Museum & Heritage Centre

The Fylde Country Life Heritage Centre is set out in 10,000 square feet of farm buildings. There are twenty-six major exhibits set out in realistic scenes of shops, rooms and buildings. They cover living, working and leisure. A cottage, blacksmith, clogger, office, dairy, lineshafting, and World Wars 1 and 2 are only part of the wide range of displays. Most of the collection has been restored to working condition and volunteer members of the Fylde Country Life Preservation Society often give displays.

In 1974 a group of enthusiasts got together and formed the society. The object of the society was the promotion of interest in the history of rural craft, industry and agriculture of the Fylde area. A unique area of lowland between the main road from Preston to Lancaster and the coast. It includes much open countryside re-claimed from the marshland or mossland and the towns of Fleetwood, Blackpool, Poulton le Fylde, Lytham St Annes, Kirkham and Garstang.

This was to be for the benefit of the public and to this end members would attend shows and events to display their collections. They were also on hand to put on displays at anniversaries at local churches and businesses. In 1990 the members decided to set up a permanent base for their larger exhibits and a museum was started on a farm in the countryside near Garstang. After six years of success including being runners up in two tourism awards, the farmer retired and the museum was looking for a new home. After inspecting many sites it was decided to accept the offer of Farmer Parrs Animal World. The collections of history and animals would compliment each other.

The society has a strong membership who hold shows, monthly meetings with talks and occasional outings. Each Easter members put on one of their own shows at Farmer Parrs, where vehicles, tractors, engines, and collections are put on display. At Christmas the Heritage Centre is traditionally decorated, especially the Christmas meal set in the cottage, with members helping Farmer Parr to be host for Father Christmas with deer and nativity scene.

History of Farmer Parr’s

There is actually a real life Farmer Parr – he does the daily animal show more often than not. In fact he is quite the local celebrity!!

The Parr family has been farming in Fleetwood for generations and Farmer Parrs Animal World farm park was started by the whole family.

The picture on the left is of Farmer James Parr (senior), when he was here farming over 50 years ago.

The children’s farm park has been open for 20 years now and has grown year on year. It started off as just a small open farm offering a great value North West day out. Then the Fylde Coast Country / Rural Life Farm Museum arrived, followed by The Pottery Studio and also the Barbara Jackson Dance & Theatre School.

Recent building projects include The School Room catering for school farm trips throughout the north west of England.

Farmer Parr is also hoping to build a special garden area and workshop designed specially for people with disabilities.