If your perfect staycation checklist includes memorable meals, beautiful scenery, and a good mix of exploring and downtime, Lancashire should be top of your list for 2026. Whether you’re into coastal adventures, countryside retreats, or a bit of both, there’s a corner of Lancashire made just for you – and probably a great meal waiting nearby.
Those drawn to the sea will find the coastline irresistible. Morecambe Bay – where the much-anticipated Eden Project is taking shape – is breathtaking, especially at sunset when the sky melts into shades of pink and gold. The Midland Hotel, a masterpiece of Art Deco design, offers a front-row view of the shifting coastal skies. While you’re there, indulge in freshly caught local seafood or, for something a little more adventurous, join one of the guided cross-bay walks.
Further south, just beyond the bright lights of Blackpool, you’ll find Lytham, a coastal haven with pastel-coloured beach huts, a Victorian pier and plenty of interesting independent shops and cafés. Each summer, the Lytham Festival brings big-name acts to the seafront green beside the iconic windmill, attracting music lovers from across the UK.
Continue down the coast and you’ll reach Southport, a town that blends seaside charm with old-school elegance. The main street, Lord Street, is said to have inspired Paris’s grand boulevards and is a lovely place for browsing or enjoying a relaxed brunch.
Nearby, Formby’s pine forests and golden dunes offer peaceful walking trails and the chance to spot the area’s famous red squirrels darting through the trees. Golf enthusiasts will find themselves in paradise here: championship courses line this stretch of coast, and Southport’s Royal Birkdale will host The Open Championship this July, so the area’s bound to be buzzing.
Away from the sea, Lancashire’s countryside is pure escapism. The Forest of Bowland, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is the county’s wild heart – a landscape of rolling hills, heather-covered moors, and timeless stone villages where you’ll find cosy pubs and real peace and quiet. Perfect for walking or cycling enthusiasts, it offers endless trails and some of the prettiest villages you’ll ever see. The village of Downham has been the backdrop for many period dramas.
Nearby Clitheroe is a gem of a market town. Its castle sits high above a jumble of cobbled streets filled with independent shops, cafés, and a brilliant farmers’ market. The Bowland Food Hall is a must for local cheeses, meats, and chutneys – ideal picnic supplies or tasty nibbles for a cosy night in a cottage.
Food really is one of Lancashire’s strong suits. From Michelin-starred fine dining to rustic hotpots and pies, there’s something for every taste. In Langho, the Michelin-starred Northcote is both a renowned restaurant and an elegant country hotel, known for its refined seasonal menus.
Over in Aughton, near Ormskirk, three remarkable restaurants share an impressive five Michelin stars between them – Moor Hall (three stars) and its sister restaurant The Barn (one star), along with Sō–lō (one star) – each offering a distinctive take on Lancashire’s rich culinary landscape. Together, they’ve made this quiet corner of the county one of the UK’s most exciting dining destinations.
Culture lovers will find plenty to enjoy in Lancaster with its castle, cobbled streets, Georgian buildings, and independent shops and cafés tucked around every corner. Williamson Park offers some of the most beautiful views in the region from the domed Ashton Memorial.
In Preston the vibe is livelier, with cool bars, creative spaces and plenty happening throughout the year. The Harris Museum, which reopened in 2025 after a £19m transformation, is already drawing crowds with its new exhibitions – including a fan-favourite Wallace and Gromit showcase celebrating the city’s famous claymation heroes.
And when you fancy a bit more buzz, Manchester and Liverpool are both within easy reach, offering world-class restaurants, live music, theatres, museums, and shopping.
When it comes to places to stay, Lancashire has something for everyone. Luxury spa-seekers will feel at home at Crow Wood Hotel & Spa Resort – voted Best Hotel Spa in the UK 2025 for the fourth consecutive year by The Good Spa Guide – as well as Stanley House Hotel & Spa and The Spa Hotel at Ribby Hall Village. If you prefer to do your own thing, there are lovely cottages, glamping pods, and farm stays dotted across the county.
Wherever you stay, you’ll find that unmistakable Lancashire warmth – hearty food, friendly faces, and those thoughtful local touches that make you feel instantly at home. It’s the kind of place that will leave you feeling refreshed, well-fed, and content.
5 places to visit in Lancashire
Moor Hall, Aughton
Only on a Lancashire staycation could you clock up four Michelin stars in one visit. Moor Hall’s three-star restaurant dazzles with inventive tasting menus, while sister spot The Barn adds a more relaxed, one-star experience. With 14 elegant rooms on-site, there’s no better place to eat, sleep and repeat.
moorhall.com
The Woodland Spa, Burnley
Set within the Crow Wood Hotel & Spa Resort, The Woodland Spa is a spa-lover 's paradise, voted Best Hotel Spa in the UK 2025 for the fourth consecutive year by The Good Spa Guide. There are outdoor infinity pools and hot tubs, thermal suites and three dine-in-robe restaurants to choose from.
thewoodlandspa.com
Forest of Bowland
This Natural Landscape is Lancashire at its most unspoiled – sweeping moorland, hidden valleys, and picture-perfect villages like Downham and Dunsop Bridge. Walk, cycle, or simply wander and breathe it all in. It’s rural England at its most authentic, peaceful, and breathtakingly beautiful.
forestofbowland.com
Bowland Food Hall, Clitheroe
A celebration of Lancashire’s finest flavours, Bowland Food Hall is foodie heaven under one roof. Part farm shop, part deli, part juice bar, and part health store, it’s brimming with artisan cheeses, local meats, and freshly baked treats. Pause for lunch at the café or pick up picnic-perfect goodies to go.
bowlandfoodhall.com
This article originally appeared in Great British Staycations, your new favourite guide to unlocking the magic of hidden gems right on your doorstep.
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Get ideas for great places to visit in the latest edition of Lancashire Life magazine
The Harris, Preston
Fresh from a £19m transformation, The Harris has reopened as one of the North’s most exciting cultural spaces. Alongside art and history exhibits, don’t miss the new Wallace and Gromit showcase – a joyful celebration of Preston’s much-loved claymation duo that’s delighting visitors of all ages.
theharris.org.uk
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