Unusual Things to Do in Lancashire – Hidden Gems & Unique Experiences

Key takeaways

Lancashire offers far more than traditional tourist attractions. Beyond the bustling promenades and popular landmarks lies a treasure trove of unusual experiences waiting to be discovered. From wildlife conservation centres to floating visitor villages, the county offers unique experiences for every type of visitor.

Blackpool Zoo – Premier wildlife attraction:

• Multi-award-winning zoo with over 1,000 animals across 37 acres of mature parkland with lakes.

• Features big cats, elephants, giraffes, gorillas, and sea lions featured on Blue Peter.

• Interactive animal encounters and conservation education programmes with hands-on learning opportunities.

• Open year-round with seasonal events and special exhibitions.

Adults-only experiences:

• Lancaster Brewery offers tasting tours showcasing amber, red, blonde, and stout varieties with CAMRA awards.

• Ghost tours at Hoghton Tower explore the third most haunted building in the UK.

• Traditional craft workshops, including pottery and blacksmithing in historic settings.

Romantic escapes:

• Gisburn Forest Hub provides Dark Sky Discovery Site status with minimal light pollution for stargazing.

• Private canal boat experiences along Lancashire's historic waterways.

• Castle afternoon teas in atmospheric mediaeval settings.

Family adventures:

• Brockholes Nature Reserve features the UK's first floating visitor village with 250 acres of trails.

• Ribble Steam Railway runs three-mile return journeys across Preston Docks' historic railway network.

• Outdoor sculpture trails combine art appreciation with countryside exploration.

Blackpool Zoo – A wildly different day out

Blackpool Zoo stands as one of Lancashire's most distinctive wildlife attractions, transforming a typical zoo visit into something genuinely unusual. Situated in 37 acres of mature parkland, this award-winning destination has consistently earned TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice recognition, placing it among the top 10% of attractions worldwide.

Animal encounters & rare species

Blackpool Zoo excels at bringing visitors face-to-face with remarkable creatures through thoughtfully designed viewing areas.

The elephant habitat allows close observation of these magnificent animals as they interact with their herd, while the Orangutan Outlook provides unobstructed views of intelligent primates in naturalistic environments.

• The big cat collection features lions and tigers in habitats showcasing natural behaviours. You can also see Savannah animals like zebras, giraffes and meerkats in their own habitats that replicate grassland ecosystems. The charismatic sea lions demonstrate agility and intelligence in daily presentations.
• Interactive play areas for kids

Beyond animal viewing, Blackpool Zoo provides exceptional facilities for younger visitors to burn energy throughout their visit. The outdoor play area is strategically positioned, allowing families to break up animal encounters with active play sessions.

The Playbarn is an adventure playground featuring age-appropriate equipment, from a toddler-friendly area to exciting giant slides, ball cannons and ball showers for older children. This experience is separate from the Zoo and offers a safely enclosed space where children explore and engage with the environment.

Conservation & learning experiences

Blackpool Zoo's serious commitment to conservation distinguishes it from standard attractions. The zoo participates in numerous international breeding programmes for endangered species, working to ensure genetic diversity and potential reintroduction possibilities.

Also, throughout the grounds, informative displays explain each species' natural habitat, conservation status, and threats they face. The education programmes explore ecosystems, biodiversity, and humanity's role in protecting wildlife.

Important info

Opening hours:

Blackpool Zoo operates daily, with opening times varying seasonally. Generally opens at 10am with last admission at 3pm. Peak summer months closing time is at 5:45 with last admission at 5:00pm, while winter months close earlier.

Prices:

Significant savings are available through online advance booking. Ticket prices vary by age and season. Children aged 3-15 enter at reduced rates; under 3s are free. Family tickets, annual memberships, and Tesco Clubcard Reward Partner options are available. Check the official website for current pricing.

Unusual things to do in Lancashire for adults

Lancashire's adult-focused attractions offer sophisticated experiences that go well beyond typical tourist activities. 

Craft Beer Trails & Microbreweries

Lancashire's craft beer scene has exploded with independent breweries creating award-winning ales. Lancaster Brewery, operating since 2002, has grown from a single location to nationwide distribution while maintaining commitment to quality ingredients, which you can learn about on their tasting tours.

Smaller microbreweries throughout the county welcome visitors for informal tastings, offering chances to meet brewers themselves. Self-guided brewery trails link multiple establishments, combining quality ales with Lancashire's scenic countryside.

Ghost Tours in Historic Towns

Lancashire's long history has left the county scattered with many supposedly haunted locations. Hoghton Tower near Preston stands as reputedly the third most haunted building in Britain, with staff maintaining a dedicated ghost file documenting unusual occurrences.

Lancaster Castle, with its grim history including the Lancashire Witch Trials of 1612 and 265 public hangings, offers daily tours exploring its darker past. Visitors report shadowy figures, temperature drops, and unexplained sounds throughout this historically significant mediaeval fortress.

Pottery or Blacksmith Workshops

Traditional craft workshops offer hands-on experiences connecting participants with centuries-old skills. Pottery workshops and blacksmith workshops in Lancashire offer immersive experiences impossible to replicate elsewhere.

Unusual things to do in Lancashire for couples

Lancashire provides romantically unusual experiences that move beyond typical date ideas. 

Stargazing at Gisburn Forest

Gisburn Forest Hub is one of northern England's finest stargazing locations. The Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty has been recognised for having some of England's darkest skies. On moonless nights, the Milky Way stretches overhead, revealing thousands of stars invisible in urban areas. The site includes parking and open areas perfect for blankets and spending hours under the stars.

Private Canal Boat Experience

Lancashire's canal network, built during the Industrial Revolution, now offers peaceful waterborne escapes. Private canal boat hires allow couples to pilot traditional narrowboats through scenic countryside at walking pace, creating uniquely relaxing days on the water. Many packages include provisions for onboard meals. 

Romantic afternoon tea in a castle setting

Lancashire's historic castles and manor houses offer afternoon tea experiences. These aren't typical hotel tea rooms – stone walls and centuries of history create genuinely unusual dining experiences. Traditional afternoon tea includes finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream, and a selection of cakes served on fine china. Booking well in advance is essential, particularly for weekend slots.

Unusual things to do in Lancashire for families

Lancashire's family-focused unusual attractions go well beyond standard theme parks and play centres. 

Brockholes Nature Reserve – Floating Visitor Village

This architecturally stunning floating village houses a visitor centre, shops, and a café, all literally floating on Meadow Lake. The reserve's 250 acres of trails cater to all abilities, with surfaced paths suitable for pushchairs alongside wilder routes. Spring brings breeding wading birds, while summer sees swifts creating aerial displays. Admission is free, with a £6 parking charge supporting conservation work.

Ribble steam railway & museum

Hidden in Preston's historic docklands, Ribble Steam Railway offers families the chance to ride authentic steam and diesel locomotives along the railway line through the former port area. This volunteer-run heritage railway combines working industrial history with hands-on family fun. The journey crosses Preston Marina's impressive swing bridge before following the River Ribble's banks. Day tickets include unlimited rides on the three-mile return journey.

Sculpture trails & outdoor art hunts

Lancashire's landscape serves as a canvas for numerous sculpture trails and outdoor art installations, turning countryside walks into art appreciation adventures. The trails typically feature permanent or semi-permanent sculptures positioned along established walking routes. Works range from abstract modern pieces to figurative sculptures, each interacting with its natural surroundings. Many trails include accompanying materials suggesting discussion points or activities for younger participants. Different trails suit different fitness levels and age ranges.

Ready to discover Lancashire's hidden gems? Start with Blackpool Zoo!

Lancashire's unusual attractions demonstrate that memorable experiences don't require exotic locations. Blackpool Zoo provides the perfect foundation for exploring the region. With over 1,000 animals across 37 acres, the zoo offers world-class wildlife encounters just minutes from Lancashire's other hidden gems.

The zoo's central location and accessibility make it the natural starting point for any Lancashire adventure. Its combination of conservation, educational value, and pure entertainment creates a memorable experience that sets the tone for discovering the county's other unusual offerings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What to do this weekend in Lancashire for adults?

Spend a relaxing day at Blackpool Zoo, where adults can enjoy peaceful walks through beautifully landscaped grounds and get up close with animals from around the world. Beyond family activities, the zoo offers wildlife talks, behind-the-scenes experiences, and photography opportunities perfect for adults looking for something different to do in Lancashire. After your visit, you can explore nearby attractions like Stanley Park or enjoy a meal in central Blackpool.

What is the most beautiful town in Lancashire?

While Lancashire has many charming towns, Blackpool stands out for its unique blend of seaside nostalgia and natural beauty. Beyond the famous promenade, Blackpool Zoo adds a tranquil, green escape filled with exotic wildlife and scenic picnic spots. The surrounding area, including Stanley Park, showcases stunning landscapes that highlight another side of this iconic coastal town.