Since the government eased Plan B coronavirus guidelines, holiday companies have seen a surge in bookings.
And with the semester approaching in February and Easter in April, holidays abroad have proved popular as the strict testing rules remove the extra stress for families keen to enjoy some winter sun.
However, continuing the stay trend of 2020 and 2021, many are looking much closer to home for the perfect place to enjoy a holiday, with Lancashire offering great places to explore on their doorstep.
Holiday rental company Guesty has found that bookings for UK mid-term breaks (14th-18th February) are already 380% higher than at this time in 2021, while bookings for Easter (15th-18th April) are up increased by 160% in 2021 and by 18% compared to 2020.
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Additionally, 88% of these bookings are from UK residents and just 12% from international travellers.
As a result of the surge, the average overnight cost has also risen to stand at £156, up 137% from 2021 and a 37% increase from 2020, according to Guesty’s data.
While Jet2 saw a 30% increase in bookings for Easter holidays abroad, the Canary Islands, Balearic Islands, mainland Spain, Italy and Portugal saw the biggest increases.
Lancashire might not get as much sunshine as Spain or Greece in February and April, but it does have beautiful beaches, locations that are ideal for family fun and locations that suit most budgets.
Here are a few reasons why you should ditch your passport and book a getaway to our Red Rose County instead.
home away from home
Morecambe Beach
(Image: James Maloney/Lancs Live)
Let’s face it, traveling on an airplane with young children is a stressful affair that most parents dread.
The possible delays at the airport, the fear of a child crying during a 4 hour flight, the cost of all the extra extras like transfers and meals and just how tiring the whole ordeal can be.
So why not eliminate all that and stay in a vacation rental right here in Lancashire?
For example, driving from Ormskirk in West Lancs to Carnforth in the north near the Cumbrian border can take as little as an hour and keep fuel costs low.
Or a journey from Burnley in East Lancashire to Morecambe is similar journey time whilst taking you from your own living room in Preston to the beach walk at Lytham St Annes in around 30 minutes.
You have the extra space in your trunk to toss in the kids’ favorite toys, clothes and gadgets without worrying about baggage allowance.
You are away from the familiar and mundane sights of daily life while you can explore a new place and take all the comforts of home with you.
The coast, beaches and sea views
Blackpool looks stunning in the sunshine.
(Image: Lancs Live)
You don’t have to get on a plane to enjoy the sea breeze on your face and paddle in the sea.
From Morecambe Bay, Blackpool and the Fylde Coast to the Ribble Estuaries, Lancashire has award-winning beaches and waterways with panoramic sea views, from quieter seaside towns like Lytham St Annes to bustling family attractions in Blackpool.
If you’re looking for a beach off the beaten track, or one that offers something a little different, Fleetwood Beach offers some brilliant sand dunes and views across Morecambe Bay, while Heysham Half Moon Bay is tucked away between grassy hills and rocks.
Just on the Merseyside-Lancashire border, stroll along the famous Southport Pier and make the most of the miles of sandy beaches, or visit Formby for its sand dunes, wide, clean beaches and forests teeming with wildlife including red squirrels.
Beautiful views, historic halls and landmarks
View of the town of Darwen in Lancashire from the Darwen Tower.
(Image: James Maloney/Lancs Live)
We’re not sure about you, but after two years of lockdown and restrictions, we’re dying to get outside and explore the natural beauty and scenery.
The rural towns of Bacup, Rossendale and Accrington are all set in beautiful countryside, with cottages, glamping sites and guest houses available for rent.
Visit Lancaster’s Williamson Park for panoramic views of the city and beyond, climb Longridge Fell for spectacular views of the valley below, or hike up Darwen Hill to the Jubilee Tower.
For unrivaled views of the coast you can’t go wrong with a sunset or sunrise trip to Silverdale in Morecambe Bay, or make your way to the Peel Monument on Holcombe Hill, from where you can see as far as North Wales. on a clear day.
A tour of a mansion or historic building is a great way to immerse yourself in local culture during your trip, with Hogton Tower and Samlesbury Hall both near Preston, Burnley’s Gawthorpe Hall, Haworth Art Gallery in Accrington, Leighton Hall in Carnforth, Astley Hall in Astley Village, Chorley and Rufford Hall near Ormskirk are just a few waiting for you to visit.
Where to put the hat
One of the bespoke shepherd’s cottages in the grounds of Samlesbury Hall in Preston
(Image: James Maloney/Lancs Live)
From campsites and caravan parks with kids’ clubs to luxury spa hotels, Lancashire has something for everyone.
If you are looking for adventure, explore Lancashire’s natural beauty with a stay near the forest of Bowland in north-east Lancashire, with spectacular forest walks and views over the valleys and sandstone cliffs.
Visitors to the forest often stay overnight in the nearby market town of Clitheroe, which has an extensive range of B&Bs, self-catering cottages and hostels.
Historic Clitheroe is also home to craft beer houses, cocktail bars, delis and family-run cafes and restaurants, while it is also home to Holmes Mill, a food, drink and entertainment complex.
Pendle Hill and the Ribble Valley offer a wealth of quaint inns, award-winning and highly rated gastropubs and quirky accommodation, including these shepherd’s cottages in the grounds of the aforementioned Samlesbury Hall.
Whilst West Lancashire is a beacon for cycle lanes, country pubs, canal walks, farm shops and compact town centres.
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Blackpool is the ideal place to get the full family British seaside experience, with many of the seasonal attractions re-opening in the coming weeks after the winter break.
From expansive sandy beaches, theme park rides for the more adventurous, theaters playing your favorite musicals, shopping malls, child friendly arcades and restaurants, themed bars, live entertainment and of course the chance to admire the views from the top of Blackpool Tower.
Cultural city breaks
Aerial view of Lancaster Priory Church and Lancaster Castle in Lancashire.
(Image: Lancs Live)
Century-old architecture, museums, art galleries and exhibitions await your exploration in Lancashire’s towns and cities.
Head to Lancaster to tour the castle and learn about its rich history, stroll the cobbled streets and pop into an independent cafe or bistro.
Or maybe a spot of shopping is in order, as Preston’s main street, Fishergate, offers a wide range of shops, restaurants and bars, while Winckley Square offers an idyllic urban green space for a breather.
A short drive from Preston is Garstang which is experiencing a community revitalization and exciting new high street shops are springing up.
Harris Museum, Art Gallery and Library in Preston, Lancashire
(Image: James Maloney/Lancs Live)
Also take a 10 minute trip north of the city center to the Flower Bowl in Barton, a family entertainment complex with mini golf, bowling alleys, cinema, restaurants, bars and England’s only curling rink.
Or how about staying on the outskirts of Blackburn in the West Pennine Moors and venturing into the town center to see the cathedral?
A break in a city or small town is also a good option if you’re arriving by train or public transport and want to explore on foot.
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You have news for us? Contact our Whats On and Tourism Editor at denise.evans@reachplc.com
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