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Out & About

For those History buffs

Goosnargh derives its name from an Old Irish word 'Gosan or Gusan' an Irish name & therefore means 'Gosan's or Gusan's hill pasture', the first recorded use of the name was in the Doomsday Book of 1086 when it was referred to as 'Gusansarghe' but by 1212 was described as 'Gosenarghe' much like today's pronunciation.

In the village is the late medieval Church of St Mary's in which can be found a well preserved register dating back to the early 1600's. In the 11th century St. Mary's was a chapel of ease, only becoming a parish in 1846. Legend says that the church was planned to be erected on another site, but the fairies kept moving the materials to its present location. Quite possibly after the locals had visited the Stags Head.

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Out and About places to visit

The Stags Head is situated within easy reach of the Forest of Bowland which offers many facilities for walking and rambling. This area, and nearby Pendle Hill are designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, extensive heather moorlands, woodlands and open countryside. The Country Park itself occupies some 185 acres with panoramic views of Lancashire. Easy walks are clearly way-marked.

The Trough of Bowland has areas of forest and heather clad moorland which provides nationally important habitats for a variety of birds including Hen Harrier, Merlin, Golden Plover and Twite.

Bowland Ranger Service, Goosnargh, Preston. Telephone : (01995) 61693.

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Garstang Discovery Centre

Disabled visitors welcome. Situated at the northern end of Garstang adjacent to the riverside car park, the Discovery Centre is open all year round except for Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day.
The Centre houses Tourist Information, Booking Office, toilets, an exhibition and activity room for arts, countryside and other events. There is also a Countryside Rangers Office: Tel/Fax: (01995) 606654

The Wyre Countryside Activities are booked from here, please book in advance. Entrance is free.
The Discovery Centre is in a superb location to start a variety of longer distance walks in the area, and a fine network of paths links up to the Lancaster Canal, the Forest of Bowland and surrounding countryside and villages.

For further details, call at the:
Discovery Centre
High Street
Garstang
PR3 1FU
Tel: (01995) 602125
Fax: (01995) 604325

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Bowland Visitor Centre

The Bowland Visitor centre located in Beacon Fell Country Park near Goosnargh, is managed by Lancashire County Council Countryside Services. It provides information about the Forest of Bowland and the Lancashire countryside to visitors.