Attractions and Places To See around Medlar-With-Wesham - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Medlar-With-Wesham, a civil parish in Lancashire, England, offers a combination of historical landmarks, natural spaces, and community-focused points of interest. The area features several notable attractions, including Grade II listed buildings like the War Memorial and Christ Church. Natural features include Biological Heritage Sites such as Medlar Ditch, Medlar Meadows, and Wesham Marsh, providing opportunities for wildlife walks.
Best attractions and places to see around Medlar-With-Wesham
- The most popular attraction is Blackpool Tower, a man-made monument that was the tallest human-built structure in the British Empire at 519 feet (158 m) when constructed in 1894. It is Grade I-listed and offers a viewing platform with views of Blackpool’s seafront.
- Another must-see spot is Ribble Steam Railway, a standard gauge preserved railway in Lancashire. Visitors can ride on original steam or diesel locomotives and learn about railway history at its museum.
- Visitors also love Ribble Link Staircase Locks and Holding Basin, a system of locks that connects the Lancaster Canal to the River Ribble via Savick Brook. It allows boats to transition between the canal and the tidal waters of the Ribble, offering a unique engineering sight.
- Medlar-With-Wesham is known for its historical sites, natural reserves, and unique man-made structures. The region provides a variety of attractions to see and explore, from listed buildings to significant natural areas.
- The attractions around Medlar-With-Wesham are appreciated by the komoot community, with 89 photos and 277 upvotes shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 6, 2026
Blackpool Tower
Highlight • Monument
Today, Blackpool Tower is Grade I-listed. Glamorous events and performances still take place in its ballroom, whilst the Tower Eye viewing platform gives a unique vantage of Blackpool’s seafront.
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Cartford Toll Bridge
Highlight • Bridge
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Ribble Link Staircase Locks and Holding Basin
Highlight • River
Tip1
If you see only Tip1, open this highlight using the link:
komoot.com/highlight/3843027
Some suggestions below in Tip2.
The Ribble Link Staircase is visited by several Komoot tours - for example, check out these links:
komoot.com/tour/610244459
komoot.com/tour/1118780163
Take care with children at all points near the holding basin and staircase locks.
The locks join the Lancaster Canal to the start of the river navigation along Savick Brook, which flows three locks below at the bottom of the staircase.
To view the photos alongside these descriptions, use a split-screen.
Photos 1 and 2: the holding basin, taken from a new bridge that carries the Lancaster Canal 'towpath' over a short channel. That channel branches off the canal and widens into the holding basin at the top lock, with moorings for boats waiting to descend the staircase and continue along the brook to the River Ribble.
Photo 3: looking from the basin towards the towpath bridge and the canal, just visible under the bridge.
Photo 4: looking across the holding basin to the top lock.
The Ribble Link Navigation follows the course of Savick Brook west towards the north bank of the Ribble, where the brook passes through the sea lock and into its tidal waters to join the Ribble.
Departure down the staircase to the Ribble is only possible when the tide is right. It's timed so that boats arrive at the junction of Savick Brook with the Ribble near high tide.
Photo 5: two boats descending - the canal boat is reversing down the staircase to avoid a U-turn in Savick Brook.
Photo 6: at the bottom lock the boat is reversing into the Savick Brook winding hole - too narrow for a long boat to turn. It then moves forward and turns slightly left to continue on along the brook.
Photo 7: the raised walkway that follows Savick Brook under the railway bridge. Low bridge - mind your head.
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Haslam Park Nature Reserve
Highlight • Trail
Photo-Guide or Satnav through the Nature Reserve to Cottam Lane - Walk or 10min Cycle
The 3rd photo, P3, shows this highlight's location, red 2, beside Lancaster Canal bridge 15.
If you see only Tip1 open:
komoot.com/highlight/4114660
Despite the above "Cycling not permitted at this location", photo P4, taken from this location, shows a cycle path, a Haslam Park/Nature Reserve sign and a blue-bike sign.
Visitors to the park can include the Nature Reserve route in a walk or cycle. Parking at Cottam Lane and Bristow Avenue park entrances. Link:
komoot.com/highlight/4092174
You can use the route through the reserve as a detour from a Komoot tour that passes close to the park - e. g. via the canal towpath. Join the detour at the highlight location. The detour route ends near the Cottam Lane park entrance. Then rejoin your tour. See Tip2.
The P3 map shows part of a tour (blue route) that includes the photo-guide route through the reserve. If needed, satnav is provided along the detour by that tour, link:
komoot.com/tour/610244459
See Tips 2 to 4 below.
Route Description - Photo-Guide
View in split-screen (Tip6) or 2 screens to see photos alongside the description of the route through the reserve. Best to view photos in the Komoot app.
From the start, blue-bike sign P4, Highlight2 on P3, follow the gravel path - 20 paces. Fork right (P5) onto the off-grid path, hedge on right. In 30 paces go through gap in hedge (P6). Take care - safer to dismount and you may encounter a walker/cyclist approaching the gap. Follow path NW then W. Cycle times based on continuous cycling.
1 min - W to SW - group of trees straight ahead (P7). Continue straight on, W then S between points 5 and 6, on brown, off-grid path (P8 - top of map is west). If using satnav it may instruct to turn left onto blue, on-grid path - ignore it.
Path turns S - group of trees close (P9).
2.5 min - go south (P10). If using satnav, an instruction to turn right, back on-grid. Turn right (W) near the trees to bank of brook, then S and E around edge of field - brook on right.
3.5 min - path more distinct - maybe muddy (P11).
4.5 min - T-junction (P12). Turn right across bridge. No barrier- take care (P13). Turn right. Path divides (P14) - take right fork.
A feint path goes to hedge on left to Cottam Lane (P15).
6 min - P16 looks back through hedge.
Go right in Cottam Lane if you plan to join the canal at bridge 16.
See Tips 2 to 4 for options.
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Ribble Steam Railway
Highlight • Monument
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Tips from the Community
From Blackpool Tower to Fleetwood is a good run (loop) stick to the far left of the Promenade away from the tourists best from 7pm
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Cartford Bridge is a single-track toll bridge in the English county of Lancashire. Built in 1831, it spans the River Wyre, connecting Little Eccleston-with-Larbreck, in the Borough of Fylde, on the southern side of the river, to Out Rawcliffe, in the Borough of Wyre, on its northern side (known locally as "Over Wyre"), carrying both automotive and pedestrian traffic of Cartford Lane. The tolls are £1 for vehicles exceeding five tonnes, 70p for vehicles exceeding two tonnes, 60p for motorised vehicles not exceeding two tonnes, and 20p for two-wheeled vehicles.
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Cartford Bridge is a single-track toll bridge in the English county of Lancashire. Built in 1831, it spans the River Wyre, connecting Little Eccleston-with-Larbreck, in the Borough of Fylde, on the southern side of the river, to Out Rawcliffe, in the Borough of Wyre, on its northern side (known locally as "Over Wyre"), carrying both automotive and pedestrian traffic of Cartford Lane. The tolls are £1 for vehicles exceeding five tonnes, 70p for vehicles exceeding two tonnes, 60p for motorised vehicles not exceeding two tonnes, and 20p for two-wheeled vehicles.
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The Ribble Steam Railway is a standard gauge preserved railway in Lancashire, in the United Kingdom. It was opened to the public on 17 September 2005, running along Preston Docks
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Finishing line of the Manchester to Blackpool ride in July for The Cristies charity
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Cartford bridge is a great crossing point from Great Eccleston to the Over Wyre coast
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the most popular attractions around Medlar-With-Wesham?
Visitors frequently enjoy the iconic Blackpool Tower, known for its historical significance and panoramic views. Another favorite is the Ribble Steam Railway, where you can experience preserved railway history. The unique engineering of the Ribble Link Staircase Locks and Holding Basin also draws considerable interest.
Are there family-friendly attractions in the Medlar-With-Wesham area?
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The Blackpool Tower offers various activities beyond its viewing platform, including a circus and ballroom. The Ribble Steam Railway provides an engaging historical experience for all ages. Additionally, Haslam Park Nature Reserve is a great spot for a family walk or cycle.
What historical sites can I explore around Medlar-With-Wesham?
The area is rich in history. You can visit the Grade II listed War Memorial in Wesham, the 18th-century Bradkirk Hall Farmhouse, and the historic Christ Church, also a Grade II listed building. St Joseph's Roman Catholic Church, founded in 1885, is another notable historical site.
Where can I find natural spaces or go for a walk in Medlar-With-Wesham?
Medlar-With-Wesham boasts several natural areas. You can explore the Biological Heritage Sites of Medlar Ditch, Medlar Meadows, and Wesham Marsh, which are great for wildlife spotting. The Recreation Field on Fleetwood Road offers open green space, and there's a small park called 'Doorstep Green' on Derby Road. For a more structured natural experience, consider Haslam Park Nature Reserve.
Are there any unique or lesser-known points of interest in Medlar-With-Wesham?
Beyond the main attractions, Medlar-With-Wesham has some distinctive features. A private residence on Fleetwood Road is known for housing the UK's only flying Bell UH-1 Iroquois helicopter, commonly known as a 'Huey'. You can also find the Wesham Bakery, now home to Fox's Biscuits, where the popular 'Rocky' biscuit is made.
What outdoor activities, like hiking or cycling, are available near Medlar-With-Wesham?
The region offers various outdoor activities. For hiking, you can find easy trails like the 'Marton Lake loop' or the 'Cartford Inn Walk' which includes the Cartford Toll Bridge. Explore more options on the Easy hikes around Medlar-With-Wesham guide. Cyclists can enjoy routes such as the 'Blackpool Tower – Lytham Windmill loop' or the 'Shipyard Creek – Cartford Bridge loop'. Discover more cycling routes on the Cycling around Medlar-With-Wesham guide. There are also several running trails, including 'The Dub loop' and 'Country Road loop', detailed in the Running Trails around Medlar-With-Wesham guide.
Can I find viewpoints or scenic spots in the area?
Yes, the Blackpool Tower offers a viewing platform with expansive views of Blackpool’s seafront and beyond. Additionally, the Ribble Link Staircase Locks and Holding Basin provides interesting views of the canal system and surrounding waterways.
What cultural or community events take place in Medlar-With-Wesham?
Medlar-With-Wesham, jointly with Kirkham, hosts an annual Club Day in early June. This event features a procession through the town with churches, 'Rose Queens,' biblical tableau floats, civic dignitaries, and brass bands, offering a vibrant community experience. The Wesham Community Centre also serves as a hub for various local groups and activities.
Are there any local pubs or places to eat near the attractions?
Yes, Wesham has three public houses: the Lane Ends, the Stanley Arms, and the Royal Oak Hotel, where you can enjoy a local meal or drink. These establishments offer a chance to experience the local hospitality.
What do visitors appreciate most about the attractions around Medlar-With-Wesham?
Visitors frequently highlight the historical significance and unique engineering of sites like the Blackpool Tower and the Ribble Link Staircase Locks and Holding Basin. The opportunity to ride original steam or diesel locomotives at the Ribble Steam Railway is also a popular draw. The blend of historical landmarks, natural spaces, and community-focused points of interest is generally well-received.
Can I find any bridges of interest in the area?
Yes, the Cartford Toll Bridge is a notable point of interest. It's an interesting toll bridge where cyclists are required to stop and pay a small fee to cross. The Ribble Link Staircase Locks and Holding Basin also features several bridges as part of its complex canal system.
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