What's on in Lancashire? (Spring 2024)

Spring is officially springing.

Yes, lambs are practising their hops, daffodils are preparing to bloom and, all around the country, venues are readying some seriously memorable springtime happenings.

Maybe you live in the northwest of England. Or perhaps you're planning to visit our corner of the country for a day trip, weekend break or half-term adventure.

In any case, get your diary ready. We've dug out some of the happiest, thrillingest events happening in Lancashire this spring.

Nature Tots at Brockholes Nature Reserve

When: Friday 22 March

Where: Brockholes Nature Reserve, Preston New Rd, Samlesbury, Preston PR5 0AG

Here's a cracking educational event that's ideal for little explorers, nature-loving tots and kids who just love to get muddy. (Why, kids, why?)

The learn-by-doing sessions see young attendees take part in a range of fun and creative activities. Each session has a different theme, too, so it's well worth setting a reminder.

Nature Tots takes place at the beautiful Brockholes Nature Reserve and is suitable for children aged 15 months to five years. All sessions take place outdoors, so remember to wrap up warm and wear wellies.

Discovering Antarctica: Heroic Tales of Shackleton, Scott & Crean

When: Wednesday 27 March

Where: The Atkinson, Lord Street, Southport PR8 1DB

Love a bit of theatre? How about history? Great! Pamper both of your passions with this one-man performance that charts the ups, downs and in-betweens of the Golden Age of Antarctic Exploration.

Over two captivating hours, you'll see the stories of three celebrated Antarctic Explorers play out on stage. You'll laugh. You'll cry. You might even feel a bit of a chill…

The show has won critical acclaim and more than a handful of awards. It's hard to believe that it's the work of just one gifted artist: Aidan Dooley. Hats off to him.

The Adventure Academy… For Adventurers!

When: Wednesday 3 April

Where: Chorley Theatre, Dole Lane, Chorley PR7 2RL

If you're in a theatrical mood and want to get the kids involved, you can't go wrong with this all-ages show by The Noise Next Door.

The Noise Next Door is an improv comedy troupe – and a rare one at that. These Edinburgh Fringe legends spend as much time performing for children as they do grown-ups.

What can you expect at their family show? Well, pretty much anything. Your adventure might take you to the deepest jungle, the dusty wilds of the Sahara or Burton-on-Trent. It's a wild, unpredictable ride – and that's all part of the fun.

Rubbish Shakespeare: Romeo and Juliet

When: Tuesday 9 April

Where: Chorley Theatre, Dole Lane, Chorley PR7 2RL

Think Shakespeare is boring? Wait until you see Rubbish Shakespeare.

It's, well, Shakespeare… but a bit rubbish. So instead of yawnsome, seven-minute soliloquies, you get slapstick comedy, improvised props and enough laughs to fill the Globe.

Whether you never quite got Shakespeare or you're introducing bairns to the bard, it's well worth a look.

Annual Duck Race

When: Monday 6 May

Where: WWT Martin Mere, Fish Lane, Burscough, Ormskirk L40 0TA

Usain Bolt, step aside. Ascot, you've had your day. The only race worth thinking about in 2024 is WWT Martin Mere's annual rubber-duck derby.

It's as thrilling as it sounds. Spectators line up beside the track (err… stream) and watch the counterfeit contenders float to the finish line. If your duck triumphs, you take home a prize. Hooray!

How's this for a Bank Holiday itinerary? Head down for the 12 o'clock race and you'll still have time to enjoy a fun-packed afternoon at Southport Pleasureland. Perfect.

Make It! Craft Workshop

When: Thursday 11 April

Where: The Atkinson, Lord Street, Southport PR8 1DB

Holidaying in Southport with little ones in tow? Put on your creative caps and head to The Atkinson on Lord Street for its regular arts and crafts workshop.

Every session has a different theme. This time it's dinosaurs, so get ready to doodle your best diplodocus or build a nifty cardboard carcharodontosaurus.

Best of all, it's free. Even the art materials are provided gratis – though donations are encouraged. Drop in between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. to take part in the fun.

Samlesbury Hall Food & Drink Festival

When: Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 June

Where: Samlesbury Hall, Preston New Road, Samlesbury, Preston PR5 0UP

Taste buds, stand to attention. If you're a foodie with a free weekend, you'd do well to carve some space in your diary for the Samlesbury Hall Food & Drink Festival.

This epicurean event promises educational cookery demonstrations, awe-inspiring entertainment and more food and drink stalls than you can shake a saucepan at.

And did we mention it's at Samlesbury Hall? This 700-year-old stately home is as gorgeous as they get. It's definitely one for history buffs and architecture lovers, as well as gastronomes.

Southport Pleasureland

When: from Friday 29 March 

Where: Marine Drive, Southport, PR8 1RX

We can't write about what's going on in Lancashire without mentioning our fun-packed family theme park.

Southport Pleasureland has long been a favourite destination for locals and holidaymakers alike. Daytrippers travel from far and wide to enjoy more than 30 family rides and soak up the smiles.

Now's your chance to experience it for yourself – the park reopens for the 2024 season on Friday 29 March.

Your ticket gets you UNLIMITED access to all our rides and four exciting themed zones: Cartoon Boardwalk, Viking Landing, Steampunk Bay and Pirate Cove. Plus, we've prepared some classic carnival amusements – hook-a-duck included – and more than a few surprises. (Shh… not telling.)

We're no stranger to hosting our own events, either. Be sure to check our calendar to keep up to date with our latest holiday happenings, nighttime raves and other special occasions.

Are you ready for a family day out that you'll never forget? Book your Southport Pleasureland tickets today – you'll ALWAYS find the best price online.