Key anniversaries around Lancashire, Cumbria, & Morecambe Bay
It might still be the coldest time of the year, but there’s enough fun and excitement across North Lancashire, Morecambe Bay, and Cumbria to keep you warm and cosy between now and the springtime. From films and musicals to the natural world, there’s plenty to keep you busy – and all within a short distance of The Longlands Inn & Restaurant. Here’s our pick of some great things to see and do this winter.
The Bay International Film Festival
Morecambe
Friday 23rd January – Sunday 1st February
Morecambe’s premier independent film festival is back for the third year featuring a diverse programme of live feature film and short film screenings, all including fascinating Q&As with filmmakers and cast members. The week culminates with an award ceremony with judges including Daragh Carville, co-creator and writer of Morecambe based ITV crime drama, The Bay, Philip Herd, Festival Patron and Producer, and Roger Ashton-Griffiths, star of HBO’s Game of Thrones.
https://www.thebayfilmfestival.com/festival
Free Season Launch event
The Dukes Theatre, Lancaster
Thursday 12th February
The Dukes Spring / Summer season launch event offers an exclusive sneak preview of the upcoming shows heading to the special Lancaster theatre over the next few months. From drama to comedy to cinema shows, this is a chance for you to plan some much-needed nights’ out, or a weekend away with family and friends, as well as getting some behind-the-scenes insights into The Dukes.
https://dukeslancaster.org/whats-on/theatre/season-launch-event
A Servant’s Life – A below stairs tour
Judges Lodgings Museum, Lancaster
Friday 13th February, 1-2pm
Have you ever wondered what it was like to be a servant in Victorian times? A visit to Lancaster’s oldest town house will shed some light on the lives and living quarters of housekeepers and servants as they take you ‘below stairs’ to areas usually hidden to the public this February. The museum also houses the world’s largest collection of Gillows furniture including special items that have never before been on display in the Gallery.
https://lancasterjudgeslodgings.org.uk/
SOIL at Sizergh, Sizergh Castle
Sizergh, Kendal
From Saturday 14th February until November
Sizergh Castle and Gardens, just along the A6 toward Kendal, looks after 675 hectares of soil, so its new exhibition launching in February has soil as the inspiration. A collection of work from talented artists and photographers bring Sizergh’s soil stories to life for visitors, plus there’s a programme of guided walks and a children’s trail.
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/lake-district/sizergh
Beauty and the Beast: Broadway Musical
The Lancaster Grand, Lancaster
Tuesday 24th February – Saturday 28th February
This amateur production of Disney’s famous love story is presented by Morecambe Amateur Operatic & Dramatic Society (MAODS) by arrangement with Musical Theatre International. The much-loved tale of Belle and the prince transformed into a Beast features the music of Alan Menken and lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, and is a great family day out this winter.
https://lancastergrand.co.uk/shows/beauty-and-the-beast/2026-02-24/
Kirkby Lonsdale Charter Market
Kirkby Lonsdale
Every Thursday from 9am-3pm
The pretty cobbled town of Kirkby Lonsdale has had a Market Charter since 1227, and the weekly event is hugely popular with both locals and visitors. The historic Market Square is transformed into an artisan village with stalls selling great food, drink, and a range of gifts. There are also lots of fabulous independent shops to buy some unique gifts for the special people in your life.
https://www.kirkbylonsdale.co.uk/whats-on/
Birdwatching at Leighton Moss
Leighton Moss, Silverdale
If you’ve been inspired by BBC’s Winterwatch or January’s Big Garden Birdwatch, then a visit to RSPB Leighton Moss, just a few miles from The Longlands in Silverdale, should be on your wish list. With events such as ‘Winter Roosts’ timed to witness the stunning spectacle of starling murmuration’s, you could see as many as 90,000 birds coming into roost.
https://events.rspb.org.uk/events/27328?language=en
The Longlands popular series of Live Music Sunday events are back for 2026 with performances taking place in the bar once a month. We’ll be welcoming back some talented names and familiar faces including guitarist vocalist, Tom Woods and former BBC Introducing singer, Ashleigh Wood.
Book A Table
You can now book your table online using our Open Table app, so there’s no need to make a telephone call or send us a message. You can simply fill in your details and your booking will be automatically added to our booking system in the restaurant and you will receive an email confirming the time and number of guests. It really couldn’t be simpler.
Open Table App
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.
