Hire a Car Locally & Go on an Adventure of Discovery in Lancashire
Exploring Lancashire by hire car is a great way to experience its beautiful countryside, historic towns, and hidden gems. Here’s how you can hire a car locally and embark on an adventure across Lancashire:
Step 1: Hire a Car Locally
Hire car rental services operate in Lancashire, with branches in major towns and cities like Preston, Blackburn. Here is a popular option for local car hire.
- Easihire
- Locations: Blackburn and Preston.
- Offers a mix of hire vehicles, with options for car rentals.
Step 2: Find an Adventure in Lancashire
Lancashire is full of stunning landscapes, historical landmarks, and adventure activities. Here are some exciting places and activities you can explore once you have your hire car:
1. The Forest of Bowland (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty)
- Adventure: This rugged wilderness is perfect for hiking, cycling, and wildlife spotting. You can explore the scenic valleys, moorlands, and rivers. The Witches Trail (associated with the famous Pendle Witch Trials) offers a blend of history and outdoor exploration.
- Location: Between Clitheroe and Lancaster.
2. Pendle Hill
- Adventure: A must for hikers! Pendle Hill is steeped in history, including the famous story of the Pendle Witches. The 557-metre hill offers challenging walks with rewarding panoramic views over the surrounding countryside.
- Location: Near Barley and Clitheroe. You can park your rental car either on any of the free carparks heading up the nick o’Pendle or in Barley.
3. Brockholes Nature Reserve
- Adventure: A nature lover’s paradise, this floating visitor centre on the River Ribble offers birdwatching, walking trails, and the chance to kayak or paddleboard. There is an abundance of car parking also.
- Location: Preston.
4. Blackpool and the Fylde Coast
- Adventure: For classic seaside fun, head to Blackpool for the Pleasure Beach, the iconic tower, or try sandboarding at nearby Lytham St. Annes. Thrill-seekers can also take on the fastest roller coasters at Blackpool Pleasure Beach or enjoy water sports like kitesurfing and windsurfing on the coast. You can park your rental car in any of the many carparks in the town centre or use the meter parking along the front.
- Location: Blackpool.
5. Gisburn Forest
- Adventure: A great spot for mountain biking, with dedicated trails for all levels. There are also excellent walking paths, wildlife to spot, and stunning views over the Ribble Valley. There is designated parking within Gisburn Forest.
- Location: Near Slaidburn, in the Forest of Bowland.
6. Lancaster Castle and Williamson Park
- Adventure: Explore the fascinating history of Lancaster Castle, a working prison for over 900 years, with guided tours. Then, head to Williamson Park for stunning views, walks, and the famous Ashton Memorial.
- Location: Lancaster.
7. Go Ape at Rivington
- Adventure: For a high-adrenaline adventure, visit the Go Ape centre at Rivington. Tackle the tree-top high ropes, zip lines, and other forest-based challenges.
- Location: Rivington, near Bolton.
8. Darwen Tower and the West Pennine Moors
- Adventure: For a scenic hike, climb up to Darwen Tower for 360-degree views of the Lancashire landscape, including the Yorkshire Dales and Lake District on a clear day. The West Pennine Moors offer further outdoor adventures for walkers and cyclists.
- Location: Darwen.
9. Caving and Climbing in the Yorkshire Dales (Lancashire Border)
- Adventure: For serious adventurers, head towards the edge of Lancashire, where the Yorkshire Dales offer excellent caving opportunities at places like White Scar Cave and Gaping Gill, as well as climbing spots for all levels.
- Location: Near Settle.
10. Ribble Valley and Whalley Abbey
- Adventure: Ribble Valley is full of scenic drives and historic villages. Park your hire car nearby the ancient ruins of Whalley Abbey and enjoy a peaceful riverside walk, or venture further into the hills for great hiking and cycling routes.
- Location: Whalley, near Clitheroe.
Suggested Route for a Day’s Adventure:
- Morning: Pick up your rental car at Blackburn or Preston, and head to Pendle Hill for a morning hike.
- Lunch: Drive to the Ribble Valley for lunch at a cozy pub or café in Clitheroe.
- Afternoon: Explore Gisburn Forest for some mountain biking or head to the Forest of Bowland for a scenic drive and short walks.
- Evening: Drive back via Lancaster Castle or the Blackpool coast, depending on your starting point.
Lancashire is packed with exciting adventures, and with the flexibility of having a hire car, you’ll be able to explore hidden corners and make the most of your trip!
1 Highfield Rd 165 Walker St 1 Drovers Road
Blackburn Lancashire Preston East Mains Industrial Estate
BB2 3AX PR1 2RR Edinburgh
01254 495999 01772 886888 EH52 5ND – 0131 322 6597
New Manor Service Station 44 Queen St
Parkfield Rd Wigan
Wolverhampton WV4 6EL WN3 4HX
01902 491449 01942 778899
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