Go wild at Brockholes Nature Reserve
Just 4 miles outside the centre of Preston is Brockholes Nature Reserve. Easily accessible from junction 31 of the M6 motorway, it's situated in the River Ribble's flood plain in what was once a quarry and boasts the UK's first floating visitor village. Although designed to offer city-dwellers a country escape, there is plenty on offer here for more dedicated wildlife lovers, including wading birds, otters and osprey.
What to do at Brockholes Nature Reserve?
With 250 acres to explore via tracks and trails, there's plenty to keep visitors occupied. A series of hides also enable you to get close to the creatures who live along them. Check out the activity room, which should keep kids happy during bad weather, while the hungry can visit Coots cafe or the lakeside Reed Bed Restaurant.
Head to Turbary Woods
Nature lovers who've enjoyed a trip to Brockholes can also pay the birds at Turbary Woods Owl and Bird of Prey Sanctuary a visit. There are more than 80 species of bird to meet including eagles, hawks, falcons and vultures. Guests can even get hands on and take part in the flying display. Looking for a cheap hotel Near Brockholes Nature Reserve? Travelodge Preston Central Hotel and Travelodge Preston Chorley Hotel are the closest, while Travelodge Blackburn M65 Hotel just over 10 miles away.