This week the Keeping it Local post is written by Jenni from Chilling with Lucas. As well as writing her successful family and lifestyle blog, she also enjoys being a virtual assistant. She lives in Lancashire with her partner and 3-year-old son. In this post, she talks about her 5 favourite places to visit in Preston.
Brockholes
Brockholes is set on the site of an old quarry which is now a 250-acre reserve with a network of trails and hides. You can also explore the woods or enjoy the lakes on site, which have all been specially designed to attract all kinds of wildlife. They have also catered for all ages with their play parks including a climbing forest, a miniature gravel quarry for scooping, digging and transporting fun, a bouncing flower, play hut, swings, balance blocks, chain path, see-saw and zip wire! Entrance is free but you do have to pay for parking. There is a visitor centre with an ice cream parlour, cafe and shop.
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The Harris Museum
The Harris is free to enter and a treasure trove with something for everyone whether you are interested in arts, ceramics, costume and textiles or history. The Harris also has the Harris library within it. There is a cafe, shop and free WiFi. They also have regular events and classes for families and children between 5 and 12 years.
Samlesbury Hall
Salmesbury Hall is free to visit and has an abundance of things to see. There are art exhibitions with work available to buy. They have animals to visit including pigs, bees, rabbits, hens, goats and sheep. Next, to the animal area, they have a play area including a miniature Salmesbury Hall replica that children can climb through the windows to the rope bridge of the Mayflower ship! There is a wooden trail with bridges, swings and fun obstacles. Various extra family and children’s activities are offered during the school holidays. If you want to stay for something to eat there is a waffle house and restaurant.
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Ribble Railway
Ribble Steam Railway has a 3-mile return trip along marina, swing bridge and River Ribble, giving interesting views over Preston. Surrounded by naturally relaxing landscape you can discover the wildlife and fauna that live and grow along the riverside railway. There is also a hands-on museum, complete with an indoor miniature railway. There is a shop and a cafe. Throughout the year they hold special events and activities. We went at Christmas for their Santa special which my son absolutely loved.
Ninja Adventure
Ninja Adventure is suitable from 5 years old. There are 2 adult ninja courses, 2 children’s courses, a harnessed ropes course and a virtual reality room. There is also a cafe with a small soft play area if you have a smaller child with you and want to have a drink or something to eat while the older ones are on the course.
For free days out in Lancashire https://chillingwithlucas.com/