Martin Mere

What could be more relaxing than a leisurely stroll around beautiful gardens on a sunny afternoon? Perhaps a beautiful coast is more your kind of setting?

Or if you’re trying to entertain the kids, how about becoming Nature Explorers for the day?

Whatever you prefer to do, you can find something for everyone in Lancashire. Here are just five suggestions for places to visit this summer.

1. Martin Mere

Martin Mere is impossible to leave without learning something new. Run by WWT, you really could spend all day there and still want to return the following morning! They have lots of activities and events planned over the summer including canoe safari, moth discovery and their nature explorer programme. It’s definitely worth a visit and will be top of our to-do list once the holidays arrive.

Although Martin Mere is my favourite because it’s in Lancashire, they have nine sites across the country so wherever you go, you’ll never be far away from a wild(life) day out! Membership for WWT is £79 annually for a family of 2 adults and up to six children. You can even pay monthly over the year, meaning you”ll barely notice the brilliant job you’re doing of supporting the wetlands near you.

2. Brockholes

Pram walks, pond dipping and refreshing walks are on the agenda here at Brockholes. If you fancy taking the day at your own pace instead, become an Otter Spotter with their free guide or learn about an animal or bird you don’t know much about yet. There’s always something to do at this old quarry now it’s been transformed into a haven for wildlife. Brockholes is part of the Lancashire Wildlife Trust and entry is free. Car parking charges apply.

Photo courtesy of Brockholes.org
Photo courtesy of Brockholes.org

3. Ribble Discovery Centre

Think the RSPB is just about birds? Think again! This summer they are running an assortment of events at their Ribble Discovery Centre. I’d really love to take bat-mad Louis to their Bats and Bonfires event, but we’re already busy that day. With any luck they’ll run another one though and we’ll be able to make it.

Last year Louis took part in the RSPB’s Big Wild Sleepout and he raised £50.00 all by himself! We were super proud of him and he thoroughly enjoyed the entire experience. This year the Big Wild Sleepout is 7 – 9th August and we’ll actually be backpacking that weekend so will be camping out anyway.

4. Heysham Coast/Heysham Head

A beautiful setting for a picnic or an enjoyable dog walk, Heysham coast is as intriguing as it is stunning. With rock-cut graves looking out to see and the old chapel ruins, you’re bound to enjoy your time here. It’s free aside from car parking and you will be delighted by the butterflies and dragonflies within the nature reserve.

Photo courtesy of nationaltrust.org.uk
Photo courtesy of nationaltrust.org.uk

5. Leighton Moss

Another RSPB site, Leighton Moss has bird hides, a visitors centre, brilliant walks and red deer stags! There’s an award winning cafe too, so either stay for lunch there or take a picnic and absorb the wonderful surroundings. If you stay until dusk keep a look out for bats, too!

Entry for non-members is chargeable for the nature trails and some extra charges apply for activities, though the visitors centre itself is fee to all.

If you travel by bike or public transport though, all entry fees are waived.

You might also enjoy:

1 Comment

  1. Some fab places here Karen, we’re RSPB members so i think we might try to get to the Ribble Discovery Centre this Summer. We’ve also never been to Brockholes so I really want to go there too.

Leave A Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *