Garstang sits quietly on the banks of the River Wyre, halfway between Preston and Lancaster, and it packs a lot into a small market town. It was the world's first Fair Trade town, it has a working canal running straight through the middle, and it borders the Forest of Bowland, one of the prettiest stretches of countryside in the north west. If you're planning a day out and searching for things to do in Garstang, this list covers the lot: history, walking, animals, shopping, and a family-friendly stop just down the road in Blackpool.

1. Start (or End) Your Day at Jungle World Park Blackpool

Garstang is only about 20 miles from Blackpool, which makes it easy to pair a morning in the town with an afternoon at Jungle World Park Blackpool. It's an indoor soft play centre with the tallest slide in the area, a mini zipline, trampolines, and a dedicated toddler zone for younger children. There's also a café on site serving pizzas, paninis, and jacket potatoes, so you don't need to plan a separate stop for lunch. If the weather turns, or you've got kids under 12 who need to burn off energy after a walk around Garstang, Jungle World Park Blackpool is a solid bookend for the day. Sessions get busy at weekends and during school holidays, so book ahead.

2. Browse Garstang Market on a Thursday

Garstang has held a market since the 1600s, and it still runs every Thursday in the town centre. Stalls sell fresh produce, cheese, plants, clothing, and local crafts. It's a good way to get a feel for the town and pick up something for lunch while you're at it. Arrive mid-morning for the best choice of stalls.

3. Walk the Lancaster Canal Towpath

The Lancaster Canal runs right through Garstang and it's one of the calmest walks in Lancashire. Known locally as the "black and white" canal because there isn't a single lock along its entire length, it makes for level, easy walking with narrowboats drifting past and open countryside on either side. Pick a direction, walk as far as you fancy, and turn back.

4. See the Ruins of Greenhalgh Castle

Built in 1490 by the first Earl of Derby, Greenhalgh Castle is now a set of weathered stone ruins just outside town. There isn't much left standing, but the site gives a good sense of Garstang's age and its role during the English Civil War, when the castle was besieged. It's a short walk from the centre and free to visit.

5. Step Into Garstang Museum

This small, volunteer-run museum in the town centre tells Garstang's story through photographs, documents, and everyday objects from past residents. Admission is free, and it only takes 20 to 30 minutes to look round, which makes it an easy add-on to a longer day.

6. Wander Past the Market Cross and Old Town Hall

The Market Cross and Old Town Hall sit right in the middle of Garstang and mark the historic heart of the town. Both buildings date back centuries and give the high street its character. Follow the town's Heritage Trail from here to take in other points of interest on foot.

7. Stop at the Visit Garstang Centre

Based in Cherestanc Square, the Visit Garstang Centre is worth five minutes of anyone's time. Staff there can point you toward current walking routes, local events, and anything happening that week, which is handy if you're working out what else to fit into your visit.

8. Head to Wyre Estuary Country Park

A short drive from town, Wyre Estuary Country Park has walking trails through woodland and meadow, plus views out across the river estuary. Keep an eye out for birds and butterflies along the way. There are picnic spots too, so it's a good option if you've brought your own lunch.

9. Climb Nicky Nook Near Scorton

For a proper walk with a view at the top, head to Nicky Nook, a modest hill just outside the village of Scorton. The climb has a steep section but nothing technical, and on a clear day you get views across the Bowland fells and out toward Morecambe Bay. It's one of the most popular short hikes in the area for good reason.

10. Meet the Animals at Bowland Country Park

Formerly known as Bowland Wild Boar Park, this countryside attraction sits inside the Forest of Bowland and combines animal encounters with woodland walks. You can feed goats, see wild boar, deer, and meerkats, and take a tractor ride around the grounds. There's a café on site too, so it works well as a half-day trip.

11. Visit Farmer Parr's Animal World

Farmer Parr's is a working farm attraction near Garstang with a mix of animals, indoor and outdoor play areas, and seasonal events throughout the year. It's aimed squarely at families with younger children and gives them plenty of space to run around.

12. Try a Pottery Painting Session at Crafty Diane

Crafty Diane's gallery and workshop space in Garstang runs pottery painting and craft sessions for all ages, alongside a shop selling handmade gifts from local makers. It's a good rainy-day option and a nice way to come home with something you've actually made.

13. Catch a Show at Garstang Arts Centre

Garstang has its own small arts centre hosting theatre, music, and community events through the year. Check what's on before you visit. It's a good option for an evening out if you're staying locally rather than just passing through.

14. Drive Into the Forest of Bowland

Garstang sits right on the edge of the Forest of Bowland, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty covering over 300 square miles of fells, valleys, and quiet villages. It's worth a drive even if you only stop at a viewpoint or two. The area is also recognised for its dark skies, so it's worth coming back after dark if you're interested in stargazing.

15. Relax With a Meal at a Local Pub

Garstang has a good spread of independent pubs, cafés, and tea rooms, many of them tucked along the high street or beside the canal. A pub lunch or a slice of cake after a morning of walking rounds off a day here nicely. Ask locally for a recommendation depending on which end of town you're finishing up in.

Planning Your Visit

Garstang works well as a full day out on its own, or as one stop on a longer trip through Lancashire. If you're travelling with children, consider building your day around the outdoor spots in the morning, when energy levels are highest, and saving something indoors, like Jungle World Park Blackpool, for the afternoon lull. Most of the attractions on this list are free or low cost, which makes Garstang an easy town to visit without a big budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Garstang worth visiting for a day trip? 

Yes. Garstang combines a historic town centre, a canal walk, a Thursday market, and easy access to the Forest of Bowland. Most visitors comfortably fill a full day between the town itself and nearby countryside attractions.

What is Garstang known for? 

Garstang is known as the world's first Fair Trade Town. It also sits on the Lancaster Canal and borders the Forest of Bowland, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty popular with walkers and cyclists.

Is Garstang good for families with young children? 

Yes. Farmer Parr's Animal World, Bowland Country Park, and the canal towpath all suit younger children. Jungle World Park Blackpool is a short drive away and gives families an indoor option for wet days.

How far is Garstang from Blackpool? 

Garstang is around 20 miles from Blackpool, roughly a 35 to 40 minute drive depending on traffic. It's a manageable distance for combining a Garstang day trip with a visit to Jungle World Park Blackpool.

What is there to do in Garstang on a rainy day? 

Garstang Museum, Crafty Diane's pottery painting sessions, and Garstang Arts Centre all work well indoors. For a bigger indoor day out, Jungle World Park Blackpool is close enough to add to your plans.

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