Holiday Parks in Lancashire

Coast or countryside: picking your corner of Lancashire

BritStays currently lists 12 holiday parks in Lancashire, and they fall into a few clear groups. Choosing the right one starts with the kind of trip you want.

If you want the seaside, look around Blackpool, Morecambe and the Fylde Coast. Marton Mere is in Blackpool, Cala Gran is at Fleetwood, and Regent Bay is at Westgate in Morecambe. Ream Hills Holiday Park is at Weeton on the Fylde Coast, Waterside Hambleton Lakeside Lodges is near Poulton-Le-Fylde, and Cockerham Sands is at Cockerham.

If you would rather have quieter, greener surroundings, head inland. Ribble Valley View is at Old Langho in the Ribble Valley, and Bowland Escapes is at Chipping. A third cluster sits towards the north: Meadow's End Lodges at Cartmel, Blenkett Wood Lodge Park at Allithwaite and South Lakeland Leisure Village at Carnforth. Mowbreck Park completes the set.

Families, couples and bigger groups

Sleeping capacity is often the quickest way to narrow your choice:

• Couples or small parties (sleeps 4): Blenkett Wood Lodge Park, Meadow's End Lodges and Ribble Valley View.
• Small families (sleeps 6): Bowland Escapes, Waterside Hambleton Lakeside Lodges, Cockerham Sands and Mowbreck Park.
• Larger families (sleeps 8): Regent Bay, Cala Gran, Marton Mere and South Lakeland Leisure Village.
• Big gatherings: Ream Hills Holiday Park sleeps 16. It is also the only park here listed with a hot tub, and it has a bar and a cafe on its facilities list. That makes it worth a look for multi-generation trips or celebrations.

Bringing the dog

Only three of the 12 parks are flagged as pet friendly, so dog owners have the least choice. Among the examples, Bowland Escapes at Chipping and Mowbreck Park both welcome pets. Before you book, ask how many dogs are allowed, whether there is an extra charge and whether some units are pet-free.

Getting there and getting around

Five parks list EV charging nearby. These include Regent Bay, Cala Gran, Marton Mere and Waterside Hambleton Lakeside Lodges.

You can also arrive without a car:

• Regent Bay and Blenkett Wood Lodge Park are both listed as near a bus stop and a train station.
• Marton Mere is near a bus stop.

A word of caution about facility lists. Only one park, Mowbreck Park, lists WiFi, and only two list parking. That reflects what has been recorded, not necessarily what exists. If WiFi, parking or a laundrette matters to you, confirm it directly before paying.

What to do once you're there

Lancashire is good for heritage days out. On the castle trail, there are:

• Lancaster Castle
• Clitheroe Castle
• Hornby Castle
• Gleaston Castle

If you prefer grand houses and estates, look at Gawthorpe Hall, Gisburne Park and Hacking Hall. Walkers may want to add Malham Cove to their list.

For rainy days, the county has a strong set of museums:

• The Museum of Lancashire
• The Harris Museum
• Helmshore Mills Textile Museum
• Higher Mill
• Whitakers' Mill

Several of these focus on the region's mill history.

If the children need to burn off energy, The Lakes Aqua Park is an option. Trafford Watersports Centre in Cheshire and the Amazing Novelty-Orium & Mechanical Museum in Merseyside are outside the county but could suit a longer day trip. Check travel times and opening details before setting off.

When to book

Some types of accommodation are scarce here, so book early if you need them:

• Pet-friendly units: only three parks offer them.
• Large groups: Ream Hills Holiday Park is the only option that sleeps 16.
• Families needing space for eight: there are just four such parks.

Book these well ahead for school holidays and bank holiday weekends.

Couples have more flexibility, especially outside the school holidays, because there are several smaller lodges to choose from.

Whatever you book, check these before confirming:

• Changeover days and any minimum stay
• What bedding and towels are included
• The pet policy, if you are bringing a dog

A short email to the park now can save a disappointing arrival later.