Lancashire: A glorious getaway

March 6, 2022March 6, 2022 / mikeosbornphoto / Leave a comment

Lancashire is a county of northern England blessed with a beautiful coastline, forests, waterways and heritage towns.

My home city of Manchester was part of Lancashire until 1974, so there’s a natural pull to day trips which are close to home.

I’ve often explored the county’s glorious countryside, which offers an escape from the big city. Here’s just some of what I’ve captured on camera with plenty more still to see.

Where should I go next in Lancashire? Please leave your comments below

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: Fylde Coast. See more

: Darwen

: Abbeystead Reservoir

: Clitheroe

: Blackpool. See more

: Entwistle Reservoir

: Lytham. See more

: Countryside near Lancaster

: Heysham. See more

: Darwen

: Entwistle Reservoir

: St Anne’s. See more

: Fylde Coast. See more

: Morecambe

: Blackpool. See more

: Heysham. See more

: Rivington Pike

: St Anne’s. See more

Worsley: Salford’s oasis

October 17, 2021October 17, 2021 / mikeosbornphoto / Leave a comment

The twin cities of Manchester and Salford are developed, densely populated urban centres.

But on the very edge of Salford you will come across Worsley, a pleasant surprise with English village vibes. It’s just a 30-minute bus ride from the centre of Manchester where I live.

With its Tudor-style houses, caramel-coloured waterways and tranquil, unspoilt woodlands, Worsley feels a world away from the grittier parts of Salford.

The nearby M60 motorway may spoil the illusion, but this is a Greater Manchester village that’s a pleasure to wander around.

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Bodnant Garden: Wonder of Wales

September 5, 2021September 5, 2021 / mikeosbornphoto / Leave a comment

It’s a short distance from Manchester to the border with Wales. Travel along the country’s north coast and you’ll come to the delight that is Bodnant Garden. READ MORE BELOW

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This property, now cared for by the National Trust, is a magnificent place to wile away your time.

It’s packed with plants in a variety of settings from lush riversides to formal gardens.

Bodnant’s crowning glory has to be the Pin Mill, a handsome building next to a long lilypond. Wales’ answer to the Taj Mahal?

A lot of staycationers from nearby seaside resort Llandudno visit here, so come early to avoid the crowds. A beautiful spot to have largely to yourself!

Hull: City of contrasts

August 22, 2021September 20, 2021 / mikeosbornphoto / 2 Comments

In this age of staycations, I left Manchester for a few days and crossed northern England to visit the East Yorkshire city of Hull. CONTINUES BELOW

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Hull sits on the Humber estuary and has an interesting mix of grand civic buildings, industrial facilities and modern architecture.

The city has suffered from a shady reputation over the years but I found it both impressive and having plenty worthy of exploration.

The marina area has been extensively restored and Humber Street is an excellent spot for eating out. And with its independent telephone company, Hull is famed for its cream phone boxes.

The city also has a rural and coastal hinterland to visit – more on that in future posts.

Shugborough: A photographer’s paradise

July 25, 2021July 25, 2021 / mikeosbornphoto / 8 Comments

A true getaway from Manchester, with a 90-minute drive to the rolling countryside of Staffordshire and a magnificent country estate.

Shugborough was the home of famous royal and society photographer Lord Patrick Lichfield, until his death in 2005.

This connection added an extra dimension to a day out exploring and photographing the vast estate, including its beautiful walled garden, fabulous follies and lavish interiors of the big house.

It was an absolute pleasure on a summer’s day. You should visit if you get the chance.