New report shows tourism worth £147bn to UK economy
Tourism’s importance to the British economy is highlighted in major new research from national tourism agency VisitBritain/VisitEngland, demonstrating the industry’s significant economic contribution to local communities nationwide and its potential for growth. The report ‘Economic Value of Tourism in the United Kingdom‘ shows tourism is worth £147 billion annually to the UK, about 5 percent […]
Beacon Country Park Masterplan Approved
West Lancashire Borough Council has approved a strategic masterplan to guide the future development of Beacon Country Park as a regional destination for recreation, wellbeing, and nature. The decision provides a clear framework for phased improvements to one of the Borough’s most treasured assets. Beacon Country Park, spanning over 300 acres of woodland, meadows and […]
Moor Hall launches new private dining experience with The Macallan
Three Michelin-starred Moor Hall Restaurant with Rooms in Lancashire has opened Atelier Hearth – a new private dining experience in collaboration with world-renowned single malt Scotch whisky, The Macallan. Named for its dual spirit – atelier, the maker’s workshop, and hearth, the centre of the home – Atelier Hearth offers an intimate setting for special […]
Applications open for the scariest job in Blackpool
Could this be the most unusual job in Blackpool? The Blackpool Tower Dungeon is assembling an exceptional cast of theatrical performers to bring to life the scariest – and funniest – journey through Blackpool’s murky history. Successful candidates will be required to transport guests back in time and immerse them in tales of terror, humour, […]
Festive domestic holiday plans expected to bring £3.3bn boost to economy
A recent VisitEngland survey shows that visiting friends and family and going out for a Christmas meal are most popular festive activities. VisitEngland’s Christmas Trip Tracker Survey released today, 18 December, shows that 11.6 million Brits are planning an overnight holiday trip in the UK during the Christmas and New Year period, bringing an estimated […]
Lancashire hotel celebrates Portuguese links with bar refurbishment
A North Lancashire hotel’s cultural links with Portugal and the production of the country’s renowned Port wines has been brought alive through the modern refurbishment of its bar and lounge. Lancaster House Hotel has completed the renovation of its Sandeman Bar with a contemporary upgrade which gives a nod to its connections with the House […]
Conlon Construction Chairman Michael Conlon announces retirement
Conlon Construction has announced that long-standing Chairman Michael Conlon will retire after a 38-year plus career at the Preston-based firm founded by his father and four uncles in 1961. Current Managing Director Guy Parker will step into the role of Chairman, consolidating both the Managing Director and Executive Chairman responsibilities from 1st January 2026. The […]
“This is Lancashire” Film Showcases The Beauty of the County
Marketing Lancashire, Lancashire’s Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP), celebrated Lancashire Day 2025 with the reveal of a short film showcasing the very best of the county’s landmarks. The “This is Lancashire” short was commissioned in collaboration with BBC Radio Lancashire and produced by local videographer Rory Cocker, who is known for Instagram channel Preston Pulse. Showcasing some of the key landmarks across the county, the video references places that tourists and visitors have claimed resemble others across the UK […]
Lancashire Chef amongst VisitEngland Tourism Superstar finalists for 2026
VisitEngland has today, 15 December, revealed the 10 finalists to make the shortlist of its Tourism Superstar competition. Amongst the finalists is Maurizio Bocchi, owner and head chef at La Locanda in Gisburn, Lancashire. Maurizio is one of our Taste Lancashire Ambassadors and the restaurant was crowned Bronze winner in the Taste of England award […]
Olympic star, Sam Quek unwraps World’s Largest Charity Advent Calendar
On the 1st of December, the countdown to Christmas is officially on as Cuboid Self Storage, a nationwide self-storage specialist, unveils ‘The World’s Largest Charity Advent Calendar’, bringing festive cheer to up to 20,000 children across the Northwest. Officially launched by TV presenter and former Olympian Sam Quek OBE, the 34ft high x 48ft wide x […]
La Locanda celebrates 22nd Anniversary with sold out charity evening
To mark its 22nd anniversary, the award-winning Gisburn restaurant ‘La Locanda’ welcomed musical theatre lovers to a special charity fundraising evening on Tuesday 9th December. The sold-out event featured a beautifully crafted three-course Italian dinner prepared by Chef Maurizio, while the talented young performers of Stage Door Youth Theatre filled the restaurant with festive cheer […]
Finalists in the Taste Lancashire Producer Awards 2026 revealed
Marketing Lancashire, organisers of the only county-wide tourism and hospitality awards, is delighted to announce the finalists in the Taste Lancashire Producer Awards 2026 in partnership with Booths; Lancashire’s family-owned grocers who have been selling top quality produce since 1847. The Taste Lancashire Producer Awards, support and champion Lancashire’s finest producers and run alongside the Lancashire Tourism Awards, with this year’s winners to be announced in a […]