The Longlands suggestions of things to do for every month of 2024

We are blessed that The Longlands is in such a fantastic location. Straddling over almost three counties – Lancashire, Cumbria, and Yorkshire, and close to two national parks – The Lake District National Park and The Yorkshire Dales National Park, there’s never any shortage of things to see and do within our boundary.  

If you’re the type of person who likes to plan your hotel stay or short break around a great event, then look no further. Here’s the Longlands guide to a few of the highlights of 2024. With so much to choose from, you might just want to think about staying for longer or visiting Lancashire more often!

The Leighton Hall & AONB Trail Races 10k & Half Marathon, Leighton Hall, Carnforth

Saturday 16th March

There are two clear things we love about this event. It’s so close to our doorstep and it shows off the wonderful scenery we’re always telling our visitors about. It takes in the heart of the impressive Arnside & Silverdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with one of the best downhill finishes in the country as you run toward the majestic Leighton Hall with the backdrop of stunning views of Ingleborough. The course is a mix of woodland trails and country lanes with an extended half marathon route taking in Warton Crag Nature Reserve. The half marathon also sees a climb to almost 2,000ft to Arnside Knott with its expansive coastal views over Morecambe Bay. Both races are organised by Pennine Trails and start and finish at Leighton Hall, just 10 minutes from The Longlands Inn & Restaurant.

Wray Scarecrow Festival, Wray, Lancashire

Saturday 27th April – Monday 6th May

An annual scarecrow festival has been taking place in the Lancashire village of Wray since the early 1990s drawing visitors in from far and wide. The quirky festival coincides with the May Day Bank Holiday and features everything from giant scarecrows, dog–agility, and a funfair, to samba reggae drum bands and maypole dancing. For the more energetic, there’s a 10k road race, fell race, and populaire cycle event. This year’s scarecrow theme is ‘sci-fi’ so expect to see plenty of spock-ears on display!

Printfest, Ulverston

Friday 3rd-Sunday 5th May

Just a half hour drive along the A6 & A590 from The Longlands leads you to the market town of Ulverston with its cobbled streets, independent shops, cafes, and restaurants, and prominent pepperpot monument. Widely recognised as a festival town, creatives and artist printmakers from all over the UK head to Ulverston for the annual Printfest, taking place over the May Bank Holiday weekend in 2024. The town’s Coronation Hall houses a large exhibition where people can purchase collections direct from the 43 specially selected and hugely talented artists. This year’s Printmaker of the Year, Bronwen Sleigh, who lives and works in Glasgow, takes inspiration from industrial architecture, unused and forgotten urban spaces, and environments at the edge of the city.

Highest Point Music Festival, Williamson Park, Lancaster

Friday 10th & Saturday 11th May

We’re sneaking in an extra event for May for all you music lovers. Tickets are on sale for this fast-growing music festival, which always attracts some top-quality artists with 2024 being no exception. Set in Lancaster’s picturesqueWilliamson Park, this year’s Highest Point headliners are Tom Odell and Busted. And if you’re still not convinced, then they’ll also be joined by multi-BRIT-nominated vocalist Cat Burns and Eurovision superstar, Sam Ryder. Expect DJ sets from BBC 6 Music host, Chris Hawkins and Radio 1’s Katie Thistleton plus a throwback to the 90s with a special electronic DJ set from the legendary Utah Saints. See you there!

Countryfest, Crooklands, J36 near Milnthorpe

Saturday 1st & Sunday 2nd June

Countryfest is widely considered to be one of the first of the summer’s county shows across Cumbria and Lancashire. The sister event to the renowned Westmorland County Show was first held in 2009 and is marking its 16th year in 2024. Hundreds of trade stands showcase local crafts and gifts, and a food zone and food courts feature many talented local producers plus guest and celebrity chef demonstrations. For animal lovers, there’s a dog show, ferret show, rabbit show, terrier racing, and a pet’s corner, and plenty of workshops and children’s activities to keep all the family entertained.

25th Leighton Hall Classic Performance Motor Show, Leighton Hall, Carnforth

Sunday 7th July

It’s a return to Leighton Hall in July for its famous motor show, which is celebrating a quarter of a century in 2024 with hundreds of vintage vehicles and classic cars on display on the lawns and terrace. Just 10 minutes from The Longlands Inn & Restaurant, Leighton Hall boasts one of the finest backdrops in the country for a classic car show. Expect trade stands and the always popular auto-jumble – a treasure trove of bargains and spare parts.

Continuing the petrolhead theme, the always exciting Motorcycle Hill Climbwill also return on Sunday 28th July, centring around a 220m hill climb on the drive of Leighton Hall including a thrilling 60-degree bend at the start.

*Top tip! * The Longlands, with our secure, extra large car park, is a great place for any classic car groups to meet for breakfast, lunch or dinner en route to, or after, the events have finished.  

Vintage by the Sea, Morecambe

Saturday 31st August & Sunday 1st September

An extravaganza of fashion, design, film, vehicles, music, dance, art, food, drink, and culture of yesteryear. Established by Wayne Hemingway and the Hemingway Design team, there’s always something different around every corner when this 20th century celebration comes to Morecambe. Enjoy free nostalgic films of the area in a Bedford Cinema Bus, marvel at vintage catwalk & classic car shows, classic fairground rides, swing & dance classes, and maybe even a classic flyover or two. It’s a magically creative weekend!

Westmorland County Show, Crooklands, J36 near Milnthorpe

Wednesday 11th & Thursday 12th September

The highlight of the area’s agricultural calendar returns again over an extended two days in 2024. Attended by the cream of the countryside crop, tens of thousands of people travel from miles around to see the best livestock, and enjoy displays, animal shows, and competitions. The North West’s largest local Food Hall has a packed programme of celebrity and local chef demonstrations and hundreds of trade stands showcase the very best local crafts, gifts, and food & drink. Beat the traffic by staying at The Longlands, as we’re located just 15 minutes from the Showground.

Abbamania, The Platform, Morecambe

Wednesday 23rd October

Dust off your feather boas when Europe’s leading Abba tribute hits the seaside town of Morecambe this October. It’s Abbamania’s 25th anniversary tour during which they’ll be celebrating 50 years of the very best of Abba’s infectious music. From Mamma Mia to Fernando to Dancing Queen, this is one show that’s guaranteed to get you dancing in the aisles! With the Longlands just 10 miles from The Platform in Morecambe, you can get back in time to put some ‘Money Money Money’ behind the bar and carry on the celebrations!

Kendal Mountain Festival, Kendal, Cumbria

Thursday 21st – Sunday 24th November

The UK’s biggest adventure festival takes place just a few miles from The Longlands in and around the market town of Kendal every November. Running for over 40 years, Kendal Mountain Festival is the largest gathering of outdoor enthusiasts in the UK and a must-visit for anyone who loves the outdoors. A mix of free and ticketed events encompassing films, books, art, activities, music, and a whole programme of enthralling guest speakers, are held at different event spaces in the town over four adrenalin-fuelled days.

Christmas Markets, region-wide

The Longlands is perfectly located for visiting some of the area’s best Christmas markets, festivals, and fayres. Lancaster brings the big guns with an 800-metre ice-rink, giant Ferris wheel, carousel, tipi bar, and lots of Christmas stalls. Whereas Kirkby Lonsdale, Ulverston, and Skipton step back in time with more traditional Christmas markets complete with Santa’s grottos, lantern walks, brass bands, and even Dickensian attire.

*This is just a tiny snapshot of some of the events taking place close to the Longlands this year. Keep an eye on our website and social media accounts to see what else the year has in store, and we also run a number of our own special events at The Longlands Inn & Restaurant throughout the year. Happy 2024 everyone!

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.