There is so much to see and do in and around Lancaster. If you are planning on visiting this beautiful part of North Lancashire this summer, check out our top picks that the whole family will enjoy and a special family offer for Lancaster House Hotel.
1. Hansel and Gretel at Williamson Park
Join The Dukes theatre at Williamson Park for an open air production of Hansel and Gretel. You will be lost in an enchanted world of magic and folklore as the park transforms in the evening. This summer’s park show will re-discover a collection of time-honoured tales told by children and adults for generations.
We went along to the show and were amazed by how The Dukes and the cast created an “enchanting other world which envelopes the audience.” Read our review.
Performances daily at 7.15pm until 16th August 2014 with tickets priced from £11 – £23.
2. Lancaster Castle
Lancaster Castle is a medieval castle dating back to the 11th century overlooking the river in the centre of the city.
Owned by The Duchy of Lancaster (Her Majesty the Queen is the Duke of Lancaster), the castle has witnessed scenes of significant historical, cultural and political impact throughout the centuries. Until 2001 it was a fully functioning HM prison, now fully open with tours and special events enjoyed by modern day visitors.
Lancaster Castle welcomes visitors of all ages for daily tours, costing £8 for Adults. Throughout the summer the castle will be hosting special Kids activity tours alongside its usual tours.
Kids activity tours are available 13th, 20th & 27th August at 2pm costing £6.50 with one adult admitted free per paying child. Note: all children must be accompanied by an adult and pre booking is advised to avoid disappointment. The castle will also host a range of free activities in the courtyard throughout the summer.
3. Summer Holiday Boat Trip
Canal & River Trust and Lancaster Library have put together a Free family event on Monday 11th August from 10am until 3pm. The day includes boat trips, nature talks, arts and crafts activities, tutorials with Lancashire’s Community Heritage Team and talks by library staff.
The day starts with activities in Lancaster library, followed by free boat trip along the Lancaster Canal in the afternoon.
Places are free, but booking is essential. For further information and to book a place, contact Lancaster Library on 0300 123 6703 or email Lancaster.library@lancashire.gov.uk
4. RSPB Leighton Moss nature reserve
A short drive from Lancaster is Leighton Moss, the largest reedbed in north-west England – well worth a visit with the whole family!
The nature reserve is home to some really special birds such as breeding bitterns, bearded tits and marsh harriers. You might see deer too, not to mention butterflies aplenty!
Leighton Moss have put on a range of special events for the Summer. Find out more on their Events Page.
5. Greenlands Farm Village
Originally a working dairy farm, the farm now offers a taste of the countryside and artisan shopping for all the family.
On the open farm you can pat & feed storybook farm animals, enjoy a donkey ride, play on mini tractors, lark about in a straw play barn, race round the barn on the go-carts and picnic by the paddocks.
In the artisan village, you can meet many talented crafts people to find a special souvenir from your time spent exploring North Lancashire.
6. Happy Mount Park
A park for all ages in the nearby seaside town of Morecambe. You can sit and relax or take a stroll in the attractive parkland setting, pay a visit to the popular café, play crazy golf, tennis and much more.
Don’t forget the kid’s swimwear! Happy Mount Park has an exciting aqua play area with water jets, fountains and buckets of water for buckets of fun!
Every Sunday from mid May to mid September you can enjoy the sounds from the very best of Brass Bands from around the North West.
7. Lune Aqueduct Fish, Chips & Quiz Cruises on Lancaster Canal
Cruises depart at 19:00 opposite The Waterwitch in Lancaster as delicious freshly cooked Fish, Chips & optional Mushy Peas are served direct to your table. The cruise will sail Northbound across the stunning Lune Aqueduct towards Hasty Brow which offers some fantastic sunset views across Morecambe Bay.
On the way back to Lancaster and then the fun begins with the multi round quiz with a prize for the winning team! We then arrive back at Lancaster for 22:00
Various dates in August, September and October 2014. Prices: £18 per person
8. Butterfly House at Williamson Park
The Butterfly House is Lancaster’s tropical oasis where exotic butterflies flutter elegantly around their leafy surroundings.
The former Palm House at Williamson Park has recently been refurbished and resembles a tropical rain forest with flowers, trees, vines, foliage and colourful butterflies.
Entry costs £3.70 for adults, £2.70 for children and students, £3.30 for concessions and £11.80 for a family ticket (2 adults 2 children). Throughout the school holidays tours take place every weekend at 11am.
Once you are done at the butterfly house, make sure you have time to explore Williamson Park and Ashton Memorial with fantastic views of the City of Lancaster, Morecambe and the Lake District.
School Holiday Offers at Lancaster House
Only £149.00 for 2 nights Bed and Breakfast for up to 2 Adults and 2 Children during the summer, autumn half term and winter school holidays.
For full offer details and to check availability, see our Lancaster Special Offers page or telephone: 08458 509 508.
Written by: +Kris Littlewood