Pick a museum within a comfortable distance, choose a day that is not too rushed and treat it as a proper outing. Walk round together, read a few signs instead of rushing past and share your favourite discovery over a drink or slice of cake afterwards.
If you enjoy a bit of everything, look for a larger museum that combines art, history and changing exhibitions.
In Lancaster, Lancaster City Museum sits in the old town hall on Market Square and tells the story of the city from Roman times through to the present day.
In Preston, The Harris is a free museum, art gallery and library described as the city’s cultural hub, with exhibitions that mix local history, art and fashion in a Grade I listed building.
Lucy loves…
“There are so many museums that I love in and around Lancashire, here are a few of my favourites: Lancashire Police Museum, Lancaster. Here you can learn more about Lancashire Police’s fascinating past and present, located in Lancaster Castle’s former prison. There are some incredible historical cases that you learn about how they were solved. Free admission and no booking required. If you would like to hear more about this museum, listen to this episode of From a Lancashire Lass“
From a Lancashire Lass tips: Lucy Baxter is the host of the From a Lancashire Lass podcast that shares stories from Lancashire businesses and inspirational people. The aim of the podcast is to support businesses, whilst supporting Lancashire and celebrating the county’s heritage. Lucy is also a broadcast journalist who works on a range of national and international TV and radio programmes.
If you fancy a day by the sea, combine your museum visit with a walk on the prom. The Fleetwood Museum explores the town’s maritime and fishing heritage, ship models and stories of the people who lived and worked there.
You could build a similar day out by choosing any coastal museum, then adding fish and chips, an ice cream or a stroll along the front.
Lancashire is full of museum-style heritage sites, from places like Clitheroe Castle Museum to smaller local history centres, all telling the story of the county’s people and places.
Look for somewhere that lets you wander through rooms or up onto ramparts as well as reading displays.
Quirky and special interest museums
If you like something a bit different, choose a museum that focuses on a particular subject.
Across Lancashire you will find textile museums, vehicle museums, regimental museums and even mechanical or novelty collections.
Pick a theme that matches one of your hobbies or something you know nothing about and see what surprises you.
