6 Fantastic Family Days Out in Lancashire this February Half-Term

With half-term almost upon us and spring just around the corner, it’s time to venture out, get active, get educated and most of all have fun. Here’s Northern Life’s favourite days out in Lancashire this half-term…

Family Days Out in Lancashire

1. The Atkinson

The Atkinson in Southport offers a fun, creative and varied day out, with lots to do under one roof (and for free too!). The busy arts centre is open throughout the year and presents a seasonal programme of exhibitions, events and activities.

Their stunning Egyptology museum shows visitors what life was like in ancient Egypt at the time of the Pharaohs. Choose an outfit from the dressing up box and take a selfie; in Ancient Egypt mirrors were treasured and thought to be magical!

The local history museum tells the story of Sefton’s coast, from prehistoric times to the present day. Kids glued to their phones will love the ‘Local Legends’ tour, bringing artefacts in the museum to life by scanning QR codes.

Be inspired in the galleries and discover an impressive variety of artworks on display; painting, sculpture, digital art and more. You can get creative too, there are always activities in the gallery ‘Art Box’ including artist led craft sessions for children.

The Atkinson is also home to Southport Library who house an extensive Children section. Pick up a book and read together in a ship specially made for the library, based on a real fishing boat built in Southport around 1900.

In the Theatre, families can enjoy seasonal pantomimes, magic shows, music and dance, as well as adaptations from best selling authors. Every seat in the auditorium has a great view of the stage and booster seats are available for littluns.

Oh, and did we mention there is an award-winning café and a fabulous gift shop?… Families are at the heart of The Atkinson, see the full offer for all ages online here…

https://www.theatkinson.co.uk/visit-us/families/

https://youtu.be/F1bQisu2zLs

The Atkinson, Lord Street, Southport, PR8 1DB

2. Discover South Ribble

Discover thriving independent high streets, beautiful rural villages and a myriad of fantastic family friendly activities in South Ribble, suitable for all tastes, budgets and age groups.

Burn off energy with adrenaline fuelled fun at Boulder UK, Paintball Preston, Rascals Party & Play and Vue Cinema at the Capitol Centre. Watch magnificent flying displays at Turbary Woods Owl & Bird of Prey Sanctuary in Whitestake and motor through the ages at The British Commercial Vehicle Museum in Leyland.

Explore the history of Samlesbury Hall, with regular free history tours and grizzly interactive workshops with Janey, the witch of Samlesbury. And with an on-site café and restaurant, and a fabulous children’s playground, you could surely spend a day exploring this South Ribble gem.

If budgets are tight, South Ribble’s award-winning green spaces offer free access to fantastic children’s playgrounds with zip wires and pirate ships, and large open green spaces for families to picnic, cycle and play together. Worden Park and Hurst Grange Park also offer cosy coffee shops for caffeine hits and cake stops, and there are plenty of beautiful cycle routes along the Ribble Way.

South Ribble caters for all tastes, ages and budgets with a sensational line up of restaurants and cafes to refuel in after a busy day – many of which have dedicated children’s menus and are dog friendly. To find out more about what South Ribble has to offer, visit www.discoversouthribble.co.uk

And don’t forget to pick up your tickets for Music in the Park, which takes place in Worden Park on Sunday 28 May 2023 – https://musicinthepark.live

3. A Half Term Day Out in Morecambe

In winter just as in summer, Morecambe offers a great half-term day out! If the weather’s on your side, a run on Morecambe beach or Stone Jetty, or a visit to the play areas and gardens at Happy Mount Park or Regent Park are the perfect ways to blow off some steam.

For something a bit different, visit the curious rock-cut graves at Heysham Head, it’s a great place to roam with amazing views over the bay.

Take a stroll around Heysham or Heysham Moss Nature Reserves – in winter you can see wading birds such as snipe patrolling the water’s edge, or try to spot the shy water rail, teal and woodcock hiding in the vegetation!

Families with little ones could head to Salt Ayre Leisure Centre to enjoy Energise outdoor play area, whilst older children will enjoy Salt Ayre’s reasonably-priced X-Height climbing walls and swimming pool plus the challenging ‘Gravity’ flight tower.

If you’re looking for indoor activities, fun can be found at Jump Rush Trampoline Centre, bowling at Soul Bowl, or watching the latest blockbusters at Reel Cinema.

And if you’re looking for something to do in the evenings over the half term (16 – 18 February), a sparkly new festival will light the nights in Morecambe! Bring the whole family along to the free Baylight Festival which will see stunning illuminated artworks lighting the prom from the Sailing Club to the Stone Jetty.

For more information about what to see and do in Morecambe please visit: www.exploremorecambebay.org.uk

 

4. The Steven Burke Sports Hub, Nelson

Open to everyone and free of charge, the Hub is a great place for the experienced rider to train but it also provides a safe place for beginners or those lacking confidence. Faster riders use the outside of the track with slower riders on the inside so everyone, whatever their ability, can enjoy the circuit. The BMX pump track is also free to use and is very exciting with its professionally designed berms and curves winding in and out of the trees.

During February half term Go Velo will be running activities which are free and open to everyone but you will need to book on Go Velo’s website www.govelo.co.uk Book fast as the activities are very popular and are booked up quickly. This does mean that the cycle circuit will be closed during February half term from 09.30am to 12noon and from 1pm to 3pm Monday to Friday.

The circuit can also be booked out in the evenings and so you would need to visit www.pendle.gov.uk and search for Steven Burke Sports Hub to check the timetable to avoid disappointment. If the cycle track is booked why not have a go on the pump track instead.

It is a great place to practice and then venture out on a longer ride on the towpath. There are no facilities at the hub but Asda café, Booths café and Pendle Heritage Centre are all nearby. If you want to venture further and make a day of it you can peddle up to Foulridge and have a brew at the ‘Wharf at Foulridge’ right next to the canal or even further up to Greenberfield locks where there is another chance to stop off at the ‘Lock Stop’ for a brew and a slice of cake.

It is a fantastic facility in beautiful surroundings with access to wonderful places within the vicinity and so whether you just visit the cycle and BMX tracks or make a full day of it in Pendle the hub is a fabulous place to start for a free day out on a bike.

The Steven Burke Sports Hub can be found at Swinden Playing Fields, Nelson.  The hub is easily accessed off the M65 motorway, junction 13. Take the Pendle Heritage Centre/Barrowford exit off the roundabout. Look for the right turn into Wilton St to the car park. Follow the path under the motorway bridge to the BMX track and cycle circuit.

5. Bury Art Museum & Sculpture Centre

Welcoming, warm, and friendly Bury Art Museum is the perfect place to enjoy art and find out more about the rich history of Bury and the surrounding area. Showcasing the best of international and local art and with the addition of Bury Art Shop and Tina’s Tearoom, Bury Art Museum can truly offer something for all interests. The collections and exhibitions are supported by a range of activities and events which allow visitors to explore and enjoy the Gallery and Museum further. All housed in a distinctive Edwardian building that is a work of art in itself, and FREE to enter.

This Half Term we are running themed workshops for families on Tuesday 21^st and Thursday 23^rd February, 10:30-12noon and 2pm-3.30pm. Drop-in, no need to book. £3 per child. Please see the website for more details and for information about other activities, including Saturday art activities for all ages.

Bury Art Museum & Sculpture Centre is in the Culture Quarter of Bury, just across Kay Gardens from the Mill Gate shopping Centre and 45 metres from the bus and tram interchange.

6. Affinity Lancashire

Affinity Lancashire in Fleetwood is getting set for more FREE fun this half term with our entertaining circus events.

Join the fantastic Louby Lou who’ll be performing on Tuesday 14^th February then be amazed by Jimmy Juggle & Stilts on Wednesday 15^th when we will also have a wandering caricaturist ready and waiting to make a quick sketch! On Thursday 16^th February be amazed by the creations of our Magical Bubble fairy, and there’ll be free face painting on the day too!

We’ll be feeling the love on Valentines Day with a few special treats – plus there’s our FREE Little Cod Club on Saturday 25^th February. With all our events taking place between 12 and 4pm, we’ve got something for everyone this half term – and it’s all completely free!

As Lancashire’s only outlet shopping destination, Affinity Lancashire is the perfect place to visit over half term, boasting over 40 high street brands all with savings of up to 60% off the RRP. You’ll discover a fantastic range of women’s, men’s and children’s fashion and footwear with gifts, homeware and accessories too.  And if you’re looking for a bite to eat, there’s plenty of choice to tempt your tastebuds!

We’re open 7 days a week, parking is free, and we’re also dog friendly! With the Fleetwood marina on our doorstep, you’re bound to enjoy your day at Affinity Lancashire.  For full details visit www.affinitylancashire.com or find us on Facebook.

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