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Discover the best things to do in Little Thornton, Lancashire

Local attractions near the Thornton Lodge

If you’re planning a visit to Little Thornton, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to sights and activities. Nestled in Lancashire’s rolling countryside, this charming village offers scenic beauty, rich history and a great location with easy access to the famous coastal town of Blackpool.

From country parks to local museums, there are plenty of things to do in Little Thornton and the surrounding Lancashire area. All of which are made better by a trip to the Thornton Lodge. So, if you’re looking for inspiration, here are some handpicked recommendations to add to your itinerary.

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Farmer Parrs Animal World

When it comes to things to do in Lancashire, Farmer Parrs Animal World is the perfect excursion if you’re an animal lover. Home to a mix of classic farmyard animals and a few more exotic creatures, it’s a family spot that will entertain you all day.

Introduce yourself to the farm’s resident alpacas, donkeys, horses and goats, or meet the menagerie of birds, including rainbow-hued peacocks. Or, if you’re more interested in smaller creatures like ferrets, guinea pigs and tortoises, there are plenty of those friendly animals too.

It’s also worth checking out the farm’s museum as well, which is full of nostalgic exhibits that focus on life in the area during wartime.

Fleetwood Museum

Step back in time when you visit the iconic Fleetwood Museum. Here, you can learn about Little Thiornton’s rich maritime history through exhibits that feature deep-sea fishing memorabilia and even a dedicated display about Fisherman’s Friend lozenges, which were first made here in 1865.

Wander through the museum’s historic rooms and discover Fleetwood’s transformation from a Victorian-era fishing hub to the town it is today. With over 40 intricately detailed model ships and a fascinating Deep Sea gallery, it’s an absolute must when it comes to things to do in Little Thornton.

And if all that exploring works up an appetite, be sure to join us at the Thornton Lodge. One of the best pubs near Fleetwood Museum, it’s the perfect spot for a delicious meal and a few drinks.

Wyre Estuary Country Park

Wyre Estuary Country Park is an award-winning country park that’s one of the most relaxing things to do in Little Thornton. Lying on the northern outskirts of the village along the verdant estuary of the River Wyre, the park is an important habitat for local birdlife and the perfect spot for a scenic countryside walk.

Take your pick of pretty paths down beautiful river views or stroll through the wonderful woodland glades, perhaps stopping at one of the dedicated picnic spots that are perfect for eating your lunch alfresco.

Just be sure to save plenty of room for dinner at the Thornton Lodge, which is only around half an hour’s walk from the park.

Blackpool Pleasure Beach

No trip to this part of the country is complete without experiencing the thrill of Blackpool Pleasure Beach. Just five miles from Little Thornton, this iconic amusement park is one of the best things to do in Lancashire, brimming with exciting rides and attractions for all ages.

Brave the legendary Big One, the UK’s tallest rollercoaster, or explore the family-friendly Nickelodeon Land with its 12 themed rides. If coasters aren’t your thing, you can enjoy a round of adventure golf or the quirky exhibitions at Ripley’s Believe It or Not.

There truly is something for everyone at Blackpool Pleasure Beach, which really comes alive when the sun’s shining with its lovely views out across the seaside from the taller rides.

Cleveleys Promenade

Just three miles from Little Thornton, Cleveleys Promenade is the perfect place for an invigorating seaside stroll. The town’s stunning coastline offers breathtaking views across the Irish Sea, and a series of sculptures, including the famous Mary’s Shell, add some charming culture to the waterfront.

If you’re a film buff, you might recognise the beach from an episode of the Star Wars series, Andor, where it served as the planet Niamos.

Whether you’re soaking up the fresh sea air, snapping photos of the sculptures or simply enjoying the peaceful seaside atmosphere, a walk along the Promenade is one of the best things to do in Cleveleys and always a treat for visitors of Little Thornton.

A mobile sized illustration advertising local attractions near to The Blue Cap.

Go for par at Sandiway Golf Club

Formed in 1920 and just across the road from the Blue Cap, the esteemed Sandiway Golf Club is home to generous, tree-lined freeways with sandy subsoil, making the course an excellent golfing location all year round. Spot the oak, beech and birchwood trees, dotted with birds and insects, and as you play through the back nine, take some time to enjoy the ravishing backdrop of Pettypool — best viewed on the 11th and 12th holes.

The club holds an extensive history, from its original layout by Ted Ray, the first UK & Ireland Ryder Cup Captain, to part of the course being lost in the Second World War as the fairways were ploughed for food production. In the 1950s, some holes were lost or abandoned due to enforcement by the completion of the Northwich bypass, which you may drive on today as you make your way to the Blue Cap! Today, the club is often chosen to host international, national, regional and local championships and is held in high regard as a traditional private members’ club.

If your golfing skills are a little rusty, you can check out the course before you arrive on the Course Flyover page. Booking is advised at this esteemed golf club.

Sprinkle some time in Northwich into your day

Northwich is famous for its salt industry, which is, in fact, the reason the town has such few ancient buildings. The constant pumping of brine from beneath the district and the collapse of old salt mines has weakened the landscape around, sadly causing subsidence of the town, but this has been arrested in recent times with the introduction of controlled pumping.

Take a stroll through the old market town, pop into a few independent shops on your way past and, if you’ve timed your trip well, visit the monthly Artisan Market, full of unique treasures and handmade goods. The town is vibrant and welcoming, sitting prettily on the confluence of the River Dane and the Weaver Navigation, and has a distinctive look with its black and white timber-framed buildings.

Northwich lies at the end of the Heritage Cycle Trail route from Anderton Boat Lift and is home to the Weaver Hall Museum and Workhouse, where the history of West Cheshire comes to life through film, reconstruction, models, displays and artefacts. It’s a truly lovely day out for any family, made even better with a visit to a pub near Northwich. Why not try the Blue Cap, just 11 minutes' drive away, to complete a day of heartfelt memories?

The Ice Cream Farm

Award-winning ice cream, fun at the farm and family-friendly events are aplenty here at the Ice Cream Farm, and it's just a 25-minute drive from the Blue Cap, Sandiway, too. There are ten different areas for the little ones to run wild in, including Europe's largest indoor sand and water play, an adventure golf course and an arcade room for older children.

The Ice Cream Farm is also home to the world's biggest ice cream shop. The shop is filled with over 50 flavours of award-winning Cheshire Farm Ice Cream, which are topped with enough sprinkles and sauces to fulfil even the sweetest of tooths.

If you're looking for an event for the whole family, the Ice Cream Farm has themed escape rooms, scavenger hunts, toddler time and more. It's the perfect place to treat everyone to a day of fun and excitement in a fun and engaging environment. And, after a busy day of play, you can pop into the Blue Cap for a drink and some non-ice-cream-themed food afterwards.

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