IT'S phoney but it's fun! Guy's Thatched Hamlet at Bilsborrow, near Preston, is a collection of thatched buildings housing various leisure activities. It is designed to give the impression that the customer is stepping back in time.

In this respect it fails -- no one is fooled. This attraction is brasher than Bolton's Last Drop Village, but it has family appeal and has won several awards for the quality of the services it provides.

At this time of year you should not go to Guy's Hamlet on a rainy weekday as we did. We were made welcome enough in Owd Nell's Tavern where in a cosy stone flagged room warmed by a metal stove people seemed to be enjoying hearty meals from an interesting menu.

But we were disappointed to find that the Schoolhouse Square canalside craft shops were open only at weekends except during the tourist season, and so we did not have the opportunity to watch craft people at work.

Nor were we as hardy as some visitors who were feeding the ducks in the pouring rain beside the Lancaster Canal that passes through the middle of the 10-acre hamlet. Duck bags are available at the bar.

On a sunny day it must be pleasant for visitors to watch the boats go by while wining or dining on the canalside patio picnic tables. Guy's has its own moorings as well as a heli-pad.

Indeed, the hamlet's claim to be "the something for everyone spot" almost rings true.

There Is much activity for the sportsperson. The cricket ground and pavilion, award winners in the Lancashire Best-kept Village competition, are available for private or corporate hire. So is the bowling green, and some big crown green events have been held there.

Darts, dominoes, golf, fishing, pool, the French game of boule, and much more even hot-air balloon rides -- can also be enjoyed.

Owned and run by the Wilkinson family. Guy's Thatched Hamlet celebrates its 22nd birthday with eight successive days of special events starting on December 1. A Magic show and fireworks launch the celebrations. On the Tuesday a party at Owd Nell's includes a 1980s fancy dress competition and '80s bar prices all day! The celebrations end on December 8 with a children's Christmas party at which Father Christmas arrives by barge. They don't miss a trick at Guy's.

But if your visit is simply to satisfy hunger or thirst on your way to the Lakes or Scotland, there is plenty of choice at Guy's. As well as the traditional home-cooked food at the tavern there is Guy's Eating Establishment with its restaurant and pizzeria.

There are extensive Italian, English, French and American menus. If you over-indulge on the cask ales and are unable to drive, you can stay the night at Guy's Lodgings which are also thatched. Non-residents may join you for the buffet breakfast.

Guy's seems a good place for children, as long as you remember the close proximity of the canal. The eating places have children's menus and suitable entertainment. The hamlet also has a play area.

Murphy's Oyster Festival is held at Guy's in September each year. This consists of six days of Irish craic, a wide choice of oysters and much drinking of the black stuff. Some celebrity such as Jack Charlton usually turns up.

Has all this been too much for you? Well you can take a quiet stroll along the canal towpath and there is some peaceful countryside nearby.

Not far away by towpath or road is another of Wyre Borough's rural attractions -- Garstang, a busy market town beside both the Lancaster Canal and the River Wyre. Garstang has quaint narrow streets that house quality independent shops, many selling local products. Visit the Discovery Centre at the north end of High Street High and they'll provide you with a Shops and Services Guide.

The town has had a market charter since 1310, and visitors can still enjoy one of Lancashire's oldest weekly outdoor markets, this one held on Thursdays when there are 70 or so stalls in High Street and Church Street.

You will find much of historical interest in Garstang including the Norman ruins of Greenhalgh Castle, which was destroyed by Oliver Cromwell in 1646.

The ruins are beside the canal, which came to Garstang In 1797. The towpath is a pleasant place to walk. Garstang is a good starting place for many interesting walks.

Take a stroll by the riverside path. The Forest of Bowland starts not far from town and is within comfortable reach of keen walkers. Some of the views of Bowland and of the Fylde coast from around Garstang are spectacular.

Standing beside a canal basin at Garstang is Th' Owd Tithebarn, an established favourite with boat people and landlubbers. A restaurant and pub, its interior displays a big collection of old agricultural tools and implements.

You will get a warm welcome anywhere in Garstang. The townspeople have shown that their hearts are in the right place -- Garstang has become the world's first Fairtrade town.

This means that several shops in the town are helping struggling communities in distant countries like Ghana by selling overseas products at a fair price.

Garstang traders are also being fair to local farmers -- many of whom are going through difficult times -- by promoting local produce.

The town used to be an important stage on the road midway between Preston and Lancaster. Since then it has been by-passed and has become a stress-free place to spend a pleasant day out.

HOW TO GET THERE

GUY'S THATCHED HAMLET: Drive northwards along the A6, either from Preston or from the M6 roundabout at Broughton.

Shortly after you pass the road sign for the village of Bilsborrow, you will see a signpost directing you left to Guy's Thatched Hamlet.

You will see the hamlet as soon as you turn down St Michael's Road.

GARSTANG: carry on northwards through Bilsborrow until you see signposts directing you right off the A6 and into the heart of town.