If you’re looking for places to see in Lancashire, you’ll find everything from traditional seaside towns and historic market villages, to rolling hills, heritage buildings, lively cities, and peaceful nature reserves. This makes Lancashire the perfect choice for a varied short break. You can spend one day exploring the coast, another discovering the character of a historic market town and a third enjoying the countryside of the Forest of Bowland or the Ribble Valley. So what are the top places to see in Lancashire?
Discover the City of Preston
Preston offers a mix of historic landmarks, green spaces and city-centre character, making it well worth including on a trip around Lancashire.
At the heart of the city, Winckley Square is a particularly attractive spot, with elegant Georgian buildings surrounding a leafy garden square. Nearby, the Harris is a distinctive neoclassical landmark, while Preston Market offers a chance to discover local traders and independent food stalls.
For a different view of the city, head towards Avenham and Miller Parks. These historic parks overlook the River Ribble and provide a peaceful setting for a walk, with landscaped gardens and riverside views close to the centre.
Preston is also a useful starting point for exploring the surrounding county, and many people use this as a base. Staying in a city centre hotel in Preston, like the No.10 Preston, allows you to maximise your time and experience more of what the city, and the surrounding Lancashire area, has to offer. We offer luxury and boutique accommodation for solo travellers, couples, families and groups, so you can relax and unwind in peace.
Explore the Seaside Charm of Lytham St Annes
Lytham St Annes is a good choice if you want to experience Lancashire’s quieter coastal side. Located south of Blackpool, it combines a traditional seaside atmosphere with independent shops, cafés and open green spaces.
Lytham Green is one of the area’s best-known spots, overlooking the Ribble Estuary. The distinctive white windmill provides a recognisable landmark, while the surrounding green is a pleasant place to pause and enjoy the views.
Nearby St Annes offers a traditional promenade, sandy beach and pier. Together, the two areas make an enjoyable coastal day out without the busier atmosphere of a larger seaside resort.
Take in the Scenery of the Forest of Bowland
For a change of pace, head into the Forest of Bowland National Landscape. This extensive area of rolling hills, open moorland, wooded valleys and traditional villages offers some of Lancashire’s most memorable scenery.
The landscape is particularly appealing if you enjoy scenic drives, photography or exploring rural communities. You can follow country lanes between villages, stop at viewpoints and discover walking routes that take you away from the busier towns.
Beacon Fell Country Park is a useful starting point if you want to experience the countryside without committing to a long hike. Its woodland, open spaces and views across the surrounding landscape make it a worthwhile stop.
The Forest of Bowland is also a good area to explore if you’re planning a countryside stay, with traditional inns and rural accommodation providing a base for discovering the surrounding area.
Visit Clitheroe and the Ribble Valley
Clitheroe is a historic market town in the Ribble Valley, surrounded by attractive countryside and smaller villages.
At the centre of the town stands Clitheroe Castle, whose keep occupies a prominent position overlooking the surrounding area. The castle grounds offer views across the town and towards the countryside beyond.
After visiting the castle, you can explore Clitheroe’s independent shops, cafés and market, or continue into the Ribble Valley to discover villages such as Whalley and Downham.
This part of Lancashire is particularly appealing if you want a destination that combines heritage, food and countryside scenery without needing to travel between several major attractions.
Enjoy the Coastal Views at Morecambe
Morecambe offers a different coastal experience, with wide views across Morecambe Bay towards the distant Lake District on clear days.
The promenade is a natural starting point for exploring the town, while the Eric Morecambe Statue is one of its best-known landmarks. The bay itself gives the area a distinctive atmosphere, particularly when the changing light creates views across the water.
Morecambe is worth considering if you enjoy traditional seaside towns but want somewhere with a strong sense of place and expansive coastal scenery.
The surrounding coastline also provides opportunities to explore nature reserves and quieter coastal communities, making it easy to extend your visit beyond the town centre.
Discover the Pendle Hill Landscape
Pendle Hill is one of Lancashire’s most recognisable natural landmarks, rising above the surrounding countryside near Clitheroe and the Pendle villages.
The hill is closely associated with the Pendle witch trials of 1612, giving the landscape a historical story as well as its distinctive outline. Nearby villages such as Barley and Newchurch-in-Pendle provide a starting point for exploring the area.
You don’t have to climb to the summit to appreciate the scenery. Driving through the surrounding villages gives you a chance to see the hill from different angles, while the local lanes reveal traditional stone buildings and views across the countryside.
If you enjoy walking, there are routes in the area, but check conditions and choose a route that suits your experience and the weather.
Discover Arnside and Silverdale
At the northern edge of Lancashire, the Arnside and Silverdale National Landscape offers a mixture of coastal scenery, limestone landscapes, woodland and wildlife-rich habitats.
The area around Silverdale is known for its attractive villages and walking routes, while Leighton Moss provides an excellent place to experience wetland wildlife and birdwatching.
For views across Morecambe Bay, the coastline around Arnside is particularly appealing. The scenery changes with the tides and weather, so each visit can feel different.
This is a good choice if you prefer quieter places and want to spend time enjoying Lancashire’s natural landscape rather than visiting a busy attraction.
Plan a Trip Around Lancashire
One of the best ways to explore Lancashire is to choose a few places within the same area rather than attempting to cover the whole county in one trip.
For a coastal break, combine Lytham St Annes with Blackpool or Morecambe. If you prefer history and countryside, Preston pairs well with nearby heritage sites, while Clitheroe provides a good starting point for discovering the Ribble Valley and Pendle Hill.
Make sure you allow time to stop along the way. Some of Lancashire’s appeal lies in its smaller villages, rural views and traditional market centres, rather than just its major landmarks.
Whether you’re planning a short break or a longer holiday, Lancashire offers plenty of variety.