Best Nature and Parks (RV, National, Dog, etc) in Darwen

"Voted the best park in the UK in 2019, the 390-acre Stanley Park is a Blackpool landmark with a blend of landscape design, historical buildings, gardens and activities, with an abundance of wildlife, nature trails and horticultural gems. The expansive green space is home to some Italian gardens, water fountains, statues, rose gardens and a dedicated Remembrance Garden. Ornamental bridges carry you over the sparkling lake, which is used for boating activities and fishing."

"A respite from Blackpool’s glossy entertainment and arcades, the resort’s largest park is in 260 acres, a mile east of the promenade. The man behind the park’s design in the 1920s was the landscape architect Thomas Mawson, and he was responsible for a couple of the buildings. The most striking is the cafe, in an Art Deco style and overlooking the Italian Garden, adorned with statues (see the two Medici lions) and a beautiful marble fountain."

"Showcasing more than 50 dazzling displays and more than 2,000 spectacular aquatic creatures including tropical sharks, colourful reef fish, octopus, rays and sea horses, SEA LIFE Blackpool is the perfect way to experience the wonders of underwater life without getting wet!"

"We spent nearly 2 hours at the Sea life Centre in Blackpool with 3 children age 7, 6 and 5. We had passes for all attractions and both Sea Life and Madame Tussauds were big hits with the kids. We have visited a few sea life centres and found this one was one of the best."

"If you’re going to be visiting Legoland, be aware that Manchester’s SEA LIFE centre is located right next door and a joint ticket can be purchased for both destinations. You can roam the centre, walking through tunnels of exotic fish and coming face to face with sharks and stingrays; your kids can also have a go at diving in the immersive sea trek experience. Anyone can participate in this fantastic activity (the only one of its kind in Europe), wearing a special breath-easy helmet and a wetsuit to ensure that they are safe and comfortable during the ten-minute dive into the deep."

"These are parks are quite simply beautiful, and you can get married in them too!. They’re filled with interest like a a natural amphitheatre and Sebastopol cannon."

"Prestwich Forest Park consists of four smaller parks which make up 200 acres of woodlands: Philips Park, Drinkwater Park, Waterdale, and Prestwich. These parks can be heavily wooded (particularly Drinkwater), so it’s a beautiful place to spend a day away from the noise of town. Exploring the woods can be an enlightening experience, so long as you take care while wandering amongst the broad-leaved trees."

"Pass through a new florist that has appeared on Oldham Street and you'll find yourself inside Lost Cat. This two-storey bar was once home to Eat New York, who will still man the kitchens, but now Lyndon Higginson (of Crazy Pedro's and Junkyard Golf fame) is at the helm. It's a 'modern day social club serving serious beers and stupid cocktails', apparently, and in the not-too-distant future will also be home to an outside cinema."

"A florist, a cocktail bar, a live music venue and the NQ’s first and only rooftop terraceWhere. 64 Oldham St, Manchester M4 1LEWho. Lyndon Higginson of Crazy Pedro’s, Cane & Grain, The Liars Club & more"

"Since opening their doors in November 2015, Hope Mill Theatre has become one of the most successful independent venues in England. Located in Ancoats, they produce full scale musicals from their Grade II listed former mill. The theatre will be reopening this summer, as well as hosting Hope Fest, an outdoor arts and culture festival."

"This wonderful independent venue, located out in New Islington, was one of the few theatres that managed to reopen last year after lockdown. It'll be back again with a reduced capacity and socially distanced seating for a Meet Me At Dawn, from HER Productions. You can get tickets at hopemilltheatre.co.uk."

"The Winter Gardens Blackpool has entertained and welcomed crowds of revellers in its collection of theatres, ballrooms, exhibition halls and public spaces, since opening in 1878. Amongst its many venues is one of the UK’s largest theatres, The Opera House, which has a capacity near 3000. The Opera House continues to attract the biggest touring shows and events from across the globe."

"Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Michael D Beckwith used under CC BY 3.0. The beautiful Winter Garden is a huge entertainment center right in the heart of Blackpool. Its history dates back to the late 19th century and since then, it became quintessential in the British Isles."

"Prestwich Forest Park consists of four smaller parks which make up 200 acres of woodlands: Philips Park, Drinkwater Park, Waterdale, and Prestwich. These parks can be heavily wooded (particularly Drinkwater), so it’s a beautiful place to spend a day away from the noise of town. Exploring the woods can be an enlightening experience, so long as you take care while wandering amongst the broad-leaved trees."