of places to eat in either The Sandeman Bar, or the urban chic Foodworks Restaurant, there’s something for everyone. Our bedrooms and suites offer the best in comfort – everything necessary for a fantastic short break or holiday in Lancashire.
The Midland
Boasting superb views over Morecambe Bay to the Lake District Hills beyond, The Midland is a real art deco gem. Forty-four bedrooms offering comfort and luxury with some unusual design twists. Enjoy a cocktail or glass of wine in The Rotunda before dinner featuring the freshet and best local produce served in The Sun Terrace Restaurant where you are very likely to be treated to an awe-inspiring sunset with your meal.
