12 of the best things to look forward to across Lancashire in 2026
As the year comes to an end, Marketing Lancashire has shared with us some of the best things to look orward to over the next 12 months.
Lancashire already has so much to offer and 2026 will doubtless provide visitors and residents alike, with even more new and exciting things to see and do.
Take a look at below at just some of the new attractions and enhancements to the county’s current attractions, new places to stay and events and anniversaries coming up in 2026, with travel advice from Marketing Lancashire too...
NEW OPENINGS
A brand new 138ft gyro ride is coming to Pleasure Beach Resort. The £8,72m ride is currently under construction at the iconic Pleasure Beach Resort in Blackpool. The resort is no stranger to going big with news; having held the record for the UKS tallest ride for 29 years and currently featuring Launch Pad, which takes visitors 20 storeys high.
Aviktas will be another record breaker, the first gyro swing of its kind in the UK, and certainly the tallest. This is in addition to the other rides that can be enjoyed at the theme park such as Wallace and Gromit Thrill-O-Matic which has recently had new additions following Vengeance Most Fowl, and Valhalla, which has been voted as the Best Water Ride in the World and reopened in 2024 following a huge refurbishment. As well as the UKs only Nickelodeon Land. Unique stays on Pleasure Beach: Pleasure Beach Resort offers not one, but two on-site hotels, sleep in the shadow of the ride at either Boulevard Hotel or The Big Blue Hotel.
New Facilities at Stanley Villa Farm, Blackpool, Lancashire - Expected throughout 2026
There are so many great things planned for Stanley Villa Farm and Fishing near Blackpool. The first will see three new luxury lodges arrive on site, the biggest development to date for the site. A show-lodge arrives in December, with two more following in early 2026, and all will be available to purchase as holiday homes, marking an exciting new chapter for the site.
In addition to the pods available to purchase, there will be five new family pods available to hire, including two fully accessible pods with ramps and widened doors, plus one with a wood-fired hot tub. And two wood-fired tubs will be added to the existing increasing availability across the Pods and Bell Tents on site.The holiday park will also see a refurbished office & shop, providing a full upgrade to improve guest check-in, information, and the expanding on-site offering.
The Royal Carlton Hotel, Blackpool - Expected Spring 2026
A multi-million-pound refurbishment is currently underway in the former Royal Carlton Hotel in Blackpool. The impressive art deco hotel situated in South Shore, near key attractions such as Pleasure Beach Resort and Sandcastle Waterpark, is expected to undergo extensive upgrades to restore it to its former glory before reopening in Spring 2026 with an overhaul of all 38 bedrooms, public areas and bar and restaurant for visitors to enjoy. There will be new tiered terrace, an open pergola structure added to the buildings offering and installation of new bi-fold doors to bring the outside into the bar and restaurant.
Longridge House, Chipping - Open now for its first season
Link: www.Longridgehouse.com
A new boutique countryside hotel and relaxed restaurant in the heart of Lancashire’s Ribble Valley. Once the country retreat of the Earl of Derby, the house has long offered a place to relax, unwind and enjoy the beautiful Lancashire countryside. In 2025 a new chapter begins, as Longridge House; a family-run hotel offering the warmest of welcomes, thoughtful touches and generous hospitality. A destination hotel for memorable stays, afternoon teas, dining and weddings.
NEW EVENTS
Having been loved by many across the globe, TIME is being introduce to a Lancashire audience in February when it arrives at Blackburn Cathedral.
TIME will transform the entire Cathedral into a fully immersive artwork where you will traverse a series of captivating installations that explore humanity’s evolving relationship with the concept of time.
Price: TBC
Stay nearby: The Hampton By Hilton Blackburn offers plenty of space in stylish rooms with a fabulous breakfast too!
Where to eat during your stay: Just outside the town you’ll find The White Bull with its award-winning roast dinners and traditional pub food.
Link: cwfilmfest.com
A new four-day film festival is coming to Fleetwood. For the first time, Wyre will host a four-day film marathon showcasing award winning stories and new content from filmmakers around the world. The festival will cover family friendly, documentary, LGBTQ+ and horror movies and highlight both short and feature length films, as well as offering fascinating Q&As with filmmakers, filmmaking master classes, workshops and more. The festival will take place in the beautiful Marine Hall overlooking Morecambe Bay.
Price: Session tickets from £6, Day passes from £12
Stay nearby: Garlands Holiday Apartments in nearby Cleveleys offer an ideal self-catering accommodation option for a long weekend, allowing you to enjoy the film festival and all the Fylde coast has to offer.
Where to eat during your stay: Twelve Restaurant is just a short drive away and provides an incredible Bib Gourmand experience perfect for those who love film and food.
Dragonfly International Film Festival is a new short film and music video competition with a live screening and awards event on 7th March 2026 held at the iconic music venue The New Continental in Preston, Lancashire.
With eight film categories - including one specifically for Lancashire Filmmakers, and eight individual awards for cast and crew, the festival is committed to building an inclusive and supportive platform for everyone who submits their work. Submissions are open now for any budding filmmakers who want to showcase their film.
Price: TBC
Stay nearby: The city centre has some great low-cost options for staying such as the Holiday Inn Preston. You can also find great options just outside the city such as Delta Hotels by Marriott Preston and Farington Lodge.
Where to eat during your stay: Chews Yard just across the city provides a great atmosphere with amazing street food vendors, be sure to check it out during a stay.
MAJOR ANNIVERSARIES
100 years of Eric Morecambe, Morecambe
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2026 marks the 100-year anniversary of the birth of Eric Morecambe and the town he was born in and named himself after, is getting ready to celebrate. There will be events throughout the year to celebrate Eric and his lasting impact on the world of comedy and theatre.
Details are still to be announced regarding the events held, but it is expected there will be a large event planned close to 14th May, the star’s birthday.
Stay & eat nearby: The Midland overlooks Morecambe Bay just a stone's throw from the Eric Morecambe Statue which stands proudly on the seafront. Perfect for an overnight stay or a bite to eat, book your break away now.
15 years of Lytham Festival, Lytham
One of the North of England’s biggest festivals will return in 2026 to mark its 15-year anniversary. Details of who will play the five nights of Lytham Festival are slowly being released, but the event will take place from 1st to 5th July, and tickets are already on sale. It’s a big Act year too, as the festival has confirmed all five days of acts with Teddy Swims, Alanis Morissette, Michael Bublé, Pet Shop Boys and Pitbull taking to the stage. Supporting acts include Lauren Spencer Smith, Skunk Anansie and Lil John so fa, with more to come. You can secure your ticket with a deposit of just £29.90.
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Celebrating the rich history of the area, Heysham Viking Festival is an exciting event showcasing how the Vikings came to Lancashire and their influence on the region. 2026 is the 10-year anniversary of the festival and promises to be bigger and better than ever! Be transported into the sights, sounds and smells of the bustling 9th – 11th century coastal village during a whole weekend of celebrations.
Blackpool’s Pleasure Beach Resort has announced that it’s set to showcase a brand-new ice show next season: Alice, Frozen in a Wonderland of Dreams.
The performance will be suitable for all ages and sees classic characters from the Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland novel re-imagined on the ice. In addition, a brand-new Hot Ice Show will launch at the Ice Areana. Hot Ice XC will be a powerful combination of sport and theatre featuring passion, performance and perseverance – qualities that have defined the show since it first graced the ice in 1936. Hot Ice XC will run from July 9th to September 12th with Alice, Frozen in Dreams, taking place in the matinee slot and free to those with resort tickets from July 20th to September 12th.
Both new shows will help celebrate 90 years since the annual ice show, the UK's only fixed seasonal ice show, started at the world's first purpose-built ice-skating arena. The resort itself is also celebrating 130 years since opening. With so much in the pipeline already, 2026 will be a fantastic year for Pleasure Beach Resort.
For these events and more go to visitlancashire.com.
Information supplied by promoters was correct at time of issue.