What to do and see in Lancashire, England: The Best Museums

See the world's only working steam powered weaving mill bring the past to life. A rare chance to re-live the days when steam ran the world!

Nestling side by side in the quiet village of Helmshore in the stunning Rossendale Valley are two original Lancashire textile mills, Higher Mill and Whitaker’s Mill, together known as Helmshore Mills Textile Museum.

Bancroft Mill Engine Museum was established in 1980 to preserve one of the last working steam mill engines in the area. This magnificent 600HP engine, with its two cylinders and 16 foot flywheel originally drove 1,250 weaving looms. Open (free) most Saturdays from 11-3pm. The engine is run steam between 1pm and 3.45pm on many Sundays from mid March through to mid November. See website for dates. We also have a smaller engine of about 250HP rescued from a mill near Skipton and restored to steam operation after a ten year restoration. Bancroft Mill Engine Museum is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation No.1181038

Open from the 18th May on Tuesdays & Thursdays and the first Sunday of the Month from 10am - 4pm only. Our WW2 Hangar is, as it was, during WW2. Hangar 42 was a key Hangar at RAF Squires Gate, housing Hawker Hurricanes and Boulton Paul Defiants. Operated by Volunteers the exhibits include Mark II & IX Spitfire's and a Hawker Hurricane MKII as well as original and operational RAF airfield vehicles. Please note that this Visitor attraction is best suited to children 10 years or older. Entry fees are Adults £5.00 Children 10-16 £3.00, under 10's Free. Veterans and serving members of the Armed half price with ID Card. If you are interested in sitting in the cockpit of one of our Spitfire Aircraft, there is a fee of £5 for this on top of the entrance fee. Free Car park, NO PETS. Advance ticket sales only via www.ticketsource.co.uk until 21st June, whilst covid restrictions apply. H42 is Covid Secure, follow Social Media for new updates

This boutique art gallery in the heart of the Ribble Valley is a relaxed space in which to browse contemporary artworks and design-led unique homewares alongside handmade jewellery, ceramics, stylish books and even artist-made greetings cards. Nestled up a cobbled lane beneath the castle it showcases the work of Tony Bentley alongside other artists and makers in the region and beyond.

Chapel Gallery's diverse programme includes internationally regarded artists, such as David Hockney and Peter Blake, while bringing innovative contemporary art and craft from across the UK to the region, and supporting local artists in the development of their careers. Special events and creative activities for visitors, schools and community groups are a key part of our programme. From Art Clubs and School Holiday Activities to adult learning music and cinema too, there are plenty of ways to get creative, whatever your age or ability. The Gallery is also home to a Cafe and a Craft & Design Shop meaning that visitors can explore the exhibitions and get creative should they wish, then browse the Shop and round off their time with a coffee and cake.

We are a compact timber-framed Tudor building housing the Borough’s small, but interesting, museum collection. Our Exhibition Centre provides a constantly changing programme of arts events.

A great day out for all the family, the Harris Museum Art Gallery & Library is a treasure trove of fantastic art and fascinating objects for all the family. Come and explore our remarkable collections of fine art, contemporary art, fashion, textiles, ceramics, glass and history, all housed in a stunning Grade I listed building in the heart of Preston ... and we're completely free to visit! We're open seven days a week throughout the year (closed Bank Holidays). Relax in our cafe in one of the most stunning surroundings in Preston and buy an unique gift or memento of your visit from our shop. There is also a Makerspace for visitors to book onto our shared art, craft and technology workshops. There is free wifi, disabled access and baby-changing facilities.

The museum stands high on Castle Hill, in the shadow of the Castle Keep, an image which has dominated Clitheroe's skyline for over 800 years. The historic landmark of Clitheroe, in the heart of the Ribble Valley offers a day of exploration for all the family. Our intriguing galleries will take you on a journey through 350 million years of history, heritage and geology of the local area. We have lots of activities for children in the museum - a competition hunt, dressing-up costumes, explorer back-packs (with hat and magnifying glass), craft activities and various interactive displays. Come and enjoy a fun-filled day of exploration and learning.