Holiday rentals in Lancashire

Rolling countryside, rich regional cuisine, and Britain’s most famous pleasure beaches are just some of Lancashire’s delights. Its place at the heart of the Industrial Revolution can be seen in the brick-and-chimney legacy of its former factory towns, whose mills, workshops, and warehouses are now often museums or canalside flats. The county town of Lancaster, overlooked by a medieval castle and resplendent with Georgian architecture, combines centuries of history with vibrant city life, including a renowned coffee quarter.

But 80 percent of Lancashire is rural, where you’re likely to be stopped in your tracks by breathtaking scenery that spans moorland, rivers, and hills, none more beautiful than those in the Ribble Valley. The county’s pretty villages have become something of a food-lover’s paradise, full of award-winning gastro pubs and restaurants, while the 557-metre Pendle Hill remains a magnet for hikers and history buffs alike (it was here that England’s most famous witch trials were held). To the west is a coastline stretching from the stunning-yet-treacherous Morecambe Bay to the bright lights of Blackpool.

The summer offers more sunny days and less rain, making it a popular time to visit Lancashire, though the county can be fairly wet year round. Summer is certainly the time for exploring the beaches and braving the sea, and there are lots of events to choose from, including popular music and food festivals. But the countryside is equally beautiful in spring and autumn. In March and April you’ll find the Ribble Valley full of newborn lambs as well as spring blooms. The famous Blackpool Illuminations — when the seaside town of Blackpool is lit up for the winter — run from September to January. Preston hosts a wonderful arts festival, Lancashire Encounter, in September. Winter can be bone-cold chilly in this northern region, but there’s a special pleasure to be had in Lancashire’s cosy welcome if you’re escaping the cold.

Trough of Bowland

The entire Forest of Bowland is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and this is one of its very prettiest bits. The pass at the head of the valley reaches 300 metres above sea level and offers dramatic views across richly coloured moorland that leads to the picturesque village of Dunsop Bridge. To the south of the valley lies Longridge Fell, which offers its own spectacular vantage point looking out to the Lake District.

Blacko

One of Lancashire’s best-kept villages, this lovely community faces west toward Pendle Hill and is a great place from which to explore the area. It has its own pretty view overlooking the valley of Pendle Water, as well as the locally famous Stansfield Tower, a stone Victorian folly perched above the village.

Morecambe Bay

With windswept headlands and golden beaches, Morecambe Bay is a spellbinding sight offering a range of experiences. You can explore nature at its wildest in its nature reserves, enjoy traditional seaside fun in its Victorian towns, or get involved in all manner of outdoor sports from paragliding to kitesurfing.