11 low budget or free things to do in Lancashire this summer

However, a day out does not need to break the bank. There are lots of activities and events going on in Lancashire that are free or budget friendly.

Here are 11 low budget or free things to do in Lancashire:

The Tolkien Trail

If you want to get you and your family out in nature this summer, then the Tolkien Nature Trail is ideal.

This is a five and a half mile round walk which starts and ends at Hurst Green in the Ribble Valley.

It is thought that Stonyhurst College and the surrounding countryside inspired Tolkien’s novel series, The Lord of the Rings.

Clitheroe Castle and Museum

Built in 1166, Clitheroe Castle has a rich and varied history. The castle was used during the Wars of the Roses and was later damaged during the English Civil War.

Nowadays the castle is a medieval ruin but there is plenty to do within the castle’s grounds.

There is a children’s playpark, labyrinth, museum and gift shop.

The labyrinth is the only one in Lancashire.

Adult tickets to the castle are £5.40 and accompanied children get in for free.

More information about concession tickets and opening times can be found online.

World Horse Welfare Penny Farm

Penny Farm is a horse and pony rehabilitation centre in Blackpool which opens its doors to the public three days a week.

Visitors can walk around the fields and paddocks and get up and close with the horses.

In the summer there is also an activity trail around the farm.

Booking is essential before your visit and can be done online 

Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery

There is something to pique everyone’s interest at Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery.

It is home to an Egyptian mummy and pieces of Japanese artwork.

Entry to the museum is free.

Stanley Park

Stanley Park in Blackpool was opened in 1926 and is one of England’s largest and historically important green spaces.

It contains ornamental gardens as well as natural woodlands and lakes.

It is also home to the Italian Gardens and Rose Gardens.

Admission to the park is free.

Blackpool Illuminations

If you wait until dark (and the end of the school summer break), you will be able to see Blackpool’s illuminations in all their glory.

Take a stroll along the promenade in the evenings and if you time it right, you might even see the illuminated heritage trams making their way along the promenade.

The illuminations will shine nightly from September 1. 

Lancaster City Museum

This museum is located in the city’s former town hall on the edge of Market Square.

Current exhibitions on offer at the museum include Animalia: A century of curious creatures and Flotilla: 100 years of getting our ships together.

There is also an art adventures section for children and a fine art exhibition.

Admission to the museum is free of charge.

The Singing Ringing Tree

This enormous sculpture is unique in that when the wind blows, it emits musical notes that change with the wind.

To reach the Singing Ringing Tree, which overlooks Burnley, you have to complete a short walk up to it.

A great opportunity for a short walk on a sunny afternoon!

Fairfield Nature Reserve

This reserve in Lancaster has a range of woodlands, meadows, hedgerows and wetlands for you to walk around and explore.

It is even home to over 30 different species of birds.

Lancaster Castle

Previously known as John O’ Gaunt’s castle, this castle can trace its history back to Roman times.

The Pendle Witches were also imprisoned in this castle before their execution in 1612.

Lancaster Castle currently has temporary admission charges of £2.50 for adults, £1.50 for children and children under the age of five can enter for free.

Harris Museum and Art Gallery

The Harris Museum and Art Gallery is Preston’s free museum.

Its collections consist of drawings, paintings and sculptures, as well as glass and ceramics.

The Harris is also home to a library which is currently running a summer reading programme for children.