Lancashire is full of historical buildings; from haunted sites and witches to castles and towers, you’ll find a little of everything in this beautiful county.
You can walk through the amazing trail behind the inspiration for Lord of the Rings or follow the footsteps of the Pendle Witches.
The area is full of history and culture you can explore, to help you uncover all of Lancashire’s secrets.
Lancaster Castle
Built around 1150, Lancaster Castle overlooks the town and the River Lune, standing as a bastion against the Picts and Scots tribes. The Castle has seen 200 executions for murder and other crimes, as well as the famous trials of the ‘Pendle Witches’, and it functioned as a HM Prison until 2011. The ancient inheritance of the Duchy of Lancaster began 750 years ago, a title that the Monarch always holds.
Tolkien Trail
Starting and finishing at the Shireburn Arms Hotel in Hurst Green, the Tolkien Trail is believed to be the inspiration behind the famous Lord of the Rings. Tolkien’s son, John, studied at Stonyhurst College, the place where J. R. R. Tolkien wrote the first drafts of his books. The trail is around 5.5 miles long, leading you past Pendle Hill and the 12th century Clitheroe Castle.
Pendle Hill
Easily found in the east of Lancashire, Pendle Hill is 557m (or 1,827ft) above sea level. It has a sinister reputation as the place where 12 witches, accused of murdering 10 people, lived in the 17th century. Pendle Hills, also called Penhul, was visited by George Fox, leader of the Quaker Movement. Notorious for its connection to witchcraft and devil worshipping, Pendle Hill is to this day considered haunted.
Rufford Old Hall
This stunning Tudor building was built in the 1530s for Sir Robert Hesketh. It is said Shakespeare performed in the Great Hall; there’s evidence that someone called “William Shakeshaft”, a common version of William Shakespeare’s name, was a member of Hesketh Company of Players during a period of time where he was absent from Stratford-upon-Avon.
Clitheroe Castle
Built in the 12th century, Clitheroe Castle stands on Castle Hill as previous property of the de Lacy family. The castle’s construction is attributed to Robert de Lacy in a 14th century document called Historia Laceiorum. In modern times, the buildings on the site are part of the Clitheroe Castle Museum.
Hoghton Tower
This 16th century, Elizabethan manor house is 650ft above sea level. You can enjoy a guided tour of the Hoghton family’s ancestral home. Filled with dungeons, underground passages, ramparts, and a doll house collection, both kids and adults will love strolling in the stunning grounds of Hoghton Tower.
If you want to start planning your trip to Lancashire, you can book your stay at one of our holiday parks in Lancashire. For more information, contact us on 01524 701508 to speak to our friendly team. We’re always happy to help!
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