Hoghton sits at the heart of Lancashire, positioned neatly between Preston and Blackburn with easy access to some of the most rewarding family days out in the North West. It is best known for Hoghton Tower, one of the most striking Tudor manor houses in England, but the surrounding area goes much further than a single attraction. From indoor soft play to wildlife reserves, woodland adventures, and free country parks, there is no shortage of things to do in Hoghton with kids, whatever the age group or the weather.

Here is a practical guide to 15 of the best options.

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1. Jungle World Park – Indoor Soft Play, Laser Tag, and Go-Karts

When the weather is unreliable (and in Lancashire, expect it to be), Jungle World Park is the first call for families with children aged 0 to 12. Based in Leyland, around 10 minutes from Hoghton by car, this indoor soft play centre has something going on for every age group at the same time.

Toddlers get a dedicated, enclosed zone away from older children. Bigger kids can take on the tall slides, compete in the laser tag arena, and test their nerves on the Safari Go-Karts. Parents get a Tiki Café with a five-star hygiene rating and a clear view of the play areas, so no one has to eat in shifts.

Birthday parties are fully organised. Jungle World Park offers party packages that include an exclusive party room, a dedicated host, party food, unlimited juice, a karaoke machine, and a bubble machine. The Jungle Peak Party covers weekends and school holidays. The Jungle Monsters package is designed for younger children during term time.

ASD-friendly sessions run every Monday from 18:00 to 19:00, with reduced music and adjusted lighting. Carers attend free during these sessions.

Always book sessions in advance, particularly for weekends and school holidays.

Address: 2 Tomlinson Road, Leyland, PR25 2DY 

Phone: 01772 368544 

Website: www.jungleworldpark.com

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2. Hoghton Tower – Secret Passages, Dungeons, and Walled Gardens

This is the main reason most people visit Hoghton, and it delivers. Hoghton Tower is a 16th-century Elizabethan fortified manor house, set 650 feet above sea level and approached by a steep, straight three-quarter-mile drive. The ancestral home of the de Hoghton family, it has been part of Lancashire's story since 1565.

Kids love the underground passages, the ramparts, and the dungeons. On guided tours, children can pick up a Discover and Learn trail sheet and work their way through the grounds spotting hidden steps, clipped yews, and rampart views. The tour covers the King's feast story, the dungeon, the well house, and the witches' kitchen. Costumes are available for children on regular children's tours.

Guided tours run on Thursday, Friday, and Sunday from 2nd April to 4th October 2026, departing on the hour from 11:00 to 15:00. Self-guided visits are available on Saturdays from 4th April to 3rd October 2026, with the house open from 11:00 to 16:00. The gardens are open Thursday to Sunday during the same season.

A tea room on-site serves sandwiches, homemade scones, afternoon tea, and hot drinks. A gift shop sits at the end of the visit. Private and school tours are available year-round with prior arrangement.

3. Samlesbury Hall – Free Entry, a Haunted History, and a Ship Playground

Samlesbury Hall is a free-to-visit medieval house just a couple of miles from Hoghton, with a large free car park and plenty to keep families busy for a half-day. The hall dates back to 1325 and is free to walk around, with guided tours on Sundays at no cost.

The Mayflower playground is the children's highlight: a ship-themed climbing structure, rope bridges, a miniature version of the hall, and wooden trails with swings and obstacles all sit in the woodland next to the hall. There is also Hook-a-Duck in the courtyard fountain. Maria's Tea Room and Ice-Cream Parlour is on-site for food and drinks.

Year-round events include torchlight tours, The Great Victorian Ghost Hunt, and seasonal trails that work well as a school holiday option.

4. Brockholes Nature Reserve – Wildlife and an Adventure Play Area

Located just off junction 31 of the M6, around 10 minutes from Hoghton, Brockholes is the flagship Lancashire Wildlife Trust nature reserve and sits on 250 acres of lakes, ancient woodland, and river meadows.

Children can swing, climb, balance, and bounce in the adventure play area, which includes swings, balance blocks, a see-saw, a play hut, a zip wire, and a scoop and dig area. Children over seven can take on the high ropes course. The floating Visitor Village on the lake is a distinctive feature, and two cafés on-site mean no packed lunch is required.

The reserve runs a wide variety of family events throughout the year: craft sessions, open-air theatre, themed seasonal trails, den building, and a popular school holiday club.

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5. Go Ape Blackburn – High Ropes for Little Adventurers

Set within the 480-acre Witton Country Park near Blackburn, Go Ape Blackburn opened as the first standalone Go Ape location designed specifically for children under ten. There are two high ropes experiences for children over one metre tall, featuring tree-to-tree crossings, wobbly obstacles, and a zip line back to the forest floor.

The Treetop Adventure Plus course adds an extra loop with trickier crossings and a longer solo zip line, for participants over six years and 1.2 metres tall. Pre-booking is required. It is around 20 minutes from Hoghton by car.

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6. Witton Country Park – Free Outdoor Space with Two Playgrounds

Witton Country Park is the largest green space in Blackburn, covering over 480 acres of parkland, woodland, and countryside. Entry is free. For families, there are two adventure playgrounds, a pets' corner with animals to see, sports facilities, athletics tracks, nature trails, and picnic spots throughout.

The Victorian stables now house the Visitor Centre, with exhibitions, a café, and information. It sits around 20 minutes from Hoghton and pairs well with a Go Ape session in the same location.

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7. Go Ape Rivington – Treetop Challenge Over a Reservoir

For older children who want something more demanding, Go Ape Rivington offers the Treetop Challenge: 13-metre-high platforms, tree-to-tree crossings, a Tarzan Swing, and a breathtaking zip line over Rivington Reservoir. This experience is for adventurers aged 10 and above and 1.4 metres tall.

The Great House Barn Café is right next to the course, with hot food, drinks, and snacks. Free parking is available on-site.

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8. Rivington Pike and Terraced Gardens – A Walk Kids Actually Enjoy

Rivington Pike and the surrounding Terraced Gardens make for one of the most rewarding family walks in Lancashire. The Terraced Gardens were designed for Lord Leverhulme around 1905 and contain summerhouses, ornamental lakes, man-made caves, a Japanese-style garden, and the ruins of a bungalow. Families and children enjoy the sense of adventure in exploring the paths, caves, and ruins.

The walk to Rivington Pike adds around a mile each way to the Terraced Gardens route, with a steady ascent and clear paths. At the summit, on a clear day, views stretch as far as Blackpool Tower and the Lake District Fells. Free parking is available at the Great House Barn Car Park.

Note that the Terraced Gardens are steep and not suitable for prams. Children who can walk confidently get the most from this route.

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9. Yarrow Valley Country Park – Free Entry, Waterfall Walks, and a Playground

Chorley's Yarrow Valley Country Park covers 700 acres and has held Green Flag status since 2004. Entry is free, and parking is free. The park has a large adventure playground with a giant rope swing, a natural climbing wall, rock stacks, climbing frames, baby swings, and an embankment slide. A nature walk leads to a small waterfall, and the main path around the lake is accessible for prams and bikes.

The Yarrow Rocks play space within the park encourages children to take calculated risks on an age-appropriate outdoor challenge. A café at the Visitor Centre serves hot drinks, homemade meals, snacks, and ice cream.

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10. Astley Park and Hall, Chorley – History and Outdoor Play for Free

Astley Park stretches across 43.75 hectares in Chorley, around 15 minutes from Hoghton. It is free to enter. The park includes scenic parkland, a large adventure playground, a walled garden, a sensory garden, a pets' corner, and a bowling green.

At the heart of the park is Astley Hall, a Grade I listed historic house with over 400 years of history. Entrance to the hall costs £5. Children can pick up a quiz sheet at the door, with sweets or a pencil for those who complete it. The hall runs family events and Tudor-themed activity weekends. A café is on-site.

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11. Mrs Dowsons Farm Park – Animals, Tractor Rides, and Ice Cream

Situated along the A59 between Preston and Clitheroe, Mrs Dowsons Farm Park gives families the chance to see, touch, and engage with friendly farm animals on a real working dairy farm. Activities include bottle feeding, tractor rides around the farm, a Wallaby Walk, and the Big Barn housing donkeys, sheep, and alpacas.

The farm is well known for its award-winning ice cream, made on-site. The farm opens on selected dates throughout the year, so checking the schedule before visiting is a must.

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12. Ribchester Roman Museum – Lancashire's Only Roman Antiquities Museum

Ribchester is around 20 minutes from Hoghton and offers one of Lancashire's most educational family visits. The Ribchester Roman Museum is built above the remains of the Roman fort of Bremetenacum Veteranorum, established in the first century AD.

Children can dress up in Roman armour, complete quizzes, take part in craft activities, and see the replica of the Ribchester Helmet. Children under five get free admission. The museum runs an annual Roman festival on the village playing fields, as well as metal detector experience days. Adjacent outdoor remains of the fort's granaries and bathhouse are free to see at any time.

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13. Clitheroe Castle Museum – Free Entry for Children, Castle Views for Everyone

Around 25 minutes from Hoghton, Clitheroe Castle Museum sits at the top of Castle Hill, overlooking the town. The castle has stood here for over 800 years. The award-winning museum covers 350 million years of natural history, heritage, and geology of the Ribble Valley.

Admission for children and young people is free. Activities for children include a competition hunt, dressing-up costumes, explorer backpacks, craft activities, and interactive displays. The castle grounds are open all year round, and a play park sits a five-minute walk from the castle entrance.

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14. Beacon Fell Country Park – Views, Sculptures, and Woodland Walks

Beacon Fell Country Park lies within the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, around 30 minutes from Hoghton. Entry is free. The park has ancient woodland, open moorland, a sculpture trail, pram-friendly paths on selected routes, a Visitor Centre, a café, and car parking. It works well as a morning walk before combining with another attraction closer to Hoghton for the afternoon.

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15. Gisburn Forest – Family Cycling and Woodland Trails

Gisburn Forest is the largest forest in Lancashire, sitting above the Ribble Valley with views across the Forest of Bowland. It offers dedicated family cycling routes and walking trails, accessible all year round. There are no entry fees for walkers, and bike hire is available nearby. The beginner trails work well for younger children still building confidence on two wheels. It pairs well with a stop in nearby Clitheroe.

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Tips for a Family Day Out Around Hoghton

Here is what makes the difference between a good day and a great one:

• Check Hoghton Tower opening times before you go. Guided tours run Thursday, Friday, and Sunday only from April to October. Self-guided Saturday visits require different ticket types. Always check hoghtontower.co.uk before setting off.
• Book Jungle World Park sessions in advance. Sessions at Jungle World Park fill quickly on weekends and during school holidays. Visit jungleworldpark.com to see availability and book.
• Mix indoor and outdoor attractions. A morning at Hoghton Tower or Samlesbury Hall pairs well with an afternoon session at Jungle World Park if the weather changes. Building in flexibility saves the day.
• Pack layers for outdoor visits. Rivington Pike, Beacon Fell, and Gisburn Forest can be exposed. Even in summer, a waterproof jacket for each family member is worth carrying.
• Take advantage of free entry. Witton Country Park, Yarrow Valley Country Park, Astley Park, Brockholes Nature Reserve, the Ribchester fort ruins, and the Clitheroe Castle grounds are all free to enter. A full day can be put together at very low cost.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Things to Do in Hoghton with Kids

What is Hoghton Tower, and is it worth visiting with children?

Hoghton Tower is a 16th-century Elizabethan manor house, open to the public from April to October. Guided tours cover underground passages, dungeons, ramparts, and state rooms. Children can use a Discover and Learn trail sheet on the grounds. Costumes are available on dedicated children's tours. Guided tours run Thursday, Friday, and Sunday; self-guided visits are on Saturdays only.

What is the best indoor family attraction near Hoghton?

Jungle World Park in Leyland, around 10 minutes from Hoghton, is the top indoor option. It covers children aged 0 to 12 with separate age zones, laser tag, Safari Go-Karts, and a dedicated toddler area. The venue holds a five-star hygiene rating, and the Tiki Café is on-site. Booking ahead is recommended, especially during school holidays and weekends.

Are there free things to do near Hoghton with kids?

Yes. Samlesbury Hall and its grounds are free to visit, with a free playground and free Sunday tours. Witton Country Park, Yarrow Valley Country Park, and Astley Park all have free entry with playgrounds on-site. The Ribchester fort ruins and Brockholes Nature Reserve also offer free entry to the main reserve.

How far is Hoghton from Preston and Blackburn?

Hoghton is approximately five miles from both Preston and Blackburn, reachable in around 15 minutes by car on the A675. The village sits centrally between both towns, making it a practical base for reaching a wide range of attractions across east and central Lancashire.

Is there a Go Ape near Hoghton suitable for younger children?

Yes. Go Ape Blackburn, set within Witton Country Park, is around 20 minutes from Hoghton and was the first standalone Go Ape location designed for children under ten. Children over one metre tall can take on the Treetop Adventure high ropes course. For children over ten, Go Ape Rivington offers a more demanding Treetop Challenge course with a zip line over a reservoir.

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