Patty's Farm Barn - Activities


Situated next to the Lancashire Coastal Way, Patty's Barn is in the perfect location for a wide variety of local activities. From bird-watching to parachuting, walking to fishing, microlighting to horse-riding, all are possible! Also see days out and shopping.
1) Birdwatching Morecambe Bay (just a few minutes walk from the cottages) is well known for the variety of birds that feed from it. Oyster catchers, Redshanks, Dunlins, Golden Pluvers and the usual assortment of waders. The Bay is one of the most important Estuarys in the UK. The picture (right) is of a Dunlin, one of the commonly spotted birds of Morecambe Bay.
2) Walking For short walks you can follow the Patty's Barn Nature Trail around the local fishing pond, woods and wildlife conservation area. An enormous variety of birds, plants and other wildlife can be seen. Those who prefer a longer walk can follow the Coastal Way. There are several cirular routes surrounding Patty's Farm Barn to places like Glasson Dock or Cockerham Abbey. See Walk It. With so many places to visit nearby, you will never be short of somewhere to go. You can walk from the farm, or drive a bit further afield. If you don't mind driving before you walk, Clougha Fell is not far away. You can also be in the Lake District within 30 minutes.
3) Cycling Again there are many circular routes around the area. If you have not been able to transport your bicycle, you can hire one from us. We have a selection of childrens and adult bikes available. See Cycling Lancashire, CTC and Bike for All. This is always a popular activity at Patty's Barn! You can bring your own bicycles or hire them from us for a small fee
4) Parachuting Thrill seekers need look no further. The Black Knight Parachute Centre is based right next to Patty's Farm Barn. The Centre offers jumps for complete novices (tandem), or you can learn to Skydive with complete instruction. Experienced jumpers are also welcome. Additionally, light snacks are served a the centre at weekends and throughout the Summer months. Parachute jumps from only £165 Tandem Skydives Solo 1st jump courses Accelerated freefall training Gift vouchers Established in 1964
5) Bowland Forest Gliding Club Bowland Forest Gliding Club Fiddlers Lane, Chipping, Preston, PR3 2WN. Phone: 01995 61267. This is a thriving club with over 100 flying members and the gliding club is pleased to arrange trial flights for visitors
6) Fishing Patty's Barn now boasts its own 3 acre fishing lake which is well stocked with a mixture of course fish. Carp in excess of 30lb have been caught! If you wish to fish off site there are several other small waters nearby catering for fishermen of all levels. Ring Chris on 07957 888048 Sea Angling is also popular in the area. Being so close to Morecambe Bay makes access to the Irish Sea easy. There is also a well stocked and popular fishing tackle shop only 2 miles from Patty's Farm Barn called "Something Fishy Shop", School Lane, Forton, Preston, PR3 0AT. Tel. 01524 792696.
7) Golf Lancaster Golf Club is on the main road into Lancaster. It is just 5 minutes away by car, and is highly rated by local players. The club welcomes visitors of all abilities. Tel. 01524 751247. The Forrest Hills complex offers a 9 hole Pay & Play course set in rural picturesque scenery. They also offer archery, quad-biking and selected other sports. Tel. 01524 752566. Garstang Golf Club is about 15 minutes away. They have nice modern facilities and offer an 18 hole Pay & Play course. Tel. 01995 600 100. Staining Lodge Golf Course is a new course opened in July 2007 and is well worth a visit. Tel. 01253 891336. It is a 35 min drive away. Knott End Golf Club - Tel. 01253 810576 Kirkby Lonsdale Golf Club - Tel. 015242 76365 Windermere Golf Club - Tel. 015394 43123
8) Other Sports A large number of Sports facilities are available at Lancaster University (01524 65201) and Salt Ayre Sports Centre (01524 847540). Both of these venues have first class sports facilities. With 2 sports centres in the area, you will not be stuck for sporting activities. Swimming, football, tennis, badminton, squash, aerobics and many other activites are available.
9) Cinema/Theatre There are cinemas in the area. Vue Lancaster has 6 screens and can be contacted on 08712240240. The Apollo in Morecambe has 4 screens. Call 0871 220 6000. Also there is the Lancaster Grand Theatre Tel 01524 64695 and The Dukes - Tel Box Office 01524 598500.
10) Beauty Treatments Why not spoil yourself and have a manicure, body massage, reflexology or facial. This is just up the road. Ring Helen on 01524 793839. 39 Main Street, Cockerham, Lancaster, LA2 0EF.
11) Children's Activities Old Holly Farm Tel 01524 791200 is great for children. They have a play barn, you can watch the cows being milked and look around the animals. Have lunch and visit the shop. Old Holly Farm is easy to find, on the main A6 road, just 2 miles north of Garstang, towards Lancaster.

For all local events go to Lancaster Guardian, Garstang Courier, Virtual Lancaster, Morecambe, Lancaster, City Coast Countryside and Visit Blackpool. Cobble Hey is well worth a visit - 01995 602643. Recently won awards for Small Visitor Attraction + Rural Tourism Award. Then there is the Bowland Wild Boar Park Tel. 01995 61554, located 2 miles from Chipping in the Trough of Bowland.

Environment Award
Chris & Margaret Parry are proud owners of a Green Tourism award on account of the environmental work they have done at Patty's Farm. You can read a full report by clicking here.

A short video clip provides a fascinating insight into the conservation ethos behind the recent developments at the farm - Click Here.

Activities at Patty's Farm Barn