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Unleash the Fun: Exciting Kids Activities for your stay at Bowland Retreat

Updated: 4 days ago

Planning a family getaway? If keeping your kids entertained is high on your list, look no further. Bowland Retreat, nestled in the beautiful landscapes of rural Lancashire, is more than just a peaceful escape. It serves as a launchpad for a host of engaging activities that will spark your kids' imaginations and keep them active. Below, we dive into the most exciting experiences your family can discover during your stay.


Little Lancashire Village – A World of Imagination

A place where children can transform into anything from shopkeeper to Construction worker. This vibrant role-play centre fuels creativity and encourages kids to immerse themselves in various roles. There's such a variety of areas; post office, car wash, salon, vets and much more - there's definitely something to suit all little explorers. The props are just incredible! Little Lancashire Village is designed for children up to and including the age of 7. They have four centres, the two closest to Bowland Retreat are less than half an hour away, Burnley ( 26 mins drive) or the newest edition is in Blackburn ( 20 mins drive) where there is a designated baby play area for the tiny ones too!


While the little ones explore, parents and guardians can enjoy a well-deserved coffee from the well positioned café. Or the whole family can enjoy a scrumptious meal. The menu features a delightful selection of food options, snacks, breakfast, lunch and home made cakes. Healthy options are included which is great to see, including popular fruit smoothies! Booking is required in advance and there are various time slots available so booking early for the best time to suit your day is key.




Paint Pot – Express Your Creative Side

Paint Pot is a 'paint your own' pottery studio in the centre of Clitheroe town (10 minute drive from lodge). For families seeking a creative outlet Paint Pot offers an array of options. This calming space allows children to dive into art, painting, and crafts under the guidance of friendly staff. From baby feet imprints in clay, to designing a memorable birthday plate or a gift for someone special, the team will guide you through the process and offer helpful techniques along the way. Refreshments available to keep everyone energized during their artistic journey, including some phenomenal milkshakes! With endless opportunities for creativity, your children can truly express themselves and develop their artistic skills.

Visit their website for more info on how it works and what to expect. When you're done painting your pot, designs are Kiln fired to ensure they are long lasting which can take a few days so depending on how long your stay at Bowland Retreat is, you might need to get items posted back to you at home - just something to consider or discuss with the venue. Themed seasonal workshops and half term story sessions on offer, so worth checking Paint Pot socials to see what's on! With it being in the town centre, its great to plan around other things such as a visit to Clitheroe Castle, a play on the park, lunch date, or Chocolate Works Treat!



Mrs Dowson’s Farm Park – A Day on the Farm

Around a 20 minute drive direct from your lodge you can visit Mrs Dowson’s Farm Park for a memorable day, where learning about farm life becomes a thrilling adventure! A family-run dairy farm that has diversified into making ice cream, using milk from their own cows that you can see in the green pastures around the park. Calf, lamb and rabbit feeding available at certain times. The excitement doesn’t stop at the animal encounters. Kids can burn off energy in the impressive indoor adventure playground to climb, slide and explore. There is an outdoor park area as well go-karting track. After some fun and frolicking, there's some mouth-watering food and drink options on offer. Fancy a stone-fired pizza from the Pizza hut? Or a hot dog / burger form the Dowson's Farm Grill? Or simply a coffee and cake. There are plenty of spaces to enjoy your own packed lunch too, from the grand Tipi, picnic benches or the dining/ lounge area over-looking the adventure playground. Its always nice to finish off with some award-winning ice cream!


The farm run themed events, such as meeting popular characters like Bluey and Bingo during half term breaks, or seasonal events including a Roarsome Summer - Jurassic Adventure, Scare kingdom and Pumpkin picking at Halloween, so always worth checking opening times and events to see what's on offer during your stay at Bowland Retreat Lodges. You can plan your visit here.




AirUnlimited – Bounce Your Heart Out If your kids are bursting with energy, AirUnlimited is a must-visit. The ultimate inflatable playground! It's around a half an hour drive from the lodges. This large indoor arena is packed with giant bouncy castles, slides, obstacles and a football area. Ideal spot to race around and slide with speed into a ball pit! There's a small cafe area serving breakfast and luh options as well as snacks to keep you fuelled.


Be sure to check out the midweek toddler mornings for discounted rates, aimed at under 5's. They play great music including all the Disney hits for you to bounce along to! It’s a fantastic opportunity for a fun trip out. Get your bounce on and book an Airtime session at Air Unlimited Inflatable Park. What's better after a fun-filled morning burning off some energy than landing back at your luxury lodge for some down time, relaxing in comfort or soaking in the Jacuzzi!




Duck Pin Bowling - Holmes Mill Clitheroe


Take a visit to Boiler House Bowling in Clitheroe to strike up some fun with a game of duck pin bowling. This unique style features smaller balls and shorter lanes, making it a kid-friendly environment. Its a smaller area than your larger chain bowling alleys, meaning its not so daunting! And there’s no need to change your shoes either. If you've not experienced duck bin bowling before, it’s easy to learn and scoring is automatic.

Amidst friendly competition, take a moment to appreciate the venue's trendy industrial décor, which adds to the overall experience. Drinks are served directly to your lane and there’s plenty of room to have a bite to eat before or after you play. Each duckpin bowling lane can hold up to 6 players and you can book 30 or 60 minutes (£35 for 60 minutes). Book your slot online.


Also worth mentioning as part of Holmes Mill is Everyman Cinema Clitheroe where you can experience the latest movies from the comfort of plush sofa seating, with amazing food & drink delivered to your seat! The retro bar area on entrance is a pure delight. Smaller screens and sofa seating can mean a better experience for family films too. You can have your favourite beverage delivered to your seat whilst the kids kickback with their favourite ice cream. Everyman Clitheroe offers 'Baby Club' where parents can enjoy the latest release films but the volume is lowered and soft lighting is implemented throughout the film to keep little ones comfy, it includes a hot drink and a slice of cake or small popcorn in with the ticket price. As well as 'Toddler Club' on Fridays and Saturdays, screens play childhood classics movies suitable for 1-5 year olds again each ticket includes a hot drink and a sweet treat for you to enjoy while your little one is entranced!

Holmes Mill is less less than 10 minutes drive away from your lodge with jacuzzi, it includes Bowland Brewery with an impressive bar as well as market style Food and Gift hall, well worth a visit! There is 3 hours free parking in the entrance car park, otherwise local parking options are available.



This is just a handful of activities that spring to mind, but there are so many options to suit different interests, needs and age ranges. From a sensory sanctuary to a skatepark! It important to remember that all this activites can add up so here's a few more options to keep the costs down.


Activities that don't break the bank !

  • Brockholes Nature Reserve (free admission)

  • Salmesbury Hall - Museum and playground (donations only) mini golf ( around £3/club)

  • Clitheroe Castle Museum (adult £5.10, children free) Castle grounds, playground, skatepark, labyrinth (free)

  • Leaping Lizards Clitheroe - Soft play

  • Edisford Bridge Picnic Area by the River (free)

  • Three Rivers Swimming Pool / Ribblesdale Swimming Pool

  • Spring Wood - Whalley

  • Gisburn Forest


Need to entertain older kids?


Sensory Needs or Special needs

  • The Sensory Sanctuary - Great Harwood, a cute little space for baby / toddler exploration, stay and play sessions available.





Family Adventures Await at Bowland Retreat


Bowland Retreat stands out as a fantastic family destination, the local area is filled with exciting options designed to entertain, inspire, and create lasting memories for kids of all ages. If you're searching for lodges with hot tubs or places to stay in Clitheroe, then Bowland Retreat Lodges provide the ideal base for exploring the stunning surrounding area. The Retreat has accommodation options to sleep 4 or 6 guests (2 and 3 bedrooms) with ensuite bathrooms and spacious living areas, not to mention private decking area and Jacuzzi hot tubs. So if you want a family staycation with a difference, Bowland Retreat is here for you!

After a day filled with family adventures and exciting outings, you can return to your luxurious lodge for the ultimate relaxation experience. Treat yourself to a soothing soak in the inviting jacuzzi hot tub, while the kids settle in for the night, either tucked up in bed or enjoying a movie in their own room. This perfect blend of family fun and personal comfort ensures that every stay is a memorable one, allowing you to unwind in style and enjoy quality time together.


SUMMER SENSATION OFFER

A whopping 20% off 7 night lodge breaks. Applies to stays arriving between 2nd June - 29th September.

So gather your family, pack your bags, and head to Bowland Retreat, for Lodge holidays Lancashire, where a world of adventure awaits!



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