Reconnect and Recharge

Alternative Adventure and Outdoor Activities Service

We deliver professionally run outdoor education and outdoor pursuits activities for the widest possible range of groups. Venues used are around the Lancashire, Merseyside and Greater Manchester area. This includes corporate events, management groups, Over 50’s clubs, hen parties, stag parties, adult and junior birthday parties, fun days for family groups, primary schools, junior schools and secondary schools, pupil referral units, special needs organisations, further education and sixth form colleges and youth groups.

Our activities include Rock Climbing, Forest Schools, Open Canoeing, Orienteering, Abseiling, Archery, Gorge Walking, Caving, Mobile Climbing Walls, Problem Solving Exercises, Mountain Biking, Sea Cliff Traversing, Team Building Exercises, Kayak Canoeing, Mountain Walks, Winter Skills, Navigation, Raft Building and more.

We deliver qualification courses from a number of National Governing Bodies.

Bowland and Bay

As the Forest of Bowland’s reputation for artisan food spreads across the country, Katie Wilson at Bowland and Bay is showcasing some of Lancashire’s best artisan food and drink

After 30 years in various tourism and buying roles, the pandemic prompted Katie Wilson to reappraise her life and start her own business.

After 2020 she set her heart on supporting independent artisans in her homeland, developing sustainable micro-adventures, that bring visitors closer than ever before to the latest and finest food around the Forest of Bowland National Landscape.

Bowland and Bay specialises in food tours across the Forest of Bowland and Morecambe Bay – showcasing the very best produce the region has to offer.

From the wheel of her comfortable Mercedes people carrier, Katie takes groups of up to eight on a magical foodie tour of the finest artisans in the region.

Created for food lovers, in the belief that by eating together and sharing stories, visitors have the opportunity to really engage with producers and reconnect with Lancashire’s unique ‘terroir’ on a deeper level.

Katie’s itineraries offer full and half day food tours, each include 7-8 artisan foodie adventures for adults and children over the age of 12 years. Adventures can include cheese and ice cream at the farm, freshly made bakes and comfort classics. Visiting award winning micro-brewers, gin distilleries and inns. There are plenty of opportunities to buy pantry delights along the way.

Strictly for grown-ups are Katie’s weekend Brewery Tours, visiting five breweries, where guests can taste over 15 beers or sample local craft gins, alongside superb street food.

“For me, Lancashire is one of the UK’s hidden gems,” said Katie. “Our food scene is right up there with renowned foodie hotspots like Burgundy in France or Portland in Oregon and a lot of that is down to our climate.

“Lancashire’s climate means we have incredibly lush grass which in turn means our farmers produce great milk which is turned into some of the best cheese in the country.

“The climate also means we can produce great beef, and all the products you associate with that – including, of course, our famous pies!

“We also have the coastline of Morecambe Bay within easy reach, and the unique seafood that this iconic part of the English coastline produces.

“Lancashire really has it all and I think it’s time the county really shouted about its food culture – not just for foodies from the UK – but from all over the world.”

Katie Wilson, Bowland and Bay

Katie runs bespoke tours for larger groups or scheduled tours which couples or individuals can join and meet fellow foodies on the day. There’s such a vast array of options, no two tours are identical and customers can shape their own itinerary to match their tastes, interests and appetites!

“We might visit six or eight artisan producers, ranging from fantastic bakers and pastry chefs, to microbreweries in a barn, a gin distillery high up in the fells or a Michelin-starred restaurant,” said Katie. “One thing you can be sure of however, you won’t go home hungry. This is Lancashire, we do things properly here – there’s no half measures or tiny portions!”

Bowland and Bay Food tours start at £85 per person for a half-day Lancashire Foodie Adventure – including all tastings. For more details, consult our tour schedule.

Contact us direct to discuss your specific needs: 07476 001539 or hello@bowlandandbay.co.uk

Land and Sea Lancaster

For big skies, wide open spaces and the perfect environment for rewilding yourself, head over to the windswept salt marshes of the Lancashire coast, where the Forest of Bowland meets the sea!

After travelling the world with a high-powered job for more than a decade, Lancashire lass Michelle Parry returned to her family farm with a mission to rewild herself and reverse the noise and clutter accumulated through 21^st century culture by reconnecting with nature.

Now, Michelle runs a busy schedule of events, workshops and wellness retreats under the big skies of the Lancashire coast, where the emphasis is firmly on the healing power of place in a very special landscape on the salt marshes of Morecambe Bay in the shadow of the Bowland Fells.

“I consider myself one of the lucky ones who experienced life pre-mobile phones and computers,” says Michelle. “I have a lot of gratitude for my upbringing: running wild, making dens and being free-range and feral is what I always knew. 

“Over the past 10 years I’ve witnessed the increasingly rapid disconnect humans have with the natural world.

“Today, I find it hard to wrap my head around how much this is impacting our daily lives, our connection with one another, our planet and the devastating impact it is having to our natural world, on our mental wellbeing, creating a broken ‘new normal’ for our future generations.

“Bridging the gap between the countryside and city life is something I’ve become increasingly passionate about. Here at Land and Sea, we’re on a mission to rewild our fellow humans and welcome you all along for the journey.”

One of the centrepieces of Michelle’s mission is the Untamed Supper Club – a series of informal semi al fresco dinners where anyone and everyone is welcome. As you’d expect, the accent here is on wild and foraged foods, served in the rustic surroundings of an old outbarn dressed for a feast.

The raw ingredients are overwhelmingly locally sourced and a ‘hyper-seasonal’ with food miles often in simple minds, but the cooking influences stretch around the world, from the Scandinavia to the Far East.

The dining is communal, with plates and platters passed between guests seated at a long trestle table where the food, wine and conversation flow as naturally as the tide seeping into the creeks on the salt marsh just a few yards away.

“As a farming family, food is very important to us,” said Michelle. “We’re connected to the land around us and understand the hardworking efforts that go into the production of every mouthful. 

“To us, food represents far more than filling an empty space; it’s about the nourishment it gives our bodies in order to thrive and be healthy, the connection it brings when we come together with others. That’s the spirit that underpins our Untamed Suppers.”

Although it’s off the beaten track, Land and Sea is well connected with good public transport links to Lancaster and perfect terrain to explore on foot or by bike.

There are superb coastal walks direct from the farm gate and the excellent cycleways of Lancaster connect seamlessly with the quiet country lanes crossing the coastal floodplains.

The quirky little port of Glasson Dock is just a short ride away, from where a traffic-free cycleway runs along the Lune estuary into Lancaster and beyond to Morecambe, where another cycle route extends around the whole of Morecambe Bay.

For those who want to make a short break of it, combine a stay in the quality accommodation at Patty’s Barn and some foraging on the marsh with a foodie tour of Lancashire and the Forest of Bowland and a visit to the historic old port of Lancaster.

Laythams Holiday Lets Retreat

The Lakehouse Retreat

Discover luxury off-grid accommodation in the heart of the Forest of Bowland wilderness. 

Nestled down it’s own a private lane, The Lakehouse Retreat offers a serene escape with its own private lake and woodland to explore, complete with hot tub, sauna and log burner facilities. Perfect for any occasion from family gatherings, to wedding accommodation or a tranquil getaway, it sleeps up to 7 guests.

The Longhouse

Ideal for large groups or individual rentals, The Longhouse is divided into three distinct accommodations:

The Hayloft: A romantic retreat for two, featuring panoramic views and a cozy wood burner.

The Farmhouse: Sleeps up to 8 guests, with a games room and a wood burner for a warm, inviting stay.

The Cottage: A charming accommodation that sleeps up to 5 guests, featuring a cozy living room and wood burner.

Amenities and Features:

– Dog-friendly accommodations

– Family-friendly with cots and highchairs available

– Hot tub and sauna facilities (Lakehouse Retreat)

– Wood burners in all properties for a cozy atmosphere

-Well-equipped kitchens

-BBQ’s and outside dinning areas to enjoy the stunning views.

Activities and Surroundings:

Set on 120 acres, Laythams Holiday Lets Retreat is perfect for walkers, cyclists, bird watchers and animals lovers alike. The local area boasts numerous excellent pubs and restaurants, providing a variety of dining options. With a wide range of activities nearby, it’s the perfect base to explore everything the Forest of Bowland has to offer!

Little Oakhurst Boutique Glamping

Do you desire a night of peace and quiet? Want to relax under the stars in your very own luxury glamping accommodation with a wood fired hot tub? If you do, then Little Oakhurst is the place for you. From the moment you arrive on the farm, you are made to feel part of the family.

Our glamping accommodation is tastefully decorated with scrumptious home-made Nana’s cake on arrival and fresh milk from the cows. You can kick off your shoes, light the fire and snuggle under the blankets. Each Yurt has its own luxury bathroom facilities, one with a roll top bath. So, throw open the doors and admire the view!

Orchard Glamping

Orchard Glamping is the perfect retreat in which to explore the great outdoors. Located on a beautiful patch of land, part of the Richardson’s family farm in Catterall, near Garstang, Preston. The site is run by Rebecca Richardson and her husband Tom, alongside Tom’s grandfather, Ted and his wife Doris. Positioned next to the canal, the river and a small woodland, the site offers a multitude of activities for families and couples who just want to get out and immerse themselves in the countryside.

The site is also close to the Trough of Bowland, an area of outstanding natural beauty. The glamping pod is designed with families and couples in mind and can sleep up to 6 guests. For those who love to explore outside, campers will find the pods cosy but also practical, especially on wet weather days. Wet boots and coats can be stored outside with a warm welcome inside. Decorated in a modern country style you will feel right at home with all the comforts and amenities available in the pod.

All pods have a fully equipped kitchen and bathroom, under floor heating and hot water. All bedding and towels included plus Wi-Fi, television, built in BBQs and firepits. The pod has been hand-built by a local company and is more like a luxury self-contained apartment sure to impress our visiting guests.

To book go to https://orchardglamping.com/contact-booking/

Patty’s Barn

Patty’s Barn is a collection of 4-star self-catering cottages, and two wooden cabins located 10 mins south of the historic city of Lancaster.

Each cottage comes well-equipped with all the essentials and everything you need for the perfect stay. Onsite you’ll find our communal games room, outdoor dining area with BBQ fireplace, nature trail across open fields, ponds, private woodlands with picnic tables, a small gym and private events room, bookable wood-fired hot and cold tub, and unmissable sunsets over the bay.

All the barns are spacious and full of character and original features with plenty of room to rest and relax whilst enjoying the unspoilt natural beauty of the surrounding rural area. 

You’ll find the kitchen fully equipped giving you that home away from home feeling and great for bringing family and friends together around a large table. 

We provide fresh towels, linen and Pure Lakes natural skincare products,operate a high level of cleanliness and are English Tourist Board 4-star rated. 

Additional facilities onsite:

• Communal games room which includes; a pool table, table tennis, air hockey and chill-out sofa area.

• The Out Barn, a covered outdoor dining area with a large BBQ fireplace and decorated with rustic, quirky interiors, fire pits and barrel BBQs for outside your cottage on request also. 

• Wood-fired hot and cold tub which are available to book as an extra service. 

•  A small gym which includes a weight stack, bench, spin bike and cross trainer. 

• Private nature trail, including woodlands, ponds large woodland picnic table and open pastures as well as being located directly on the English Coastal pathway.  

•  We have a private events room which you can hire for parties or retreats. Be sure to check out our sister company, The Rewilding which are located onsite with a calendar of inspiring events, workshops and food and foraging experiences to get involved with during your stay. 

• Two, 3-acre carp fishing lakes with discounts available for those staying with us at Patty’s Barn.

• Swings that look out across the salt marshes and children love to play on.  

•One EV charger is available for guests to charge vehicles at an extra cost

• Paddock and field areas with football and rugby goals for children and families to play in. 

• You might even find yourself jumping out of a plane during your stay with The Black Knights Skydive Centre a stone’s throw away. 

Plus, plenty more nooks and crannies to explore during your stay, this is a great place to stay for families, walkers and cyclists, artists, fishing and bird watching on Morecambe Bay and those looking for a rural retreat and to enjoy some open space and fresh air taking in the epic sunsets across the unique salt marshes of Morecambe Bay.

The Lake District is a short drive, as is a breathtaking stroll through the Trough of Bowland.  A stock of changing landscapes to enjoy for all.  However, you’ll struggle to beat the dramatic sunsets over Morecambe Bay which can be enjoyed right from your window.

Located a short 7 mile drive from the historic city of Lancaster offering great access for Lancaster University, The Lake District, Peak District and other great northern cities like Manchester and Blackpool. Lancaster truly is the “road to nowhere.”

There are many excellent restaurants, pubs and cafes to enjoy. Whether you’re a bird watcher, golfer, all-round expert relaxer or walking enthusiast. We welcome you to indulge in cozy winter nights, bright frosty days or long sunshine coastal walks with a picnic and blanket. Patty’s Barn is ideally located for your break with a wide range of activities within easy reach.

Peaks and Pods

Perfectly positioned on a small dairy farm, Peaks and Pods offers sustainable luxury glamping in a spectacular setting on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales

These cedar-clad beauties boast panoramic views, well-appointed terraces, and comfortable double beds. All the pods also have their own private bathrooms (either ensuite or just a short stroll away), but the luxury doesn’t stop there. All of our beautiful pods have their own private hot tub under a bespoke wooden shelter. The eco-conscious owners have earned themselves a Green Tourism ‘Gold Award’ for commitment to sustainability.

The pods guarantee a cosy night’s sleep with great insulation, heating and double-glazed doors and windows – this is definitely a few steps up from regular camping. Each one is nestled into its own bank next to a dry stone wall to protect you from the elements and all have their own bespoke wooden patio shelter with festoon lighting.

Inside there is a fully-equipped kitchenette and tasteful crockery, along with an array of utensils, and stowaway wooden tables and chairs. Sleeping up to four, each pod has a double bed with a pocket-sprung mattress and sofa bed – ideal for adventurous families. Bedding and towels are provided. Each pod has its own fire bowl that doubles as a barbecue and comes with free kiln-dried wood – just add marshmallows!

Wander round the site and you’ll be happy to discover ‘The Hub’, a sheltered, all-weather communal space that comes complete with a large fire pit, a hot chocolate station, swing seat and a Gozney pizza oven. It’s a wonderful place to relax and socialise with friends, family and fellow campers.

The Assheton Arms

The Assheton Arms is perched on a hill looking over the picture postcard village of Downham in Lancashire’s beautiful Forest of Bowland. This renowned country inn is open all day every day during the summer months for drinks, light snacks, fine dining and elegant accommodation.

Expect a warm welcome from the friendly staff at this much-loved local institution which has all the features you’d expect from a traditional country inn: flagstone floors, exposed beams, cosy nooks and crannies hearty food and well-kept cask ales.

The extensive menu caters to all tastes – from sandwiches and light snacks to fine dining featuring the very best local Lancashire produce.

The views from the sunny, south-facing terrace across the rooftops of Downham across the verdant pastureland to the imposing outline of Pendle – the most iconic hill in Lancashire. A short, but challenging walk takes you to the summit of this famous hill in around 90 minutes.

And for those who find themselves wanting to linger longer, ‘The Ash’ has 12 elegant and individually styled bedrooms – perfect for an indulgent short break or impromptu night away.

Wood End Farm and Alpaca Experience

Our family have farmed here for over 100 years. It is a traditional hill farm, with beef and sheep, set in the beauty and tranquility of this unspoilt area in rural Lancashire.

We believe in preserving the best of traditional farming practice and work hard to conserve traditional hedgerows, meadows and dry stone walls. We have a double en-suite room and a twin ensuite room that can be changed to king-size if required. We offer a breakfast of your choice made from the finest local ingredients; free wifi; flat screen TV; tea making facilities; stair lift; off road parking and a beautiful garden.

We can also offer you an ‘alpaca experience’, beauty treatments or fusion therapeutic coaching – please ask for more information when you book. We can accommodate horses with a yard, tack room and field turnout and if you are a keen cyclist, fisherman or walker we have lockable storage, drying facilities and a hose in the yard.