Gemma's Guidebook
Sightseeing
650 acres of green oasis for you to explore, discover and relax in, with the River Lostock meandering through. The park is about 7 minutes walk from the house. Turn Left out of Ambledene and cross over the road, walk for a couple of minutes and then turn right down the dirt road by the side of the white house. Walk for about 5 minutes down here and when you get to the house in the woods follow the path round to the left, when it branches turn right over quite a muddy area and go up the little hill and you will see the entrance to the park.
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Cuerden Valley Park
Berkeley Drive650 acres of green oasis for you to explore, discover and relax in, with the River Lostock meandering through. The park is about 7 minutes walk from the house. Turn Left out of Ambledene and cross over the road, walk for a couple of minutes and then turn right down the dirt road by the side of the white house. Walk for about 5 minutes down here and when you get to the house in the woods follow the path round to the left, when it branches turn right over quite a muddy area and go up the little hill and you will see the entrance to the park.
Hoghton Tower sits at the top of a mile long drive surrounded by gardens and grounds and is perfect for your little Knights and Princesses. Join one of our house tours and learn all about the history of this amazing house and its family.
Whilst on the tour learn about the King's feast at the Tower, curing the King's Evil, ghostly residents, visit the dolls house collection, the well house, dungeon and witches kitchen. Why not pick up a Discover and Learn trail when you arrive and enjoy the ground and gardens with their ramparts, hidden steps and clipped yews.
Stop off at the Tea Room for a treat and finish your visit in the gift shop. Family friendly events run throughout the year and we offer tours specifically for children on a regular basis with costumes available for the little ones. The third Sunday of every month, come and enjoy our Farmers' Market. Mouth watering food in a wonderful place.
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Torre Hoghton
Blackburn Old RoadHoghton Tower sits at the top of a mile long drive surrounded by gardens and grounds and is perfect for your little Knights and Princesses. Join one of our house tours and learn all about the history of this amazing house and its family.
Whilst on the tour learn about the King's feast at the Tower, curing the King's Evil, ghostly residents, visit the dolls house collection, the well house, dungeon and witches kitchen. Why not pick up a Discover and Learn trail when you arrive and enjoy the ground and gardens with their ramparts, hidden steps and clipped yews.
Stop off at the Tea Room for a treat and finish your visit in the gift shop. Family friendly events run throughout the year and we offer tours specifically for children on a regular basis with costumes available for the little ones. The third Sunday of every month, come and enjoy our Farmers' Market. Mouth watering food in a wonderful place.
Astley Hall, Coach House and Park is a beautiful tourist spot located next to Chorley town centre offering families and friends a great day out. Within the grounds you will find acres of stunning parkland, the breath-taking Grade I historic house, the modernised Coach House which includes Café Ambio, the scenic Walled Garden, an exciting Pets Corner and an array of sports pitches and play areas.
Astley Hall
Astley Hall, Coach House and Park is a beautiful tourist spot located next to Chorley town centre offering families and friends a great day out. Within the grounds you will find acres of stunning parkland, the breath-taking Grade I historic house, the modernised Coach House which includes Café Ambio, the scenic Walled Garden, an exciting Pets Corner and an array of sports pitches and play areas.
The Avenham and Miller Parks are neatly adjoining scenic parks in picturesque Avenham valley, conveniently close to Preston city centre, not though you'd know it from the middle of the park, in the tranquil setting by the banks of the River Ribble. At 5 minutes' walk from the train station and 10 minutes from the bus station and with a car park just 30m away, this is a really easy day trip to feel like you've really got out of the city and into the country for a while, but without the hefty road time!
It's obviously pleasant for family rambling too but cyclists are particularly well catered for as the national cycle routes 6 and 55 pass through the Park linking Preston to Bamber Bridge, Chorley, Blackburn and even up to Lancaster, Morecambe and the Lake District!
Walkers and cyclists wanting to take it seriously come here to share the Guild Wheel: a 21 mile route that circles the urban area of Preston and runs along the riverside path straight through the Parks, starting and finishing at The Pavilion in Avenham Park. If you've got 21 miles in you then you will be well rewarded for it, with the whole area having possessed the Green Flag Award continuously since 2008!
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Avenham y Miller Park
South Meadow LaneThe Avenham and Miller Parks are neatly adjoining scenic parks in picturesque Avenham valley, conveniently close to Preston city centre, not though you'd know it from the middle of the park, in the tranquil setting by the banks of the River Ribble. At 5 minutes' walk from the train station and 10 minutes from the bus station and with a car park just 30m away, this is a really easy day trip to feel like you've really got out of the city and into the country for a while, but without the hefty road time!
It's obviously pleasant for family rambling too but cyclists are particularly well catered for as the national cycle routes 6 and 55 pass through the Park linking Preston to Bamber Bridge, Chorley, Blackburn and even up to Lancaster, Morecambe and the Lake District!
Walkers and cyclists wanting to take it seriously come here to share the Guild Wheel: a 21 mile route that circles the urban area of Preston and runs along the riverside path straight through the Parks, starting and finishing at The Pavilion in Avenham Park. If you've got 21 miles in you then you will be well rewarded for it, with the whole area having possessed the Green Flag Award continuously since 2008!
Enjoy nature and adventure at Brockholes Nature Reserve.
You’ll find something for everyone, from walking trails to an adventure play area with a climbing forest to a zip wire. Do some shopping or grab a spot of lunch at the unique visitors centre which floats above one of the reserves many lakes.
Since 2007 Lancashire Wildlife Trust has been working to create habitats that will encourage lots of wildlife to visit the reserve, so there are lots of different species to look out for on your visit. Take a cycle along the Guild Wheel Cycle Route and soak up the beautiful scenery of the reserve.
There’s fun for children and adults alike at Brockholes Nature Reserve!
250 acre nature reserve and floating visitor village
Enjoy the many lakes on site
Refreshments available
Free entry
16 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Brockholes
Preston New RoadEnjoy nature and adventure at Brockholes Nature Reserve.
You’ll find something for everyone, from walking trails to an adventure play area with a climbing forest to a zip wire. Do some shopping or grab a spot of lunch at the unique visitors centre which floats above one of the reserves many lakes.
Since 2007 Lancashire Wildlife Trust has been working to create habitats that will encourage lots of wildlife to visit the reserve, so there are lots of different species to look out for on your visit. Take a cycle along the Guild Wheel Cycle Route and soak up the beautiful scenery of the reserve.
There’s fun for children and adults alike at Brockholes Nature Reserve!
250 acre nature reserve and floating visitor village
Enjoy the many lakes on site
Refreshments available
Free entry
Samlesbury Hall welcomes families both young and old. Explore the 700-year-old house from the parlour to the Great Hall, discovering its secrets like the hidden priest hole, used for hiding Catholic priests in Elizabeth I's reign, and learning the story of Janey the (alleged) witch. As the house has been used for such a long time, the kitchen has gone from Tudor to Victorian! You can have your best guess at what the all the strange cooking utensils were used for.
Head outside and you'll find lots for kids to do. Highlights include the animal farm and Mayflower playground. Climb the rope bridge onto the ship and sail the seven seas before landing by a miniature version of Samlesbury Hall and a wooden trail that the whole family can have fun on, climbing over bridges and obstacles and having turns on the swing. The little farm has pigs, chickens, miniature sheep, pygmy goats, rabbits and guinea pigs, and a honeybee centre.
Complete your visit with a trip to Dottie's Wafflery and Ice-Cream Parlour, serving sweet treats like Belgian waffles, milkshakes and sundaes. Or, if the whole family wants lunch, head to Samlesbury's award-winning restaurant!
Enjoy guided tours weekly, and watch out for things to do in the summer holidays where you can meet storytelling lady of the house, Betsy Bumblebee!
11 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Samlesbury Hall
Preston New RoadSamlesbury Hall welcomes families both young and old. Explore the 700-year-old house from the parlour to the Great Hall, discovering its secrets like the hidden priest hole, used for hiding Catholic priests in Elizabeth I's reign, and learning the story of Janey the (alleged) witch. As the house has been used for such a long time, the kitchen has gone from Tudor to Victorian! You can have your best guess at what the all the strange cooking utensils were used for.
Head outside and you'll find lots for kids to do. Highlights include the animal farm and Mayflower playground. Climb the rope bridge onto the ship and sail the seven seas before landing by a miniature version of Samlesbury Hall and a wooden trail that the whole family can have fun on, climbing over bridges and obstacles and having turns on the swing. The little farm has pigs, chickens, miniature sheep, pygmy goats, rabbits and guinea pigs, and a honeybee centre.
Complete your visit with a trip to Dottie's Wafflery and Ice-Cream Parlour, serving sweet treats like Belgian waffles, milkshakes and sundaes. Or, if the whole family wants lunch, head to Samlesbury's award-winning restaurant!
Enjoy guided tours weekly, and watch out for things to do in the summer holidays where you can meet storytelling lady of the house, Betsy Bumblebee!
Love a good adventure in nature? If your family is always ready to put on your walking shoes, grab a backpack and discover the wonders of the great outdoors, then a walk up to Rivington Pike would be a great day out for you and the kids.
The best place to begin is the Rivington Hall Barn. From there it’s only 3 miles to the top, but the ascent is rather steep, so don’t hesitate to take a breather and soak in the scenery. You’ve got a choice of routes but the top family favourite is the path leading through the beautiful Rivington Terraced Gardens.
You may get a little tired but the reward waiting at the top is arguably the best views in the North West! On a sunny day, you can see all the way to the Isle of Man and the Lake District, but even when you aren’t so lucky with the weather, you can still see the Winter Hill, Macron Stadium and Lever Park.
27 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Rivington Pike Tower
Love a good adventure in nature? If your family is always ready to put on your walking shoes, grab a backpack and discover the wonders of the great outdoors, then a walk up to Rivington Pike would be a great day out for you and the kids.
The best place to begin is the Rivington Hall Barn. From there it’s only 3 miles to the top, but the ascent is rather steep, so don’t hesitate to take a breather and soak in the scenery. You’ve got a choice of routes but the top family favourite is the path leading through the beautiful Rivington Terraced Gardens.
You may get a little tired but the reward waiting at the top is arguably the best views in the North West! On a sunny day, you can see all the way to the Isle of Man and the Lake District, but even when you aren’t so lucky with the weather, you can still see the Winter Hill, Macron Stadium and Lever Park.
Chorley's increasingly popular Yarrow Valley Country Park is a 700-acre facility, run by Chorley Council, including a café and information centre built using Heritage Lottery funds. Yarrow Valley Country Park has been awarded Green Flag status since 2004.
Yarrow Valley Country Park
Off Birkacre RoadChorley's increasingly popular Yarrow Valley Country Park is a 700-acre facility, run by Chorley Council, including a café and information centre built using Heritage Lottery funds. Yarrow Valley Country Park has been awarded Green Flag status since 2004.
For the Kids
Go Ape Rivington is a course like no other, with the only zip wire over water in the Go Ape family! Pair that with a whole load of other high ropes fun and you’ve got a great day out raring to go. The Treetop Challenge is a favourite with adrenaline junkies. In two to three hours you’ll have over 35 crossings to tackle - no mean feat in itself, and that’s before you consider the challenges ahead. Rope bridges lead up to wobbly stepping stones, a free-falling Tarzan swing and a ‘spider’s web’ to shuffle your way across. Ready for the main thrill? Strap in and zip your way over the bay of Lower Rivington Reservoir. It’s a true spectacle, not to be missed! Rivington has been hailed as Manchester’s own mini Lake District; you can see why with its excess of reservoirs, rugged hills and intriguing wildlife. It’s even won the label of one of Lancashire's ‘must visit' locations, so what are you waiting for? 13-metre-high platforms to conquer Home to Go Ape’s only zip over water Perfect for kids aged 10+
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Go Ape Rivington
Rivington LaneGo Ape Rivington is a course like no other, with the only zip wire over water in the Go Ape family! Pair that with a whole load of other high ropes fun and you’ve got a great day out raring to go. The Treetop Challenge is a favourite with adrenaline junkies. In two to three hours you’ll have over 35 crossings to tackle - no mean feat in itself, and that’s before you consider the challenges ahead. Rope bridges lead up to wobbly stepping stones, a free-falling Tarzan swing and a ‘spider’s web’ to shuffle your way across. Ready for the main thrill? Strap in and zip your way over the bay of Lower Rivington Reservoir. It’s a true spectacle, not to be missed! Rivington has been hailed as Manchester’s own mini Lake District; you can see why with its excess of reservoirs, rugged hills and intriguing wildlife. It’s even won the label of one of Lancashire's ‘must visit' locations, so what are you waiting for? 13-metre-high platforms to conquer Home to Go Ape’s only zip over water Perfect for kids aged 10+
Planet Ice Blackburn offers something for everyone. With year round iceskating, disco sessions for both juniors and seniors, family skating and extra holiday fun, this is the coolest skate site in town!
Please note - there are no rollerskating activities available here, just ice skating!
The Parent and Toddler sessions are something really special, where as well as on ice assistance from their friendly professionals you and the kids can also make use of the numerous ice scooters and toys that they lay on too!
For those with ambitions to take their skating to a higher level you can learn to skate on the NISA Skate UK Programme or book some one on one lessons to really improve fast.
There's also a very welcoming attitude toward skating in one's wheelchair, though they do ask for a courtesy call so they can be ready for you.
Planet Ice Blackburn Arena
Lower Audley StreetPlanet Ice Blackburn offers something for everyone. With year round iceskating, disco sessions for both juniors and seniors, family skating and extra holiday fun, this is the coolest skate site in town!
Please note - there are no rollerskating activities available here, just ice skating!
The Parent and Toddler sessions are something really special, where as well as on ice assistance from their friendly professionals you and the kids can also make use of the numerous ice scooters and toys that they lay on too!
For those with ambitions to take their skating to a higher level you can learn to skate on the NISA Skate UK Programme or book some one on one lessons to really improve fast.
There's also a very welcoming attitude toward skating in one's wheelchair, though they do ask for a courtesy call so they can be ready for you.
Junction4 is a purpose built 7000 sq ft fully air conditioned indoor facility for the public. We have an onsite shop (the cellblock BMX) a large chill out room with a pool table and soft furnishings and free car parking.
Inside the park we have a bespoke bowl with ‘oververt' and a ‘wall ride', a ‘jump box', two sets of ‘rails', a ‘ledge' ,various ‘quarter pipes' and ‘banks' and a ‘street section'
Junction 4 Skatepark
Blackburn RoadJunction4 is a purpose built 7000 sq ft fully air conditioned indoor facility for the public. We have an onsite shop (the cellblock BMX) a large chill out room with a pool table and soft furnishings and free car parking.
Inside the park we have a bespoke bowl with ‘oververt' and a ‘wall ride', a ‘jump box', two sets of ‘rails', a ‘ledge' ,various ‘quarter pipes' and ‘banks' and a ‘street section'
It may not be as funny as Del Boy spectacularly falling through the open bar, however there’s enough at the Only Foals and Horses Sanctuary to put a smile on any horse lovers face.
Established in 1989 to help protect the large number of barely weaned foals that were being sold for slaughter, it is now home to young foals and older horses that are at risk of mistreatment, neglect or abuse. There in those fields these animals are loved, looked after and nurtured back to health by a passionate and dedicated team.
Visitors can take the time to meet the individual horses and learn all about their stories. These gentle animals are always happy to see new people and the sanctuary is often looking for forever homes for some of its inhabitants. If your garden won’t quite stretch to a four-legged friend of that size you can always adopt your favourite to help support the sanctuary in their important work.
A special place for all those who care about animal welfare
Only Foal & Horses
Red Shell LaneIt may not be as funny as Del Boy spectacularly falling through the open bar, however there’s enough at the Only Foals and Horses Sanctuary to put a smile on any horse lovers face.
Established in 1989 to help protect the large number of barely weaned foals that were being sold for slaughter, it is now home to young foals and older horses that are at risk of mistreatment, neglect or abuse. There in those fields these animals are loved, looked after and nurtured back to health by a passionate and dedicated team.
Visitors can take the time to meet the individual horses and learn all about their stories. These gentle animals are always happy to see new people and the sanctuary is often looking for forever homes for some of its inhabitants. If your garden won’t quite stretch to a four-legged friend of that size you can always adopt your favourite to help support the sanctuary in their important work.
A special place for all those who care about animal welfare
The UK’s most ride intensive amusement park & home to the UK’s only Nickelodeon Land. Experience the newest rollercoaster, ICON!
117 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Parque de atracciones Blackpool Pleasure Beach
525 Ocean BlvdThe UK’s most ride intensive amusement park & home to the UK’s only Nickelodeon Land. Experience the newest rollercoaster, ICON!
Food scene
As pubs with history go, you’d be hard pressed to find a more historic pub than The Walton Fox in Bamber Bridge.
Once known as Little Walton and rising 150 feet above the surrounding area, our pub was on the site of the 1648 battle between the Duke of Hamilton and the Parliamentarians, led by Oliver Cromwell. The Walton Fox’s heritage makes it the perfect, rustic pub that historians and ramblers alike love to visit.
The beautiful surroundings provide the perfect backdrop for savouring the hearty, seasonal pub-food on the menu and the hand-picked cask ales or fine wines served at the bar.
The Walton Fox
Craven DriveAs pubs with history go, you’d be hard pressed to find a more historic pub than The Walton Fox in Bamber Bridge.
Once known as Little Walton and rising 150 feet above the surrounding area, our pub was on the site of the 1648 battle between the Duke of Hamilton and the Parliamentarians, led by Oliver Cromwell. The Walton Fox’s heritage makes it the perfect, rustic pub that historians and ramblers alike love to visit.
The beautiful surroundings provide the perfect backdrop for savouring the hearty, seasonal pub-food on the menu and the hand-picked cask ales or fine wines served at the bar.
Our menus feature dishes made with quality, fresh produce from local Lancashire suppliers and growers, and we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional customer service. The Mill is also more than a café – it’s a vibrant community hub offering light-touch therapies; drop-in advice and information services, and a packed programme of activities. So whether you’re calling by for coffee and cake; in need of a friendly face to chat things over with or attending one of our events, we look forward to welcoming you soon.
The Mill at St Catherine's
Our menus feature dishes made with quality, fresh produce from local Lancashire suppliers and growers, and we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional customer service. The Mill is also more than a café – it’s a vibrant community hub offering light-touch therapies; drop-in advice and information services, and a packed programme of activities. So whether you’re calling by for coffee and cake; in need of a friendly face to chat things over with or attending one of our events, we look forward to welcoming you soon.
The long established ‘Sagar Premier’ and ‘Sagar’ along with our new restaurant ventures are rapidly becoming the North West’s premier chain of Indian restaurants. It is our skill and dedication to service that makes the Sagar Group your perfect choice.
Our knowledge of Indian cuisine and cooking styles allows us to prepare dishes to tempt and tantalise every palate.
Sagar use only the finest fresh ingredients in all of our recipes to give them a unique delicious taste.
We offer an extensive choice of traditional Indian cuisine together with new mouth-watering new creations, but if you have a preferred dish that is not on our menu, please ask and our chefs will be more than happy to prepare it for you.
Sagar Premier
Clayton Brook RoadThe long established ‘Sagar Premier’ and ‘Sagar’ along with our new restaurant ventures are rapidly becoming the North West’s premier chain of Indian restaurants. It is our skill and dedication to service that makes the Sagar Group your perfect choice.
Our knowledge of Indian cuisine and cooking styles allows us to prepare dishes to tempt and tantalise every palate.
Sagar use only the finest fresh ingredients in all of our recipes to give them a unique delicious taste.
We offer an extensive choice of traditional Indian cuisine together with new mouth-watering new creations, but if you have a preferred dish that is not on our menu, please ask and our chefs will be more than happy to prepare it for you.
A small country pub located in Chorley.
We offer delicious fine food in our restaurant, with some fantastic dishes available for you to enjoy. Our team have crafted a menu, made up of all your favourite pub classics. Looking for something extra special? We have some a beautiful afternoon tea option available.
Our bar is fully stocked with the best spirits, wines and beers - as well as a selection of real ales. We have a stunning beer garden at The Cavendish, perfect for enjoying the sunshine in!
Cavendish Arms
Sandy LaneA small country pub located in Chorley.
We offer delicious fine food in our restaurant, with some fantastic dishes available for you to enjoy. Our team have crafted a menu, made up of all your favourite pub classics. Looking for something extra special? We have some a beautiful afternoon tea option available.
Our bar is fully stocked with the best spirits, wines and beers - as well as a selection of real ales. We have a stunning beer garden at The Cavendish, perfect for enjoying the sunshine in!
Neighbourhoods
A beautiful tranquil Lancashire village that is well worth a visit! Go round the back of the church for a nice short river walk and enjoy the cuisine that the local pubs have to offer.
10 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Croston
A beautiful tranquil Lancashire village that is well worth a visit! Go round the back of the church for a nice short river walk and enjoy the cuisine that the local pubs have to offer.
Shopping
Sainsbury's
100 Regent RdLarge supermarket only 5 minutes away in the car!
ALDI
Cuerden WayBudget supermarket only 5 minutes away in the car!
The world-renowned shopping and leisure destination where you'll always find must-have brands, high street favourites, delicious food and exciting leisure all under one spectacular roof.
378 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Centro Trafford
The world-renowned shopping and leisure destination where you'll always find must-have brands, high street favourites, delicious food and exciting leisure all under one spectacular roof.
Less than an hour away.....
For many visitors, the Lake District is synonymous with Windermere, which is both the largest lake in England and its most popular. It’s been a major tourist centre since 1847, when the trains first steamed into town carrying passengers eager for the fresh air and stunning scenery, and it’s been pretty much the same ever since. Transport options have improved, and there’s a broader choice of leisure activities both on and off the water. Access to the lake is from Bowness-On-Windermere, a charming and busy little town with lots of shops and restaurants,which is just a short hop from Windermere town.
127 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Bowness-on-Windermere
For many visitors, the Lake District is synonymous with Windermere, which is both the largest lake in England and its most popular. It’s been a major tourist centre since 1847, when the trains first steamed into town carrying passengers eager for the fresh air and stunning scenery, and it’s been pretty much the same ever since. Transport options have improved, and there’s a broader choice of leisure activities both on and off the water. Access to the lake is from Bowness-On-Windermere, a charming and busy little town with lots of shops and restaurants,which is just a short hop from Windermere town.
Just two miles from the bright lights of Blackpool, Lytham and St Annes, Fylde, are worlds apart in both character and atmosphere. The dual seaside towns are nestled along a picturesque stretch of coastline lined with well tended lawns, a boating lake and pretty parks.
With an expansive sandy beach (which you can view online), Victorian pier, historic windmill, a ‘royal’ golf course and stylish independent shops, the dual seaside towns of Lytham and St Annes continue to remind us why we all love the British seaside so much.
50 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Lytham St Annes
Just two miles from the bright lights of Blackpool, Lytham and St Annes, Fylde, are worlds apart in both character and atmosphere. The dual seaside towns are nestled along a picturesque stretch of coastline lined with well tended lawns, a boating lake and pretty parks.
With an expansive sandy beach (which you can view online), Victorian pier, historic windmill, a ‘royal’ golf course and stylish independent shops, the dual seaside towns of Lytham and St Annes continue to remind us why we all love the British seaside so much.
Set in the heart of the beautiful Ribble Valley, Stonyhurst Hall was built in 1592 by Sir Richard Shireburn and was occupied as the family seat until 1794 when an ancestor gave The Hall and estate to the Society of Jesus as a new home for their college. Since 1794 additions have been made to the college, but the character and style of an Elizabethan manor house remains. Stonyhurst College is now one of the country’s premier independent boarding schools. The college lies just 10 miles from junction 36 on M6 which makes it easily accessible for visitors not only from Lancashire but also Cheshire, Cumbria and Yorkshire.
12 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Stonyhurst College
Set in the heart of the beautiful Ribble Valley, Stonyhurst Hall was built in 1592 by Sir Richard Shireburn and was occupied as the family seat until 1794 when an ancestor gave The Hall and estate to the Society of Jesus as a new home for their college. Since 1794 additions have been made to the college, but the character and style of an Elizabethan manor house remains. Stonyhurst College is now one of the country’s premier independent boarding schools. The college lies just 10 miles from junction 36 on M6 which makes it easily accessible for visitors not only from Lancashire but also Cheshire, Cumbria and Yorkshire.