6 Great Spring Days Out in Lancashire

With Easter almost here and sunshine arriving in Lancashire, 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 spring…

1. Visit Lancaster

Hop into Easter in Lancaster and Morecambe Bay! Try the Easter Bunny Trail around the city centre, or become a ‘Deteggtive’ at Marketgate Shopping Centre. Circus in the City brings fun, thrills and spills with shows and circus skills workshops, while Happy Mount Park hosts its annual Eggstravaganza with games and an Easter Bonnet Parade.

For something a bit different, head to The Platform to Mark Thompson’s Science Show, or meet the characters, creators and competitions at Morecambe’s ComicCon.

A little further afield, Lakeland Wildlife Oasis offers an Easter Eggstravaganza – come and discover some weird and wonderful animals that lay eggs!

And leading up to the May Bank Holiday, is Wray’s very popular scarecrow festival. Once again these colourful characters come out to play – join in a Giant Scarecrow Parade or come along to the Wray Fair on Bank Holiday Monday.

For dates and more information:

www.visitlancaster.org.uk / www.exploremorecambebay.org.uk

2. Bury Art Museum

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. FREE to enter.

1^st to 16^th April

Gallery Explorer Trail
Come along to the museum and take part in the explorer trail throughout the holidays. Pick up sheet at the front desk.  Drop in during opening hours, no need to book FREE activity.

Easter Holiday Workshops

Sat 1^st April – 2-3:30pm, Sat 8^th April – 2-3:30pm, Tue 11^th April – 10:30am-12pm, Thu 13^th April – 10:30am-12pm, Sat 15^th April – 2-3:30pm

This Easter holiday we are running themed workshops for families, suitable for children aged 4-11 years. Drop-in, no need to book. £3 per child.

Please see the website for more details and for information about other activities: BuryArtMuseum.co.uk

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.

Opening Times

Tuesday – Friday 10:00 – 17:00, Saturday 10:00 – 16:30.

Admission FREE

 

Contact Us

Bury Art Museum, Moss Street, Culture Quarter, Bury, Greater Manchester, BL9 0DR

+44 (0)161 253 5878

artgallery@bury.gov.uk

Visit the Facebook page, Twitter and Instagram.

 

3. Affinity Lancashire

This Spring, at Affinity Lancashire in Fleetwood, there’s a huge range of FREE family events helping you to have plenty of fun when school’s out!

This Easter why not join their Easter Trail from the 1^st to the 16^th April, where you’ll have the chance to win a GIANT Easter Egg. Join the Easter Craft Workshop on Wednesday 5^th April between 11am and 4pm, then meet the Flowerpot People on Thursday 6^th and Friday 7^th April between 12 and 4pm when there’s FREE face painting too!

Then why not visit their pop-up petting zoo on Tuesday 11^th, Wednesday 12^th and Thursday 13^th April for some up-close animal encounters between 12 and 4pm.

On Monday 1^st May come and marvel at the circus skills of Catch the Clown between 12 and 4pm, with free facepainting, plus you can get your caricature created!

Over the Coronation weekend why not stop by their Royal selfie station? Visit from Friday 5^th to Monday 8^th May to snap your photo on their Throne, then post it to their Facebook page for the chance to win a prize!

And who could forget May Half Term where the pirates will be landing with treasure trails, sand art fun, pirate workshops and more! Check the Affinity Lancashire website for full details and dates.

As Lancashire’s only outlet shopping centre, Affinity Lancashire boasts over 40 high street brands at outlet prices including Next, Sports Direct, Pavers, and Regatta, all with savings up to 60% off RRP. If you’re hungry, you’ll find an excellent choice of independently operated cafés plus there’s a free indoor soft play area for the under 5’s. 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.

4. The Atkinson

The Atkinson in Southport has a terrific range of free activities for families. The busy arts centre is open all year round and offers a fun, creative and varied day out. 

In the museum you can travel back to Ancient Egypt at the time of the Pharos, or discover the history of Sefton through its remarkable residents. A range of interactive displays have been designed to help visitors of all ages explore the dynamic museum. The dressing up box is a must! During the Easter Holidays, the Art Gallery is hosting a series of free craft workshops focusing on local animals and plants. Drop in and get creative Monday-Saturday, 10am-4pm. 

The Atkinson is also home to an impressive theatre where 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, booster seats are available for tiny tots, and the bar is well stocked with kid-friendly treats. Children aged 12 months and under can sit on their parents or guardians lap for free.

The Tiger Who Came to Tea
Tuesday 9 May 2023: 1.30pm & 4.30pm
Wednesday 10 May 2023: 10.30am & 4.30pm
theatkinson.co.uk/events/tiger-came-tea

Join the tea-guzzling tiger in this delightful show packed with oodles of magic, sing-a-long songs, and clumsy chaos. A stunning stage adaptation of the classic tale of teatime mayhem… expect to be surprised! (Recommended for age 3+)

An Evening of Magic with Richard Jones
Wednesday 24 May 2023, 7:30pm
Meet & Greet tickets available
theatkinson.co.uk/events/magic-richard-jones

Richard Jones rose to fame as the only magician to ever win Britain’s Got Talent. He is known as ‘The Military Illusionist’ and represents the very best in cutting edge magic, mind-reading and psychological illusion! (Suitable for all ages)

Pop Princesses

Wednesday 31 May 2023, 1pm
Meet & Greet tickets available. Fancy dress welcome.
theatkinson.co.uk/events/pop-princesses-2023

An enchanting show where beautiful Princesses become pop stars! Featuring a soundtrack of top pop hits plus the best songs from your favourite films and musicals. (Suitable for all ages)

Goldilocks and the Three Bears
Friday 2 June 2023: 2:30pm
Saturday 3 June 2023: 2:30pm
theatkinson.co.uk/events/goldilocks-three-bears

This hilarious pantomime-style show includes spectacular circus and specialist acts. There is even an opportunity to meet the colourful characters after the show! (Recommended for age 5+)

A Great Little Place, The Atkinson’s award-winning café, offer the finest locally-roasted artisan coffee and imaginative food created in their own kitchens. Check out the seasonal menu for delicious special offers and family friendly choices. In the shop, pick up Southport memorabilia and souvenirs from the museum and exhibitions programme to remember your visit to The Atkinson with.

We hope you enjoy discovering all The Atkinson has to offer. Plan your visit and check opening times online. 

https://www.theatkinson.co.uk/ 

01704 533 333

The Atkinson, Lord Street, Southport, PR8 1DB

5. Thompson Park

Visit Thompson Park in Burnley this Easter and discover a beautiful Edwardian park, restored with support of the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

There’s plenty to keep the kids busy during the holidays with lots of activities for all ages, from the play area to the The Boathouse.

The Boathouse is open 11am to 5pm throughout the school holidays and rents out a variety of water vehicles. Rent a small rowing boat and get out on the water – just £6 for 25 minutes.

You can also visit the paddling pool to cool off on a hot summer’s day. The pool is filled at weekends and school holidays between April and September on days when the weather is warm and sunny.

The miniature railway also operates on Sundays and Bank holidays throughout the year from noon until 4pm (weather permitting). Rides cost £1 for children (u16) and £2 for adults. A family coach takes wheel chairs and prams. All income is used to support the ongoing development of the railway.

Entry to the park is free. Visit burnley.gov.uk/parks-green-spaces/our-parks/thompson-park/ for more info.

6. Come Ride With Us at The Steven Burke Sports Hub

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.

Come Ride With Us

If you’re new to riding, go along to the Come Ride with Us event on Saturday 6th May for FREE introductory sessions. At 10am there is a morning session specifically for ladies on BMX on the pump track as well as cycling taster sessions for everyone with Go Velo and Dr Bike to check over your bike on the cycle circuit. At 12pm we have free sessions for new riders of all ages on the BMX pump track. As well as cycling activities, there will be stalls selling samosas, cakes and henna painting. Breaking Cycles, a charity who refurbishes bikes to give out to the community will also attend.

The Steven Burke Sports Hub sits 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.

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.

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.

Discover more fantastic days out in the north by following Northern Life on Facebook.