CRL - Community Rail Lancashire

News
Half Term Fun At Clitheroe Castle Museum

February Half Term Fun at Clitheroe Castle Museum

Families are invited to enjoy a fun and inspiring February half term at Clitheroe Castle Museum, with plenty to discover for children and adults alike. The museum is open throughout February from Friday to Tuesday and from Sunday 16 February it will be open seven days a week, making it the perfect half‑term destination. From hands‑on activities to fascinating stories of local history, there’s something for everyone to enjoy inside one of Lancashire’s most iconic landmarks.

Prickly Pals Children’s Competition Hunt and Crafts

Running throughout February, Prickly Pals invites young visitors on a fun museum adventure to spot the castle’s shy hedgehog friends hiding in the galleries. Children who find them all can enter a competition to win a goody bag filled with museum souvenirs. Inspired by the real hedgehogs that live around Clitheroe Castle, the activity also includes hedgehog‑themed crafts (£2), free take‑home activity sheets and fascinating facts about these much‑loved animals. A perfect half‑term treat for curious young  explorers – more details on this link: https://www6.apps.lancashire.gov.uk/w/webpage/event-details?eventid=3076043

All Aboard! Railway Family Fun Day – 16 February 12:00 to 15:30

On Sunday 16 February, Clitheroe Castle Museum and Community Rail Lancashire celebrate 200 years of the modern railway with a free, action‑packed family fun day.

Highlights include a working model railway, train‑themed games and competitions, LEGO train building, creative art workshops, printing activities, a selfie station with railway costumes and live steam model engineers. Families can also meet award‑winning children’s author Susan Brownrigg, take part in hands‑on craft sessions, and explore a special railway photography exhibition. All activities are drop‑in, suitable for all ages, and free to attend. No booking required – more details by clicking on the poster above or on this link: https://www6.apps.lancashire.gov.uk/w/webpage/event-details?eventid=3067627

Finds Day with the Portable Antiquities Scheme – 17 February 12 to 2pm

Ever found something unusual while digging in the garden or out walking? Bring it along to Finds Day and meet the Portable Antiquities Scheme’s Finds Liaison Officers for Lancashire and Cumbria. Visitors can have objects identified and recorded, helping to build our understanding of local history. Finds Day is open to everyone — from metal detectorists to curious families — with no booking required. The scheme is run by the British Museum and helps advance knowledge of England and Wales’ archaeological past.

Hidden Hoards & Fascinating Finds (closes 8 March)

Don’t miss the chance to see Hidden Hoards & Fascinating Finds, a captivating exhibition showcasing some of Lancashire’s most remarkable archaeological discoveries, on display until 8 March 2026. From a 4,000‑year‑old gold armlet to everyday objects lost centuries ago, the exhibition explores thousands of years of local history, with highlights including the Waddington Hoard, Ribchester Intaglios, Pendleton Bead, and Mitton Hoard. Family‑friendly activity trails such as Hoard Hunters and Lost & Found help bring the past to life for younger visitors. Included with museum admission. Adults £5.10; under 18s go free.

https://www6.apps.lancashire.gov.uk/w/webpage/event-details?eventid=2287775

Tracks of Life: Trains, People and Places

This free exhibition in the Steward’s Gallery celebrates the life and work of Ken Roberts (1928–2024), a passionate railway photographer and a founding member of Ribble Valley Rail. Featuring striking photographs spanning decades, alongside model trains, railway memorabilia and cameras, the exhibition tells the story of Ken’s lifelong dedication to railways and his role in campaigning for the reopening of the Blackburn to Clitheroe line. A must‑see for railway enthusiasts and families alike. The exhibition runs until 30 June 2026 and more details can be found on this link: https://www6.apps.lancashire.gov.uk/w/webpage/event-details?eventid=3075417