So, you have just hired a Samco campervan and you are wondering where to go? Well, continue reading to discover the best places to visit on your VW Campervan hire Lancashire road trip!
Lancashire is a county within the North-west of England. From bustling tourist attractions in the seaside capital Blackpool, to stunning scenery in the forest of Bowland AONB, Lancashire has something to offer for everyone.
Visit the seaside resort of Blackpool
Start your VW campervan hire Lancashire, with a trip to the popular seaside town of Blackpool. Known for its illuminations, the iconic Blackpool Tower, and the Pleasure Beach, you will be stuck for choice on what to do!
After a fun-packed day of visiting the top tourist attractions, no trip to Blackpool is successful without eating traditional fish and chips on the promenade while watching the sunset. To get a discount on all your tickets, go here.
Forest of Bowland
The forest of Bowland is a nature reserve consisting of deep valleys, peat moorland and gritstone fells situated in north-east Lancashire. If you are a nature lover, then this is the perfect place to stop on your VW campervan hire Lancashire. There is plenty of outdoorsy things to do here from walking, hiking, fishing, cycling or even paragliding!
If you are into astronomy, be sure to stop at the forest of Bowland at night. It is hard to see a completely dark sky these days due to pollution. However, Bowland is perceived to be completely dark at night, so it is the best place to capture star constellations that were recognized by the world’s earliest astronomers.
The civil parish town of Clitheroe
Clitheroe is a civil parish town within the borough of Ribble Valley. People often stop here when visiting the forest of Bowland, so it is a great place to stop on your VW campervan hire Lancashire journey.
Clitheroe is another fantastic place for history experts because it has been around for more than 1,000 years and dates back to Saxon times, when the 12th century Norman castle was built. Clitheroe castle has been recognised as the smallest castle in England. Wonder around the museum and take in the beautiful 16-acres of landscaped gardens which now surround the castle.
The historic city of Lancaster
Lancaster is one of the best cities to visit on your VW campervan hire Lancashire trip. This city is a favourite amongst history buffs, being famous for its medieval castle where the Pendle witch trials took place in 1612. The castle also has 19th century cells and overlooks the River Lune.
After a trip to the castle, why not relax and grab a spot of lunch in the Pavilion Café in Williamson park. Afterwards, explore the butterfly house and mini zoo, or take a stroll through the magical woodland this park has to offer.
Preston – home of the tallest church spire in England
On your next stop of your VW campervan hire Lancashire, make sure to visit Preston which is home to England’s tallest church spire. If you are an art lover, why not check out the fine art collections and archaeology at the Harris Museum and art gallery?
If you are more of a history lover, Preston also holds many statues and sculptures which tell a historical story. Start the trail in the city centre, then admire the beautiful architecture and fountains in Avenham and Miller parks which were built in the 1800s.
Be sure to take a ride on the restored trains of the Ribble Steam Railway and learn more about local military history at the hands-on museum.
The ancient market town of Garstang
Garstang is a historical market town which is ideal for lazy shopping trips, stunning canal walks, and traditional pub lunches. You will sure regret missing a day out here on your VW campervan hire Lancashire road trip!
Traverse the ruins of the Greenhalgh castle which can be seen across the River Wyre. Take a walk along the Lancaster canal and have a look round the Barton Grange garden centre if you are into nature and gardening. Walk back along the canal and stop for lunch at the traditional Guys Thatched Hamlet pub. The perfect day out in Lancashire!
Rivington pike and terraced gardens
No VW campervan hire Lancashire road trip is complete without a visit to this stunning village in the heart of Chorley. Rivington is a village and civil parish in the Borough of Chorley, Lancashire. It is known for its spectacular beauty hotspot – Rivington Pike and Rivington terraced gardens, making it the ultimate place for nature enthusiasts.
If you are ready for a challenge, you will love hiking up Rivington Pike. Do this 8.7km hike on a clear day to admire the breath-taking views and stunning countryside of Lancashire.
Rivington terraced gardens is perfect if you are looking for something more relaxing. Discover the enchanting caves, paths and fountain remains of the Bungalow. Garden and history fanatics will enjoy learning about the stories of ‘landscape gardeners’ Thomas Mawson and James Pulham.
End your day with a delicious cream tea in one of the tea rooms or cafés in the village of Rivington. The scones are to die for!
Enjoy the coastal town of Lytham St Anne’s
Just two miles from the hustle and bustle of Blackpool, lies the quiet coastal town of Lytham St Anne’s. This is the perfect place for your VW campervan hire Lancashire road trip. With a picturesque coastal path, a boating lake, gorgeous parks, a Victorian pier, historic windmill, and small independent shops, what isn’t there to love?
You cannot have a trip to the seaside without eating fish and chips, so do not forget to have lunch at Whelan’s fish and chips, the best fish and chips in Lancashire!
The beauty of Lancashire
Lancashire has something to offer for everyone. It is home to some of England’s best nature reserves, castles, museums, art galleries, and coastal towns. Whether you love nature, history, art or even archaeology, you are sure to find what you are looking for!
I have included some of the best places to visit on your VW campervan hire Lancashire road trip. I hope you find them helpful. Enjoy your journey through Lancashire!