Balloons, the blues and breathtaking views in hotpot hot spot
British Breaks: Lancashire
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.What's on?
Take flight at the Burnley Hot Air Balloon Festival (visitlancashire.com), from 31 July to 2 August, when the skies above the town will fill with hot-air balloons of different shapes and sizes. Head for Towneley Park to watch the mass launch and a special firework display titled "Nightglow".
Curtain's up in Lancaster this summer. Walkabout Theatre (dukes-lancaster.org), the UK's biggest open-air theatrical event of its kind, takes place in Williamson Park from 2 to 8 August. This year, audiences will be transported to ancient Greece for a fun take on the tale of Jason and the Argonauts.
Culinary canal cruises, pony-trekking picnics, and ale trails around the moors are among the events taking place as part of the Pennine Lancashire Festival of Food and Culture (penninelancashirefestivals.com), from 17 August to 17 September.
Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the Great British R&B Festival (blues festival.co.uk) takes place in Colne from 28 to 31 August. More than 1,000 artists will perform at the four-day event in venues throughout the town. Look out for the Busking Station, which the organisers have added this year, where up-and-coming and established artists are free to strut their stuff.
Finally, step out for the Pendle Walking Festival (pendle.gov.uk/ walking), from 5-13 September. More than 80 free guided walks will take place in some of the county's most beautiful landscapes.
See the sights
Check out Lancashire's latest attraction, Greenlands Farm Village (greenlands farmvillage.co.uk) near Carnforth. Learn about food and the environment at this working farm, featuring a butcher's, bakery, food and craft shops.
Meanwhile, Clitheroe Castle (lancashire.gov.uk) has just reopened to the public following a £3.2m refurbishment. The castle (left), built in 1186 by Robert de Lacy, has had its gardens spruced up and the keep restored.
Eat and drink your way around Lancashire on the Ribble Valley Food Trail (ribblevalleyfoodtrail.com), meeting the area's providers and suppliers along the way. Head for the coast to see how major regeneration projects along with new attractions and hotels are sprucing up the seaside towns of Southport, Morecambe and Blackpool for visitors.
Finally, explore the highlights of the area's dramatic countryside – the Forest of Bowland, Ribble Valley, Pendle Hill and the west Pennine Moor – by taking in the views through the new panopticon sculptures that have been erected at high points across the county, including The Atom at Wycoller Country Park, Colourfields at Burnley and Halo near Haslingden.
Further information
For more ideas and accommodation suggestions, contact Lancashire and Blackpool Tourist Board (visitlancashire.com).
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments