Things to do in Galgate

Galgate is a friendly canal-side village, just south of Lancaster. It’s perfect for easy waterside walks, traffic-free cycling and lazy pub lunches taking in the views.

A Brief History of Galgate

Galgate grew with the canal and local industry, most notably its silk mills, which once powered the village economy. Today, you’ll still find mill buildings and stone bridges alongside to the towpath.

(c) Photo by Renata Edge, Shared under license CC 2.0

Things to do in Galgate

1. Canal-side Walks

The Lancaster Canal near Galgate is famously lock-free, so the towpath is largely level, making it perfect for families with pushchairs. Pick a direction and enjoy the scenery and classic canal architecture.

2. Cycling the Towpath

The traffic-free towpath makes for relaxed cycling. A great way to spend the day!

3. Galgate Marina

Winding its way through Galgate village is one of the only coastal waterways in the UK, the charming Lancaster canal. This 41 mile stretch of water, which twists and turns from Preston to Kendal, lends itself to beautiful riverside walks, long bike rides and bird watching. Galgate’s charming marina, with moorings for over 120 boats, is a perfect spot to enjoy all these pursuits, and the sights and sounds of narrowboats coming and going.

4. Heritage buildings

Look out for stone bridges and silk mill buildings near the village centre. The Glasson Branch junction, just a short walk from Galgate is a great spot to watch the boats.

5. Waterside Pubs & Cafes

You’ll find plenty of pubs and cafes around Galgate, many with canal views. You’ll enjoy a warm welcome for walkers, cyclists and dogs

6. Giggles Soft Play and Adventure Centre

For rainy days with the kids, you can’t beat a great soft play, and Giggles, just three miles from Galgate, is one of the best centres around. With three huge play frames, a dedicated baby sensory area, climbing walls, sports areas and great kids’ meal deals available at the cafe, this is a great place for the little ones to burn off some energy!

We highly recommend a trip to Galgate during your trip to Moss Wood Caravan Park. For more holiday inspiration, see our helpful things to do page.

Nature & Wildlife

The canal is rich with birdlife and wildflowers through spring and summer. Look for swans, moorhens and seasonal waders nearer the estuary. Early mornings and evenings are particularly good times to spot the native and migratory wildlife.

FAQs

Q: Is the canal towpath suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs?
A: Yes, many sections are level and manageable. Surfaces vary along the route

Q: Can I cycle from Lancaster to Galgate?
A: You can cycle along the canal towpath. The towpath is quiet and traffic free, perfect for a family ride.

Q: Where does the Glasson Branch start?
A: Just south of Galgate the Glasson Branch leaves the main canal and heads towards Glasson Dock through a series of locks.

Q: Are there places to eat in Galgate?
A: Yes, there are plenty of pubs and cafes to choose from in Galgate.

Day trips from Galgate

• Lancaster – castle, museums, shops, monuments
• Glasson Dock – working harbour, marina, estuary, wildlife
• Morecambe Bay –  prom walks, sea views
• Forest of Bowland – Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, rolling moorland, scenic drives and hikes

Visitor Information

• Location: Galgate, Lancashire
• Parking: limited village parking
• Bikes: towpath access from the village
• Public transport: regular buses run between Lancaster and Galgate (check Stagecoach timetable)
• Dog friendly: towpath and many pubs welcome dogs on leads
• Boaters: visitor moorings and services available locally

How to Get to Galgate

• By car: From Lancaster head south to towards Preston, Galgate is signed just beyond Lancaster University. The drive is around 15 minutes (6 miles)
• By bike/foot: Pick up the Lancaster Canal towpath from Lancaster or surrounding villages for a scenic approach

Plan your Visit to Galgate

Whether you’re after a lazy waterside stroll, a family cycle or wanting to discover more about Lancashire’s canal heritage, Galgate is the perfect day out.

For more ideas, see our Things to do in Lancaster, Glasson Dock Guide and Walking Holidays in Lancashire.

Where to Stay

Moss Wood Caravan Park is an award-winning holiday park near Lancaster. Stay on one of our fully-serviced touring pitches or browse our holiday homes for sale.

We have an excellent range of facilities on-site to further enhance your stay. These include a private fishing lake, woodland walk, nature trail, children’s play area and shop.