Lancaster City Museum

The museum sits in a Grade I listed Georgian building right in Lancaster's town centre, and it's one of those places that rewards a proper look around. Inside, you'll find the story of Lancaster laid bare - from Roman times through to the Victorian era. There's a particularly good collection on the slave trade (Lancaster was a major port for it), which doesn't shy away from the darker chapters. The displays on local craftsmanship and maritime history are solid too, especially if you've got kids who like handling interactive bits.

It's free, which is brilliant, and you can comfortably spend two to three hours here without feeling rushed. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are closed, so plan accordingly. The building itself is worth seeing - all high ceilings and period features - and the staff are genuinely knowledgeable if you ask questions.

If you're staying at one of the nearby parks - Crook O'Lune is your closest at just over three miles away - this makes an excellent rainy day option or a morning visit before heading to the coast. Bay View Holiday Park is less than five miles off, so it's easily accessible. Lancaster itself is walkable once you're in town, and there's decent parking if you're driving from the holiday parks. Don't expect blockbuster exhibitions, but as a local history museum it does the job properly and feels genuinely used by the community rather than a tourist afterthought.