What's On in Lancashire

The Magic Of Middle-earth

Venue: The Atkinson

Address: Southport

Website: theatkinson.co.uk/exhibition/the-magic-of-middle-earth/

The Magic Of Middle-earth takes visitors on a journey beyond the books to explore Tolkien's expansive artistic legacy. Discover stunning paintings, incredible sculptures, even Middle-earth themed Lego...

Summer Diesel Gala

Venue: The East Lancashire Railway

Address: Bolton Street Station, Bury, Lancashire

Website: www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk/events-activities/summer-diesel-gala/

Gleaming diesel locomotives, gorgeous sun-drenched days (hopefully) and soothing summer evenings. It’s the East Lancashire Railway’s Summer Diesel Gala. See and ride behind your favourite engines from...

Classic & Performance Motor Show

Venue: Leighton Hall

Address: Carnforth, Lancashire

Website: www.leightonhall.co.uk/DB/events-diary/classic-and-performance-motor-show

Hundreds of vintage vehicles, performance and classic cars on display on Leighton’s lawn and terrace. Arena commentary and the ever-popular auto jumble. A great family day out. Tickets can be booked...

Spot’s Birthday Party

Venue: The Atkinson

Address: Lord St, Southport

Website: www.theatkinson.co.uk/events/spots-birthday-party/

Spot is having a very special birthday party, and you’re invited! Based on the beloved Eric Hill classic Happy Birthday Spot, this brand-new adaptation brings your favourite pup and his friends to life...

Dino Fest 2025

Venue: Market Square

Address: Lancaster

Website: lancasterbid.org/events/dino-fest-2024/

Dino Fest comes roaring back into Lancaster city centre on 12th and 13th July. In honour of Sir Richard Owen, the Lancaster Local and palaeontologist who donned the word ‘dinosaur’, they celebrate...

Disney’s Aladdin JR. (A Chorley Youth Theatre Production)

Venue: Chorley Theatre

Address: Dole Lane, Chorley, Lancashire

Website: chorleytheatre.com/whats-on/

Ring bells! Bang the drums! Chorley Youth Theatre presents an exciting stage adaptation of the legendary tale of the lovable thief with the heart of gold. With new, colourful characters and non-stop adventure,...

Jitterbug and Jive: Family Dance Workshop

Venue: Sir Ken Dodd Learning Space, Showtown Blackpool

Address: (Entrance) Corner of Adelaide Street West and Bank Hey Street, Blackpool

Website: www.showtownblackpool.co.uk/whats-on/family-activities/jitterbug-and-jive-family-dance-workshop

Get into the swing of 1940s Blackpool with this Jitterbug and Jive Workshop. Learn the moves that brought the ballrooms to life and lifted the morale of residents, visitors and workers. Perfect for the...

Princesses and Pirates Day

Venue: The West Lancashire Light Railway

Address: Station Road, Hesketh Bank

Website: www.westlancsrailway.org/special-events

A fun day with a pirate galleon, beautiful princesses and horrid pirates. With face painting, magician, live steam pirate model railway, and 'Fireman's Shovel' food wagon and tearoom. Plus free train travel...

Summer of Play at Rufford Old Hall

Venue: Rufford Old Hall

Address: near Ormskirk, Lancashire

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/liverpool-lancashire/rufford-old-hall/events/

Every day during summer opening times (Fri-Tues) enjoy an abundance of garden games and self-led activities. Escape to the Orchard Paddock and take part in free sports activities including cricket, rounders,...

The Big Butterfly Count 2025

Venue: Nationwide

Website: bigbutterflycount.org

By taking part in Butterfly Conservation's Big Butterfly Count - a UK wide survey, you can help assess the health of the environment simply by counting butterflies. Add your counts on the website or via...

Blackpool Colour Run

Venue: Starr Gate Beach

Website: www.blackpoolcolourrun.co.uk

Get ready to paint the beach as Blackpool Colour Run returns this July. By taking part in Blackpool Colour Run and raising sponsorship, you’ll be helping local people who need dedicated hospice care...

Minions

Venue: The East Lancashire Railway

Address: Bolton Street Station, Bury, Lancashire

Website: www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk/events-activities/minions/

The mischievous Minions are taking over the Bury Transport Museum. Go and meet Kevin and Bob on Saturday 19th July. They’ll be appearing at intervals throughout the day in the fantastic Bury Transport...

Pride in the Park

Venue: The Whitaker Park

Address: Rossendale

Website: www.thewhitaker.org/whats-on-article/professional-development-for-artists/pride-2/

Head to The Whitaker Park (11am - 3pm) for a free, family-friendly day of activities to celebrate the colourful community in Rossendale. There will be something for everyone to enjoy and lots of information...

The Lancashire Festival

Venue: Preston City Centre, Avenham and Miller Park

Website: www.thelancashirefestival.co.uk

The ultimate family day festival in the heart of Preston! Celebrating live music, arts and culture at Avenham and Miller Park! 19th July from 11am till 8pm. See website for more details. #LANCSFEST25

Summer at East Lancashire Railway

Venue: East Lancashire Railway

Address: Bury, Lancashire

Website: www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk/summer-at-the-east-lancashire-railway/

East Lancashire Railway welcomes its friends from the Funcast Character Company, the Wizards of the Wizard Academy, the dinky Dinos of Dino Adventure, the characters of Wonderland and a crew of vile villains....

You Are The Sun

Venue: RHS Garden Bridgewater

Website: www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/rhs-garden-bridgewater/

HurlyBurly Theatre presents 'You are the Sun', a folk inspired opera for babies and grown-ups that explores the magic of nature. Combining the joy of gentle classical singing and sensory play, it is an...

Summer Toddler Party

Venue: Thornton Hall Country Park

Address: Thornton in Craven, Near Skipton, Thornton in Craven, Lancashire, BD23 3TS

Website: thorntonhallfarm.co.uk/event/summer-toddler-party-2/2025-07-21/

Visit Thornton Hall Farm to kickstart the summer holidays! With soft play, summer crafts, animal petting, foam zone, bottle feeding, party games and more.

Festival of Fun

Venue: Thornton Hall Country Park

Address: Thornton in Craven, Near Skipton, Thornton in Craven, Lancashire, BD23 3TS

Website: thorntonhallfarm.co.uk/event/festival-of-fun-summer-holidays/2025-07-23/

Your ticket unlocks a world of fun for kids and grown-ups alike, from hands-on animal encounters at the farm to burning off energy in their five star soft play! The Festival of Fun is packed with non-stop...

Summer Holiday Fun at RHS Garden Bridgewater

Venue: RHS Garden Bridgewater

Website: www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/bridgewater/whats-on/summer-holidays

Go wild in the woods this summer! Head to their woodland basecamp for six weeks of hands-on fun and outdoor challenges, from epic den building and forest school workshops to woodland crafts, tree climbing,...

A Summer of Fun with Affinity Lancashire

Venue: Affinity Lancashire in Fleetwood

Website: www.affinitylancashire.com

Explore their fantastic range of free family events including their Minecraft Day on Saturday 26th July when you can meet Steve and have some gaming fun, plus their Wicked Weekend over August Bank Holiday...

Farm and Soft Play

Venue: Thornton Hall Country Park

Address: Thornton in Craven, Near Skipton, Thornton in Craven, Lancashire

Website: thorntonhallfarm.co.uk/event/farm-and-soft-play-summer-holidays/2025-07-28/

Visit for farm and soft play fun every Monday and Tuesday throughout the summer! Your visit includes full-day access to the farm (10am – 4:30pm) and soft play/diner access at your chosen time slot. The...

Seashore Detectives

Venue: North Beach

Address: St Annes, Clifton Drive North, Lytham St Annes, Lancashire

Website: www.lancswt.org.uk/events/2025-07-29-seashore-detectives

Visit for an exciting adventure as you become seashore detectives, exploring the diverse ecosystems of the Fylde coast. Discover exciting marine species to see if you can identify and learn about them,...

Family Month August

Venue: Leighton Hall

Address: Carnforth, Lancashire

Website: www.leightonhall.co.uk/DB/events-diary/family-month-august

Extended opening times to welcome families to the Hall and extra activities for children to enjoy. There’s also time to take a woodland walk, follow the Tree Face Trail, climb on the play area, enjoy...

Garstang Show 2025

Venue: The Garstang Showfield

Address: Off Green Lane East, Garstang, Preston, Lancashire

Website: www.garstangshow.org

Garstang Show always has and always will be about community. Watch the action in the Main Ring, shop delicious local produce in the Food Hall and see beautiful floral displays and handmade crafts in the...

Mini Makers: Summer Seaside

Venue: The Whitaker

Address: Haslingden Road, Rossendale

Website: www.thewhitaker.org/whats-on-article/family-activities/mini-makers-summer-seaside/

Join them as they celebrate the summer with seaside themed crafts! Sessions at 11am and 1pm.

Summer Gala

Venue: The West Lancashire Light Railway

Address: Station Road, Hesketh Bank

Website: www.westlancsrailway.org/special-events

The big event of the year, the two-day summer steam gala! They bring all your favourite attractions into one event! Three engines in steam, model railway display, and traditional games. Plus free vintage...

Rockpool Ramble

Venue: Blackpool Sea Wall

Address: Blackpool, Lancs

Website: www.lancswt.org.uk/events/2025-08-04-rockpool-ramble

Join in on the Rockpool Ramble to explore the weird and wonderful creatures inhabiting the rockpools along Blackpool's sea wall. Prepare to be mystified by the intriguing lives of the creatures you discover,...

Early Years in Summer

Venue: The Whitaker

Address: Haslingden Road, Rossendale

Website: www.thewhitaker.org/whats-on-article/family-activities/early-years-in-summer/

These play based sessions are designed specifically for parents, grandparents and carers to enjoy time with their little ones. The Early Years team provide everything you need to allow your child to lead...

Pond Dipping and Explore the Walled Garden

Venue: Gawthorpe Hall

Address: Near Burnley, Lancashire

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/liverpool-lancashire/gawthorpe-hall/events/

Explore nature in Gawthorpe Hall's grounds and see what you can discover. See what minibeasts you can find in the pond, have a go at snail racing, explore the Walled Garden and enjoy some nature inspired...

Create your own Wellington Aircraft Model

Venue: Sir Ken Dodd Learning Space, Showtown Blackpool

Address: (Entrance) Corner of Adelaide Street West and Bank Hey Street, Blackpool

Website: www.showtownblackpool.co.uk/whats-on/family-activities/create-your-own-wellington-aircraft

Join them for this family fun craft session, as they celebrate the amazing aircraft that helped to win the Second World War. Design and build your own Vickers Wellington to take home with you and learn...

Family Fun Afternoon

Venue: Gawthorpe Hall

Address: Near Burnley, Lancashire

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/liverpool-lancashire/gawthorpe-hall/events/

Enjoy some fun summer activities! Have a go with their croquet set, play with the garden games and make giant bubbles. Next, explore the mobile library and listen to a story, get creative making your own...

The Wizard and The Mechanic

Venue: The Whitaker

Address: Rossendale

Website: www.thewhitaker.org/whats-on-article/family-activities/the-wizard-and-the-mechanic/

Using masks, puppets, and ridiculous physicality, the Wizard and the Mechanic will guide you on a magical and very silly quest to finish their story. No one knows how it will all go, but it's certain to...

Great Gawthorpe Gnome Hunt

Venue: Gawthorpe Hall

Address: Near Burnley, Lancashire

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/liverpool-lancashire/gawthorpe-hall/events/

The Great Gawthorpe Gnomes have run off and hidden in the flowerbeds – how many can you spot? Collect your quiz sheet and clipboard at the front of the Hall and explore the lawns, flowerbeds and shrubbery...

Brockholes Village Fete

Venue: Brockholes Nature Reserve

Address: Preston, Lancashire

Website: www.lancswt.org.uk/events/2025-08-23-brockholes-village-fete

Back by popular demand and bigger than ever! This August bank holiday weekend visit Brockholes for three whole days of village fete fun. This summer celebration will take place in stunning natural surroundings,...

Lowther’s Food & Drink Festival 2025

Venue: Lowther Pavilion Theatre & Gardens

Address: Lancashire

Website: lowtherpavilion.co.uk/shows/lowthers-food-drink-festival-2025/

Visit over Bank Holiday Weekend as they transform the gardens with their very best food and drink stalls! You can also expect free family entertainment, the Creative Crafts Association Marquee and more....

Home Education Day at RHS Garden Bridgewater

Venue: RHS Garden Bridgewater

Website: www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/rhs-garden-bridgewater/

Hands-on sessions for home-educated children from 4 to 11 years. Through interactive learning, these workshops explore a range of topics from how plants grow, to where our food comes from, and how plants...

Pride in Nature

Venue: RHS Garden Bridgewater

Website: www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/rhs-garden-bridgewater/

Now in its 4th year, Pride In Nature 2025 looks to build on the success of previous events and celebrate all things LGBTQIA+ in the beautiful natural environment. During the day there will be a host...

Working Engines Gala

Venue: The West Lancashire Light Railway

Address: Station Road, Hesketh Bank

Website: www.westlancsrailway.org/special-events

The big parade of the little engines!​ Full passenger steam train timetable, and the Hudswell mines diesel. Demonstration diesel freight trains, drive-a-diesel, live steam model railways, Meccano display,...

Love Lancaster Live

Venue: Market Square

Address: Lancaster

Website: lancasterbid.org/events/love-lancaster-live/

A weekend of live music taking place throughout Lancaster city centre. Over 50 venues will host performances alongside a packed schedule of live local acts performing a free show in Market Square to ensure...