7 things we love about North Lancashire

Do you like to plan your holiday or short break around a good event? Well,you’re in the right place as there’s plenty to look forward to in the second half of 2023. From sampling the very best of Lancashire & Cumbria’s food and drink, singing and dancing along to some of the best tunes at vibrant festivals, or soaking up some culture in some of the best backdrops, there’s something for everyone on our doorstep this year. Here’s a sneak peek of just a few exciting events to look forward to and they’re all within 30 minutes of The Longlands Inn & Restaurant:

The 24th Leighton Hall Classic & Performance Motor Show, Leighton Hall, Carnforth

Sunday 2nd July

Just 10 minutes from The Longlands Inn & Restaurant, Leighton Hall must surely be one of the finest backdrops in the country for a classic car show. Hundreds of vintage vehicles will be on display on the lawns and terrace of the historic home of the Gillow furniture family. There’s also trade stands and an auto-jumble – a must-visit if you’re a car enthusiast looking for spare parts! Then at the end of the month, on Sunday 30th July, there’s the ever-popular and exciting Motorcycle Hill Climb. July really is the month for all petrolheads at Leighton Hall.

*The Longlands has a very large car park if any clubs visiting Leighton Hall for the Motor Show or Motorcycle Hill Climb want to book in for lunch or dinner – we’re a great place for you all to meet!

The Dukes Outdoor Theatre at Williamson Park, Lancaster

Tuesdays to Sundays – 21st July- 27th August

Lancaster institution, The Dukes, brings its outdoor theatre production back to Lancaster’s beautiful Williamson Park this summer with the Phileas Fogg classic, Around the World in 80 Days. Follow Phileas as he races round the park against the ticking clock meeting a variety of characters and encountering many cultures along the way. It’s an adventurous journey of romance, trickery, and shenanigans, which promises to entertain the whole family. All in the stunning backdrop of Williamson Park. Don’t miss it!

Lake District Summer Music Festival, Kendal

28th July-6th August

Every summer, some of the finest musicians from all over the world head to various venues in and around Kendal and the Lake District to share their unique talents with eager audiences. From string quartets, jazz and baroque specialists, family events, and world music, this year’s festival draws inspiration from Vienna where many of the world’s leading composers and artists have originated. As well as established musicians, the Lake District Summer Music Festival offers a chance to watch the birth of a new generation of young performers. The full programme is available now.  

Trails & Tales Heritage Walks, Beetham

Wednesday 16th August

Showcasing the best of the Arnside & Silverdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, these themed guided walks also let you discover more about the customs and folklore of the local area. Covering all the strange stories and weird sightings that have been written into local lore, this one looks at a different type of fairy tale. Not Cinderella, Snow White or Pinocchio, but a trip to Lancashire’s very own magical fairy steps at Beetham. Legend has it if you manage to climb up or down the stone steps without touching the limestone wall sides, the fairies will grant you a wish!

Vintage by the Sea Festival, Morecambe

Saturday 2nd & Sunday 3rd September

Celebrating its 10th year in 2023, Vintage by the Sea was inspired by Wayne Hemingway and HemingwayDesign to pay tribute to the creativity and culture from the 1920s to 1990s. Watch the stunning Morecambe seafront come alive with a host of music, dance, fashion shows, quirky street food stalls, and vintage fairground. Step inside the Vintage Marketplace to just reminisce or snap up some mid-century delights, then head to the Vintage Hair & Beauty Salon for a classic makeover before partying into the early hours. Bouffant beehive or Farrah Fawcett flick anyone?

Morecambe Bay Golf Festival, Lancaster, Morecambe & Heysham Golf Clubs

Monday 4th – Friday 9th September

We truly are spoiled around The Longlands area of North Lancashire and Morecambe Bay to have some of the most picturesque golf courses in the UK. Three of those, Lancaster, Morecambe and Heysham, come together every September to stage the hugely popular Morecambe Bay Golf Festival. Attracting golfers from all over the UK, the festival has an overall prize fund of almost £10,000 split between a programme of Men’s Fourballs, Men’s Team Events, Any Combination Team Event, and the 3-day Festival Trophy.

*Did you know? Morecambe Golf Course was designed by Alister Mackenzie,the architect of Augusta National – home of the US Masters.

Westmorland County Show, J36 near Milnthorpe

Wednesday 13th & Thursday 14th September

The renowned Westmorland County Show is the highlight of the agricultural calendar. Organisers changed the format to make the show a two-day event in 2021 and it proved so popular they’ve maintained it again for the third year in 2023. Tens of thousands of people travel from all over the country to attend and roads become very busy around the area, so why not get a head start and book a stay at The Longlands as we’re just 15 minutes away from the Showground. Expect hundreds of trade stands showcasing local crafts and gifts, the North West’s largest local Food Hall featuring lots of talented local producers and celebrity chef demonstrations, and lots more displays, competitions, and animal shows.

Ulverston Dickensian Christmas Festival, Ulverston

Saturday 25th & Sunday 26th November

The market town of Ulverston with its cobbled streets and Laurel & Hardy links (Stan Laurel was born in the town) could never just put on a traditional Christmas market! The Dickensian Christmas Festival is one of the best weekends of the year with a thriving, friendly festive atmosphere around the town. A costume parade showcases some of the best Victorian attire – all accompanied by brass bands, live singers, jugglers, stilt walkers, magicians, and maybe the odd fire eater or two! Lots of stalls line the historic streets selling local crafts and produce including the customary mulled wine and Christmas cocktails! There’s even a fairground with a traditional helter skelter and lots of activities on offer for all the family.

*And don’t forget to keep an eye on our website and social media accounts to see what special events we’ll be running at The Longlands Inn & Restaurant throughout the year!

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.