castles to visit lancashire

Castles in Lancashire

This county in north-western England has the Lake District to the north, Yorkshire Dales to the east, and the cities of Liverpool and Manchester to the south. However, there’s plenty to see in Lancashire too. The coastline includes Morecambe Bay, one of the most important wildlife sites in Europe.

Here, you can see a range of water birds, including waders, gulls, and wildfowl. Inland, there are several picturesque countryside spots too, including the Forest of Bowland and Pendle Hill – notorious for the witch trials of 1612. This is one of many important historical events to happen in the county. Another is the War of the Roses, which pitted the house of Lancaster against Yorkshire.

In this post, we’ll look at the most fascinating castles in Lancashire and their place in the county’s rich history. 

4 Castles to Visit in Lancashire

1. clitheroe castle.

Clitheroe Castle has been standing over the town for more than 800 years. It is an enclosure castle that was originally constructed to guard the River Ribble. The castle was in a ruinous state by the English Civil War in 1649, and no involvement in the war is recorded there.

Since the turn of the 21 st century, it has undergone much restoration work and reopened to the public in 2009. Now, the public can learn about the area’s history through interactive exhibitions. There’s also a café, restaurant, and shop on site.

Where: Clitheroe When: 12 th century Style: Norman Open for Visit: Yes. Check here for more information.

2. Hornby Castle

Hornby Castle was founded in the 13 th century, but the Gothic Revival building you can see today is from a rebuild around 1820 when the interiors were restored in a Victorian Style. The imposing castle sits on a hill overlooking the Lune Valley and the village of Ingleborough.

It is a private residence, and while the public is not free to visit at their own leisure, it’s possible to book a room in the castle for overnight stays. There are also occasional open weekends and events at the castle; find out more on the website.

Where: Hornby When: 18 th century Style: Gothic Revival Open for Visit: Yes, the castle hosts open weekends and there is an Airbnb room here.  Check here for more information.

3. Lancaster Castle

Known as the ‘North-West’s most important historic and archaeological monument,’ Lancaster Castle proudly stands in the town of the same name. It was founded during the Roman times to guard against the ancient Picts and Scots looking to cross the River Lune.

The current incarnation is a Norman castle, dating back to the 11 th century. It is sometimes known as John O’Gaunt’s Castle. Since then, it has seen the Lancashire Witch Trials. It was also a fully functioning prison until as recently as 2011.

However, the castle is now a tourist attraction; hourly tours introduce visitors to the interior of this fascinating Lancashire landmark.

Where: Lancaster When: 11 th century Open for Visit: Yes. Check here for more information.

4. Turton Tower

This manor house in Chapeltown is a grade I listed building and was initially constructed as a two-story stone Pele tower. What now appears as a manor house is located around four miles from the town of Bolton on the West Pennine Moors; it’s a lovely discovery for walkers and hikers.

The house has been modified and updated over the years and there are both Tudor and Victorian influences in the architecture. Visitors to Turton Tower can enjoy a Victorian tearoom and a gift shop. There is also an extensive collection of art and furniture.

Where: Chapeltown, Bolton When: 15 th century Open for Visit: Yes. Check here for more information .

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History Hit Story of England: Making of a Nation

10 of the Best Historic Sites in Lancashire

Discover the top 10 historic wonders of lancashire, from magnificent castles to world-renowned museums..

27 May 2022

The county of Lancashire in northern England is packed with fascinating historic sites, from medieval landmarks like Clitheroe Castle to modern marvels like the ‘British Eiffel Tower’ in Blackpool. The county’s beautiful countryside, meanwhile, is dotted with a multitude of Tudor, Jacobean and Georgian manor houses, while the scenic public footpaths will offer a delightful way to explore the county.

Many of the sites in our list have a history stretching back centuries, or even millennia – right back to the Bronze Age. Pendle Hill, for example, has seen human activity for thousands of years, while the surrounding area is notorious for the Pendle Witches.

Here’s our pick of 10 unmissable historic sites in Lancashire.

1. Clitheroe Castle

Clitheroe Castle was likely built in the 12th century by Robert de Lacy, who used the site’s natural elevated position and hilly terrain to construct a  motte-and-bailey stronghold. During the Wars of the Roses, Edward IV ordered £400 be spent on the improvement of Clitheroe, which would soon prove useful in its role as a prison for his rival king,  Henry VI . Clitheroe was slighted by the Parliamentarians during the English Civil War.

Despite being the second smallest stone-built keep in England, the 12th-century castle casts a striking silhouette against the small town’s skyline. The accompanying museum tells the site’s story from prehistory to the modern-day, with exhibits detailing its role as a medieval stronghold, the area’s history of witch-hunting , and a replica Victorian kitchen. A cafe and art gallery are also present at the site.

2. Astley Hall

Located right next to Chorley town centre, Astley hall is a beautiful country house. The building houses some of the most breathtaking Jacobean plaster ceilings anywhere in England. The estate has more than 400 years’ worth of history waiting to be explored.

Visitors can explore the museum and art gallery which are housed inside the unique county manor. The beautiful gardens make for the perfect setting to enjoy a stroll around the estate.

3. Lancaster Castle

The early history of Lancaster Castle, often known as John O’ Gaunt’s Castle, is unclear, but it may have been founded in the 11th century. Before the medieval fortification was constructed the site was home to a Roman fort. In the 14th century, the castle was damaged by invading Scottish troops. The complex once hosted the infamous trials of the Lancashire Witches , and it continued to serve as a prison until 2011.

Visitors can explore the castle for a small fee, but you’re not free to roam as you please: specialist guides are available to walk you through the structure’s remarkable history.

4. Blackpool Tower

Built from 1891 to 1894, the Blackpool Tower is one of the major attractions of Lancashire. Reaching 158 metres above the city, its design was inspired by the Eiffel Tower in Paris . The Blackpool Tower complex actually comprised more than just the tower itself: it’s an entertainment complex housed in the Tower Buildings which is home to the tower, the Tower Circus, the Tower Ballroom and a roof garden.

Famously, the BBC series Strictly Come Dancing hosts one of their episodes per season in the Blackpool Tower ballroom. Visitors can enjoy fantastic views from the top of the tower, while also exploring the other entertainment facilities of the Blackpool Tower complex.

5. Gawthorpe Hall

This magnificent country house was built during the Elizabethan era, with the founding stone being laid in 1600. The most noteworthy feature of Gawthorpe Hall is its grand windows, which were designed to project wealth and power. The interiors are mostly from the Victorian era.

The National Trust describes the site as “an Elizabethan gem in the heart of industrial Lancashire”. It is open to visitors who can enjoy the impressive painting exhibition housed in Gawthorpe Hall.

6. Rufford Old Hall

The beautiful Tudor era Rufford Old Hall is a must-see for anybody visiting Lancashire. The complex consists of the great hall of the old Tudor house, a Jacobean brick building from 1661 and a late Regency era addition. These days, the building houses a large collection of antique furniture and historic armour.

Visitors can explore the grand rooms of Rufford Old Hall and enjoy the scenic estate gardens. During the summer months, you can experience the outdoor theatre, which offers renditions of Shakespeare’s plays and retellings of Charlotte Brontë’s stories.

7. Pendle Hill

Pendle Hill is not only a beautiful natural landmark but a place filled with history. Most notoriously, the surrounding area was the home of the Pendle Witches who were tried and executed for witchcraft in 1612. In more ancient times, the summit of the 557 meters high hill was a Bronze Age burial site.

Explorers can discover the stunning area through one of the many public walkways that go around and up the hill.

8. Harris Museum & Art Gallery

Located in the heart of Preston City Centre, this neo-classical marvel houses one of the finest art collections in the region.

Founded by Edmund Harris in 1877, the Harris Museum & Art Gallery boasts a diverse collection of art. Visitors can enjoy modern art there, for example, as well as Victorian and 20th-century paintings, sculptures and ceramics.

9. Lytham Hall

Lytham Hall is possibly the finest Georgian manor house in Lancashire. The main house was built from 1757 to 1764 by Thomas Clifton. During the medieval era, the site was home to a Benedictine monastery, which was destroyed following Henry VIII’s   religious reforms . In 1606 a Jacobean mansion was built where the current Lytham Hall is standing now.

Visitors can come and explore the fine rooms of the Georgian manor house or enjoy an afternoon tea in the attached cafe.

10. Ashton Memorial

The Ashton Memorial is a folly located in Williamson Park. The monument dominates the surrounding area with its 50m height and grandiose architecture. It has been described by some as ‘England’s grandest folly’. Construction on the Ashton Memorial started in 1907 and took two years to complete.

Today, the memorial serves as an exhibition space on the upper floor and a venue for concerts and weddings.

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Lancaster Castle

Lancaster Castle , owned by His Majesty the King, the Duke of Lancaster, has over 1,000 years of heritage, history, justice, felony and incarceration just waiting for you to explore!

Lancaster Castle, often known as John O’Gaunt’s Castle is one of the most historically fascinating surviving buildings in the country. Its beginnings date back to Roman times when, from its commanding position on the hill overlooking the town of Lancaster and the River Lune, it stood as a bastion against the marauding forces of the ancient Picts and Scots tribes. In later years, the Castle saw the trials of many witches, the most infamous of which being the Pendle Witches in 1612, who were executed on the moors opposite, close to where Williamson Park now lies. Prior to 1800, all executions took place on the moors outside of the city, but later executions took place behind closed doors in a corner of the castle interior known as the “Hanging Corner”, in an angle between the tower and the wall on the east side of the terrace steps. On the ground-floor of the tower is the “Drop Room” which contains relics of the many executions, and can be visited today.

Over 200 people have lost their lives in Lancaster Castle, and it will come as no surprise to hear that the castle is home to many alleged spirits. A monk with a noose around his neck is said to roam the grounds and one of the Pendle Witches, Elizabeth Southerns, is also said to make her presence felt. Some visitors have even reported a feeling of being pushed as they wander around the grounds, though with so many ghosts to choose from it’s hard to know which one is most likely to be doing the barging.

As well as being a fortification, the Castle was also Europe’s longest-serving operational prison until its closure in March 2011. In addition, its courtrooms have witnessed many famous and infamous trials over the centuries, including those of the Lancashire Witches who were convicted and sentenced to death in 1612.

The Police Museum in A Wing of the former prison has sixteen galleries each contained within their own cell. Discover more about Lancashire`s shocking cases, including Dr Buck Ruxton`s bathroom:

https://www.lancashirepolicemuseum.co.uk/

• Children up to the age of 18 – £7
• Family Ticket £ 25 – two full price and 2 children; 1 full price and 3 children; 4 children (one of whom must be over 16 years).
• For large-group bookings or private tours please contact us to discuss your needs

• Lancaster Castle, Castle Parade, Lancaster, LA1 1YJ
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• http://www.lancastercastle.com
• 01524 64998

Castles in Lancashire

This page Clitheroe Castle - Lancaster Castle

• Map of Castles in Lancashire
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One of the smallest castles keeps in the country stands atop a rocky outcrop at Clitheroe . The origins of the castle seem uncertain, but one possibility is that it was erected by Roger de Lacy around 1186, possibly on the site of an early Norman fortification built shortly after the Conquest and mentioned in the Domesday Book. Castle Hill, Clitheroe, Lancashire, England, BB7 1BA

Lancaster Castle is a historic prison incorporating an earlier medieval castle which stands on the site of an 11th-century motte. The motte, in turn, was built on the site of a Roman station. You can explore the historic buildings with an excellent guided tour. The Shire Hall, Castle Parade, Lancaster, Lancashire, England, LA1 1YJ

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Home » Travel Guides » United Kingdom » England » 15 Best Places to Visit in Lancashire

15 Best Places to Visit in Lancashire

In northwest England, Lancashire is where you break free from the conurbations into beautiful countryside.

The landscapes can vary between green arable farms and pasture near the coast, and the wild and romantic moors and fells of the West Pennines and Forest of Bowland.

There’s great variety in the kind of towns you can call in on, ranging from raucous seaside resorts like Blackpool to former centres of industry such as Burnley.

And in-between you’ll uncover an abundance of adorable villages and historic market towns.

Lancashire is also a county of unembellished warming food like the Lancashire hotpot and savoury pies, and of course real ale.

Lets explore the best places to visit in Lancashire :

1. Lancaster

Although just a little city and easy to traverse on foot, Lancaster’s historic ties to the British throne (Queen Elizabeth II is the Duke of Lancaster) makes it an exciting place to explore.

It’s also very attractive, with lots of proud Georgian houses from the 1700s, particularly around the castle and on the banks of the Lune River.

And as for that castle, it’s one of the region’s most treasured historic monuments, suffused with almost a thousand years of tales and intrigue.

Go in for a tour, but don’t neglect the Lancashire City Museum, the Lancaster Canal or the haunting Ashton Memorial high on a hilltop in Williamson Park.

2. Blackpool

The coastal town of Blackpool is pretty much the model for an English seaside resort and is one of the country’s most beloved domestic holiday destinations.

A fixture since 1894, and one of the things that helped put the town on the map, is the 158-metre-high Blackpool Tower.

It was inspired by the Eiffel Tower, and has an observation deck  140 metres up and a glorious Victorian ballroom.

The sandy beaches were cleaned up in the 1980s and Blackpool South Beach meets the exacting Blue Flag standards for hygiene.

There’s way more in Blackpool than we can list here, but the Pleasure Beach amusement park and the Illuminations lights festival in the autumn months are extra incentive to come.

3. Garstang

An adorable market town, Garstang was mentioned in the 11th-century Domesday book and has a weekly market that has been running since 1310. Just west of the Forest of Bowland, this is prime walking country.

Set a course for the ruins of Greenhaigh Castle on elevated ground over Garstang.

There isn’t a great deal remaining of this sandstone building, but the decayed remnants have their own fragile beauty.

Up here there’s a great perspective of the town and countryside, while the Lancaster Canal crosses the town and runs all the way to Kendal.

Hire a longboat or walk the towpath for to experience Lancashire’s wild moorland and fells at a lighter gradient.

4. Lytham St Annes

A conurbation of two coastal towns a few miles down the coast from Blackpool, Lytham St Annes is an ideal antidote to its glitzier neighbour.

Amusements and theatre shows are replaced by more tranquil forms of enjoyment: The marshes on the Ribble Estuary and 80 hectares of sand dunes in the resort provide a wintering habitat for more than 100,000 migratory birds.

Golf is the sport of choice, and there are four courses, including the Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club, which has hosted the prestigious Open Championship, the oldest of the four majors.

St Annes is the seaside destination and is an understated Victorian resort, with a pier, gigantic beach and loads of period character.

As a textile town in the 19th and 20th centuries, Burnley is a good place to delve a bit deeper into industrial times in Lancashire.

The atmospheric Weavers’ Triangle, with its workers’ houses and cotton mills on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, is permeated with this history and you’ll get enthusiastic insights about these times at the visitors centre.

There’s a more refined side to Burnley too, at Towneley Hall a sublime Elizabethan manor house in sprawling grounds and with a museum containing everything from traditional local furniture to pre-Raphaelite paintings.

Burnley FC meanwhile is the overachieving local team, playing in the Premier League at Turf Moor one of the top flight’s last traditional grounds.

Crossing the river Calder with a stark majesty is the Whalley Viaduct, a titanic railway bridge built in the 1840s, 21 metres high and comprising 7,000,000 bricks.

Go to view the spectral ruins of Whalley Abbey.

This Cistercian monastery was founded in the 13th century but was divided up after the Dissolution of the Monasteries in the 16th century, The church and most of the monastic buildings were pulled down, but the dormitory is still there and is still used as a catholic place of worship.

The Northwest Gatehouse is also mostly intact and has Grade-I listing.

You’re in the scenic Ribble Valley in Whalley, and can hike up through woodland and pasture to the nearby Whalley Nab for a satisfying panorama of the village.

The story of the city of Preston is one echoed throughout the northwest: A small market town that grew rich and large from the cotton mills in the 1800s.

This era was when Preston’s most imposing landmarks were created.

Take the gothic revival Church of St Walburge, which has the tallest spire of any non-cathedral church in the country.

Or there’s the classical purpose-built Harris Museum, with paintings by Lucien Freud and Stanley Spence, and the excellent Discover Preston section, guiding you through the city’s and region’s past back to prehistoric times.

Rolling down to the north bank of the Ribble River are the joyous Avenham and Miller Parks, with a Japanese Garden and a grand stairway dominated by a statue of Edward Smith-Stanley, the MP for Preston and three-times the country’s Prime Minister.

8. Morecambe

A seaside town in the scenic bay of the same name, Morecambe means huge sandy beaches, kite-flying, chippies, ice cream parlours and the many other simple joys of a British coastal destination.

One fabulous sight to take in is the breathtaking MIdland Hotel, an art deco masterwork built in 1933 and recently brought back to life.

Morecambe has several cultural connections, as the playwright Alan Bennett based some of his works in the town.

And if you have a thing for British comedy you’ll appreciate the statue of the performer Eric Morecambe, who is fondly remembered for the Morecambe and Wise double act in the 1970s.

One of Lancashire’s cotton towns, Chorley’s skyline was a crowd of chimneys until the last decades of the 20th century, while the nearby collieries closed in the 1980s.

The Industrial Revolution brought sudden growth to Chorley, but it had been an important town for centuries, with a market that goes back to the 15th century.

Come to browse the stalls on Tuesdays and try a freshly-baked Chorley cake, shortcrust pastry with a currant filling.

Astley Hall is owned by the town and is a sublime 17th century country house with a walled garden.

And for fresh air, the sandstone peak of Rivington Pike climbs to 363 metres and is an amazing vantage point for the barren but enchanting moorland around the Rivington Reservoir.

10. Poulton-le-Fylde

It may be that you’d prefer a more placid and rural setting to retreat to during your trip to Blackpool.

The pretty market town of Poulton-le-Fylde is ten minutes away and has a centre protected as a conservation area.

At least 15 buildings in this little town have been listed, and some, like the Golden Ball pub, have been regional landmarks for as long as anyone can remember.

Poulton is in an agricultural area, far from the coalfields and so was unaffected during the Industrial Revolution.

Salad and vegetables are grown in the local countryside and sold at Monday’s weekly market.

And while you’re on Market Square, look for the medieval whipping post and stocks, still in place though thankfully they haven’t been used recently!

Neighboured by tall hills, Darwen is a good shout for an outdoor holiday, with bike trails, footpaths and bridleways into the West Pennine Moors.

The scenery is windswept and barren, but has an untamed appeal.

These moors weren’t always accessible to the public, and that’s the story behind the Jubilee Tower.

At the crest of the 372-metre Darwen Hill, this landmark was created to commemorate Victoria’s jubilee in 1897, but also to celebrate the reopening of historic rights of way, which had been blocked off by private landowners for much of the late-19th century.

Up here drink in the vistas of Blackpool, the Isle of Man and Morecambe Bay.

Also spend some time in the town, visiting the Victorian Market Hall, which has 130 stalls overflowing with great local produce.

12. Blackburn

A large town between Preston and Burnley, Blackburn is well-known for its historic cotton-weaving industry.

This dates further back than in other towns in the county as Blackburn was settled by Flemish migrants who brought the trade with them in the 1300s.

The Blackburn Museum & Art Gallery, established in 1874, has curated a lot of this heritage, including the awesome Japanese Print Collection, as well as medieval manuscripts, fine arts and Egyptology collections.

The other big claim to fame is the football team Blackburn Rovers, who won the Premier League in 1995. They are the bitter rivals of Burnley but currently languish in the second tier of English football.

13. Ormskirk

On Thursdays and Saturdays, the pedestrianised centre of Ormskirk bustles with shoppers at a market that got its charter in 1286. And the moment you see it you’ll know that the 12th-century Church of St.

Peter and Paul is a bit of oddity: This is one of only three in Britain to have both a western tower and a spire.

What’s inside is just as intriguing, as the church is the burial place of several Earls of Derby.

Thomas Stanley changed sides in the Battle of Bosworth, accelerating Richard III’s defeat and death, while the royalist James Stanley was beheaded at the end of the Civil War.

His head and body were buried in separate caskets.

14. Carnforth

A small town in northern Lancashire and close to the boundary with Cumbria, Carnforth’s reputation as a “railway town” was enshrined in 1945 when the classic movie Brief Encounter was shot at Carnforth Station by David Lean.

You can go into the Heritage Centre to see reconstructed sets and artefacts from the steam age.

You could also catch a steam train to Scarborough on the West Coast Line heritage railway, and get the luxury cream tea treatment in first class.

Carnforth is a town for walkers, who can climb Warton Crag, a steep limestone hill, which has a breeding site for peregrine falcons.

15. Heysham

On Morecambe Bay, Heysham is the a ferry-port with traffic to and from Ireland and the Isle of Man.

But there are lots of little things to hold your attention.

High above Morcambe Bay are the atmospheric ruins of St Patrick’s Chapel, a Grade I-listed building from the 8th century.

What makes this site so unusual is the presence of six tombs that were carved directly from the rock in the 1000s.

Heysham is the only site in the UK with two functioning power stations, and you may as well embrace them: If you’re curious about nuclear energy then the EDF centre offers pre-booked tours.

They’ll kit you out with safety gear like a hi-vis jacket, hardhat and safety glasses, and take you round the reactor, cooling systems and turbines.

15 Best Places to Visit in Lancashire:

• Lytham St Annes
• Poulton-le-Fylde

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The Castles of Lancashire

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Lancashire cannot compare with the White Rose County for the number and majesty of its castles, although it does have some very interesting examples. Until recently, Lancaster Castle, owned by the Queen as Duke of Lancaster, was unique in the British Isles and almost certainly in Europe itself, insomuch as it performed one of its original functions, viz. as a prison.

Another royal holding survives only in street names and paintings, and that is Liverpool Castle. Imagine the Liverpool World Heritage Site river frontage with a medieval castle at its core. Clitheroe boasts the smallest keep in England; the castellated Lathom House withstood one of the most famous sieges of the English Civil War; and Piel Castle was the landing place for Lambert Simnel, pretender to the throne in 1487.

Liverpool Castle in 1689.

Although the Normans introduced castles into Britain, the first, erected in Herefordshire, actually predates the Conquest of 1066 by a few years. These structures were motte and bailey castles, as shown on the Bayeux Tapestry. The castles consisted of man-made mounds (or mottes), usually supplanted with a wooden palisade or tower; and raised defended earthworks in the form of a bailey.

North of the Sands

An artist’s impression of a motte and bailey castle.

One such motte and bailey castle is found at Aldingham , overlooking Morecambe Bay. This was constructed by Michael le Fleming in about 1100, possibly on an early site begun by Roger de Poitoiu. Another earthwork may be seen at Pennington . A public footpath traverses the site. The Pennington family moved from here in the 1240s and founded Muncaster Castle in neighbouring Cumberland.

Pele, towers are commonly known in Scotland as tower houses. They were effectively fortified residences when times were lawless and feature prominently throughout the English Border Counties of Northumberland, Durham, Cumberland and Westmorland; and to a lesser degree in Lancashire.

On the Furness and Cartmel Peninsulas there are several, including the 14 th Century Broughton Tower ,  https://lancashirepast.com/2018/08/14/broughton-tower-broughton-near-preston/ built by the de Brocton family and still lived in, though the added wings of 1882 provided more comfort. Hampsfield Tower survived until the 1810s when an overzealous tenant tore it down; however, the adjoining hall built by the Thornburghs survives. Dalton Castle  https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dalton-castle is the most famous of the pele towers in Furness. Owned by the National Trust, Dalton was built by the Abbott of Furness Abbey after Scottish raids of 1312 and 1314. It was used as the residence of a steward, a strong tower and storehouse. It later became a prison and an armoury, and is a remarkable survival.

Wraysholme Tower   http://www.ecastles.co.uk/wraysholme.html  is a late 15 th Century pele tower with an adjoining hall (the latter now replaced by a farmhouse) built by the Harrington family. Somewhat reduced, the pele tower continues in use as a farm building. Coniston Hall   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coniston_Hall was a double pele tower, of which only the hall and the lesser pele tower remain. Erected by the Fleming family in the 16 th Century, the hall has been in continual use, most recently as a sailing club.

Lancashire North of the Sands boasts two larger castles. Gleaston Castle has some well-preserved towers and curtain walling. It was begun in 1325 by John de Harrington, Lord of Muchland and Aldingham and was probably never completed. It was occupied until the 1690s, was mentioned in ‘Leland’s Itinerary’ of 1540, and was drawn by the famous Buck Brothers. Although not accessible, it can be clearly seen from public rights of way.   http://www.castlesfortsbattles.co.uk/north_west/gleaston_castle.html

Piel Castle is a substantial ruin set at the south eastern tip of Piel Island. It is owned by the State and can be visited via boat from Roe Island in the Summer months. The castle was built in 1327, shortly after Dalton Castle, by the same person – Abbott John Cockerham. It is likely that he was in fact fortifying an existing structure to be used as a refuge by monks in times of trouble, and to monitor the traffic sailing to and from Furness Abbey’s holdings in the Isle of Man and Ireland. The castle, which is visible from all around Morecambe Bay, features the remains of a fine keep and two baileys.

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South of the Sands

The earliest castles, again, are motte and baileys, with examples at Penwortham (built by Roger de Poitou) and West Derby , but there is no better day out than to Lunesdale. Lancashire County Council produce an excellent leaflet which covers Arkholme , Halton , Hornby , Melling and Whittington castles. Hornby, also known as Castle Stede, lies by the Lyon Bridge over the River Lune, and its strategic importance is illustrated by the site being chosen for a Second World War pillbox. Castle Stede was the forerunner of Hornby Castle,  http://www.hornbycastle.com/ a castellated mansion which retains medieval architecture, some of which dates back to the Thirteenth Century. The pele tower was begun by the De Montbegon or Longueviller family in the Fourteenth Century, and further added to by Sir Edward Stanley in the early 1500s.

Further pele towers are represented by Ashton Hall , Borwick Hall , Radcliffe Tower and Turton Tower  https://turtontower.co.uk/ . Now a golf clubhouse, Ashton Hall is a beautiful building comprising of a pele tower built by the Lawrence family in the Fourteenth Century, and added to by Lord Ashton in 1856. Borwick Hall’s pele tower was built in the Fifteenth Century by the Borwick family, with an attached house and splendid gatehouse constructed between 1590 and 1650 by Westmerean Robert Bindloss.  https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/outdooreducation/our-centres/borwick-hall/

The ruins of Radcliffe Tower are all that remains of a pele tower built from 1403 by James Radcliffe which had a timber framed hall attached to it, reputedly one of the finest in the County. Sadly, none of the latter survives. Turton Tower is a splendid building which is owned by Lancashire County Council and is well worth a visit. The pele tower here was constructed around 1420 and the building was added to by the Orrel family in Tudor times.   http://www.castlesfortsbattles.co.uk/north_west/radcliffe_tower.html

The finest caste in the County is to be found in the County Town. Lancaster Castle began life as a motte and bailey castle constructed on the site of a Roman Fort. A working prison until 2011 and still home to a County Court, the castle is open to the public. Of the many highlights, the John of Gaunt gateway (actually built by Henry IV in 1402) is one of the finest entries to any castle in the British Isles, and the Lungess Tower or Norman keep is an imposing structure. There are also two emotive memorials: one in the form of a plaque to the Catholic Martyrs of Lancaster, to be found on the parapet of the John of Gaunt gateway; and the other in the dungeon where some of the Pendle Witches were imprisoned – this takes the form of manacles embedded in the walls.  https://www.lancastercastle.com/

Clitheroe Castle was founded by Roger de Poitou and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Although only a part of the curtain wall survives and none of the ‘outbuildings’, the keep (erected in the Twelfth Century by a member of the De Lacy family) stands prominently above the town, even if it is believed to be the smallest Norman keep in England. The castle was partially dismantled by Parliamentary forces in 1648 but out of its ashes grew Castle House in the Eighteenth Century, now a fine local museum.  https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/leisure-and-culture/museums/clitheroe-castle-museum/

Only scant remains are left of Bury Castle , a fortified moated manor house begun by Sir Thomas Pilkington in 1469; and Fifteenth Century Thurland Castle , commenced by Sir Thomas Tunstall in 1402 , and mainly rebuilt in Victorian times. Liverpool possessed a Royal castle, and a fortified ‘ Tower’ built by Sir John Stanley, Earl of Derby, sometime after 1406. Sadly, neither remain but the name ‘Tower Buildings’ survives and part of the rock cut ditch or moat of Liverpool Castle may be traced. Liverpool Castle was built circa 1235 by William de Ferrers and consisted of four corner towers and curtain wall, with gatehouse and drawbridge, surrounding a courtyard of several buildings. It was gradually demolished in the early Eighteenth Century, whilst the Tower survived until 1819.

Another loss for the County is Lathom House.   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lathom_House This was built in the late Fifteenth Century, possibly on the site of an earlier stronghold, by Sir Thomas Stanley and appears to have been a most formidable residence. It survived a two-year siege by Parliamentary forces in the Civil War but as a result, all its fortifications were demolished. Greenhalgh Castle was also built by Sir Thomas after 1490 and at least here Parliamentary forces left some of it standing after another lengthy siege. Part of a tower indicates this was one of four that stood at the corners of a fortified courtyard. Although on private land it can be clearly seen from the road and Lancaster Canal.

Greenhalgh Castle photographed in 1927.    http://www.castlesfortsbattles.co.uk/north_west/greenhalgh_castle.html

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The 11 stunning National Trust properties and sites worth visiting in and around Lancashire

Discover these National Trust sites near Lancaster, Preston, Blackpool, the Lake District and more

• 11:10, 27 JUL 2021

Lancashire is blessed with stunning, picturesque countryside.

The county welcomes thousands of visitors every year for staycations and days out, and with the likes of the Lake District and Blackpool promenade being here, it's hardly no surprise.

With the summer holidays now in full swing and the majority of lockdown restrictions ceasing to exist, the county is expected to see the return of even more tourists.

READ MORE: Cafe chain with 'proper coffee and great grub' to open in Preston

Those who choose to come to Lancashire for a break away or for a walk are spoilt for choice.

From Williamson Park in Lancaster to the chocolate-box town of Keswick in the Lake District, Lancashire has many options when it comes to days out.

National Trust is a big part of this, offering over 300 places to visit in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The UK conservation charity has three main sites and historical properties here in Lancashire, with nine also available within an hours drive from the county.

We've decided to take a look at some of the National Trust places you can visit in and around the county, what you can do there and why it's worth visiting.

For prices of all the National Trust properties, find out here or to become a National Trust member (which gives you discount on attraction entry fees) visit here.

Gawthorpe Hall

Gawthorpe Hall can be found near Burnley and is described as an Elizabethan gem in the heart of industrial Lancashire.

The hall has a rich history, featuring 17th century panelling in the Drawing Room, and is sometimes referred to as the 'Downton of the North', according to the National Trust website .

Visitors can take a stroll through the formal gardens with views of the river, or take a short ramble through the woodland to enjoy the wildlife.

Inside the hall you can see the Gawthorpe Textile Collection which showcases intricate needlework, lace and costume amassed by Rachel Kay Shuttleworth as well as contemporary pieces from talented artists across the region.

To book a visit to Gawthorpe Hall or to find out more visit the National Trust website here or call 01282 771004.

Rufford Old Hall

This fine Tudor building near Ormskirk is the home for stories of romance, wealth and 500 years of Hesketh family history.

Visitors here can enjoy North Woods, the Walled Garden, North Lawn, Beech Walk Paddock, the Orchard and the Squirrel Border.

The Orchard has a fascinating past.

The first recording of an orchard at Rufford is from 1779, when the hall was leased to a gardener called Thomas Lowe for 21 years at an annual rent of £22 and 16 shillings.

Today, Rufford's orchard contains a varieties of apple and pear trees, including Keswick Codlin, Duke of Devenshire, Lemon Pippin and Bramleys Seedling to name a few. It's the perfect place to roll out a picnic and enjoy some peace and quiet.

And there's plenty of things to do with the kids at Rufford Old Hall this summer.

Take part in sports activities, grab a free balance bike, set your imaginations free inside the house or simply explore nature as a family.

See more and book a visit to Rufford Old Hall here.

Heysham Coast

Beautiful sandstone headland renowned for its eighth-century chapel and rock hewn graves; a wonderful urban green space.

That's how Heysham Coast is described by the National Trust.

The coast, which has a backdrop of Morecambe Bay, is just a short drive from Lancaster and offers a glimpse into the area's Viking past.

Among the site is St Patrick's Chapel which possibly dates back to the mid-eighth century, or a little later.

The rectangular chapel is constructed of sandstone and measures roughly 7 meters by 2.2 meters.

One of the best architectural features is the curved Anglo-Saxon style doorway.

Local tradition states that St Patrick may well have come ashore here in the fifth century, after being shipwrecked off the coast, and subsequently established a small chapel.

Around St Patrick's Chapel are the remains of eight rock-cut graves hewn from the headland, several of which are body shaped and have rock-cut sockets, possibly for wooden crosses.

It is thought that the graves were created around the eleventh century and were used for burying very high-status individuals.

From sea crossings to shipwrecks and Saints to sands, there's plenty to explore here.

Sizergh is a medieval house with rich gardens and an estate and can be found near Kendal, in Cumbria.

Although situated in Cumbria, the National Trust estate is just a short drive away from Lancashire.

The site contains a Garde I listed castle and Tudor house, with the earliest part of the building dating back to the 14th century.

Visitors can explore the house, which is open Thursday to Sunday (12-4pm), the gardens and head out on nearby walks including the Park End Moss wetland and Sizergh's wildlife walk.

There is acres of woodland to explore as well as enjoying a bite to eat at the café near the castle, which is open seven days a week from 10am.

To book a visit to Sizergh or to find out more visit the National Trust website here .

Dalton Castle

Slightly further a field, about an hours drive from Lancaster, is Dalton Castle.

The National Trust site in Dalton-in-Furness boasts a 14th century tower which was built to assert the authority of the Abbot of Furness Abbey.

The 14th-century tower known as Dalton Castle was formerly the manorial courthouse of Furness Abbey.

According to the National Trust website, here the abbott exercised his right to hold manorial courts and administer justice within the lordship of Furness, as authorised by the abbey's foundation charter of 1127.

Explore the historic grounds and the vast art collection which is housed there, and includes; a helmet, glove box, paintings and more.

Find our more about Dalton Castle here.

Beatrix Potter fans can visit her 17th century farmhouse.

Hill Top is Beatrix Potter's 17th-century farmhouse: a time-capsule of her life and can be found in Ambleside, Cumbria.

Just over an hour away from Lancashire, the site gives a glimpse into Beatrix Potter's life.

Visitors can explore the famous garden, just like in the books, and meet the man who cares for one of the most famous vegetable gardens in the world, Pete Tasker.

The house boasts collections from the Beatrix Potter Gallery, all aiming to keep the legacy of the author alive.

There's also a café at Hill Top and walks nearby too - including a native woodland to explore which was planted at one of Beatrix Potter's favourite places.

To book a visit at Hill Top visit the National Trust website here or you can call 015394 36269.

Wray Castle

Wray Castle is a Gothic Revival castle sitting on the shores of Lake Windermere.

The castle has turrets and towers and is housed informal grounds in Ambleside, Cumbria.

It's between an hour or two hour drive from Lancashire, depending upon which part of the county you're leaving from.

Created in the 1840s by an heiress and a dentist, the Wray Castle estate includes an impressive Gatehouse, a jetty and several boathouses.

And there’s plenty of outdoor fun for all the family this summer at Wray Castle - see a full list of activities here.

Keld Chapel

If you're looking to get away from the county then you could drive to Keld Chapel.

Located in Shap, Cumbria, the remote medieval chapel is one of a kind.

This picturesque and rustic stone chapel is thought to have been the chantry for Shap Abbey originally.

It was built around the sixteenth-century and has been used as a cottage and meeting house during its long history.

The key to open the chapel door is hanging by the front door of the house opposite.

Situated in the heart of the Lake District, Townend is an atmospheric farmhouse full of quirky objects and fascinating stories.

The National Trust site can be found in Windermere, Cumbria and attracts thousands of visitors every year.

The 17th century house features a library, made up of around 1,500 books which cover many diverse topics.

It was the home of the Browne family, local farmers, for 400 years before it was donated to the Trust in 1948.

Visitors can also find exhibitions housed there and learn more about the Browne family.

Book a trip there by visiting the website here.

Eskdale and Duddon Valley

Eskdale and Duddon Valley is popular among walkers.

The site is a descent from high mountains down to beautiful beaches on Cumbria's western coast.

Walkers can wander along one of the memorable riverside walks with their intimate scenic combination of crags, woods and waterfalls.

A favourite lower level walk is the Eskdale trail which follows the river from St Catherine’s Church where you can cross the river on stepping stones.

On a warm day visitors can cool off in one of the many rock pools.

To find out more about the walking site and the activities available visit the website here.

A little south from Lancashire is Formby in Merseyside.

The coastal site is a nature haven for wildlife and people, with dramatic sand dunes, surrounded by sweeping coastal pinewood.

With hundreds of acres of woodland and a sandy beach that stretches for miles, Formby is the perfect place to walk your dog whatever the time of year.

Many visitors also bring their horse for a walk here.

To find out more about what to do in the area visit the National Trust website here.

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Take a tour of Lancaster Castle

Lancaster, lancashire.

Uncover the history of this former court and prison, including it most famous “residents”, the Lancashire Witches.

Owned by Her Majesty the Queen, Lancaster Castle was one of the longest running operational prison in Europe, until its closure in 2011.

Visitors can now see more of this 12th century building and grounds than ever before, with tours running daily throughout the year.

Explore the Judges' lodgings and experience where the Judges lived with their staff throughout the trials and executions. Read the fascinating stories about the people who were tried, convicted, acquitted or executed at Lancaster, including the Pendle Witches who were sentenced to death here, and George Fox, founder of the Quaker movement, who was imprisoned for two years in the Castle.

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Historic Lancashire Guide

Ben johnson, facts about lancashire.

Welcome to Lancashire, home of the ultimate seaside resort, Blackpool! Blackpool has many attractions for the visitor: sandy beaches, the famous Tower and the Tower Ballroom, the pier and of course, the Blackpool Illuminations which take place every autumn.

Blackpool is not the only resort on this coast: situated just to the north is the quieter town of Morecambe, home to the newly restored Art-Deco classic, the Midland Hotel. Don’t leave the town without having your photo taken by the larger-than-life statue of the comedian Eric Morecambe on the central promenade!

Lancaster, the county town, is just three miles inland from Morecambe. Lancaster Castle sits in the centre of the city on the site of three successive Roman forts. The Crown Court here is the oldest working courtroom in Britain, and the castle also incorporates a prison. The Pendle witches were famously held and tried at Lancaster Castle in 1612. The Pendle Witches Trail is a series of walking and driving routes around Lancashire, visiting the sites associated with the witches from Pendle Hill to Lancaster itself.

Away from the coast, Lancashire boasts some lovely countryside. Walkers and cyclists will enjoy the Lune and the Ribble Valleys, and the relatively undiscovered Forest of Bowland offers great scenery and lovely country pubs.

Lancashire is also rich in historic buildings and attractions. The Cistercian abbey ruins on the banks of the River Ribble at Sawley are maintained by English Heritage and are perfect for a picnic. Rufford Old Hall near Ormskirk is in the care of the National Trust. There is some evidence to suggest that Shakespeare may have performed in the grand Great Hall of this superb Tudor house before he became famous.

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Lancaster, in the North West of England, lies on the River Lune, three miles inland from the coastal resort of Morecambe, easily accessible from the M6 motorway and en route to the Lake District, 20 miles to the north.

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Historic Houses and Halls

Stately Lancashire. Historic Lancashire gems.

From the Wars of the Roses, the famous witch trials of 1612 , the clash of Parliamentarian and Royalists armies of the civil war, the Jacobite Rebellion  and the wealth created by the industrial revolution Lancashire’s historic houses have witnessed a wide range of major historic events.

Discover the history and stories behind Lancashire’s grand houses and halls including the story behind the knighting of Sir Loin at Hoghton Tower ; how JRR Tolkien was inspired by the countryside around Stonyhurst College ; the tragic tale of the white lady at Samlesbury Hall and the gruesome severed head at Towneley Hall .

Beyond the stately buildings there are formal gardens and extensive grounds to explore, many featuring adventure playgrounds, sculpture trails, seasonal flower walks and farm animals – perfect for all the family to enjoy.

Browsholme , Hoghton and Leighton are still family homes and have passed through generations and still display wonderful possessions created by world renown artists and craftsmen. Furniture by Gillow and Hepplewhite, fine art by  JMW Turner, Lely and Reynolds as well as exquisite porcelain, glass and textiles. You may even bump into the owners and their children of the house whilst enjoying a guided tour. Read more in about these extraordinary, some say eccentric, owners in Living In History .

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Towneley Hall Art Gallery and Museum

Arts, Crafts & Galleries

This 14th century grade 1 listed hall has a rich history with many stories to tell, with grand period rooms decorated with oil paintings and sculptures covering several centuries of life at the hall which was the home of the Towneley family for over…

The Cottage Museum, Lancaster

Step back in time to Lancaster in the 1800s!. Spread over five tiny floors, make yourself at home in this simply furnished house.

The Whitaker Museum & Art Gallery

Set in the beautiful Whitaker Park in Rawtenstall, it’s a great day out for all.  A traditional and contemporary a museum, but with a modern twist.

Judges' Lodgings Museum

The Judges' Lodgings dates back nearly 400 years on a site that has been at the centre of Lancaster's history for nearly 2000 years

Leighton Hall

Historic House

Award winning Leighton Hall is the lived-in house of the famous furniture making Gillow dynasty. A visit to Leighton is an opportunity to unravel the fascinating past of this ancient, Lancashire family.

Haworth Art Gallery and Artists’ Studios

Haworth Art Gallery is best known for its collection of Tiffany art glass.

Samlesbury Hall

Built in 1325 Samlesbury Hall is steeped in fascinating history, retaining its original typical black and white exterior, the Hall is almost equidistant between Blackburn and Preston, yet retaining a rural feel.

Gawthorpe Hall

An Elizabethan Gem in industrial Lancashire, period rooms, work by Charles Barry and Pugin, nationally important Rachel Kay - Shuttleworth textile collection, National Portrait Gallery paintings, connections to English Civil War.

Browsholme Hall

Browsholme Hall has been the ancestral home of the Parkers, Bowbearers of the Forest of Bowland since the time Tudor times. Today it is still the family’s home and visitors are invited to enjoy its magnificent architecture, fabulous interiors and…

Pendle Heritage Centre

Heritage / Visitor Centre

The Pendle Heritage Centre is open daily and includes a Garden Tearoom, 18th Century Walled Garden, Cruck Frame Barn, a Parlour shop, Tourist Information Centre, Pendle Arts Gallery and a Conference Centre.

Astley Hall, Coach House and Park

Astley Village, Chorley

One of the most intriguing historic houses in the North West, Astley Hall, located in the beautiful surroundings of Astley Park, offers a fascinating look into over 400 years of history and the lives of the families who once called it home. Visitors…

Furness Abbey

Historic Site

Barrow In Furness

Impressive red sandstone remains and ornately decorated chapter house. Once was the second most prosperous Cistercian abbey in England.

Wycoller Hall

The hall was built by the Hartley family at the end of the 16th century and subsequently extended in the 18th by Squire Henry Owen Cunliffe, in order to attract a wealthy wife. Charlotte Brontë is thought to have frequently visited Wycoller village.

Heskin Hall

One of the best examples of Tudor architecture left in northern England, Heskin Hall is set in eight acres of grounds and surrounded by over 300 acres of farmland, and boasts panelled rooms, a great staircase, a priest hole, baronial fireplaces and…

Conishead Priory

Church/Chapel

Peaceful and inspiring Buddhist Temple, amazing Romantic Gothic mansion, relaxing café, gift shop and book store. Six minute woodland walk to beach.

Warton Village, St Oswald's Church and the Old Rectory

North of Carnforth, this village has strong links to the Washington family, ancestors of the USA's first President George Washington. The local church bears the Washington coat of arms, and flies the Stars & Stripes flag every 4th July.

Levens Hall

Elizabethan mansion with world famous topiary gardens designed by M Beaumont in 1694, fountain garden and buttery, licenced restaurant and gift shop.

Elizabeth Gaskell’s House

Elizabeth Gaskell (1810-65) was one of the most important and best loved Victorian writers. Her novels and letters reveal a warm-hearted woman who was a shrewd judge of character, inquisitive, witty and profoundly concerned with social justice.

National Trust Rufford Old Hall

Rufford, Ormskirk

Follow in Shakespeare's footsteps and visit one of Lancashire's finest Tudor buildings which was built in the 1530s.

Turton Tower

Turton Tower is a distinctive English country house located in the small village of Turton on the edge of the popular walking area of the West Pennine Moors. Facilities include a Victorian tea room and gift shop.

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