2024 marks 60 years since the designation of the Forest of Bowland as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and coincides with celebrating our new name as a National Landscape, making this a fantastic year to explore and enjoy this beautiful area.
As the Forest of Bowland launches its 2024 ‘Discover Bowland Guide', rural businesses in the area’s Sustainable Tourism Network are emphasising the year-round appeal of this beautiful area and a warm welcome for everyone.
As well as offering practical advice and information on making the most of holidays and short breaks in the area, the Discover Bowland Guide also highlights the increasingly diverse tourism options in the amazing landscapes of the Forest of Bowland.
From year-round favourites like walking, cycling to exploring the night skies, food tourism and the therapeutic benefits of being in nature, the new Guide is packed with useful tips and practical information.
Forest of Bowland AONB sustainable tourism officer Hetty Byrne said:
”From a refreshing winter break at a rural inn with roaring log fires and fabulous local food to a fun-filled family holiday or a short spring break as the countryside bursts back to life, the Forest of Bowland is a genuine destination for all seasons.
“We're also delighted to launch our 12 new Eco Escapes itineraries to enable eco-conscious visitors to refresh, recharge and revive with a sustainable short break in the area's beautiful green spaces.”
The 116-page Discover guide also includes features about the fantastic work of the Forest of Bowland National Landscape Team - find out about new peatland restoration practices, volunteer bumble bee helpers, nature recovery plans and new developments to break down barriers to accessing the countryside.
Why not join Festival Bowland and experience a whole variety of events throughout the seasons? From winter dark sky adventures and spring moorland safaris to summer days enjoying our iconic meadows and autumn foraging and feasting - there is something to discover for everyone.
This year’s guide was launched at Wild Fox Distillery, Inglewhite on 8th February and was attended by members of the Bowland Sustainable Tourism Business network, who enjoyed a morning of networking and finding out about more inclusive and accessible tourism.
Printed in a durable perfect-bound pocket-friendly format, the guide will be widely available at tourist information centres, hospitality and accommodation providers and other outlets across the Forest of Bowland National Landscape. The guide will also be available to download online at www.forestofbowland.com/discover-bowland-guide-0
The guide cover was painted by Karin Pinder, Lorikeet Studios and the photos were taken at the guide launch event with the Forest of Bowland Sustainable Tourism Network on 8th February at Wild Fox Distillery.