Garstang Cottages with Hot Tubs

Get More From Your Garstang Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

Garstang's compact town centre makes it easy to explore on foot. Start at the Market Cross and High Street where independent shops and cafés offer local produce. The town's historic buildings include St Thomas' Church and the Old Grammar School, both worth a look.

Just outside town, Greenhalgh Castle ruins (PR3 1PA, open daily, free access) provide a glimpse into the area's past. Though only one wall remains standing, this 15th-century fortress played a significant role in the English Civil War.

Wyreside Fisheries (PR3 1BY, 7am-dusk) offers peaceful walks around six lakes even if you're not fishing. TripAdvisor users rate it 4.5/5 for its tranquil setting and wildlife spotting opportunities.

For families, Bowland Wild Boar Park (PR3 1UN, 10am-5pm Apr-Oct, 4.2/5 on TripAdvisor) provides close encounters with animals, woodland walks and play areas. The café serves excellent homemade food using local ingredients.

Pet Friendly

Many Garstang cottages welcome dogs, with secure gardens where they can play while you enjoy your hot tub. The town itself is very dog-friendly with water bowls outside most shops and pubs.

The Wyre Way footpath follows the river through town and into beautiful countryside. It's perfect for dog walks with several sections offering easy, flat terrain suitable for older pets or puppies.

After your walk, The Royal Oak (PR3 1EA) welcomes dogs in the bar area and garden. They even keep treats behind the bar! Similarly, Th'Owd Tithe Barn (PR3 1PA) has a dog-friendly policy throughout and provides water bowls.

Garstang's weekly market includes stalls selling homemade dog treats. If you need emergency supplies, Paws & Claws pet shop on High Street (PR3 1FA) stocks essentials and staff can advise on local dog-friendly attractions.

Top 3 attractions you have to see in Garstang

Garstang's Thursday Market (PR3 1ZA, 8am-3pm) has run since 1310 and remains the heart of town life. Local farmers and producers sell everything from Lancashire cheese to homemade pies. The atmosphere is friendly and authentic - not a tourist trap but a genuine working market where locals do their shopping. One visitor wrote: "We bought the best sausages I've ever tasted and the stallholder explained exactly how they were made."

The Forest of Bowland AONB surrounds Garstang with stunning landscapes. Nicky Nook fell (PR3 1UY) offers a relatively easy walk with massive rewards. The 2-hour circular route starts from Scorton village and climbs gradually to 215m. From the top, views stretch across Morecambe Bay to the Lake District and even Blackpool Tower on clear days. After your walk, return to your cottage for a well-earned dip in the hot tub!

Cobble Hey Farm & Gardens (PR3 1TB, 10:30am-4:30pm Wed-Sun, 4.7/5 on TripAdvisor) combines a working farm with beautiful gardens. Spring visits let you bottle-feed lambs, while the gardens showcase seasonal plants year-round. The tearoom serves homemade cakes using eggs from the farm's chickens. One family reported: "Our 5-year-old hasn't stopped talking about holding the baby chicks since we got home."

Is Garstang good for walking holidays?

Yes! Garstang sits at the edge of the Forest of Bowland with dozens of marked trails. The Wyre Way runs through town and the Lancashire Coastal Way is nearby. Many cottages provide walking maps and the Tourist Information Centre has free route guides.

When is Garstang's market day?

The main market runs every Thursday, with a smaller Indoor Market open Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. The monthly Farmers' Market (first Thursday) is particularly good for local specialties and artisan foods.

Can I get to Garstang without a car?

Yes, though a car makes exploring easier. Trains run to Preston (15 miles) with connecting buses to Garstang. The 40/41 Stagecoach service connects Lancaster and Preston via Garstang roughly hourly.

What's the best time to visit Garstang?

May-September offers the best weather for enjoying your hot tub. Garstang's Agricultural Show (first Saturday in August) is a major event. The town's Victorian Christmas Festival in December transforms the streets with period costumes and decorations.

Are there good restaurants in Garstang?

For a small town, Garstang punches above its weight. Pipers Restaurant serves excellent modern British food, while The Bellflower offers quality pub classics. Several cafés serve homemade cakes and light lunches using local ingredients.

What's the nearest beach to Garstang?

Cleveleys Beach is about 18 miles west (30-minute drive). It's a clean, sandy beach with promenade. For a traditional seaside experience, Blackpool is 15 miles southwest with its famous Tower, Pleasure Beach and three piers.

1. Forest of Bowland Walking Routes
2. Visit Garstang Official Website
3. Garstang Cheese Festival Information