Attractions and Places To See around Forton - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Forton, a village in Lancashire, England, include a mix of historical landmarks, natural landscapes, and cultural sites. The area features distinctive structures like the Lancaster (Forton) Services Tower and ancient cross bases, alongside natural features such as the Lancaster Canal and the River Lune Millennium Cycle Path. Visitors can explore a variety of sites, from listed buildings to scenic routes, offering diverse points of interest.
Best attractions and places to see around Forton
…Last updated: May 21, 2026
St Swithun's Church, Cheswardine
Highlight • Religious Site
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Trench Road Stone Lion Sculptures
Highlight • Structure
Note the Route is on the old Trench Road slightly to the right and parallel to the new road - it is well worth using this road …
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Lilleshall Monument
Highlight • Monument
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St Michael and All Angels Church
Highlight • Historical Site
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Tree-Lined Avenue Near Lilleshall National Sports Centre
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Tips from the Community
In the search for a worthy patron saint for this church, the Archangel Michael was initially chosen, whose name (derived from Hebrew) means "Who is like God?". However, it was then apparently decided that it wouldn't hurt to significantly increase the number of intercessors before God's throne for this church and its parishioners. Thus, the idea arose not to choose just a single patron saint, but to extend the patronage to the entire heavenly host (i.e., "All Angels").
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Great 360-degree view of the surrounding area, including the Wrekin and the Long Mynd
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The church of St Swithun in Cheswardine. First built in the 13th centaury with the tower added in the late 15th centaury and then several modifications since. It's now a grade 2 listed building. As a different rider said the deep porch is useful to escape the rain.
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The parish church, dedicated to St Swithun, overlooks Cheswardine from the hill at the top of the village. This is at least the third church on this site, and was rebuilt in 1887 - 1889 under the direction of the esteemed architect John Loughborough Pearson, who died before the work was completed. The work was completed with the assistance of funding by the then squire of the Cheswardine Estate, Charles Donaldson-Hudson, who evidently provided half of the estimated cost of £8,500.
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Original Komoot planned route had me turning left here towards Lilleshall. Large gate indicated otherwise. had to take a long detour north. Lovely downhill section away from the National Sports Centre though!
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The church of St Swithun in Cheswardine. First built in the 13th centaury with the tower added in the late 15th centaury and then several modifications since. It's now a grade 2 listed building. As a different rider said the deep porch is useful to escape the rain.
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The last few metres are hike-a-bike, but it's well worth the climb up to this monument erected by a local lord in memory of his father in the early 19th century. The monument itself is monolithic rather than pretty, but the 360-degree panorama is stunning - on a clear day you can see The Wrekin, The Long Mynd, and over the border into Wales.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical landmarks can I explore in and around Forton?
Forton and its surroundings are rich in history. You can visit the distinctive Lancaster (Forton) Services Tower and Former Restaurant, a listed building alongside the M6 motorway. Other local historical sites include the War Memorial, a Medieval Cross Base, and a Limekiln built against the Lancaster Canal. Further afield, but still within reach, is the historic Lancaster Castle, approximately 11.3 km from Forton. For specific highlights, consider St Swithun's Church, Cheswardine, a religious building with parts dating back to the 13th century, and St Michael and All Angels Church.
Are there any natural features or scenic spots to visit near Forton?
Yes, Forton offers several natural and scenic spots. The River Lune Millennium Cycle Path provides 9 miles (15 km) of traffic-free cycling with scenic views. The Trough of Bowland Pass is renowned for its natural beauty and is popular with cyclists. The Lancaster Canal itself, with its surrounding areas, offers a tranquil setting. A notable highlight is the Tree-Lined Avenue Near Lilleshall National Sports Centre, a beautiful tarmac section perfect for cycling, described by visitors as an 'imagine perfect ride'.
Where can I find good viewpoints in the Forton area?
For panoramic views, head to Lilleshall Monument. This man-made monument offers a stunning 360-degree panorama, where on a clear day you can see The Wrekin, The Long Mynd, and even into Wales. The Tree-Lined Avenue Near Lilleshall National Sports Centre also offers scenic vistas along its route.
What outdoor activities or trails can I find near Forton's attractions?
The area around Forton is excellent for outdoor activities. You can explore various routes for gravel biking, running, and easy hikes. For gravel biking, consider routes like the 'Norbury Wharf Ltd – Cop Mere loop' or 'The Boat Inn – Newport to Stafford Greenway loop'. Runners can enjoy trails such as the 'Millennium Green Pond – Duddas Wood loop'. If you prefer easy hikes, options include the 'Newport Canal loop' or 'Bod Café Bar loop'. You can find more details and specific routes in the Gravel biking around Forton, Running Trails around Forton, and Easy hikes around Forton guides.
Are there family-friendly attractions or activities in Forton?
Yes, several attractions around Forton are suitable for families. St Swithun's Church, Cheswardine, Trench Road Stone Lion Sculptures, and Lilleshall Monument are all categorized as family-friendly. Additionally, Williamson Park, located about 6.2 miles from Forton, offers outdoor recreation for all ages. For adventure, Black Knights Skydiving Centre and Inch Perfect Trials are nearby options.
When is the best time of year to visit Forton's attractions?
The best time to visit Forton depends on your interests. For wildlife enthusiasts, September and October are ideal for spotting salmon and sea trout along the River Lune Millennium Cycle Path. Generally, spring and summer offer pleasant weather for exploring outdoor attractions and trails. However, many historical sites and landmarks can be visited year-round.
What cultural sites can I visit near Forton?
Beyond historical landmarks, Forton offers cultural insights. The village is home to various churches and their associated structures, contributing to the local cultural landscape. The Lancaster City Museum, about 6.6 miles away, provides deeper insights into the region's history and culture. A short distance from Forton, Glasson Dock Harbour, with its rich maritime history dating back to 1787, offers a delightful spot with places to eat and drink, and opportunities for walking along the Lune Estuary.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Forton?
Visitors particularly appreciate the scenic beauty and historical significance of the area. For instance, the Tree-Lined Avenue Near Lilleshall National Sports Centre is praised as an 'imagine perfect ride' with its beautiful tarmac section. The Lilleshall Monument is highly valued for its 'stunning 360-degree panorama'. Historical sites like St Swithun's Church, Cheswardine, are noted for their historical architecture and practical features like a deep porch for shelter.
Are there any unique or 'hidden gem' attractions near Forton?
While not strictly 'hidden', the Lancaster (Forton) Services Tower and Former Restaurant is a distinctive and unusual listed building that stands out. The Medieval Cross Base and the Limekiln along the Lancaster Canal offer glimpses into the area's ancient past. For a quirky sight, the Trench Road Stone Lion Sculptures are an impressive and unexpected sight along a cycling route, described as 'gate monsters/lions'.
Can I find places for shopping or garden enthusiasts near Forton?
Yes, for those interested in home and garden, Barton Grange Garden Centre is a popular spot located approximately 6.6 miles from Forton. It offers a wide range of products and is a pleasant place to visit.
What are the options for cycling near Forton?
Forton is well-suited for cycling. The River Lune Millennium Cycle Path offers a 9-mile traffic-free route with scenic views. The Trough of Bowland Pass is a popular and scenic route for cyclists. Additionally, the Tree-Lined Avenue Near Lilleshall National Sports Centre provides a great tarmac section for rides. For more extensive cycling adventures, explore the Gravel biking around Forton guide, which includes routes like the 'Norbury Wharf Ltd – Cop Mere loop'.
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