AFTER months of rain, cold and several storms, Lancashire has finally been able to enjoy some sunshine this week.
The county saw the hottest day of the year so far on Tuesday (24 March) and temperatures in some parts reached 17°C.
The good weather is set to continue into the weekend which means it’s time to get out of the house and explore all that Lancashire has to offer.
It’s also Mother’s Day on Sunday (27 March) so make sure to incorporate some of these activities into your celebrations:
Here are seven things you can do in Lancashire this weekend:
1. Blackpool Zoo, Park Drive, Blackpool
As the days get longer and the daffodils start sprouting visitors can use the opportunity to catch up with the zoo’s much loved animals.
The two beautiful red panda cubs Ember and Kai, who were born in summer 2021, can be seen out and about with mum and dad and there have already been some newborn arrivals in 2022 in the form of a gibbon and a king colobus monkey.
Elephant fans can head over to Base Camp to catch up with Kate, Minbu, Noorjahan, Tara, Esha and Emmet while those with a soft spot for primates can visit Bukavu and his family, which consist of sisters Miliki and Njema and youngsters Meisie, Moanda and Makari.
Little local explorers can head down to the dinosaur safari to see the animatronic prehistoric mega-beasts before tiring themselves out on the outdoor play equipment.
Best of all, the zoo is offering locals in Blackpool, Wyre and the Fylde and Zoo Member guests a 40 per cent reduction in admission price throughout March.
Book online using promo code: MARCH2022
2. Whalley Artisan Market, Swan Courtyard, Whalley
Located in the heart of Whalley, this weekend market brings together art, design, fashion, vintage and more from over 35 local North West-based creators, makers and curators every month.
Street food, craft ales, live music and more are guaranteed at the market. Best of all, tickets for the event are free.
A spokesperson said: “Crafty Vintage is a regular social gathering where like-minded folk can meet, socialise, share ideas, gather inspiration and sell their wares at our bespoke unique marketplace.
“We are purveyors of classic vintage, collectibles, retro wares, quirky handmade, fine foods and delectable cuisine. Come along and see a magnificent showcase of talent from the finest creators, makers collectors and artisans in the land. Live music, entertainers, magicians and lots of merriment ensures a wonderful weekend with something for all the family to enjoy.”
It’s back this weekend and will be taking place on Saturday 26 March and Sunday 27 March from 10am-4pm.
3. Park N Part Camelot Rises outdoor cinema, Charnock Richard
Camelot Rises is a zombie drive-thru experience which has taken over the former Camelot Theme Park.
You can park up your vehicle and enjoy some horror movies - all while being surrounded by the undead.
This weekend the following films will be showing:
THE BABADOOK
Friday 25th March at 20:30
JUNGLE CRUISE
Saturday 26th March at 14:00
THE CURSE OF LA LLORONA
Saturday 26th March at 17:30
- READ MORE: Molly-Mae and Tommy Fury visit Camelot Rises
THE CONJURING
Saturday 26th March 2022 at 21:00
THE CONJURING 2
Sunday 27th March at 20:30
Tickets are £50 a vehicle. Book your ticket now: www.parknpartymcr.co.uk
4. Lambing live Mrs Dowson’s Farm, Longsight Road, Clayton-le-moors
Follow the births and new arrivals this lambing season, staff at Mrs Dowsons Farm Park will be giving guests the meet the new arrivals and feed them – you might even be lucky enough to see them being born.
Spring is the most exciting time to visit, this spring you'll see more talks, activities and hands-on bottle-feeding return.
A spokesperson said: "Lambing Live is such a busy time to be at the farm, with lots of new babies arriving all the time, who knows, you might even get the chance to see a new arrival brought into the world.
“Lambing is a busy time for the farming team and we'd love your help! During the day we invite visitors to help bottle feed some of the orphan lambs.
“Lambing Live is a real honest image of farming. Visitors loved learning the ins and outs and highs and lows of farming. The farming team love sharing such a big event with visitors, and even welcoming visitors to get stuck in bottle feeding too!.
Find out more on the https://www.mrsdowsons.co.uk/
5. Meet a pony at HAPPA horse sanctuary, Shores Hey Farm, Burnley
If you or your little ones love horses, then this could be perfect for you.
HAPPA rescues and rehabilitates horses but also has a play area, community events, and refurbished cafe and gift shop.
At Shores Hey Farm, you can meet and greet horses for as little as £5.
Volunteers put on several events throughout the year, from summer BBQs to ‘own a pony’ days and workshops, there is always something going on to keep visitors coming back for more.
6. Visit a snowdrop or bluebell flower trail
A day out in spring would be incomplete without viewing some flowers.
Bluebells and snowdrops are just some of the gorgeous flowers you will be able to see on nature walks.
- READ MORE: Five bluebell meadows that you can visit in Lancashire
- READ MORE: Five best places to see snowdrop flowers in Lancashire
According to the Lancashire Wildlife Trust, snowdrops start to bloom in March. In some places, they crop up in small groups while others carpet the ground.
Hornby Castle, Pleasington Old Hall Wood and Bank Hall Gardens are some of the places you can view them.
While it might be a little early for bluebells, as they mainly bloom in April, you might still be able to catch a glimpse of them.
7. Blackpool‘s White Knuckle Weekends, Ocean Blvd, Blackpool
It’s one of the final white knuckle weekends at Blackpool Pleasure Beach – and its iconic rollercoaster will be back open to the public.
White Knuckle Weekends ran every weekend from 12th February.
In total the park has 10 amazing rollercoasters and there really is something for everyone.
This week, Blackpool Pleasure Beach has announced that its iconic rollercoaster, The Big One, will be reopening this weekend after undergoing a huge refurbishment.
You can now book Blackpool Pleasure Beach tickets here.
Rufford Old Hall in Ormskirk, Aughton Woods and Brockholes Nature Reserve in Preston are just some of the hotspots to be aware of.
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