08/07/2024
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Lancashire holidays: our complete guide to campsites in Lancashire

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Containing an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Lancashire is famed for its wildlife, scenery and superb walks. This region is nothing short of awe-inspiring

There are a host of interesting places to visit in Lancashire, and lots of things to do in Lancashire, too. Well-known for amazing sunsets, world-class birdwatching and miles of shore to walk along, the waters of Morecambe Bay lap the southern shores of Cumbria and northern Lancashire.

This shoreline is also one of only a few places in the world where the tide enters an estuary in the form of a bore. It’s a wonderful phenomenon causing the leading edge of the tide to form a wave that varies in height between a few centimetres and a metre. The bore occurs about once a month, when the tide is highest. The best place to watch the bore is Arnside, an ancient village with a small stone pier, a couple of character pubs, cafés and a quaint row of shops.

To find the best campsites in Lancashire, whether you are looking for a campsites in Lancashire for tents, or Lancashire campsites with swimming pools, try our Campsite Finder search tool which will help you find the perfect place to pitch.

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Words by Claire Tupholme

 


Best local features

Silverdale

(Photo courtesy of istockphoto Kevin Eaves)

The beaches

The shoreline of this region is, quite simply, beautiful, with the backdrop of the Cumbrian mountains clearly visible in good weather. Quicksand lurks beneath the surface, so walking on the sand here is very much not advised. But it’s the shoreline that’s the joy to wander.

Walks along, and close to, the rocky shore from Arnside towards Silverdale are a delight and a great opportunity for you to catch glimpses of wildlife, especially birds.

Magnificent Morecambe

If you’re looking for a safe, sandy beach for days by the water, whether relaxing in a deckchair or building sandcastles with little ones, then you should head to the popular seaside resort of Morecambe .

Here you will find an award-winning promenade where you can enjoy an ice cream or take afternoon tea, and also the Art Deco masterpiece that is the restored 1930s Midland Hotel.

In the evening you could catch a theatre performance or concert at The Platform – an old railway station that is now Morecambe’s main entertainment venue.

Morecambe

(Photo courtesy of Pixabay)

Silverdale beach

(Photo courtesy of Warners Group Publications)


Best attractions

Arnside Viaduct

(Photo courtesy of Pixabay)

Rising to 158 metres, Arnside Knott is one of Britain’s walking gems. That’s because the views of the sea, shore and Lake District hills are spectacular, and because this is easy walking territory, with a network of paths. You can walk to Arnside Knott from Silverdale or Arnside, or drive to a car park on the knott, and take many paths from there.

The Silverdale-Arnside area has been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty due to its tapestry of salt marshes, limestone outcrops and woodland. It’s also an important area for wildlife, including the rare bittern. RSPB Leighton Moss nature reserve is one of the few places in Britain where it can be seen.

The ancestral home of the Gillow furniture-making family, Leighton Hall is still a family home. Tours of the hall take place on selected days from May to September. There are extensive gardens and parkland to explore, plus bird of prey displays.

Across the Kent Estuary from Arnside is the Victorian-Edwardian resort of Grange-over-Sands . The best way to get to Grange from Arnside is by train. It’s a magical journey across the 500-metre viaduct, with water on each side of the track.

The Forest of Bowland is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty covering 312 square miles of rural land across Lancashire and a part of Yorkshire. The area is full of walking routes and cycle trails, along with Beacon Fell Country Park. Here there are walks that are great for families and four-legged friends, with a visitor centre and café, too.

Rivington Pike is one of the best viewpoints in northwest England. There are many ways to reach the top of it but the route through Rivington Terraced Gardens on the western side is the most popular. Once at the top you’ll be rewarded with stunning views; on a clear day you’ll see across to Cheshire, the Lake District and the Isle of Man.

The ‘kiss me quick’ seaside resort of Blackpool is a great choice whatever the weather. There’s the obvious Pleasure Beach for sunny days on the sands and the roller coasters and rides of the theme park. There’s also a zoo and waterpark. On rainy days you can head to the Blackpool Tower where there’s a dungeon, ballroom, mini golf and circus.

The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust’s Martin Mere Wetland Centre is a vast marsh teeming with birdlife and offering various annual activities. You can see all sorts of birds here, from tiny ducklings to colourful flamingos.

National Trust Rufford Old Hall is a fine example of a Tudor building with stunning timbered exteriors. The Tudor Great Hall has fantastic furniture, arms, armour, tapestries and a carved oak screen on display. You can stroll through the Victorian and Edwardian gardens and enjoy wild woodland walks.

Blackpool

(Photo courtesy of Pixabay)

Grange-over-Sands

(Photo courtesy of Kevin Eaves stock.adobe.com)


Best campsites in Lancashire

Clitheroe Camping and Caravanning Club Site

Clitheroe

Clitheroe Camping & Caravanning Club Site

(Photo courtesy of Clitheroe Camping and Caravanning Club Site)

Set in the Ribble Valley near the Forest of Bowland, Clitheroe Club campsite is a real winner for families and outdoor enthusiasts. The adjacent River Ribble is a great spot for swimming, canoeing and fishing, and you can walk along the river to reach Waddington and Great Mitton.

This friendly site comes well-equipped with good facilities including Ready Camp glamping, while nearby Clitheroe market town an easy walk away is a great place to visit, with shops, restaurants, and a castle with a labyrinth and children's playground.

Find out more: Clitheroe Camping and Caravanning Club Site  

Old Hall Caravan Park

Carnforth

Old Hall Caravan Park

(Photo courtesy of Old Hall Caravan Park)

Old Hall Caravan Park is one of the most peaceful carmpsites in the northwest of England. Not only is the site minutes away from the M6, but only two miles from Over Kellet and three miles from Carnforth.

Old Hall is also near the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales, as well as local towns such as Kirkby Lonsdale and Ambleside, making Old Hall the perfect base for exploring everything that the region has to offer.

Find out more: Old Hall Caravan Park  

Bay View Holiday Park

Bolton Le Sands

Bay View Holiday Park

(Photo courtesy of Bay View Holiday Park)

Situated in a rural setting on the picturesque Lancashire coastline, Bay View Holiday Park is an ideal base from which to explore the Lake District, North Yorkshire and Forest of Bowland. Once a working farm, the rolling green fields surrounding the campsite offer stunning views over Morecambe Bay, while providing a peaceful and tranquil retreat in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the outskirts of the coastal villages of Arnside and Silverdale.

The original farm buildings have been sympathetically converted into a beautiful 100-seat bar, restaurant and shop. Playground and games room.

Find out more: Bay View Holiday Park  

Hollins Farm Park

Silverdale

Hollins Farm Park

(Photo courtesy of Hollins Farm Park)

A peaceful holiday park for caravans, motorhomes and tents situated in the heart of the Silverdale and Arnside Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Hollins Farm Park is a farm campsite overlooking Morecambe Bay, with lots of farm animals for children to see.

Five-star, stone-built, heated toilet and shower facilities including a launderette and small games room are found here. It's a five-minute walk to sister park, Silverdale, where campers can make use of the leisure facilities, restaurant and bar. It's also a 10-minute walk to Silverdale village and the RSPB's Leighton Moss. The campsite holds a David Bellamy Gold Conservation Award.

Find out more: Hollins Farm Park  


Campsites in Lancashire with swimming pools

Beacon Fell View Holiday Park

Preston

Beacon Fell View Holiday Park

(Photo courtesy of Beacon Fell View Holiday Park)

Located within a convenient distance of the M6, Beacon Fell View is a holiday park that offers comprehensive facilities, as well as a picturesque location near a reservoir in the Ribble Valley.

The 80 touring pitches are terraced and not massive (check before booking if you have a large rig), but the facilities on the campsite more than make up for this. As well as a good bar, there’s also an indoor pool, complete with a paddling pool and sauna, as well as a gym and various children’s activities. The campsite is about 30 minutes from the coast at St Anne's and enjoys great views.

Find out more: Beacon Fell View Holiday Park  

Holgates Silverdale Holiday Park

Silverdale

Holgates Silverdale Holiday Park

(Photo courtesy of Holgates Silverdale Holiday Park)

Silverdale is the Holgates Holiday Park group's flagship campsite, and a real gem it is, too. Sat in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in over 100 acres of beautiful countryside, it overlooks Morecambe Bay and offers pitches for tents, motorhomes, caravans and holiday homes.

The price of a pitch includes entry to the campsite swimming pool and sauna. Children will love the games room and two outdoor adventure playgrounds. A well-stocked campsite shop provides all the basics and the restaurant and bar ensure you won't have to cook on your holiday. Silverdale coast is just a 10-minute walk.

Find out more: Holgates Silverdale Holiday Park  


Lancashire holidays: FAQs

What is Lancashire famous for?

Lancashire is renowned for its rich industrial heritage, particularly its pivotal role in the textile industry during the Industrial Revolution. The county is also famous for its picturesque countryside, including the Forest of Bowland and the coastal town of Blackpool, known for its iconic tower and annual illuminations.

Lancashire's culinary contributions are significant, with the beloved Lancashire hotpot and the traditional Eccles cake. Additionally, it boasts a vibrant cultural scene, with landmarks such as the historic city of Lancaster, its university, and the bustling city of Preston.

What's good about Lancashire?

Lancashire offers a blend of natural beauty and vibrant culture, making it an appealing destination. Its picturesque landscapes, including the Forest of Bowland and the Ribble Valley, provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling.

The county is steeped in history, with attractions such as Lancaster Castle and the Roman baths in Ribchester. Lancashire's towns and cities, including Preston and Blackburn, offer lively markets, shopping, and dining experiences.

What makes Lancashire special?

Lancashire is special due to its unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. It played a crucial role in the Industrial Revolution, with its textile mills and engineering innovations leaving a lasting legacy.

The county's diverse landscapes, from the scenic Forest of Bowland to the coastal beauty of Morecambe Bay, offer stunning views and outdoor adventures.


Campsite Finder 2024

Campsite Finder 2024 magazine

Campsite Finder contains a hand-picked collection of the best campsites across the UK and Europe for motorhomers, campervanners, caravanners and campers to find their dream destination.

Campsite Finder 2024  

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Whether you're looking for the perfect pitch for your motorhomes, caravans, tents or a static holiday home, our exclusive Campsite Finder will help you choose your next weekend break, midweek getaway or summer holiday in the UK or Europe.

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