The Forest of Bowland is home to some of the most remote countryside in the county, and plenty of incredible scenery to take in. It is also home to loads of fun things to see and do, many of which are fun for the whole family.
If you’re planning a visit to the area soon, we thought we’d let you know about some of the best family days out around The Forest of Bowland.
Bowland Wild Boar Park
Bowland Wild Boar Park is a wonderful place to visit to enjoy the countryside and local wildlife, see lots of different kinds of animals and pet them.
There is a children’s play area with slides, swings and a zip wire. There are also lots of indoor activities too, such as games like Connect 4 and skittles, colouring, Jenga and more.
There are tractor and trailer rides, and wildlife walks for both younger and older visitors. As well as wild boars, there are lots of different kinds of animals, including ferrets, ostriches, rabbits, chipmunks, meerkats and more.
Cobble Hey Farm
Cobble Hey Farm is a fully working, family-run farm near Garstang. If you want to get involved with the farming process, explore the farm and gardens, or just enjoy a coffee and a slice of cake in their cafe, a visit to the farm makes for a great day out.
There are indoor and outdoor play areas for the little ones, as well as the opportunity to feed and walk the animals.
Head for a walk
The Forest of Bowland is a wonderful place to go for a walk, and the area offers some of the most remote walking in the country. The remoteness gives the area a sense of tranquillity and serenity, so if you need to spend some time away from it all, you’ve come to the right place.
There are plenty of downloadable walking routes available, and popular local routes include the Ribble Way and the Pendle Way. Gisburn Forest is also nearby, and as the biggest forest in Lancashire, it offers plenty of forest walks.
Sawley Abbey
The remains of this Cistercian abbey are set against a beautiful backdrop of the surrounding hills, which make for a dramatic sight.
The Abbey was founded in 1146, and had wealthy local benefactors who did their best to keep the monks from abandoning the site despite facing many difficulties over the years.
It was eventually plundered following Henry VIII’s Suppression of the Monasteries, and most of the stone was used in other buildings in the area, leaving the ruins we can visit today.
The Abbey is right by the river, and it is a lovely spot to sit and enjoy a picnic, so why not pack a lunch and bring the whole family?
Browsholme Hall
Browsholme Hall has been the home of the Parker family since 1507, and their unique historic home is filled with their possessions that have been accumulated over 14 generations.
The building itself is a nationally important Grade I listed historic house, and is the oldest surviving family home in Lancashire. Visitors are invited to explore the house and gardens on their open days for a guided tour, or enjoy a light lunch at their Tithe Barn tea room.
We hope this has given you a few ideas for some nice things to do in the Forest of Bowland area with your family. Be sure to check out our accommodation options here at Holgates Ribble Valley Holiday Park if you are planning a visit to the area!
