Lancashire is one of the most varied counties in northern England – stretching from the Irish Sea coast in the west to the Pennine moorlands in the east, with the pastoral Ribble Valley and the Forest of Bowland running through its heart. For van travellers, it offers excellent variety within a compact area, and it is far less visited than its neighbour Cumbria.
The Forest of Bowland is Lancashire’s outstanding landscape – a large Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty covering high moorland, deep valleys and the classic Trough of Bowland road route that is one of the finest drives in the North of England. Access is limited in places but rewarding for those who take the time to explore the quiet back roads.
The Lancashire coast from Lytham St Annes through Morecambe to the Arnside and Silverdale AONB offers a distinctive coastal experience. Morecambe Bay at low tide is one of the most atmospheric landscapes in England, while the limestone country around Arnside has a southern-Lake District character that rewards a longer visit. Preston and Lancaster, the county’s two main cities, both offer urban van stop options.
The Lancashire posts on this site cover specific stops and experiences from real van trips across the county – honest, first-hand accounts to help you explore this underrated part of northern England.
Booked after a breakdown turned the drive home into a much longer day, this £52.99 stopover seemed like a sensible place to rest. The room was acceptable, but the atmosphere in and around the hotel made us uncomfortable enough to leave.