Longlands winter wonders

Winter in North Lancashire brings with it a whole new spectacular landscape. The changing of the season from falling leaves to frost covered branches, crisp clear winter skies, and snow trodden footpaths and fells. It’s a glorious time of year and there’s no better place for a winter walk followed by a proper homecooked meal in a cosy Lancashire pub. Here are some of our suggestions for things to see and do when you’re staying at The Longlands this winter.

Wondrous wildfowl on our doorstep

RSPB Leighton Moss welcomes an array of winter wildfowl – many from Northern Europe – at this time of year to join the resident birds. But do you know your shoveler from your mallard or your tufted duck from your ring-necked duck? The popular reserve just a few miles from The Longlands at Silverdale will be running Winter Wildfowl ID Workshops and Winter Birdwatch guided walks throughout December. If you prefer watching your birds frolic in the sky, rather than on water, then the twisting and turning waves of the starling murmurations are quite breathtaking and best enjoyed an hour or so before the sun sets over Morecambe Bay.

Wonderful festive gift ideas

You don’t have to wander too far from The Longlands to find some great gift ideas for the special people in your life this festive season. At Beetham Nurseries, just a couple of minutes north along the A6, they’re running two Christmas market weekends from the 30th November to the 3rd of December and the 7th to the 10th of December. Expect to find lots of unique gifts from a selection of local businesses in the Alpine-style chalet market plus festive workshops, and live music.

The joy of live music

On the topic of live music and entertainment, we’re looking forward to welcoming a whole host of brilliant artists and performers to The Longlands during December. DJ Extraordinaire, Rob Falcon has a great following and he’ll be delighting us on three occasions with his unique act on the 2nd, 9th, and 15thof December. Then the immensely talented Molly Warburton will be leading us in a singalong on Sunday 17th December. Molly’s soulful music has had over a million streams on Spotify, she’s supported former Kasabian frontman, Tom Meighan, on his 2022 tour, and has had the record of the week on BBC Introducing Lancashire. We’re definitely in for a treat!

Warming mulled wine

Enjoy mulled wine a plenty at Dalton Square in Lancaster as ‘Lancaster on Ice’returns for 2023. The 800-metre real ice-rink was nominated as one of the best ice-rinks in the UK and Europe by The Guardian newspaper and who are we to argue? The ice-rink will be in prime position alongside a giant ferris wheel and carousel until Sunday 7th January, so there’s plenty of time to get practising in readiness for the new series of Dancing on Ice hitting our TV screens a week later!

The wonder of rock ‘n’ roll

The Platform in Morecambe is a top live music venue and there’s lots to look forward to this winter. From the pre-Christmas ‘Rock and Roll Christmas Show’ to ‘Women in Rock’ in the New Year, featuring sounds of some of the greats including Suzi Quatro, Janis Joplin, Tina Turner, Blondie, and many more. There’s a night of Hendrix, Clapton, and Cream guaranteed to get everyone rocking plus Thin Lizzy, Queen, and ELO tribute acts. Who knew you could have so much fun in a restored railway station!

Food Allergies and Intolerances

All our food is prepared on site in our open plan kitchen. Whilst we can cater for vegetarian, vegan and gluten free diets, please be aware that some of our foods contain allergens. Please speak to a member of staff for more information or to discuss your personal dietary requirements.