Travel Information

14th 20th Kings Hussars Museum

Open hours:
Mon Tues Wed Sat
1030-1700
Closed Thurs Sun and Bank holidays

General information (Tel) : 01772 264 075
General information (Fax) : 01772 264 079

14th 20th Kings Hussars Museum
Stanley Street
Preston
PR1 4YP
Lancashire
England

20 Forthlin Road is the childhood home of Sir Paul McCartney. It is a must for every Beatles fans out there. The Beatles rehearsed some of their early songs there and you can see how this building played an important part in Britain’s popular music culture.

20 Forthlin Road
Allerton
Liverpool
Lancashire
L24 1YP

Georgian house and former home of Liverpool photographer Edward Chambré Hardman.

Mr Hardman’s Photographic Studio
59 Rodney Street
Liverpool
Lancashire
L1 9EX
Telephone: 0151 709 6261

If you are in the North West of England on the M6, leave at junction 27 and follow the A49 Preston route. Look out for the brown signs when you reach the village of Euxton and make your way to Astley Hall Museum and Art Gallery. This is a magnificent house and features in Simon Jenkins book ‘Britain’s Best 1,000 Houses’. You will find yourself in the presence of stunning and spectacular architecture here. The hall dates back to Elizabethan times and many a plot or story about religious turmoil surrounds this place.  The Hall is now the town’s museum with some interesting collections and local items of historical significance. The Hall also has a nice café which is just the place to get that much needed cup of tea and coffee plus cake. It is situated within the coach House opposite the hall. The coach house also houses an art gallery. Heritage Lottery Fund and Chorley Council have recently provided the funding to renovate the Park, Coach House and Walled Garden. Parking is free and available in Astley Village car park which is at the rear of the Hall. There is a 300m walk from the car park to the front door of Astley Hall. The Landscaped grounds include a stream running through a ravine and a small lake and a 17th century ha-ha. If you are in this area in Lancashire in your Northern England Motorhome Hire this is a great place to visit. For more details click the blue text below.

Astley Hall Museum
Astley Park
Chorley
Lancashire
PR7 1NP
United Kingdom

Telephone: 01257 515151

Blackpool Airport is a minor international airport on the outskirts of Blackpool on the Fylde coast in Lancashire, North West England. It opened in 1909, and grew for the most part during the World War II when it was used for the production of Vickers, Wellington bombers, and then in the fifties for Hawker Hunter jet attack aircraft.

Jet2.com, Manx2 and Ryanair are the principal airlines presently utilising Blackpool Airport providing international destinations such as Tenerife, Alicante and Ibiza.

After arriving, enjoy your Blackpool Airport motorhome hire and have the freedom to explore the North West as you choose to.

On the way from Chipping , two miles from the village on the road from Chipping to Dunsop Bridge Road, find Bowland Wild Boar Park in the forest of Bowland.  Not just wild Boar can be seen here. Deer, Long Horned cows, Llamas, Goats plus quite a lot for younger children to do, including a tractor barrel ride. Leave your Motorhome in the car park and take a picnic on a sunny day; alternatively there is also a new café on site offering teas and light meals etc. With 30 acres of woodland to explore you can let the youngsters stretch their legs with as much walking as you would wish. Your Lancashire Motorhome Hire is the ideal transport for your entire family and an excellent place to return to when those legs get too tired to walk further. End your day with a short drive to a local camp site or drive further a field. Your Lancashire Motorhome Hire affords you the freedom to travel where you will. Bowland Wild Boar Park will be a fun day out if you love animals, walking and wildlife. Be sure to check their website prior to planning your visit to check opening times and admission prices.

Bowland Wild Boar Park
Chipping
Preston
Lancashire
PR3 2QT

Tel: 01995 61554

Chester Cathedral is a great place to visit whilst touring around Cheshire in a camper van. Chester Cathedral dates back almost 2000 years, and has origins in a prehistoric Druid’s temple. Records show that a church was founded on the site in 660. At Chester Cathedral you can witness a fine display of medieval wood carvings, the 200 year old “Cobweb Picture” depicting the Virgin Mary with child, and the ecclesiastical court which is the only remaining one of its kind in the UK.

A very pleasant cafe gives you the chance to relax during your visit.

12 Abbey Square
Chester
CH1 2HU.
Tel:(44) 01244 324756

Located in Park land next to the Edisford Riverside Picnic and Recreation area, this is a lovely campsite which is sloping in parts (chocks will be required). It is south of the Bowland Forest and the Ribble Valley Sculpture Trail which exhibits the work of local artists. The River Ribble runs along side the site and affords some lovely walks. If you are a keen fisherman ask at the campsite reception for information on day permits for fishing. If you are doing all your own cooking whilst on holiday,l ocal suppliers will provide local produce, try Bashall Barn which also includes a small-scale brewery. The Edisford Bridge pub serves meals using local produce. Take a trip out to see  Clitheroe Castle which has £2m from the Heritage Lottery Fund for its restoration. In total, £3.2m will be spent on the Castle, making it the biggest heritage project in Ribble Valley’s history. Clitheroe town is a mile and a half away and has plenty of shops and places to eat out. From here you can take a train ride into Manchester with excellent shopping facilities and several interesting museums, including the Imperial War Museum North. The children will love a day out at Knowsley Safari Park which is not far away and is home to lions, tigers and a baboon jungle. Visiting Lancashire in your Campervan Rental is the best way to see the counties attractions. For more information on the facilities at this campsite click on the blue text below.

Clitheroe Camping and Caravanning Club Site
Edisford Road
Clitheroe
Lancashire
BB7 3LA

Telephone: 01200 425294 (No calls after 8pm please.)

The children are sure to be thrilled with a visit to Farmer Teds Farem Park which is situated on the on the B5195 between Ormskirk and Formby. If you are approaching from the M58 or M57 it is only another ten minute driving to get to the farm and the family will find it well worth the trip if you are touring in the north of England. In 2008 the site won the Blackpool and Lancashire Tourist Board Award and a year later in 2009 it scooped the National Farm Attraction Award. Apart from plenty of animals and creatures of all sizes to see, there is a lot on offer here. Whether the weather is wet or dry there are indoor and outdoor attractions. There are tractor rides including tractors for very small children, barrel rides and adventure playgrounds and a sand pit. You are also likely to see flying displays of trained Birds of Prey which take place twice a day.They are owned by Paul Walters who may also allow some spectators to interact with these special birds. The site has a restaurant selling local produced and cooked food as well as a farm shop. They state they pride themselves in being able to cater for all sorts of diets, so if you are unsure ask for advice. The farm shop sells homemade sausages and everything you might expect from a local butcher. This is a very family friendly place and with this in mind it may be just the treat the children will welcome whilst on your driving in the north of England on your Lancashire Motorhome Hire holiday. The site is closed on tuesdays and it is always wise to check opening times and admission prices prior to setting out. For more detailed information click the blue text below.

Farmer Teds Farm Park
Flatman’s Lane
Downholland
Ormskirk
Lancashire
L39 7HW
England

Tel: 0151 526 0002

Gawthorpe Hall is a magnificent Elizabethan manor house set in the lovely Lancashire countryside. It has an eminent history, starting life as a pele tower built in the 14th century and used defensively against marauding Scots from the north. The Elizabethan property was constructed around the original tower and was then later redesigned by Sir Charles Barry in 1850, he then went on to design the Houses of Parliament. The hall being administered by the National Trust  still contains a myriad of fascinating artifacts and antiques and houses an important collection of needlework, lace and costume. Amongst its famous visitors is Charlotte Bronte, who as a friend of the family spent some time at the Hall. In the grounds there are many lovely woodland walks and if you are a budding twitcher there are some fantastic bird spotting opportunities as the wood is home to both woodpeckers and tree creepers. The on site café is very pleasant and sells a good selection of light snacks and cakes and will be just the thing after a stroll in the fresh Lancashire air. Gawthrope Hall is easy to find off the M65. Take exit 8 and follow signs to Clitheroe and Padiham. There is plenty of room once there to park your Lancashire motorhome rental. For further information and opening times, please click on the blue link below.

Gawthorpe Hall
Burnley Road
Padiham
Near Burnley
BB12 8UA

Telephone: 01282 771004

Hoghton Tower is a true baronial property set 650 feet above sea level in the heart of Lancashire. It consists of two inner courtyards and features a castellated gatehouse. It enjoys a rarified position with far reaching views towards the Lake District and North Wales. You cannot fail to be impresses by the mile long drive way which leads up to the grade 1 listed manor. Indeed it is said that at one time the original even longer drive was covered in a red carpet to welcome James I nearly costing the family their fortune. Folklore is also responsible for the story that on this royal visit to the house James I was so impressed with the loin of beef served at dinner that he took out his sword and knighted it Sir Loin thus coining the term Sirloin. Perhaps this story is hard to verify as true, but it is a nice little tale attached to the property. It is the ancestral home of the de Hoghton family who has a historically famous lineage, being descended from both William the Conqueror and Lady Godiva. Visitors to the tower over the centuries have included William Shakespeare, Charles Dickens, JMW Turner and the present Duke of Edinburgh. When visiting the tower you will receive a tour which includes the banqueting hall, the state room and the Minstrels Gallery. You will also get to see the magnificent collection of Dolls Houses and the spooky dungeons of this reputedly haunted property. If you are interested in visiting this property whilst traveling in your Lancashire motorhome rental, please be advised to check visiting hours prior to your arrival. There are often interesting and unusual events held at Hoghton, for further information on these or about the opening hours please click the blue link below.

Hoghton Tower  
Hoghton
Nr. Preston
Lancashire
PR5 0SH

Telephone: 01254 852 986

Until March 2011 Lancaster Castle was used by the Crown Court and it was also used as a Category C Prison. Parts of the building are open to the public and they are particularly macabre and interesting. Just the place to visit on your  Northern England Motorhome hire  holiday on a dark and stormy day! A guided tour will take you through these rooms. Quite a lot of people were tried, convicted and executed at Lancaster which is a sobering thought. Of course, some were acquitted, but maybe their stories are not as fascinating as the truly evil murderers who would have died here. Some died, who may have been innocent, including people named as witches, who years ago were tried here and went to the gallows on the moors above the town. All of this makes chilling and scary discovery. Perhaps the most thought provoking area here is the Drop Room, Prisoners were brought here to prepare for their final journey through the doorway to the scaffold. You can also see the great bell which tolled every time an execution took place as a mark of respect for the states justice. Lancaster Castle stands above the town of Lancaster on a hill above the River Lune. There is an admission charge. Always telephone before setting out in your Northern England Motorhome Hire as opening times can vary.

Lancaster Castle
The Shire Hall
Castle Parade
Lancaster
LA1 1YJ

Tel: 0152464998

Whilst exploring Lancashire in a campervan, a trip to Leighton Hall is recommended. Recently open to the public, Leighton Hall is a historic house and home to the renowned Gillow family, famous for their fine furniture craftsmanship.

In addition to the stunning architecture which includes fabulous Gothic towers, Leighton Hall also has extensive gardens spanning 1550 acres with woodland walks and attractive flowers.

In 2002 Leighton Hall was the filming location for Possession, which starred Hollywood A-lister Gwyneth Paltrow. Scenes from the 1945 classic Brief Encounter were also shot at the Hall.

Leighton Hall
Carnforth
Lancashire
LA5 9ST

Tel: +44 (0)1524 734474
Email: infor@leightonhall.co.uk

This bunker played a big part of the winning of the Battle of the Atlantic, its role being to ensure the successful delivery of supplies and equipment into wartime Britain from the sea. Situated near the Town Hall.

Liverpool War Museum Western Approaches
1-3 Rumford Street
Liverpool
L2 3SZ
Tel:151 227 2008

Manchester Airport opened in 1928 after several fugacious aerodrome developments in the early years of aviation from 1910 to 1919. These former aerodromes managed increasing air traffic from scheduled flights to London and South Shore at Blackpool via Birkdale Sands on the outskirts of Southport.

In 1929 Rackhouse in Wythenshawe opened as Manchester’s first municipal airfield. The location was atrocious and the ground shortly became waterlogged and larger planes had to be diverted to other airfields. Due to this problem, a new location was desperately required.

A fresh site was ascertained south west of the city at Ringwood. The airfield also housed aircraft manufacturer Fairey Aviation. The airfield acquired renown during World War II as an RAF base in addition to being a location for Britain’s Airborne Para Training facility. The prototype for the Lancaster Bomber achieved its commencing test flight from the Airbase.

After the war the civil aviation business began to boom. The Para training school buildings were modified to manage civil passengers and in the late 1950′s the runways were elongated to care for the greater commercial airlines.

By the early 1980′s Manchester Airport was intended for international long-haul flights to the Americas and Asia. A second terminal was constructed with complimentary rail and motorway links increasing the airport’s catchment area.

In 1988 Manchester International Airport celebrated its Golden Jubilee and 2006 Lufthansa commemorated 50 years of flights from Manchester Airport.

The airport has 3 terminals and is the 12th most in use airport within Europe. The popularity of Manchester Airport motorhome hire perhaps reflects this.

Whilst in the Manchester area in a motorhome search for a park and ride bus and try visiting Manchester Art Gallery to see one of the UK’s finest art collections. The art displayed at the Manchester Art Gallery is rich and diverse. See not only painted and drawn art, but take a look at the stunning gallery of costumes or the extensive decorative art exhibits featuring glass and metal work, ceramics and even dolls houses.

With such a varied collection of art on display there is something for everyone to enjoy at the Manchester Art Gallery, whether you are an art connoisseur or just looking for an interesting day out.

Manchester Art Gallery
Mosley Street
Manchester
M2 3JL
TEL:(44) 0161 235 8888

Manchester is a great base for motorhome hire, ideally positioned in the north of England for travel across several counties such as Lancashire, Cumbria and Yorkshire.

Manchester itself is host to many great visitor hot-spots. One of which is the Manchester Art Gallery, located in the city centre which is easily accessed by bus, tram and train from the surrounding area and nearby campsites.

There are many different collections on show at the gallery including Fine Art, Decorative Art and Costume displays. Many renowned artists are exhibited in the galleries such as Constable, Turner and Lowry.

There is also plenty of exciting entertainment on offer for children, in particular the Clore Interactive Gallery with many interactive games, stories and activities.

Entry to the museum is free for all visitors, perfect for saving money whilst enjoying a motorhome holiday in Manchester.

Manchester Art Gallery
Mosley Street
Manchester
M2 3JL

Telephone: +44 (0)161 235 8888
Fax: +44 (0) 161 274 7146

If you would like to explore the North of England then motorhome hire Manchester is a perfect place to start!

Once you have collected your motorhome hire Manchester you can begin your holiday. In the city of Manchester itself there are many exciting place to visit such as The Lowry, home to the collection of one of Manchester’s most famous artistic exports. In the nearby area you will find attractions like the Greater Manchester Museum of Transport, which displays artifacts from Manchester’s transport history including a famous Victorian horse-drawn bus.

But why stick to one place – in your motorhome hire Manchester you can quickly and easily set up camp in a new area and enjoy all it has to offer. In the north-west there is plenty more to explore such as Cumbria and the Lake District, which boasts some of the most scenic viewpoints in the UK and England’s largest National Park.

Depending on how long you wish to spend in your motorhome hire Manchester, you can even travel across to the north-east, up to Scotland, or down to explore the midlands and Wales. It’s up to you!

National Football Museum, offers the FIFA football collection, interactive, art, club and history galleries.

No visit to Blackpool would be complete without a visit to Nickelodean Land which is one of Britians largest tourist attractions. Here you can indulge in amazing roller coaster rides, swirling on swings or plunging down slopes into water splashes. All aimed to provide a thrilling experience. There are amazing and terrifying rides for the brave and adventurous as well as gentle and exciting rides geared for the younger members of the family. This is a colourful and vibrant adventure park for every member of the family to enjoy with something to entertain everyone. Think candy floss, toffee apples and all the fun of the fair and much much more. The site is huge ,spread over six acres and best seen at night when it is lit up like fairy land! You will find food outets, including the Big Pizza Kitchen. There are plenty of gift shops and souvenirs. You will find cashpoints, award winning toilets, car parks and burea de change. Children from teenagers to small toddlers will be talking about their visit for days afterwards and adults too will find the experience memorable. This is a place to get the adrenalin rushing round! Visit the site as part of your
Northern England Motorhome Hire touring holiday. For more information about the rides,events and opening times, click the blue text below.

Blackpool Pleasure Beach
Marketing Department,
525 Ocean Boulevard,
Blackpool,
Lancashire,
FY4 1EZ.

Telephone Enquiries Hotline: (Open daily from 9am – 7.00pm) 0871 222 1234

This is a rather glorious black and white timber framed buiding now owned by the National Trust who have preserved it for the nation. Entry by National trust members will be free and others pay an admission charge. If you are in northern England in Lancashire you can find the hall on the A59 road. If you are on the M6 take junction 27 off and follow signs for Parbold then on to Rufford. You dont need to go to Stratford upon Avon to see places connected with William Shakespeare either! Rufford Old Hall had William Shakespeare treading its boards long before he was famous. The hall was originally owned by the Hesketh Family and remained in family ownership for five hundred years. You can see how they may have lived as you stroll through their dinning room laid out for a meal with fine furniture, tapestries arms and armour lining the walls. The great Hall has a marvellous hammer beam roof with angels. A walk in the gardens is sure to delight if its a fine day. Here the victorian and edwardian gardens are the lowest lying National Trust gardens. They are a few feet above sea level.The garden also has a rather unique topiary sqirrel that is worth searching for. There is a great deal to see here both inside and outside the Hall. The picture postcard beauty of the hall itself is sure to excite the interest of budding photographers or young artists, so take along those cameras and sketch books. No house is worth visiting without a tea or coffee break and a nice cake and this is no exception. On hand is an excellent tea room for that cream tea or early morning coffee break. This is a pleasant and visually interesting building to spend some time visiting as part of yourtouring Lancashire Motorhome rental Holiday. Check opening times and admission prices prior to setting out.For more information click the blue text below.

Rufford Old Hall
200 Liverpool Road
Rufford
Near Ormskirk
Lancashire
L40 1SG
England

Telephone: 01704 821254

Of course there is a whole host of exciting activities that you can involve yourself in during a visit to Blackpool, but a visit to the Sea Life Centre is definitely not to be missed. There is a whole host of fascinating sea life on display from sea horses to sharks, but its not a question of just observing the creatures, the interactive rock pool areas allows visitors to get touchy feely with a whole host of animals. You can hold a crab or touch a star fish as well as learning about and observing a variety of shellfish. Most days there are several feeding demonstrations taking place; you can watch the sharks having their dinner or see the lovely gentle rays going about their daily routine. You will learn all about the animals and the challenges they face in the wild, as well as how they have adapted to life in the sea centre. Most of us would agree that sea horses are adorable and fascinating creatures and would hate to see this lovely creature become any more endangered than it is already, so it is great to know that the sea life centre is at the cutting edge of a captive breeding program for these animals. None of the centre’s sea horses have been taken from the wild and it is also hoped that they will be able to begin to reintroduce some of the stock that they have breed back into the worlds oceans at some point in the future The centre also actively participates in marine rescues and is responsible for the annual rescue and return to the ocean of over 100 seals a year on average. You will find the sea life centre in your Lancashire motorhome rental located on the promenade within the town centre. For further information or to book tickets, please click the blue link below.

Sea Life Centre
Blackpool
Promenade
Blackpool
Lancashire
FY1 5AA

Telephone: 01253 621258

Visiting this show is exciting enough for the colourful array of blooms and foliage on display. There is nothing quite like a visit to a flower show to inspire gardeners and lift the spirits of those of us that love flowers but don’t want the hard work of growing them. The floral displays are almost artistic living sculptures, bound to be beautiful, certainly worth time gazing at as you stroll around.  You may well wish to participate yourself by entering an amateur competition to showcase your prize exhibits and competing. The organizers would like to hear from you as the competition is open to everyone. Closing date for entries and further information is available on the Southport Show website. You may be a prize winner! Southport Flower show has grown into a large show of which flowers have become part of a much bigger event. There is a main arena with displays of Jousting, dog handling and much more. With over 200 trade stands and food on offer you will need at least a day to see and enjoy everything. This is an extremely popular family event. There will be ample parking for your Northern England Motorhome Hire within walking distance of the showground. Alternatively, the park and ride is located from Birkdale Common at a cost of £4. For more information about the show plus admission prices etc click on the blue text for Southport Flower Show.

Southport Flower Show
Victoria Park
Rotten Row
Southport
Merseyside
PR8 2BZ

Tel:01704 533 333

Journey in your motorhome to Sunnyhurst Wood with over seven miles of footpaths to explore. The beautiful woodland covers 85 acres. The Olds Keeper’s Cottage now serves as a visitor centre and art gallery where visitors can enjoy refreshments whilst picking up information.

Sunnyhurst Wood and Visitor Centre
Earnsdale Road,
Darwen, BB3 0LA

Telephone +44 01254 701545

Four restored galleries with permanent and traveling art collections on view.

Touchstones Rochdale
The Esplanade
Rochdale
OL16 1AQ

Tel: 01706 924492

Known as Burnleys ‘Jewel in the Crown’, Townley Hall and Park provides a great day out for all the family in this scenic setting. It is the in the largest park in Burnley and much of the landscaping in the park was done in the by Charles Towneley in the late 18th century. Burnley Corporation purchased the whole estate in 1902 for public use. They bought a beautiful house and parkland but the house was empty. There was only a table or two and a few pictures left in the chapel. Undeterred, the council set about housing displays of Natural History, Egyptology, Local History, Textiles, and Decorative Art. They purchased regional Furniture and furnished period rooms. These displays are what you can now see today. To keep the children amused there is also an exciting Mouse Trail to follow. Outside in the park there are woodland walks to explore and an exciting Sculpture Trail to follow. Gardeners can view the interesting organic community garden and ornamental gardens. There is plenty of space for picnics, children to run around, play areas and sports pitches and two golf courses. There is also a café for those of us who need regular cups of tea or coffee and a gift shop for those special gifts to take home. The Hall is closed on Fridays and open from Saturday to Thursday from 12 till 5pm. Entry is free for local residents but non residents of Burnley pay an admission charge. The park is open for you to enjoy every day until dusk. If you are in Lancashire on your Northern England Motorhome Hire Holiday, then this is a park worthy of a visit with the whole family. For more information click the blue text below.

Towneley Hall Museum,
Towneley Park,
Burnley,
BB11 3RQ

Telephone: 01282 424213

A 15th century English country house, in woodlands on the edge of the West Pennine Moors. Period rooms and surrounding gardens.

Turton Tower
Chapeltown Road
Turton
Bolton
BL7 0HG

Telephone:01204 852 203

Restoration of this building can be viewed on open days throughout the year. Check out their website for detailed information on how to get there and opening times.

Victoria Baths
Hathersage Road
Chorlton-on-Medlock
Manchester
M13 OFE

Weavers Triangle Visitor Centre

Located in the former Canal Toll Office and Wharfmaster’s House at Burnley Wharf by the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. Displays include how cotton was made, a weaver’s cellar dwelling , a Victorian Parlour and recreated Victorian classroom.
They also have working model fairground, a Canal Toll Office – Restored to how it would have looked.

Weavers Triangle Visitors Centre
85 Manchester Road,
Burnley,
Lancashire,
BB11 1JZ
Tel: 01282 452403

If you want to stretch your legs and stroll in lovely surroundings go to Witton Park
Just west of Blackburn in Lancashire and enjoy 480 acres of glorious parkland. The original grand house that occupied the site is long gone but the park, stables and coach-house remain. In 1980 the Blackburn Corporation converted the buildings into a café and workshops. Here, the Old Stables Tearoom will provide that welcome tea and cake after your walk. There is also a pottery nearby to browse and possible purchase items to take home. The Park is ideal for walking, with many trails or a riverside walk laid out. If you decide to undertake some of the longer walks described in their leaflets, then stout boots or shoes and waterproofs are recommended. For the less energetic it is a lovely space to wander about at a much gentler pace. There is also an adventure playground for the children. Many events take place in the summer, some for free, so it is wise to check prior to setting out. Travel with your Northern England Motorhome Hire approximately one mile from Blackburn town centre off Preston Old Road A674, heading towards Preston via Feniscowles. Park your Northern England Motorhome Hire in the free car park at the entrance to Witton Country Park. The visitor centre is a short walk up the main driveway.

Witton Country Park
Preston Old Road
Blackburn
Lancashire
BB2 2TP