Lancashire is a historic county in North West England offering a mix of cultural heritage, scenic countryside, coastal resorts, historic sites, and vibrant market towns.
Whalley Abbey is a historic former Cistercian abbey in Lancashire featuring extensive ruins and a modern retreat and conference house with visitor facilities including a coffee shop and exhibitions. Visitors can explore ancient monastic foundations and enjoy the blend of outdoor ruins and indoor hospitality spaces.
Houndshill Shopping Centre is an indoor shopping mall in Blackpool, Lancashire, featuring more than 55 stores including major retailers and cafes. It offers a large multistory car park and an extension opened in 2008, situated centrally opposite Blackpool Tower.
Blackpool is a lively seaside town in Lancashire renowned for its seven miles of sandy beach, iconic Blackpool Tower, historic piers, and vibrant cultural scene including theatres, music festivals, and nightlife. It offers diverse attractions such as amusement parks, parks, and an important LGBTQ+ community.
St George's Shopping Centre is a large indoor shopping mall in Preston, Lancashire, featuring over 100 stores, a central glass-roofed rotunda, several entrances, food outlets, and convenient transport links including a multi-storey car park and nearby bus and rail stations.
Manchester Arndale is a major indoor shopping centre in Manchester, England, featuring over 210 shops, a large food court, and connections to major department stores. It is known as one of Europe's largest city-centre malls with extensive retail space and has undergone significant redevelopment since a major bombing in 1996. The centre attracts millions of visitors annually and offers a comprehensive urban shopping experience.
Corn Exchange, Manchester is a historic Baroque-style building that originally served as a corn exchange and now functions as a vibrant food court with numerous food outlets in central Manchester. It retains its heritage as a grade II listed building and offers visitors an indoor dining and social experience in a unique architectural setting.
14 Oct (next Wednesday)
Author Livi Michael gives an online talk exploring how Elizabeth Gaskell used the Salem witch trials in her novella *Lois the Witch*, and how historical fact and Victorian fiction intersect in stories about witches.
Fishergate Shopping Centre in Preston is a major indoor retail venue with a variety of shops, eateries, and convenient transport links including adjacent railway and bus services.
Rufford Old Hall is a Grade I listed Tudor and Jacobean hall house in Lancashire featuring richly decorated interiors, a notable sixteenth-century carved wooden screen, extensive Victorian gardens with topiary squirrels, and historical collections of arms and rural memorabilia. The site offers both indoor historical architecture and outdoor garden experiences.
Lakeland Wildlife Oasis is a 3-acre zoological collection in Cumbria featuring over 100 species including snow leopards and fossa, with themed indoor exhibits and outdoor enclosures. It offers interactive animal experiences, a café, and participates in conservation efforts.
Salford Shopping Centre is a large indoor shopping mall located in Pendleton, Salford, Greater Manchester. It features 81 stores, an indoor market, a Tesco superstore, Aldi, and KFC, offering a comprehensive retail experience in an urban setting.
Miller Arcade is a Victorian-era indoor shopping centre in Preston, Lancashire, featuring ornate architecture, vintage shops, and multiple eateries, housed in a Grade II listed building.
Blackpool Zoo in Lancashire is a 32-acre outdoor zoo featuring over 1,000 animals worldwide. It offers various exhibits including a dinosaur safari, elephant and primate houses, sea lion arena, and a children's farm, with ample facilities and a miniature railway for family-friendly visits.
The Grand Arcade is a large indoor shopping centre in Wigan town centre featuring 39 retailers, a carbon neutral design, and cultural exhibits including a George Formby statue and memorabilia from Wigan Casino. It also offers food options and ample parking.
Wigan is a historic market town in Greater Manchester, England, known for its rich industrial heritage, Roman and medieval history, cultural venues, and sporting traditions including rugby league and football.