Have family fun for free in Lancashire!

Yarrow Valley Country Park, Chorley

2009-03-30T11:44:00.000-07:00

This is where we spent out Sunday, the weather was glorious, the location was beautiful and yet, in spite of this, I am reluctant to ever visit Yarrow Valley again! This is in no way related to the place itself, the park is gorgeous - lots of woodland to walk through, plenty of nature to absorb, lush, green surroundings and yet it was a little bit like combining this...

With this:

Nope, you're not mistaken - that IS the Chatsworth estate from the infamous Shameless. I do feel very reluctant to be so negative about the park but as this blog is aimed predominantly at families I feel obliged to be honest and for me, personally, this place is not somewhere I felt comfortable having a family day out with my young children - it really was a very surreal experience to be in such stunning surroundings and witness such bizarre behaviour! Firstly, the picnic area, albeit beautiful with plenty of open space to play ball games or let the kids run around, was full of lager swilling teens, swearing at the top of their lungs (so loudly you could hear it all the way across the other side of the park, shouting loudly about lewd topics, while their babies sat glumly in their prams! Even after we bid a hasty retreat from that area, we came across numerous discarded cans, bottles on virtually every bench we passed and several 'Sunday dad's' out with their toddlers for the day ...and their cans of cider too! It was a little bit like being in Jeremy Kyle's green room!!

Okay, enough said about that........I wouldn't say don't visit this park... I would say, maybe not on a Sunday! It really is a gorgeous location, full of little bridges and babbling streams and crawling with nature. There was an ice cream van parked up in the car park, a visitors centre and they have toilets and baby changing facilities. The park offers lots to the community with angling, canoeing and plenty of nature walks etc so it is a great shame that it is sometimes spoiled. All that aside, it would be a lovely place for a picnic and a leisurely stroll, taking in the scenery. The only other point I would add is that it can be particularly nerve racking with younger children as they can get right up to the edge of the water in some parts! (Of course this does make it easier to feed the ducks!).

Toilets: Yes
Dogs: Yes, ideal dog walking spot
Address: Yarrow Valley Country Park, Off Birkacre Road, Chorley, PR7 3QL.

Haigh Park, Wigan

2009-03-30T03:14:00.001-07:00

We visited this park for the first time on Saturday and it was a big hit with us all. There is a good sized park area for the children to play in, cafe and visitors centre, plenty of picnic spots and lots of lovely scenery to enjoy.

The walled garden is a lovely feature (dogs must be kept on leads in these gardens) and the woodlands are full of trees which umbrella over to act like wonderful dens for the children to explore (not to mention an ideal place to shelter from the hail and rain which we were greeted with when we arrived!). Another lovely addition is a miniature railway which meanders through the woodland and costs £1 per person for a little ride around.

My 9 and 4 year old have repeatedly asked me when we are going to go back there so I guess this one comes pretty highly recommended :) There is ample parking however this does cost £1.50 and you can see Haigh Hall while you're there, it is closed to the public but you can hire it out for functions.

Upcoming events:

Fri 10th Apr, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
FAMILY ORIENTEERING
Join the Wardens Team for some competitive family fun on our orienteering course. All maps and tuition provided. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Booking essential.
free

Sun 12th Apr, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
EASTER FUN AT HAIGH
Make an Easter basket and chicken hat to use as we play chase the chick. Followed by an egg and spoon race in the gardens. Booking is essential. Charge applies.

Mon 13th Apr, 12:00pm - 3:00pm
EASTER BUNNY TRAIL
Turn up any time between 12pm and 3pm to hunt the bunnies and find the clues to complete the puzzle. All participants are entered into the prize draw to win an Easter egg and bunny. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Charge applies. Booking essential. For further information and to book telephone 01942 832895.

Wed 15th Apr, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
FAMILY BIKE RIDE
Bring a bike and a picnic and enjoy a gentle cycle through the Haigh estate. Small numbers of bicycles are available if required. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Booking required.
free

Pram accessible: Yes
Toilets: A bit smell and unsanitary ... but yes!
Dogs: Yes, lovely dog walking area but they need to be kept on their leads in the walled gardens
Address: Haigh Hall Golf Club,Haigh Hall Country Park, Haigh, Wigan
WN2 1PE

The Sand Dunes

2009-03-28T03:11:00.000-07:00

There are sand dunes stretching from St Annes to Blackpool, the part we went to was situated directly opposite the Pontins Holiday camp. Great fun for running around, jumping off dunes, walking the dogs, building sandcastles, sunbathing...all the fun of the beach but with a little more privacy and tranquility!! Of course it's only a short walk across to the beach should you choose to do so too.

Moss bank Park, Bolton

2009-03-28T02:09:00.001-07:00

This is an extremely popular park, one of many in the Bolton area. We went on a saturday and it was absolutely jam packed full of people, this would be my only criticism of the park - perhaps a little TOO busy so it made it harder to keep an eye on the children in the play areas etc but it was a wonderful place to visit and there is so much there to do! When we went there was a small funfair there but I am uncertain whether that is there permanently, my guess would be no.

In addition to the wide open green playing areas, ideal for playing football, frisbee, cricket or just generally running around there are also numerous other FREE attractions. These included a small pet area where you can walk around and look at all the animals, a butterfly house and a large play area with a huge sandpit. Unfortunately the butterfly house was closed when we went due to maintenance but the pet area was open and the children had a wonderful time looking around all the animals.

There is a very cheaply priced train ride available through the park and plenty of spaces for bike riding, scootering and skating. All in all this is a fantastic place for a family day out, you could easily spend the whole day there and there is something there for everyone really. Parking was a nightmare though!!

Pram accessible: Yes
Dogs: Yes just not on the play area or animal area
Toilets: Yes
Address: Moss Bank Way
Bolton
BL1 6NQ

Wyre Estuary Country Park

2009-03-28T01:39:00.000-07:00

This is a lovely place for a picnic and a relaxing stroll around the Wyre Estuary. The surroundings are stunning and it is a haven for wildlife! The paved riverside walk makes it easy to push a pram around around the walking route except in high tides when the pathway is flooded! If it;s somewhere with a play area you're after then this is probably not the place for you but if your children are happy to walk and enjoy scenery and spotting wildlife then this is a lovely place to visit.

There is a visitors centre where you can purchase refreshments and use the toilets and it also acts as a tourist information and country ranger's office. Much of the area is accessible for disabled people and there are several picnic sites along the way.

Address: Wyre Estuary Country Park
River Road
Stanah
Thornton Cleveleys
Lancashire
FY5 5LR

Dogs : welcome - a lovely place for a dog walk
Pram accessible - predominantly
Toilets: Yes

Witton Country Park

2009-03-14T15:03:00.000-07:00

I actually didn't really have a great experience at this particular park. There is a nice little play area for the children and open space for games of football, cricket etc but my main issue with the park was that cars could drive through part of it! We even witnessed a poor little 4 year old girl be almost knocked off her bike by some boy racer speeding along the path and I found that extremely offputting!
However, on paper the park sounds excellent, unfortunately there was a lot of flooding to pathways etc when we visited and consequently we were unable to visit a lot of it and the combination of this, the car issue and the copious amounts of teenage college students left me with a less than enthusiastic memory. (None of this was helped by the fact that my three year old proceeded to throw up the entire way home and I accept these events may have tainted my view too lol, not that I am in any way intimating the park is to blame!).

I was unable to see all this but nevertheless, the park is home to 480 acres of mixed woodland, parkland and farmland. It boasts several streams, brooks, a riverside walk, ornamental lake and working farm - there is also a tea room and vistors centre and some bizarrely placed 'caged' goats!

I have to admit, perhaps I would feel differently if I had been able to access the side of the park where the ornamental pond etc was hiding! (I'm a sucker for water)but this place just left me cold. Perhaps I would return in the future to check out the parts I missed but I doubt it...it just didn't grab me. Please do feel free to comment and share your own experience as looking at the map I do feel I must have missed a lot so it's certainly worth checking out!

Address: Preston Old Road, Blackburn, BB2 2TP
Website: http://www.blackburn.gov.uk/server.php?show=ConWebDoc.14416&viewPage=1
Pram accessible: yes
Toilets: Yes

Museum of Lancashire (children go free)

2009-03-14T13:58:00.000-07:00

This one isn't completely free but I wanted to throw it in anyway as it still qualifies as a pretty cheap day out because it is free for kids and just £3.00 for adults. I went during the half term hols with three of my little monkeys and though it was pretty reasonable to just pay £3.00 for the four of us.

There are plenty of things to keep the children entertained for an hour or so, as you work your way around the exhibits there are various activities for them do to along the way. Cutting, colouring, dressing up, even a little bit of scooting down a makeshift road. They can even climb in the tank and find out what it was like to be in a Victorian school. The three I took were aged between 12 months and 4 years and they all equally enjoyed it, I think their favourite was the dressing up - apparently Mummy looks very funny in an Elvis wig!

You get to explore Lancashire through the ages, a glimpse into what it was like during the war, the Victorian times etc so it's educational as well as fun :) (Sshh, don't tell the kids!)

There is a cafe inside if you want to grab a cuppa or a snack and they have toilets and baby changing facilities available too.

Opening times: Mon, tues, weds, fri, sat 10.30am - 5pm
Website: http://www.lancashire.gov.uk/acs/sites/museums/venues/mol/index.asp?siteid=3860&pageid=16500&e=e
Address: Stanley street, Preston, PR1 4YP
Pram accessible: NO. There are loads of stairs, it would be highly impractical with a pushchair!
Facilities: * Free parking for cars and coaches
* Light refreshments available
* Gift Shop
* Limited access for disabled users
* Visitors with guide dogs welcome
* Family events and activities
* Baby changing facilities

National Football Museum

2009-02-10T04:29:00.000-08:00

Tha National Football Museum is situated at Preston North's End Football Club's ground, Deepdale, Preston and is open to the public completely free of charge.
The museum itself is split into two halves, the first section takes you around exhibitions and the history of football but there are also family activities to be done along the way.
Children can follow 'Frankie's Fun Trail' looking out for the label's where they can answer questions, learn facts and play with puppets, dressing up costumes and do some colouring along the way. My children, ranging from the one year old to the nine year old had a fabulous time looking out for Frankie's signs and rooting through the accompanying bags and boxes to see what they would find next.

There is an optional Goalstriker game where you can participate in a fun, interactive penalty shoot out between 12pm and 4pm (this is priced at £2.95 per ticket or £4.95 for one adult and one child or you can purchase a family ticket for two adults and two children for £7.95), we didn't have a turn as for six of us it would have been pretty pricey but there was plenty of other hands on stuff for the children to enjoy.

Upstairs, the second half of the museum contains lots of interactive elements - you can do your own football commentary, play with different football tables and when you're done with all of those things, there is a play area for the under 7's.

In addition to all this there is a coffee shop downstairs serving a variety of sandwiches, soups, cakes and drinks and a gift shop to purchase a souvenir of your visit.

I would highly recommend this as a great family day out for those cold and wet days when going outside isn't an option. It was a great hit with all of our children and I will certainly be going again.

Address: National Football Museum, Sir Tom Finney Way, Deepdale, Preston, PR1 6PA

Website: www.nationalfootballmuseum.com

Pram friendly: Yes - it is pushchair friendly and also has changing facilities, free nappies, highchairs and will heat up bottles if required.

Opening Times - Tues - Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday - 10am-4pm

Cleveley's Beach

2009-01-18T00:19:00.001-08:00

I know it isn't exactly beach weather but it's still a nice spot for the children (and/or four legged friend) to have a run around and burn off some of that extra energy. We visited this particular stretch of beach several times in autumn, at that time there was the added attraction of the sunken Riverdance, the boat which ran aground during the stormy weather which I believe has now been taken away.
It's a nice clean stretch of sand though and even in this less than stunning weather it's a lovely place for a brisk walk or you could even take a ball to kick around there. Perhaps something a little different if your kids are sick of being dragged around the woods and country parks. My four were perfectly happy just running around and drawing in the sand with a stick...sometimes simple things are the most enjoyable!

Address: Cleveley's, Blackpool

Dogs: Yes

Pram accessibility: Like any beach you'd struggle to push a pram across the sand so if you have a little one with you I would definitely recommend a baby carrier of some form instead.

Hurst Grange Park, Penwortham

2009-01-14T11:26:00.000-08:00

Today we visited another new park (by new, I mean new to us!), this time was the turn of Hurst Grange Park in Penwortham. While it isn't as large as the previous parks such as Worden Park and Astley Park (see archives for details of these parks) it covers approximately 15.5 hectares and is thus the largest park in Penwortham.

Hurst Grange is a haven for wildlife and there are 5 ponds where you can find rare species of newts and dragonflies. You can stroll through the meadows and wildlife gardens and through the woodlands where there are plenty of grey squirrels, birds and a newly built assault course which would be a hit with older kids (I only had my youngest child with me on this trip but full intend to return with the elder ones soon).

In addition to this there are open playing fields for playing football etc and a nice fenced in play area with seperate toddler area for the children.

I really enjoyed this little park, very peaceful and ideal for a quiet stroll, there is a free car park available and there are paths for walking round with a pram - however I would highly recommend wearing wellies if its been rainy as the paths can get very very mucky indeed. (As I discovered having neglected to put my trusty wellingtons on!)

Dogs: Welcome but not on the play area

Pram accessible: Mostly, as long as you stick to the paths.

Address: Hurst Park
Penwortham
PRESTON
Lancs
Postcode: PR1 9BD

Astley Park, Chorley

2009-01-13T11:04:00.001-08:00

Yesterday we visited Astley Park in Chorley for the first time, home to the historic Astley Hall which is surrounded by open parklands and woodlands.

There are football pitches, tennis courts and a bowling green there and it's a lovely place for cycling and picnicking or a leisurely stroll with the dog!

For me though, it was just a little bit disappointing - it was hard not to compare it to Worden Park due to their close proximity and the fact that they're both .. well... parks lol and as a consequence I found Astley park a little lacking. We did have an enjoyable time, walked a couple of miles and fed the ducks which was pleasant enough but as the children's play area is currently under development there was little else to do.

That said, the park is currently building a brand new children's play area including a pet corner and a climbing wall so by Spring it should be looking superb and have plenty more to offer.

Astley Hall itself is open all year round and available to hire for functions and there are plenty of grey squirrels and other wildlife around to be spotted. Well worth a visit but personally I would recommend leaving it until the regeneration is complete!

Address:Astley Park
Hallgate
Astley Village
Chorley
Lancashire
PR7 1NP

dogs : great dog walking spot

Pram accessibility: very good unless you leave the paths

Toilets: Near the hall

Sunny Hurst Woods, Darwen

2009-01-11T10:39:00.000-08:00

This was more or less our first proper day out since the new year what with the very cold weather of late and other new year obligations. With it finally warming up a few degrees, albeit still a chilly, grey, drizzly day - we set off for Sunny Hurst Park...it very quickly topped my list of favourite places to go!

Of course, taking into account how huge the woodlands were, we barely even scratched the surface. We walked for about a mile before turning back (due to a cranky toddler) and making our way back home so there is still much much more for us to see when we visit again.

Sunny Hurst Woods is an idyllic location, absolutely stunning with a vast array of wildlife, plantlife and water everywhere you look. Rivers, streams, waterfalls and ponds are everywhere and are perfect for doggy paddles and kiddie paddles too! Of course mid January isn't exactly bikini weather - still, not to be put off, my wellington clad children sloshed about through the shallow streams having a whale of a time.

There was plenty to keep the children occupied, looking for animals, playing 'pooh sticks' on the numerous bridges dotted around, looking for fish in the pond and even a quick swing on the swingset by the visitors centre.

There are walks for all abilities and some organised events throughout the year for people to participate in. I am thoroughly looking forward to visiting again in warmer weather with a picnic and being able to have a 'real' paddle in all those little streams!

Pram accessiblity: We followed a paved path for the duration of our walk which was ideal for pram access, however I have been reliably informed that if you want to be more adventurous & leave the main pathway it would be too steep and rocky to get a pushchair around so a backpack/front carrier would be preferable!

Dogs: Yes, perfect dog walking spot!

Toilets: Near the visitors centre

Address:Off Earnsdale Road, Darwen, BB3 0LA

Website: http://www.blackburn.gov.uk/

Witch Wood, Lytham

2009-01-10T12:03:00.000-08:00

This is a lovely place for a little nature walk as it contains a wide variety of plants and wildlife, you're almost guaranteed to run into several grey squirrels and lots of different birds and bugs. A direct path through the woodland alongside the train track in Lytham, it runs between lytham and Ansdell.

The woods take their name from the grave there that is inscribed The Witch. Died January 5th 1888.'
It is said to be the grave of a horse name The Witch who died in a riding accident...and if you are remotely interested in spooky stuff an the occult, rumour has it that people have witnessed a ghostly horse cantering through the woods in the past!

There are some picnic tables and benches in the woods, all carved out of logs in order to look authentic and natural so you could always stop halfway through and have a picnic if you were so inclined to do so (and weren't too nervous about the ghost horse pinching your carrots lol!)

Address: There is an entrance on the road which goes over the railway station in Lytham

Dogs; Yes, absolutely perfect place to take doggies!

Pram accessibility: Yes most of it is easy to get across with a pram but it may be slightly easier and less restricting to use a back carrier or front carrier.

Lytham Park

2009-01-10T11:45:00.001-08:00

Lytham Park recently underwent major transformation thanks to the combination of lottery funds and fundraising through various means.

It may not be quite as impressive as Withy grove Park in Bamber Bridge but it definitely comes a very close second on my children's list of favourite park areas. The play area itself is seperated into two areas, one for toddlers and one for older children. As well as the usual swings, slides, bouncy things etc, there is also a zip line, various outdoor exercise equipment & ramps for skateboarding, bmxing etc.

Alongside the playgrounds there is a huge expanse of grassy play areas with concrete paths ideal for riding your bike or scooter along and plenty of grass for the dog to run around on, for kite flying, football playing, cricket. There are even picnic benches scattered around so if the mood takes you, you can pack up some goodies and make an afternoon of it. (My picnic mad children have talked me into this many times!) and there is a small shelter in the toddler park with benches inside for those unexpected showers of rain that Britain is notorious for! Sunny days will usually ensure the presence of an ice cream van and it is in close proximity to the local shops.

Address: Mythop Rd, Lytham

Toilets: Portaloos are sometimes there

Dogs : Not on the play areas but welcome on the playing fields.

Pram accessiblility: Very good

Cedar Farm Galleries

2009-01-04T12:48:00.000-08:00

This is a pretty peculiar place in my humble opinion (and humble it is!) - of course unusual isn't bad per se but it was unfortunate that we arrived there on a monday (should have checked the opening times first as they are tues -sun 10-5pm) and consequently most of the amenities were closed.

It is certainly an interesting concept and I would definitely visit again at a time when everything was open but luckily when we went it was en route to visit a relative, I am not entirely sure that I would drive all that way JUST to visit Cedar Farm Galleries itself!

The location is stunning! A small, lush village called Mawdseley, just outside Ormskirk, if I had won the lottery that weekend I would have been putting in an offer on any house in that village lol - beautiful :) The place itself is an old farm where the buildings have been converted into places to sell British crafts and also an activity centre 'The Pig Barn' which includes Thomas Higham Beauty Treatment Studio, Pots of Fun, Wickerfish Art Studio and a General Courses Room.
Regular exhibitions are held, promoting British art and craft work from around the country.

There is a cafe there too which boasts home made food using fresh and locally sourced produce. This was unfortunately closed when we visited too so we were unable to check it out, as was the art gallery and the food shop.

However, there are animals there which were certainly enough entertainment for my 3 year old an 30 odd year old (who are never happier than when they have a goat nibbling their fingers!). You can buy food to feed some of them..however..once again - not if you go when they're closed lol a the food is sold in one of the shops. In addition to this we did find a sign for an outdoor play area...we just couldn't see the way to get to it so the children didn't get to sample that at all. Whether it was our own stupidity which prevented us from finding it or whether it was only accessible through a building I am not sure...either way, we didn't get to see it !

Pram accessible: Yes but I am not sure I would dare push a pram around the small craft shops as I would be scared of knocking everything over.

Address:Cedar Farm, Back Lane, Mawdesley,
Ormskirk, Lancashire, L40 3SY.

Website: http://www.cedarfarm.net/cgi-bin/cedar.pl?status=find_us.html

Cuerden Valley Country Park

2008-12-30T02:07:00.000-08:00

Another beautiful location and a perfect spot for a picnic, bike ride, leisurely walk and a lovely place to paddle when the weather permits. The park is close to Preston, Chorley and Leyland and spreads across a whopping 650 acres!

Once again, this is a place I have visited on more than one occasion and have still yet to come close to exploring the whole park!

There is an abundance of wildlife there to investigate including dragonflies, newts, kingfishers, butterflies, foxes, horses and you may even spot a roe deer if you're fortunate.

The stream by the main picnic area is a huge hit with dogs an children alike (although not with MY dog specifically lol who is a huge wuss and afraid of water!) and in the height of summer there is usually an ice cream stall set up there so you can sit with your picnic, have a paddle and cool down with a tasty cornet.

There is also plenty of space in the picnic area to play football or frisbee and there is a visitors centre where you can visit to obtain more information about what is going on at the park, a cycle route through the park an no less than FIVE free car parks!

Public toilets are available in the visitors centre.

Pram accessibility: First time we went we took the back pack for the baby but most of the paths were very easy to push the pram along so we have taken that since. There may be some areas which are inaccessible with a pram but I have yet to come across them.

Website: http://www.cuerdenvalleypark.org.uk/index.htm

Location: Cuerden Valley Park is located south of Bamber Bridge, Lancashire, between the A6 at Clayton‑le‑Woods and the A49. It extends as far south as Whittle-le-Woods.

dogs: yes

Worden Park, Leyland

2008-12-28T12:40:00.000-08:00

This is actually pretty high up on my list of favourite places to go with the children. I have been there several times now and still haven't had chance to explore the whole place!

There is a nice park area where the kids can play, swings, slides, climbing frames, sand and plenty of other things to see and do there. The woodlands are beautiful to stroll through in autumn and a perfect place for a walk with the dog and there is a large pond where you can feed the ducks (so don't forget to take some bread for them!) It's a bit of a paradise for any nature lovers!

The woodland area was actually far more extensive than I anticipated so be warned if you have little ones with you - there is quite a lot of walking. However they can usually be distracted by the various birds, squirrels, ducks etc that you may encounter on your wander through the woods.

In addition to the woods there are extensive grass areas where you can play football etc, plenty of room to throw down a picnic blanket and bask in the sunshine (what little we get in Britain!), formal gardens, a conservatory, a visitors centre which often runs events of the crafty variety in the school holidays etc and it's a great place to ride a bike, scooter or bomb around on those weird trainer things with wheels lol!

You could easily spend the whole day here, especially in nice weather and it's a beautiful place for a stroll in the autumn, taking in all the colours of the trees in the woods etc. I haven't yet visited Worden Park in the summer but I am certainly looking forward to packing up a picnic once the summer hols come round and spending the day chasing a football around the pitch with my 4 kids (and football crazy dog).

Pram accessibility: Very good, even the woodland trail was easy enough to push the pram around.

Dogs: Yes - they aren't allowed on the kids play area but everywhere else is a dog heaven!

Public toilets : Yes - they have toilets there...and what's more they are pretty clean too!!

Location: Worden Lane, Leyland, Lancashire, PR25 3DH

Old Holly Farm, Garstang

2008-12-28T12:01:00.000-08:00

Old Holly Farm is a small working farm located in Garstang and is completely free to visit. You can walk around the courtyard and visit the calf shed (food can be purchased to feed the calves from the small gift/farm shop there for abut 50p a bag) and they will feed straight from your hands. All the while you will probably find hens (definitely free range!) clucking around your ankles, waiting to catch the bits of food you drop! They also have some goats (you are not allowed to feed those though...although get close enough and they'll usually have a go at nibbling your coat or scarf or anything else that dangles close enough to them!)

There are also baby chicks, guinea pigs, bunnies and a loudly snoring pig to visit!

They have ride on tractors for the children to drive around (again free) and they also have a play barn inside with ball ponds and soft play areas. This, however is not free but as it isn't clearly visible from outside, it is entirely possible to go there without the kids ever even noticing that it exists. (It costs about £4 a child).

In addition to the farm animals and play barn there is also the afore mentioned farm/gift shop and a tea rooms too which serves fresh food and great coffee! The food is delicious and reasonably priced and the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly with magazines to peruse while you wait and a small basket of toys for the kids to play with. There is also a recently added wooden play area outdoors for the children.

Accessible with prams: Yes, you can get them around the courtyard, they may take up a bit of room in the tea room though.

Dogs: No

Website: http://www.oldhollyfarm.com/

Location: Cabus Nook Lane, Cabus - just off the A6 Garstang

Penny Farm (World Horse Welfare), nr Blackpool

2008-12-28T11:41:00.001-08:00

Penny Farm (or World Horse Welfare as it has now been renamed) is always a huge hit with my children. It is a horse sanctuary, caring for horses who have been mistreated or whose owners can no longer care for them and is open to the public for FREE!

They have guided tours by a volunteer who will take you around the stables, explain the work that the sanctuary does and introduce each horse to you and tell you a bit about it's background. You can stroke and pet most of the horses and see where they are groomed, exercised and treated etc. At the end of the tour you are usually given the option to take a walk around the paddocks at your leisure and then you can go to the coffee shop to grab a hot drink and home made cake or perhaps an ice lolly or cold drink in the summer! There is also a small gift shop, second hand book shelf and an information area where you can learn more about the excellent work they do and the children can do a bit of colouring for a competition.

At halloween there is usually a party there (once again free) which we attended this (or last if you are reading this after the first of Jan lol) year and had a fabulous time. All the children dress up and play games and generally have a lovely time. They also have an open day in the summer and a Christmas event and run birthday parties for children throughout the year if you are looking for something a 'little bit different'.

Pram accessibility: Good - you can easily push a pram around the stables although larger prams may take up quite a bit of space in the small tea room

Dogs: No

Opening times: Open all year round (except Christmas day to New Years Day ) Saturdays, Sundays, Wednesdays and Bank Holidays between 11am and 4pm

Website: http://www.ilph.org/farm_details.asp?farmid=2

Location: Leave M6 at Junction 32 (M55). At Junction 4 follow brown tourist signs onto A583 towards Preston. Bear left at B&Q roundabout and ILPH Penny Farm is on the right.

For directions to plan your visit to Penny Farm please visit Multimap and enter in the Farm's postcode "FY4 5JS".

Bamber Bridge Mega Park (Withy Grove Park)

2008-12-27T02:16:00.001-08:00

I thought I would start with here as we visited as recently as yesterday. This place is a park of epic proportions! Absolutely huge by anyone's standards (well the biggest one I have ever visited anyway, I am sure there may be bigger one elsewhere).

There is something for everyone here and it caters for all ages groups and abilities. From large sandpits for the babies... to skate ramps for the tweens and teens, there's a little bit of something to keep everyone entertained. (And of course if you go when it is quiet, mum and dad can have a go on a few things too...hmmm..can you tell that me and my husband have done that!!!?)

My children have nicknamed this the 'Turtle Park' on the basis of the huge 'turtle shell' like swings which can pretty much fit your entire family in! On busy days there is often a bit of a wait for these popular swings but yesterday it was very quiet and the kids were able to spend quite a bit of time on them.

Other features of the park include zip line, tube slides, regular swings, roundabout and swings for disabled children and a large 'desert island' play area designed with toddlers in mind. My one year old did get bored pretty quickly as the only real option open to her was the baby/toddler swings - however in the summer months there is far more fun to be had for little ones as they can take their buckets and spades and sit in the sand and dig to their hearts content.

I would highly recommend this park for parents with children of any ages, you can easily pass a couple of hours here and for those with older kids, why not take a book and sit on one of the many benches there and relax while they play!

Pram accessibility: Excellent

Dogs allowed: Not on the park itself of course but you can walk your dog in the surrounding field.

Toilet: There are portaloos available next to the park - granted they are pretty grim so I would recommend going before you leave the house...but they're handy for emergencies (just hold your nose and wear your wellies!

Address:
Brindle Road
Bamber Bridge
Preston
Lancashire
PR5 6YH

What's it all about?

2008-12-27T00:29:00.000-08:00

As a mother of four I used to sometimes tear my hair out trying to figure out where to go during the school holidays because 'there's nothing to do round here'. Being cooped up indoors for days or weeks on end with four bored children is no fun for anyone and as anyone who has more than one child knows, it gets very expensive going to all these indoor play areas, or even a lot of the little farms etc around here...with four you'd need a second mortgage in order to cover the costs of entry fees every day of the school hols (and all those with school age kids will know there are a LOT of school holidays!).

With this in mind, I started to investigate whether my assumption that there was nothing to do near me was actually true.......or whether I just wasn't looking hard enough (or at all). Turns out, I WAS wrong! Lancashire has a lot more to offer than I originally anticipated. Recently my children and I have managed to have lots of fun days out for either free or very little money...and they got in plenty of exercise and fresh air to boot, what more could you want?

So, with this in mind, I decided to put together a blog of 'our adventures!' I was getting my ideas of places to go from a wide variety of places so I thought it might be nice for other people to find a lot of information in one place. I will start by reviewing some of the places I have visited in the past few months and then update regularly with new places I have explored! Of course this will all be entirely subjective...and some of the places that me and my family love may not be you cup of tea but I will aim to be as informative as possible and hope that some people may find my ramblings useful :O)