visit burnley lancashire

Top Things to Do in Burnley, Lancashire - Burnley Must-See Attractions

Things to do in burnley, explore popular experiences, tours in and around burnley.

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Top attractions in burnley.

Other Top Attractions around Burnley

What travellers are saying

• Towneley Hall
• The Singing Ringing Tree
• Queen Street Mill Textile Museum
• HAPPA - Shores Hey Farm
• Thompson Park
• Reedley Marina Bistro Bar
• Cliviger Fish Ponds
• Thompson Park Railway
• Reedley Marina
• Gawthorpe Hall

Visit North West

Burnley lies on the border of Lancashire and Yorkshire, at the confluence of the River Calder and River Brun. Its name is derived from Brun Lea, meaning ‘meadow by the River Brun’.

During the Industrial Revolution the town grew rapidly from a small market town to become the world’s largest producer of cotton cloth. At the same time it became a major centre of engineering, specialising in the manufacture of steam engines and looms.

Towns and villages in the area include Colne, Nelson, Padiham, Wycoller , and Barrowford. Pendle Hill lies 5 miles to its north.

Attractions & Things To Do

The arrival of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal in 1796 played a major role in decisions made by businessmen to locate their cotton mills and factories here. Many were built in an area south of the town centre, known today as the Weavers’ Triangle.

Despite the demise of the cotton industry after WWII, many of the weavings sheds, spinning mills, foundries and warehouses at Weavers’ Triangle are still standing. Plans to develop the whole area are in the pipeline. At Burnley Wharf the Weavers’ Triangle Visitor Centre is based in the old canal toll office and adjacent canal agent’s house. This small museum offers a wealth of information about Burnley’s industrial heritage and houses interesting mock-ups of a Victorian classroom and a typical weaver’s home.

At the southern end of the Weavers’ Triangle the Burnley Embankment carries the canal 60 feet above the town centre. Known locally as ‘the straight mile’, this impressive feat of engineering was named as one of the ‘Seven Wonders of the British Canal System’ by Robert Aickman, founder of the Inland Waterways Association.

Despite its industrial heritage Burnley is almost two thirds countryside. Since the Forest of Burnley project began in 1997 more than 1 million trees have been planted around the town, doubling its woodland area.

Crown Point, high on the moors, offers a panoramic view of the town. It’s also the site of Burnley’s Panopticon; the amazing Singing Ringing Tree sculpture by architects Tonkin Liu.

From here the Wayside Arts Trail leads to the magnificent Towneley Hall . Home of the Towneley family from the 13th century to 1902, it is now the town’s museum and art gallery. A 5 year restoration programme funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund has seen the surrounding park restored to its former glory. Attractions include a fabulous woodland sculpture trail, children’s playground, bird reserve, and three golf courses.

Another historic house in the area is Gawthorpe Hall near Padiham. This impressive stately home boasts a fine collection of portraits on loan from the National Portrait Gallery and the Rachel-Kay Shuttleworth collection of embroidery, lace and textiles.

Burnley Mechanics is a thriving, intimate theatre hosting a varied programme of shows including music, comedy, and theatrical performances.

The Reel Cinema is a state-of-the art multiplex cinema at Hollywood Park .

Burnley FC is the town’s professional football club and was one of the 12 founding members of the Football League. They have played their home fixtures at Turf Moor since 1883.

Hotels and places to stay in and around Burnley include:

• The Lawrence
• Rosehill House Hotel
• Crow Wood Hotel & Spa Resort
• Holiday Inn Express Burnley M65 Jct 10
• Fence Gate Lodge
• The Brunlea Hotel
• The Old Stone Trough Country Lodge & Inn

For over 700 years Burnley’s bustling market has been a great place to shop. Today the Market Hall and Open Market offer more than 200 stalls selling everything from fruit and vegetables to clothes and electrical products.

High street names such as Wilko, Next, River Island, Boots and Peacocks can be found in the Charter Walk Shopping Centre .

Many of the town’s former cotton mills have now been converted to mill shops; shopping outlets offering a huge choice of products under one roof. One of the largest is Barden Mill. Situated by the side of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal it boasts over 30,000 sq ft of retail space and 50 departments. The owners have also developed Reedley Marina, a modern marina with excellent facilities and great views of Pendle Hill.

Burnley has a reasonable choice of hotels .

Car – Burnley is easily reached from the M6 and M65 (Preston/Blackpool areas) or the M66 (Manchester/Manchester Airport).

Air – Blackpool and Manchester Airport are roughly the same distance from Burnley (42 miles by road). Liverpool John Lennon Airport is 55 miles from the town.

Train – Burnley has four train stations; Burnley Manchester Road , Burnley Central , Rose Grove, and Burnley Barracks .

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Burnley Map

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• 1 Understand
• 2.1 By plane
• 2.2 By train
• 2.4 By road
• 2.5 Visitor information
• 3 Get around
• 11 Stay safe

Burnley is a town in Lancashire , 30 miles north of Manchester . It's an industrial town, but its proud of its many parks that have been awarded the Green Flag for excellence, and of Burnley Forest — great places for walking or cycling. The Singing Ringing Tree on Crown Point Moor is a piece of sound art made of galvanised steel pipes which make an incredible eerie noise in the wind. In 2021 Burnley had a population of 94,700.

Understand [ edit ]

"Burnley" probably derives from Brun Lea, the meadow by the River Lea. It's in the Pennines at a confluence of valleys, where the Calder flows out towards the Ribble. The Ribble forms the western half of the "Aire Gap" crossing the Pennines at low altitude, so it's always been a transport corridor, and its towns have water to power mills. Burnley was one of the smaller market and wool-weaving towns until 1800. Then the Leeds and Liverpool Canal made bulk transport simple, a local coalfield was developed, mills adopted steam power, and Lancashire towns switched from wool to cotton. Victorian Burnley grew rapidly with cotton mills and heavy engineering, until the late 20th century slump in textile and smokestack trades. The town has struggled to re-invent itself ever since. Transport improved but the M65 carved through the northwest side of town; light industry populates its outlying estates. Burnley is within easy reach of attractive moorland scenery but you're only likely to visit for family, business or a football match.

Famous people from Burnley include the actor Ian McKellen (b 1939), politician Lord Waddington (1929-2017), most of the band Chumbawamba (1982-2012) and cricketer Jimmy Anderson (b 1982).

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ]

Manchester Airport ( MAN  IATA ) has global flight connections. Frequent trains run from the airport but none direct to Burnley: change in Salford, Blackburn or Preston, for a journey time of around 1 hr 45 min.

By train [ edit ]

Trains run hourly from Manchester Victoria, taking 45 min via Rochdale and Todmorden to Burnley Manchester Road, and continuing to Accrington and Blackburn ; the last departs from Victoria at 11PM. These trains start from Liverpool Central but are shown on timetables and displays as from Kirkby.

They run hourly from Blackpool via Preston , Blackburn and Accrington to Burnley Manchester Road, and continue over the Pennines to Hebden Bridge , Halifax , Bradford , Leeds and York . Change at Blackburn for Clitheroe .

53.785 -2.249 1 Burnley Manchester Road is the main railway station, south of the river. It has a staffed ticket office and machines, and toilets. There is ramp access to the platforms.

A slow train trundles hourly from Preston via Blackburn and Accrington to Burnley Barracks, Burnley Central, Nelson and Colne.

53.791 -2.258 2 Burnley Barracks is a platform halt southwest edge of town near the Travelodge. It has a ticket machine and ramp access to the single platform.

53.794 -2.245 3 Burnley Central is on the retail park a quarter mile north of town centre, a draughty lonely spot at night. It has a staffed ticket office (mornings) and machines. There is ramp access to the single platform.

By bus [ edit ]

National Express and Megabus don't run here, take their bus to Manchester and change.

Transdev Witchway Bus X43 runs from Manchester Chorlton St (outside the coach station), taking 90 min via Prestwich and Rawtenstall . It's every 20 min daytime and hourly from 9PM to 3AM.

Bus 152 runs from Preston every 30 min via Blackburn, Rishton, Clayton-le-Moors and Padiham.

Bus M1 runs from Accrington every 30 min, and Bus M2 from Clitheroe every 30 min via Padiham. Bus M3 runs from Trawden and Bus M4 from Keighley , both every 30 min via Colne and Nelson. Ribble Bus 64 also runs from Clitheroe and Bus 65 from Nelson.

Bus 483 runs hourly from Bury , taking 80 min via Rawtenstall.

Pendle Wizz Bus runs from Skipton hourly via Barnoldswick and Colne. Bus 592 runs from Halifax hourly via Hebden Bridge and Todmorden.

53.788 -2.24 4 Burnley Bus Station is central in town. At night when it's locked the Witchway stops on Red Lion St just south.

By road [ edit ]

From Manchester follow M66 onto A56 and M65. From the south you can go that way, but it's congested in rush hour, better stay on M6 to the M65 junction near Preston.

Visitor information [ edit ]

• Explore Burnley

Get around [ edit ]

Local bus routes are #1 to Stoops Estate, #2 to Higherford, #3 to Pikehill, #4 to Worsthorne, #5 between Harle Syke and Rose Grove, #8 to Towneley and Bacup, #14 to Whittlefield and #15 to Rose Hill.

Taxi firms include Burnley Crown Taxis [dead link] (+44 1282 455555), Maxi Taxi (+44 1282 431922), Delta (+44 1282 888888), Apollo , (+44 1282 797979) and Kings (+44 1282 422551).

The Leeds-Liverpool Canal courses through town. It's navigable from coast to coast and has a good towpath for cycling.

See [ edit ]

• 53.7927 -2.24 1 St Peter's Church is Anglican. The lower tower is 15th-century but the rest is a series of additions in Perpendicular style; it's usually open Wednesday and Sunday mornings. The churchyard has interesting monuments.
• 53.7865 -2.246 2 Weavers' Triangle is an area of well-preserved 19th century mills along the canal bank. Oak Mount Mill has a restored cotton engine and also houses the visitor centre, open Apr-Oct.
• Padiham has other fine mansions, Huntroyde Hall, Simonstone Hall and Read Hall, but they're private homes and can't be visited. St Leonard's Parish Church was completed in 1869.
• 53.7618 -2.2414 6 Singing Ringing Tree or "Burnley Panopticon" is a wind-powered sound sculpture resembling a wind-bent tree, installed in 2006. It stands on the Pennine moors so wind is seldom lacking. The ruin seen on the moor to the west was Crown Point isolation hospital, in use from 1901 to 1953.

Do [ edit ]

• What's on? Read Burnley Express or Lancashire Telegraph , or listen to Capital on 99.8 FM or BBC Radio Lancashire on 95.5 FM.
• Cinema: Reel Cinema is next to Manchester Road Station.
• Theatre: Burnley Mechanics Theatre is just south of the centre on Manchester Rd (Box Office +44 1282 664400). Empire Theatre northwest is now a Thai restaurant. Burnley Youth Theatre are on Queen's Park Rd off A6114 a mile east of town.
• The Gallery is a live music venue on Gas St, off St James St.
• St Peter's Leisure Centre on Church St has a gym, fitness classes and pool. Minimum membership is one month, they don't have pay-as-you go access.
• Golf: Towneley GC and Burnley GC are both south side of town. There's another nearby in Nelson .

Buy [ edit ]

• Supermarkets on the retail strip by Burnley Central Station are Sainsbury's, Aldi, Iceland and Aldi.
• Charter Walk is the main shopping mall in town centre.

Eat [ edit ]

• Bellissimo , 3 Parker Lane BB11 2BY ( by shopping centre ), ☏ +44 1282 788689 . Tu-Sa 10AM-5PM . Italian aiming for the shopping and office lunchtime trade. ( updated Mar 2023 )
• The Palazzo , 10 Grimshaw St BB11 2AS ( south side of shopping centre ), ☏ +44 1282 902123 . Su-Th noon-10PM, F Sa noon-1AM . Chic Italian on two levels in a former bank. ( updated Mar 2023 )
• Ellis's at 31 Manchester Rd serves burgers and similar W-Su noon-11PM.
• 53.7917 -2.2385 1 Shimla Spice , 45 Church St BB11 2DW , ☏ +44 1282 426786 . Su Tu-Th 5:30-PM, F Sa 5:30PM-midnight . Buzzy upscale Indian earning good reviews. ( updated Mar 2023 )
• Aroma opposite Shimla Spice on Church St is mediocre.
• Aldo Due at 58A Bank Parade is a cheerful Italian.
• 53.7878 -2.236 2 Tawa & Karahi , 34 Plumbe St BB11 3AB ( near football ground ), ☏ +44 1282 786107 . M W-Sa 5-11PM, Su 2-11PM . Friendly small Indian place. ( updated Mar 2023 )
• 53.79 -2.2858 3 Sycamore Farm , Liverpool Rd BB12 6HH , ☏ +44 1282 427101 . Su-Th 8AM-10PM, F Sa 8AM-11PM . Popular pub for all-day breakfast and carvery. ( updated Mar 2023 )
• Ballaro is an Italian by the Travelodge and Barracks railway station.
• Dugdales is within Rosehill House Hotel, see Sleep. The restaurant has posh dining on trad British fare, served M-Sa noon-2PM, 6:30-9PM, Su noon-2:30PM.
• Wilfred's and Bertram's are upscale places by Crow Wood Hotel & Spa.
• 53.7599 -2.2592 4 New Waggoners , Manchester Rd BB11 5NS , ☏ +44 1282 421705 . Daily 8:30AM-9:30PM . Splendid pub grub, well worth coming the extra distance. ( updated Mar 2023 )

Drink [ edit ]

• The Boot Inn , 18 St James's St BB11 1NG ( east side of Charter Walk ), ☏ +44 1282 463720 . Daily 8AM-midnight . A standard JD Wetherspoons. In an Edwardian baroque building, nice interior, good range of drinks and pub food. ( updated Mar 2023 )
• Bootleggers , 8 Boot Way BB11 2EE ( by bus station ), ☏ +44 1282 453133 . Su-Th noon-10PM, F Sa 11AM-1AM . Friendly sports bar with a big HD screen. ( updated Mar 2023 )
• The Bridge , 2 Bank Parade BB11 1UH ( east side of shopping centre ), ☏ +44 1282 411304 . W-Su noon-11:30PM . Friendly beerhouse with a great range of world ales. ( updated Mar 2023 )
• The Swan , 44 St James St BB11 1NQ ( south side of shopping centre ), ☏ +44 1282 424035 . Su-Th 10AM-11PM, F Sa 10AM-midnight . Bog standard pub blasting out music at weekends. Good beer garden on sunny days. ( updated Mar 2023 )
• The Big Window , 13 Manchester Rd BB11 1HG , ☏ +44 1282 439800 . Cheap and cheerful sports bar with a drouthy crowd and, yes, a big window. ( updated Mar 2023 )
• Smacks ( Smackwater Jack's ), 4 Ormerod St BB11 1EP , ☏ +44 1282 722692 . F Sa 10PM-3AM . Long-standing popular night spot. The basement is quieter, the main, middle floor is jampacked and there's a top floor. ( updated Mar 2023 )
• Bees Knees , 20 Hargreaves St BB11 1DU , ☏ +44 1254 53038 . Su-Th 11AM-midnight, F Sa 11AM-3AM . Lively late spot with very young crowd. ( updated Mar 2023 )
• Sanctuary , 73 Cow Lane BB11 1NN , ☏ +44 1282 459595 . Alternative music venue, also holds comedy gigs and quiz nights. Downstairs is a bar area with seating, pool table etc. and upstairs is the main room for bands/DJs. ( updated Mar 2023 )
• Brewery: Moorhouse's makes ale on Accrington Road west edge of town and offers tours.
• Distillery: Batch makes gin on Rosehill Industrial Estate south edge of town. No tours.

Sleep [ edit ]

• 53.7965 -2.2329 1 Premier Inn , Queen Victoria Rd, Burnley BB10 3EF , ☏ +44 333 777 3968 . Very mixed reviews, several found the place dirty and smelly. B&B double £70 . ( updated Mar 2023 )
• 53.794 -2.2564 2 Holiday Inn Express , 55 Pendle Way, Burnley BB12 0TJ ( M65 jcn 10 ), ☏ +44 1282 855955 . Clean spacious budget hotel. B&B double £80 . ( updated Mar 2023 )
• Regent Guest House , 5 Albert St, Burnley BB11 3DB ( next to football stadium ), ☏ +44 20 8145 9283 . Handy for the football ground. B&B double £60 . ( updated Mar 2023 )
• 53.7895 -2.2607 3 Travelodge , Barracks Rd, Burnley BB11 4SB ( M65 jcn 10 ), ☏ +44 871 984 6125 . Value-for-money budget hotel. B&B double £90 . ( updated Mar 2023 )
• 53.7799 -2.2531 4 Rosehill House , Rosehill Ave BB11 2PW , ☏ +44 1282 453931 . Pleasant comfy small hotel with a good restaurant. B&B double £90 . ( updated Mar 2023 )
• 53.8164 -2.2355 5 The Oaks , Colne Road, Burnley BB10 2LF , ☏ +44 1282 414141 , [email protected] . 50 bedrooms in a Victorian mansion with restaurant, conference facilities, sauna and gym. B&B double £70 . ( updated Mar 2023 )
• 53.8028 -2.2552 6 Crow Wood Hotel & Spa , Holme Road, Burnley BB12 0RT , ☏ +44 1282 227722 . Upscale spa hotel with 76 bedrooms in wooded parkland. B&B double £170 . ( updated Mar 2023 )

Connect [ edit ]

As of March 2023, Burnley and its approach roads have 4G from EE, O2 and Vodafone, and 5G from Three.

Stay safe [ edit ]

Town centre is safe enough at night but swerve clear of drunks. Rough housing estates where you have no reason to go are Burnley Wood, Stoops Estate and Stoneyholme.

Go next [ edit ]

• Manchester is the pulsating metropolis a short train ride south.
• Nelson and Colne is where you escape the East Lancs post-industrial landscape for greener hills towards Skipton .
• Clitheroe is at the foot of the scenic Forest of Bowland.
• The Brontë Country spans the Pennines, with most sites around Haworth .

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Things to do in Burnley

The town of Burnley in Lancashire has retained the architecture of its industrial heritage. With 12 factory chimney stacks still standing and its canal banks dotted with characterful buildings, Burnley’s rolling hills are the epitome of mill town landscapes. 10 miles from Blackburn , connected by the Leeds to Liverpool Canal, the two towns are lovely twin destinations, nestled within the beauty of the Pennine hills.

Our top picks

Rowley lake.

Rowley Lake, Rowley Lane, Burnley, Lancashire, BB10 3L - Visit now

Rowley Lake is on the outskirts of Burnley, with much to offer to the walker who goes out of their way to venture out here. It’s open scope and substantial size lend it vast appeal, while it’s natural activity and beauty make it a pretty picture, with views extending endlessly across the flat plain.

The Weavers Triangle

The Weavers Triangle, The Weavers' Triangle Visitors Centre, 85 Manchester Road, Burnley, Lancashire, BB11 1JZ - Visit now

Located at Burnley Wharf, this museum tells you the story of cotton manufacturing and the lives of it’s weavers. The visitor centre takes you back into the lived experiences and spaces of those who made the cotton industry keep turning, with an authentically recreated Victorian classroom, a typical home used by a mill worker, a toll house office and a bathroom from the later Edwardian period.

Glassmonkey Studio

Glassmonkey Studio, Unit 1 Oakmount Mill, Wiseman Street, Burnley, Lancashire, BB11 1RU - Visit now

Glassmonkey studio, set in Oakmount Mill, is a gift shop brimming with colourful trinkets made predominantly in glass and sterling silver. The craftspeople running this makers shop sell handmade jewellery, greetings cards, keyrings, etched glasses, coasters, decorative art and objects for the home and you can watch the makers at work in the studio as you browse.

Thompson Park, Burnley

Thompson Park, Burnley, Thompson Park Ormerod Road, Burnley, BB11 3QW - Visit now

A formal Edwardian urban park which retains most its original features including a boating lake and an Italian garden. Thompson Park is more ornamental than Burnley’s other parks with large numbers of flower beds and a large rose garden.

Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery

Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery, Museum St, Blackburn, Lancashire, BB1 7AJ - Visit now

Blackburn Museum and Art gallery is home to a fabulous array of  history and Art including traditional Japanese prints the UK’s second largest collection of icons, medieval manuscripts, an Egyptian mummy, beetle specimens and a room of gilded framed art works hung salon style. It also houses displays of the looms laboured over by the working classes to build the economy of what was once of Britain’s wealthiest towns.

Pendle Hill

Pendle Hill, Pendle Hill, Nelson, Lancashire, BB9 6LG - Visit now

Pendle Hill  is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty situated in the Forest of Bowland. This hillside was once home to the Pendle Witches executed in 1612, and an ancient hunting ground inhabited by wild boar and wolves. A walk across this haunted hill alone at night is rumoured to be for those of sturdy nerves. However, during the day, this is a great family friendly spot for walking routes with a play area, toilets and an honesty box for parking.

More Lancashire events

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Join a team of expert guides to walk across the iconic but often dangerous sand flats at Morecambe Bay.

Where to go in Lancashire

Hosting a variety of year-round events, from guided walks to jazz evenings, Winckley Square is a Georgian square packed with history in Preston city centre.

With an array of independent shops and places to eat and drink, including a number of contemporary pubs and bars, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Located in the heart of Preston, Avenham and Miller Parks are among the finest examples of traditional Victorian parkland in the North West.

Preston’s historic market square hosts many outdoor cultural events throughout the year.

Dating back to 1865 when it opened as one of four exchange halls in the country, The Exchange is an iconic Blackburn venue

Music, comedy, dance, drama and children’s shows in an Edwardian railway station, opposite The Midland Hotel.

Morecambe gallery which showcases and sells contemporary works, often by artists from the area, which are varied and beautiful.

This technicolour mural along the Morecambe pier brings local artists’ talent to the forefront of the seaside town.

Edgelands Gallery in Morecambe is a beautiful studio and gallery, regularly displaying high quality artwork.

The White Swan at Fence is a gastro-pub with much to brag about. Delicious drinks and fantastic food has got this pub a Michelin Star.

The live-music venue and bar is a hidden gem, standing out against the technicolour nightlife of Blackpool with its own understated edge.

Burnley Mechanics Theatre showcases an array of talent; touring shows and local theatre also.

Lancashire Visitor Guides

Our guide to the best shops in Lancashire, including independents and markets in Blackpool, Lancaster, Morecambe, Burnley and Blackburn.

Our guide to food and drink in Lancashire, featuring restaurants and bars in Lancaster, Morecambe, Blackburn, Burnley and Blackpool.

Our guide to the best hotels in Lancashire, including Lancaster, Morecambe, Blackburn, Burnley and Blackpool.

A round-up of the best walks in Blackpool, including the sights of the promenade and nearby country walks.

A round-up of the best walks in Morecambe and Lancaster, taking in the coast and the historic buildings, by Creative Tourist.

An inspired array of walks and cultural spaces to hike, saunter or work your way through, featuring wild landscape and stately halls alike.

Lancashire District Guides

Our guide to the seaside town of Morecambe, including places to eat and drink, shopping and cultural attractions.

Our guide to the Heritage City of Lancaster, including the city’s historic castle, literature festival and Dukes theatre.

Our guide to the best sights, spots and locally sourced goods on offer in Blackburn and the surrounding area.

Our guide to the iconic seaside resort of Blackpool, famous for the Illuminations, Blackpool Tower and the Pleasure Beach.

May Bank Holiday 2024: Things to Do

Plan your May Bank Holiday weekend with our top picks from music, art, theatre, food and drink spots, whatever the weather.

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Gazing longingly towards the good times that will accompany the surely imminent sun, we take a look at the best music festivals coming up in Manchester and Salford.

Traditional painting takes a step back this month to make way for some excellent photography, sculpture and multimedia exhibitions around the North.

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The best food and drink options in Manchester and the North to visit in 2024.

The Best Things To Do in Burnley

Updated: Nov 2, 2021

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission from the discount codes used or when a link/ad is clicked. All purchases made will come at no extra cost to you, and I only include products and services that I have personally used and would recommend.

Despite there being many things to do in Burnley, it's not often considered a major tourist destination in England. Having spent two days in the city, I was pleasantly surprised by how many interesting historic attractions in Burnley there are to explore, and how picturesque the surrounding landscape is. We were given plenty of recommendations on walks and hikes to go on around Burnley during our trip as well, meaning if you're an outdoorsy type of person you won't be left disappointed here! So, what exactly is Burnley famous for?

Since the medieval period, Burnley has largely been known as a market town, as it was surrounded by farmland, with manor houses and royal forests (such as the Forest of Bowland ) dotted around the countryside. It was during the Industrial Revolution that Burnley really made a name for itself, becoming Lancashire's most important mill town as well as one of the world's largest producers of cotton cloth. Today, Burnley is still largely a manufacturing city, but it has much more to offer tourists and is definitely worth visiting if you happen to find yourself in the north of England. It's also a great option for a day trip from either Manchester or Liverpool . Here's what I found to be the best things to do in Burnley:

1. Visit Gawthorpe Hall

One of the best tourist attractions in Burnley has to be Gawthorpe Hall . The current hall dates back to 1600 and was redesigned in the 1850's, by the same man who designed the Houses of Parliament and Downton Abbey. Gawthorpe Hall has actually been given the nickname of the "Downton of the North" because of this connection. It's set within hundreds of acres of beautiful parkland which is completely free to walk around, but there is a £6 entry fee to go inside of the hall. Whether you're on a day trip to Burnley or are staying a bit longer in the city, visiting Gawthorpe Hall is an incredible experience and should be at the very top of your list of things to do in Burnley.

2. Educate yourself at Queen Street Mill Textile Museum

Queen Street Mill Textile Museum is only the second historic factory that I've visited on my travels (the first being in Scotland as part of Scotland's Explorer Pass ). If you're looking for unique spots in Burnley to visit, you'll want to make a stop here. The mill dates back to the 19th century and is the last operational steam-powered weaving mill in the world. The mill is only open on specific days of the week, and costs just £3 for the tour, but if you happen to be visiting Burnley when it's not open, I would still recommend driving to the mill to take a look at its original exterior. It's definitely a must-see in Burnley!

Visiting Queen Street Mill Textile Museum is one of the best things to do in Burnley, and the tour itself is very informative. We had a lovely tour guide who took us around the different areas of the mill, showing us how the machines would have been used to produce Burnley's world-famous calico cloth . The mill only closed its doors in 1982 and has since opened as a museum where you can step back into Victorian times and learn about the important role that mills played in Burnley's history. Queen Street Mill is also where a scene from The King's Speech was filmed - so there's that too!

3. Stop by St Peter's Church

A bit of a hidden gem in Burnley, but still an important historic attraction, is St Peter's Church . The oldest part of the church dates back to the 15th century, but the site has been a place of Christian worship for over one thousand years. It has a rather interesting historic graveyard surrounding it as well which you can walk around, and the church itself has been designated a Grade II* listed building. Visiting the church is one of the best free things to do in Burnley, and is worth the short walk from the city centre to see!

4. Walk to the Singing Ringing Tree

A very unique point of interest in Burnley is the Singing Ringing Tree . It's a musical sculpture constructed of pipes, taking the shape of a tree bending in the wind. As the wind passes through the pipes, it creates a tune which you can hear as you approach it. It was completed in 2006, and the site offers incredible panoramic views of the countryside - perfect for watching the sunset or having a picnic. There's a parking lot nearby, so if you don't fancy hiking up to it you can opt to park here instead and take an easy 10 minute walk to it. Make sure you add this one to your list of things to do in Burnley!

5. Explore Burnley's city centre

Although there aren't too many things to do in Burnley's city centre in terms of attractions, it's worth taking some time out of your schedule and walking around it. There are plenty of shops and restaurants to choose from, and you'll be able to gain a further understanding of the industrial nature of the city. One of the most popular streets in Burnley, especially for nightlife, is Hammerton Street , which is very picturesque to walk along. Most of Burnley's main attractions are outside of the city centre though, so you won't need to plan too much time here.

6. Have lunch at The Palazzo

There are plenty of places to eat in Burnley, and after doing extensive research we decided to have lunch at The Palazzo , which is located in the heart of the city centre. The interior of the restaurant is stunning, with its high ceilings, elaborate decorations, and tall pillars. The building was built in the 19th century, and was once home to a bank, so you can imagine how impressive the architecture is. It's now a traditional Italian restaurant serving a delicious selection of pizzas and pastas, all made right on site. They also have a lot of great cocktail deals on too!

7. Take a stroll around Towneley Hall

Towneley Hall is one of the most impressive buildings in all of Burnley. It sits within the largest park in the city and has a history dating back to the 13th century. Entry to the historic house costs £2.75 , and you'll be able to visit its various rooms, learn about the history of the family who once owned the property, and observe some of the hall's fascinating art and artefacts collection. The grounds surrounding the hall are also worth walking around, and are very popular with city residents throughout the year. If you only have a few hours to spend in Burnley, I would put Towneley Hall towards the top end of your list of things to do in Burnley.

8. Take a drive around the countryside

If you have some time to spare during your trip to Burnley, the countryside surrounding the city is absolutely breathtaking and worth driving around - especially if you have nice weather! There are plenty of day trips from Burnley you can go on to the various little villages in the area, as well as a number of restaurants near Burnley to stop at along the way. As you make your way through the countryside, don't forget to stop off at some viewpoints and take in your surroundings (and get some photos too).

9. Plan a trip to Heptonstall

Out of all of the villages near Burnley to visit, I would highly recommend taking the short drive into Yorkshire and visiting Heptonstall . The first written record of this village comes from 1274, and it was historically known as being important for hand-loom weaving. One of the main attractions in Heptonstall is the Church of St Thomas a' Becket , a ruined 13th century church which was partly destroyed during a storm in the 19th century. A second church was later built next to it which is still operating, making it one of the only sites in England to be home to two churches at once. It's a fascinating place near Burnley to visit if you have time!

10. Go on a day trip to Hebden Bridge

Located very close to Heptonstall (the village's original settlement) is the popular Yorkshire market town of Hebden Bridge . Its location among fast-flowing streams and its access to major wool markets made it ideal for the use of water-powered weaving mills. The village began to grow in size and importance in the 19th century, and today this town is very popular with tourists because of its market as well as its shops and restaurants. The surrounding area is also a haven for people looking to get involved in outdoor activities. Visiting Hebden Bridge is one of the best things to do near Burnley and should definitely be considered when you're planning your trip to the area.

Where To Stay In Burnley

We were fortunate enough to be able to spend 2 nights at the stunning Rosehill House Hotel , which is ideally located for accessing both Burnley's city centre and further out attractions such as the Queen Street Mill and Gawthorpe Hall. The house that the hotel now occupies was built in 1856 for a cotton mill owner, and since then has changed hands many times, eventually being turned into a hotel in 1963. The hotel is now a family run business, and they have kept many of the unique original features of the house such as the stained glass windows and Italian fireplaces, which adds to its charm. The owners and staff that we came across were all lovely to talk to and very helpful, which made us feel all the more welcome during our stay.

Rosehill House Hotel features 31 bedrooms of varying sizes, and all of them have been individually designed so no two are the same. We stayed in one of their Suite rooms which costs £100 per night or £110 per night including breakfast (based on two people sharing). Our room was beautifully decorated, with vintage yet modern furnishings, and plenty of amenities and bathroom toiletries too. We had a comfortable seating area where we could watch the TV, and even had access to some outdoor space from our room as well. It's one of the most unique rooms that I've stayed in, and I'm sure the other rooms are equally as impressive.

Breakfast was included with our stay, and we could choose from the hotel's hot breakfast menu as well as the continental breakfast items that were laid out. All of their hot food is made to order, and there are vegetarian and vegan options available too for anyone who has dietary requirements. The breakfast is definitely a great way to start the day, so I would recommend adding it to your booking!

Rosehill House Hotel is also home to Dugdales Restaurant , which is a popular place to eat in Burnley for everyone, not just guests of the hotel. We dined at the hotel's restaurant on our last night, and loved the atmosphere inside of the dining room, as well as its original features. The menu may vary from the one you can find on their website, as they like to add seasonal dishes to it. All of their ingredients are locally sourced where possible as well, and you can definitely taste the freshness of the food in every bite. Even if you aren't staying at Rosehill House Hotel, I would recommend booking a table here for dinner (or even afternoon tea)!

As well as being an ideal historic hotel in Burnley to stay at, Rosehill House Hotel is also very popular for functions and events. Whether it's weddings, intimate family gatherings, or larger get togethers, their outdoor spaces and variety of rooms can cater to everyone. One of my favourite spots in the hotel was their gin bar, which is something that I haven't seen in any other hotel and is definitely a unique feature to Rosehill House Hotel . There are also a lot of quirky decorations dotted around the inside of the hotel which are always fun to come across.

>> Click here for the most up to date prices at Rosehill House Hotel <<

If you're running out of things to do in Lancashire, maybe you should think about adding Burnley to your agenda! I'm very glad that I chose to visit the city, and I had no idea that there were that many interesting things to do in Burnley until I got there. With so many towns near Burnley to visit as well, you'll be spoiled for choice in terms of day trips from the city, and you can always opt to hike along one of the many trails that surround Burnley too - you never know what unique spots you'll come across!

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The Villa Express

The Villa Express Kirkham has everything you'd expect, incredibly comfy beds in every room, free…

Stone Mouse Cottage

This well appointed stone cottage sleeps 4 in luxury – 1 double plus 1 twin/double. Ideal for…

Eastham Hall Holiday Homes

Eastham Hall Holiday Park is a tranquil haven set in picturesque countryside surroundings, located…

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Situated within Blackpool FC’s historic Stadium, we provide superior accommodation along with some…

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The Newholme Hotel is situation on Hornby Road in the central area of Blackpool.  With families and…

Lancaster House

A deluxe 4-star hotel with on-site Health Club facilities, including an indoor pool, hot tub, steam…

Mitton Hall

A stunning country house hotel in the heart of the Ribble Valley. A breathtaking wedding venue that…

The Royal Hotel and Bar

The Royal Hotel and Bar is a Grade II listed building located in the heart of Lancaster city centre…

Kingfisher Cottages

Luxury 4 star cottages nestled in the peaceful North Lancashire countryside, set in Tewitfield…

Weets Cottage

Located on the outskirts of Barnoldswick, Weets Cottage is ideal for couples and small families who…

Thurnham Hall

This Jacobean gem set in rural Lancashire is a perfect hideaway. With an elegant Great Hall, this…

Bright Cottage

This terraced holiday cottage is located in the small hamlet of Winewall, in the Pendle and Trawden…

Smithson Farm

Small family run glamping, camping & caravan park set on 1.2 acres of level land on the outskirts…

The Royal at Heysham

The Royal at Heysham is a 16th-century inn at the heart of a small coastal fishing village,…

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Based in the beautiful Bolton-by-Bowland in the heart of the Ribble Valley, The Coach & Horses is a…

The Oaks Hotel, Leisure Club

Enjoy a relaxing short break with a touch of pampering in the spa when you stay at the historic…

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At the heart of Lancashire’s Fylde countryside, the riverside location of The Cartford Inn boasts…

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The Assheton Arms is an iconic Lancashire country inn, located in the village of Downham in the…

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• 19 The Assheton Arms
• 20 Liberty's Hotel

Unwind and enjoy Burnley’s waterways – the canal, rivers and reservoirs are great places to escape to; walk by the river, take a boat trip along the canal or go windsurfing or sailing on the reservoirs.  From  Reedley Marina  to  Hapton Boat Yard  via the  Weavers’ Triangle  this part of the canal is a fascinating place to visit.

The iconic  Singing Ringing Tree  which towers high above Burnley on Crown Point Moor and has been named in the top 10 pieces of ‘sound art’ in the world. The sculpture is a three metre tall, wind powered musical sculpture made of galvanized steel pipes. The vast views over the town to the hills beyond make a visit for a closer inspection of this breathtaking artwork an absolute must.

Visit one of our two historic houses for a trip back in time -  Towneley Hall , and  Gawthorpe Hall  - often referred to as the Downton of the North.  Towneley Hall  sits in extensive historic parkland with woodland walks, formal gardens, sculpture and nature trails.

There are many fabulous places to eat and drink, from Wilfred's a sophisticated wine and cocktail bar, to Bertram's award winning restaurant.

If you would like to stay, try  The Lawrence Hotel  for design led boutique accommodation; or  Crow Wood , with the fabulous  Woodland Spa  and  Bertram's Restaurant  on site.

With regular cultural events in addition to many live music events across town, there’s always something to see and do in Burnley.

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The best part of planning your holiday is figuring out all the wonderful places you want to visit. Thankfully, a short break or day out in Lancashire doesn’t have to break the bank, as you’ll find a heap of free outdoor things to do, ideal for those sunny summer days.

What's on this bank holiday weekend in Lancashire

It’s bank holiday weekend (again!) and the sun is set to shine all weekend, so why not visit one of the many exciting events happening across Lancashire. Check out this handy list below to discover more about some of the events happening, or for further information why not head over to our events guide.

World Cocktail Day 2023

It’s World Cocktail Day this Saturday and to celebrate we’ve gathered some delicious cocktail recipes provided to us from a selection of different Lancashire businesses.

Royal Connections in Lancashire

This weekend is a great opportunity to learn more about the special connection Lancashire has with the Royal Family. Whether it’s a trip to Lancaster Castle to learn more about the Duke Of Lancaster or a trip to one of Lancashire’s historic sites who have had a monarch visit in the past, there’s plenty of opportunities to learn more about the royal connection to Lancashire.

A Royal Lancaster Walk

Home to the Kings Castle of the North, Lancaster has had a strong royal connection for centuries. So what better way to celebrate the upcoming coronation of King Charles III than with a stroll around this beautiful historic city.

The most Instagrammable bluebell woods in Lancashire

Spring has sprung and what better time of the year to get out and about in nature. The blossom is blooming and for around six weeks of the season Lancashire’s beautiful woodlands host a wonderful carpet of bluebells.

Birthday celebrations for one of the world’s oldest emus

One of the world’s oldest emus will celebrate his 40th birthday at Blackpool Zoo on Monday 20th March. 

Easter Activities for all the Family at HAPPA

Throughout the Easter break the Charity has planned activities and events at their Centre, Shores Hey Farm in Burnley, Lancashire. They are also encouraging food lovers to come and enjoy an Easter afternoon tea or fish supper in The Cafe.

LITFEST starts this Friday, 17th March

We’re very excited to announce that Lancaster’s 44 th Annual Literature Festival, Litfest, begins this Friday 17 March. Running until the 26 March, we’ll be offering a packed programme of events, including opportunities to meet our authors; take part in discussions; find out more about nature and history, philosophy and politics; and be entertained by poems and stories.

Oakdean Cottages say ‘I do’ to two night bookings with an exclusive Ribble Valley wedding offer

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Turtle Bay is heading to Blackpool as new restaurant and bar confirmed for town centre.     •    Turtle Bay Blackpool will open in summer 2023     •    The Caribbean-inspired restaurant and bar coming to ground floor of the Forshaws Hotel on the promenade

There’s still time to find your happy place at The Mall Blackburn

The Mall Blackburn’s happy themed free crafts sessions have been a huge hit with little artists this week and there is still plenty more fun to be had!

The most romantic spots in Lancashire

Finding the love of your life is magical, and it makes you want to make every moment perfect for them. If you have found your one true love and are ready to get down on one knee, then you need two things; the ring and the perfect place to propose.

Celebrate World Cocktail Day #inLancashire

It’s World Cocktail Day and it’s a Friday – there really has been no better time to sit back relax and enjoy a cocktail or two...

One of my favourite walks... by Glen Duckett

As part of National Walking Month  Glen Duckett  has shared his favourite local walking route, why not give it a go this weekend?

Late Night Riding and Fireworks This Easter at Blackpool Pleasure Beach!

On Saturday 16 th April, Blackpool Pleasure Beach will be open until 10pm for egg-citing Easter fun during the park’s first Late Night Riding event of the year. As well as enjoying Blackpool Pleasure Beach’s fantastic line up of rides, as with all late night riding events, guests can be amazed by a spectacular fireworks display to end the night.

Visit some of Blackpool's top attractions this Easter!

From the Ultimate Fiesta at The Blackpool Tower Circus to uncovering the gruelling history of Lancashire at The Blackpool Tower Dungeon, there's plenty to keep you entertained in Blackpool this Easter. 

Celebrate Mother's Day with a trip to Cedar Farm

Cedar Farm is not just a great place to find awesome gifts for Mother’s Day but also a wonderful place to take your mum for the day. To help you celebrate Mother’s Day at Cedar Farm, we’ve put together the following guide, so you make the most of your day there. 

Explore Lancashire Wildlife Nature Reserves this #WorldWildlifeDay

Did you know Lancashire is home to a selection of the best wildlife nature reserves and sites in the country?

For the love of birds

With 354 recorded bird species, it’s time to get out those binoculars in Lancashire!

The Grand Theatre Blackpool Pantomime Review

Panto season is finally here in Lancashire and with so many to choose from we sent local mummy @amy_colgan_86 to check out the Grand Theatre’s production in Blackpool.

If you are looking for things to do this weekend, Lancashire has you covered. Check out our list of some of the exciting events happening this weekend across the county.

Exclusive Lancashire Day Offers

On Saturday 27 November , all true-blooded Lancastrians will be celebrating # LancashireDay. This year we have put together a list of exclusive offers so you can spread the love to the local Lancashire businesses.

What's on this Lancashire Day

Lancashire Day 2021 is here! We've put together a list of some of the exciting events happening this Lancashire Day. 

What's On This Weekend In Lancashire

Get in the Christmas spirit and visit one of Lancashire's exciting festive events happening this weekend. 

Just because Halloween and Bonfire night are finished, it doesn't mean the fun has to stop! There are lots of exciting events happening this weekend, so there's no need to be bored. Some are even free, so no matter your budget you can have fun in Lancashire this weekend. 

Bonfire night is here! There are lots of organised bonfire and firework’s displays happening across Lancashire so you can celebrate safely. If fireworks aren’t your thing, there’s still plenty of things happening across the county this weekend, so there’s no need to be bored.

There's lots of exciting things happening across Lancashire this weekend, so if you are looking for something to get you in the spooky sprit, to keep the kids quiet or simply to make the most of the weekend, there is something for you. 

From Octoberfest celebrations to Apple Day Festivals, Singing performances to Halloween events, there's lots of exciting events happening across Lancashire this weekend.

Check out our list of some of the events taking place across Lancashire this weekend. 

It's October and there's lots of exciting events happening in Lancashire, we've put together a list of some of the things happening in Lancashire this weekend. 

Mystery of Blackpool's missing pilot is back!

Back by popular demand, Blackpool Zoo is inviting intrepid investigators to its super spookfest this October. 

England and Manchester United Defender Mural Unveiled In The Small Lancashire Market Town Famous For Being The Birthplace Of Football

The small Lancashire market town of Darwen woke up today to find a massive mural of England and Manchester United footballer Luke Shaw on the side of an iconic period building in its town centre.

Blackpool Grand Theatre Gets A Helping Hand From Alan Carr And Craig Revel Horwood At Madame Tussaud's

The exciting new season programme from Blackpool Grand Theatre got the seal of approval from the Alan Carr and Craig Revel Horwood waxworks at Madame Tussaud’s. 

24 Hours In Chorley

Spend a relaxing 24 hours exploring Chorley’s historic houses, famous market town and surrounding countryside.

What's On this weekend

We've put together a list of all the exciting things happening this weekend in Lancashire, for even more events happening this month in Lancashire check out our What's On page. 

Pram-friendly walking routes

There is nothing better than getting some fresh air and exploring the beautiful sights of Lancashire, however when it comes to choosing a pram-friendly walking route, it isn’t always easy.

Lytham Festival Given Green Light To Expand Into 10 Day Event

“A 10-day Lytham Festival for 2022 will attract around 200,000 live music fans and we can’t wait to bring global icons back to Lytham Green.”

Lancaster Arts launches water themed autumn season

Lancaster Arts announces a season of live arts events this autumn continuing their on-going theme of Water, focussing on the environmental crisis we are facing.

The Whitaker Museum a huge success for Rossendale

The newly refurbished Whitaker Museum has been celebrating high visitor numbers after its reopening in July.

Moving Tribute To Theatre Supporter

Lancaster's Dukes theatre has paid an unusual tribute to a much-loved volunteer and supporter of their outdoor walkabout shows.

Discover the proper taste of Lancashire in stunning surroundings of Elizabethan Hoghton Tower

Celebrate afternoon tea week and enjoy a deliciously decadent Lancashire Afternoon Tea in the spectacular setting of Hoghton Tower.

Celebrate a summer of shows at Blackpool Pleasure Beach

Blackpool Pleasure Beach has a whole host of shows ready for families to enjoy this summer. From stunning ice performances, to magical illusion shows and even a combination of fine dining and the best in live entertainment, there is something for everyone.

Lancaster welcomes outdoor fairy-tale fun

After a two-year absence from Lancaster's Williamson Park, The Dukes is delighted to entertain audiences outdoors once again.

5 places to detour off the M6 into Lancashire

Long car journeys aren’t ideal, especially for kids, that’s why we’ve put together a list of 5 places for you to detour off the M6, stretch your legs and Rediscover Lancashire .

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Burnley The Five Minutes Spare Guide

The Lancashire town of Burnley has a long and illustrious history that dates all the way back to mediaeval times. It is situated between the River Calder and the Brun, between Padiham and Accrington, and near the Pendle Forest. This ancient Lancashire town has a population of just over 70,000 people and lies about 20 miles north of Manchester.

As you can see Burnley is a surprisingly green place – not like its industrial town image. Image: Neil Mitchell/Shutterstiock.com

As ever, we are here to take a five-minute tour of the town courtesy of Five Minutes Spare . What is there to do in Burnley, does it have any tourist attractions, and what goes on there when the sun goes down? Let’s take a peek and find out…

A Bit of Old Burnley

It is thought that the name Burnley was derived is an adaptation of the old English Brun Lea. This would have referred to the medal by the river Brun. Early records have the settlement as originally been called Bornley, or other variants of the names.

Archaeologists have found stone age circles, hill forts, and even flint tools. This leads us to believe that Burnley was a town long before the dark ages. Castercliff, the Iron Age mud fort nearby, has been dated to 600 BC. There have been a few Roman coins found in the area although there hasn’t been any evidence yet discovered of a Roman fort or settlement. An old Roman road that runs through the centre of town, which makes sense due to strategic positioning between the two rivers.

It is thought that the angles settled the area by the early seventh century, although the Romans would have already left in about 40 A.D. The next official reference to Burnley in the history books was in 1122. This 12th-century document saw a charter granted to the church of Burnley from Pontefract Abbey. This charter would have given the right for the church to have paved the streets, organised cleaning, and perhaps even to have made progress with the Pete water supply.

The Church In Charge

When the church was running the town, it would have fallen into the hundreds of Blackburn Shire as part of the kingdom of Northumbria. It would have had its own market, and people would have come from all over to trade their goods. Cloth grew in importance here as of 1296 when a second mill was added, and the manor was built. The market cross is the only part of those early days which still remains. This cross was built in 1295.

By the 16 th century, it is estimated that there were little more than a thousand people living in Burnley, with St Peter’s church being the star attraction. If Gawthorpe Hall and Towneley Hall were added around this time. The church was refurbished in 1532 with the grammar school being added in 1559. The old grammar school is where you will find what remains of the former market cross. During this period of a few hundred years, Burnley developed into our well-known market town in the area and even managed to gain a reputation as housing some of the finest weavers in the region.

For the next 200 or 300 years Burnley developed at a slow pace. It did not suffer as much as some places when Henry VIII decided to revoke the authority of the monasteries since it already centred around the church. That didn’t make it safe, but a good shelter from some of the worst of that particular Kings temper.

The only other thing we want to point out about the early days of Burnley is that it didn’t stay small for long. The industrial revolution swept through this area dragging the town with it, kicking, and screaming the whole way.

Fun Facts About Burnley!

This makes for a natural stopping point; we can take a breather from the history and start talking about fun facts from Burnley.

Here at five minute spare , we like to dig out all the best gossip about the places that we reviewed. So before we get onto the rest of the history, and before we get lost in all the attractions that the time provides, let’s take a quick glance over some of the funniest things we found out about Burnley during our research.

Without further ado here are the fun facts about Burnley we have all been waiting for:

• The River Brun, which the town grew up around, is the shortest river in Britain.
• Brun is actually old English for Brown and has nothing to do with the Scottish burn, as you might think.
• Back in the Industrial Revolution Burnley was recognised as having one of the best mill engines in the world. Cast and wrought iron were made here on machines fuelled with coal mined in England.
• One in three of all bottles of Benedictine are sold in Burnley, the majority of which go through the local minor social club.
• Burnley football club had a30 match unbeaten run in 1921 and this record was unbroken until the 2004/2005 season.

There are more details than this, but most of them revolve around either the football club or the fact that nothing much interesting really ever happens in Burnley. Let’s not focus on that fact and move swiftly on back to the history. We left off at the start of the Industrial Revolution so let’s pick up at the beginning of the 19 th century.

Burnley’s Industrial Heritage

Burnley was already a thriving wool fulling town. Wool would have been brought in from the surrounding countryside, dyed, treated, and fulled here, to make it thicker, and to make it go farther. Some of the biggest mills and the earliest factories in Burnley, were set upon the banks of the River Calder at the confluence with the Brun. In 1754 the first turnpike road ran through Burnley, linking the town to Blackburn and other towns and villages, and bringing in yet more work for locals.

Around 1800 it was becoming more acceptable to use waterpower to drive the spinning machines within the mills, which ultimately led to the poor working conditions we associate with the Industrial Revolution. Children, with their tiny fingers and smaller hands, were able to reach into tight spaces and thread the machines, so they were often employed within the mills. It was the linking of the road which solidified the Brun Lea area, ultimately defining it as a town.

Coal On The Rise

By the 1800s there were already a number of coal pits within the town centre itself. Coalmining was huge, with the Burnley coalfield bringing in thousands of tonnes of coal a year. The Industrial Revolution saw a huge demand for coal and Burnley was sitting on top of a whole vein of it. The Leeds and Liverpool Canal joined the town in 1796 specifically for the transportation of goods (such as coal) up and down the river.

In 1820 a barracks was added, and the army moved in. Then, in 1824, the town’s first and only bank had to close down. This unexpected closure forced many businesses in town to die and was closely followed by a drought that ended up causing serious problems for the rest of the businesses. In 1825 there was a financial crisis, partially fuelled by this closure, in 1824. However, the good folks of Burnley couldn’t be kept down for long.

In 1830 there was grand total of 32 steam engines being used by the cotton mills all around town. The Irish potato famine circa 1845, saw a huge migration of Irish people to the town. To the point where Burnley has a part that some people occasionally referred to as the Irish Park. By 1848 the railway arrived in town causing a sudden population which, when combined with the recently established Irish families, swelled up to about 21,000 people.

The Lancashire Loom was developed amidst the heart of all this, roundabout 1842. It was created by two men from Burnley, named James Bullough and William Kenworthy. The Lancashire loom would be used throughout the Lancashire area as the name suggests, from 1842 right up until the textile industry started to drop off roundabout 1950. This all allowed them to partially automate the weaving process, thereby doubling the amount of fabric made and ensuring better profits.

Funnily enough, ancestry.uk records Burnley as a habitational family name. The reason this is strange is that this was a tactic that the Vikings would employ when they decided to settle in a new area. Many family names occurred around about the 10 th century, purely because the Vikings had landed. Coincidentally, that 10th-century mark happens to be around about the same time as Burnley was created. Obviously, Burnley is on the coast, but it’s still a bit of a coincidence. Could it be the Burnley inhabitants are descended from Vikings? You never know…

From 1861 to 1865 the American Civil War was the cause of a widespread cotton fa

Oh No No Cotton

mine. The farmers on the plantations in America commonly used slaves to harvest the cotton but could no longer do this anymore, the cotton went unpicked, causing Burnley to have little to weave with. Wool would have become popular again for a couple of years before the recovery kicked in. When cotton was once again available in 1866 Burnley quickly found itself to be the centre of the cotton cloth manufacturing world. The 32 steam engines powering the cotton mills, coupled with the Lancashire loom, made them one of the biggest producers of cotton cloth in the entire world at that time.

Burnley is also famous for the Burnley Building Society, which was set up around the same time and had achieved international notoriety by the start of the 20 th century. Another interesting point came in the 1880s when the town switched focusses slightly. While cotton was still produced here in large volumes, they were selling more looms than anywhere else in Britain. In 1911 the more than 100,000 powered looms in Burnley.

That brings is up roughly to the start of the First World War. Let’s take a momentary break from the history and focus on famous faces.

Famous People from Burnley

Burnley has spawned a few famous faces in its time, although you would be forgiven if it doesn’t know that. Seemingly sweet and serene Burnley is the home to a fair few famous people. Here some of Five Minutes Spare’s favourites:

• Sir Ian McKellen thespian extraordinaire, X-Men’s Magnito and of course Gandalf in Lord of The Rings. It would take us all day to go through his Bio!
• Fabian Coulthard, the race car driver, is a Burnley man.
• Paul Abbott, the producer, is from these parts.
• The artist Pamela Drew lived here.
• Natalie Gumede from Corrie is from Burnley really.
• Delamitri and All About Eve drummer Mark Price lives in Burnley, too.

There are about a hundred more. You can view a fuller list on Wikipedia but even that isn’t exhaustive. Needless to say, Burnley has enough famous faces to make it of interest to the paparazzi once in a while. No speeding cars… too soon?

Burnley During the War

Burnley was one of the towns of England which gave the most during the First World War. A reported 4000 young men, about 15% of all working-age men in Burnley, signed up and went off to war. They were never seen again. Mistakes were made during the Great War . The British government thought that more young men would volunteer if they could do so with their friends. The buddy regiment was born.

This allowed young men to sign up with their friends and be guaranteed to be sent to the same regiment. Where this meant that you could go to war with the support of those that you already cared about, it also meant that vast swathes of youngsters from the same area were killed. A whole generation of young men were wiped out in Burnley. And by the Second World War, things hadn’t much improved.

During the Second World War it was the bombs that caught the attention of the masses. Around 16 people (that we know about) were killed in Burnley during the Second World War. Again men were sent away to die, but at least this time men from the same street were sent to different regiments. The Lancashire Telegraph has an interesting article that explores World War II bomb sites in and around Burnley. There is also a local walk that will allow you to view where the bombs were dropped. Since the world wars, Burnley has become noted for a little more than cotton. Just after World War II, the theatre in Burnley was considered to be one of the best in Britain. In 1955 the Queen and Prince Philip came to town and visited a valve factory, which is just as weird as it sounds.

The Queen came back again in 1961 to mark the hundredth anniversary of Burnley as a borough. The ghettos were demolished, and council houses were built. Hotels were added, a bus station was built, office blocks went up, and the old cattle market and market Hall were demolished. In 1980 Burnley was connected to the motorway, they had to demolish the old barracks in order to do this. In the 90s there were some riots in the council estates, presumably because of a period of austerity. In 2001 there were more riots, and some of these were racially focused in Burnley. We like to think that we’ve come a long way since then.

Since the millennium, Burnley has gone from strength to strength. A number of retail establishments and eateries have opened up, along with the odd attraction. This is a historic town with fantastic future potential, that celebrates and commemorates its past. To this day, you will see 2000 names engraved on a carousel of displays within the town hall. These 2000 names were created at the end of the First World War, in order to celebrate some of the lives that were lost. It’s a thoughtful place. Really, you should go there sometime.

Getting Here

Image: SevenMaps/Shutterstock.com

Things to do in Burnley

This section is where we examine the attractions found in detail, so you can plan your next staycation itinerary.

Historic Sights and Landmarks

Image: Sue Burton Photography

Towneley Hall is one of the favourite historic sites in Burnley. This estate combines a stately home dating back to the 16 th -century, with elegant gardens, a beautiful duck filled pond, and an old school Victorian kitchen. There is also an art gallery on the site, so you can browse some famous works. If you are in Burnley for Christmas, definitely go here.

The biggest landmark in the area is the Singing Ringing Tree- Panopticon , which is positioned on Crown Point – a local viewpoint – is a musical sculpture. This makes it a wonderful, thrilling piece of art for young kids, who just can’t believe their ears. It’s well worth the walk uphill.

Image: Pete Stuart/Shutterstock.com

No visit is complete without a stroll along the canal!

The picturesque Burnley Wharf Image: Keith Heaton/Shutterstock.com

Museums in Burnley

The Queen Street Mill Textile Museum is one of the best museums in town. It will teach you all about the importance of that Lancashire Loom that we mentioned earlier. It is often filled with educational groups there to learn about their hometown, usually sent from a school.

The Museum has some working looms on display – a reminder of the towns once-proud textiles heritage.

Check out the Weaver’s Triangle visitors centre for another historic attraction-come-museum in the area. This contains the wharf master’s house, where the old cotton weavers would have paid a toll to have their wares sent on towards Leeds to be sold. Pretty cool.

Sport and Teams

Image:jgolby/Shutterstock.com

Burnley football club we already mentioned that Burnley FC managed that winning streak back in 1920. So Burnley are a historic team. At the time of writing, Burnley FC play in the Premier League and were playing the likes of Manchester City, Leicester City, and Southampton. You can visit Burnley FC at the Turf Moor stadium, another local landmark.

Burnley also has its own rugby club if that is your game, which is known as Burnley RUFC . When in town, you also have the option of going to Burnley Golf club, Towneley Golf club, or using the Brunshaw Golf Course. Don’t forget that you can get everything you need for all your sport and recreation activities, from the prairie sports village.   They also have mini golf and their own restaurant.

Outdoors and Recreation

When in town and looking for something to do with children, why not take them for an afternoon at the Cliviger Fish Ponds . You might want to try and keep the kids quiet however, since this place is a favourite with local angling societies.

Thompson Park is another favourite spot for families to picnic, enjoy some swings, and generally have a good time. If you happen upon Thompson Park on a particularly sunny day, you will find lots of sunbathing locals. They don’t mind if you join in.

Finally, by no means exhaustively, we would like to recommend a day spent at Shores Hey Farm . This is a petting zoo come farmhouse, with rooms for eating, plenty of horses, and room to stay over if you fancy. Kids love it, enough said.

Other Notable Attractions

Burnley is a busy place, with so many attractions that we couldn’t possibly list them all in one article. But we did the best we could. So here are a few more notable attractions in Burnley that you should visit if you’re in the area:

• Eat out in style, with a view of the water, at the Reedley Marina Bistro bar.
• Adults will love Muirhouse’s Brewery, where they can take a tour and drink all the drinks.
• There is a second stately home in the area, known as Gawthorpe Hall.
• The religious will enjoy a Sunday at St Peter’s Church.
• As for shopping and retail, the Burnley markets and the charter walk shopping centre, are the two places to be.

There’s a ton of more fun things to do in Burnley we just don’t have space to cover them all. Remember you can head on over to our forum if you can think of a few more.

Five More Minutes…

If you are looking for the perfect place to go on holiday this year within the UK, you will find plenty more destinations to choose from, over at Five Minutes Spare HQ . All

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Attractions around Burnley

The top 10 attractions around burnley.

The Singing Ringing Tree

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Hurstwood Reservoir

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Was there a week ago and the bottom half of the trail has been ruined by the weather and hooligan trail builders. i would give it a miss.

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Towneley Hall

Towneley Hall on the outskirts of Burnley is a magnificent mansion set in 445-acres of parkland. Inside is a museum and art gallery with changing exhibitions and displays encompassing natural … read more

Cant Clough Reservoir

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Buckley Wood

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Mary Towneley monument.

Around 35km into the ride clockwise from summit, while dropping down from deerplay to the village of cliviger you pass through a gate into a field and just to your … read more

Completed in 1923 to provide additional water storage for the increasing surrounding population. Now it's a lovely place for a walk with great views. The Mary Towneley, Burnley Way and Pennine Bridleway long distance trails pass along its shores.

Lancashire / Yorkshire border

Bike Touring Highlight

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Bike Touring Highlight ( Segment )

Incredible gravel riding along here, with twisting turning singletrack and loose gravel climbs, a real treat!

Testing Climb

Starts off with a fairly testing climb with switchbacks then goes into a downhill section eventually.

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Home » Travel Guides » United Kingdom » England » 15 Best Places to Visit in Lancashire

15 Best Places to Visit in Lancashire

In northwest England, Lancashire is where you break free from the conurbations into beautiful countryside.

The landscapes can vary between green arable farms and pasture near the coast, and the wild and romantic moors and fells of the West Pennines and Forest of Bowland.

There’s great variety in the kind of towns you can call in on, ranging from raucous seaside resorts like Blackpool to former centres of industry such as Burnley.

And in-between you’ll uncover an abundance of adorable villages and historic market towns.

Lancashire is also a county of unembellished warming food like the Lancashire hotpot and savoury pies, and of course real ale.

Lets explore the best places to visit in Lancashire :

1. Lancaster

Although just a little city and easy to traverse on foot, Lancaster’s historic ties to the British throne (Queen Elizabeth II is the Duke of Lancaster) makes it an exciting place to explore.

It’s also very attractive, with lots of proud Georgian houses from the 1700s, particularly around the castle and on the banks of the Lune River.

And as for that castle, it’s one of the region’s most treasured historic monuments, suffused with almost a thousand years of tales and intrigue.

Go in for a tour, but don’t neglect the Lancashire City Museum, the Lancaster Canal or the haunting Ashton Memorial high on a hilltop in Williamson Park.

2. Blackpool

The coastal town of Blackpool is pretty much the model for an English seaside resort and is one of the country’s most beloved domestic holiday destinations.

A fixture since 1894, and one of the things that helped put the town on the map, is the 158-metre-high Blackpool Tower.

It was inspired by the Eiffel Tower, and has an observation deck  140 metres up and a glorious Victorian ballroom.

The sandy beaches were cleaned up in the 1980s and Blackpool South Beach meets the exacting Blue Flag standards for hygiene.

There’s way more in Blackpool than we can list here, but the Pleasure Beach amusement park and the Illuminations lights festival in the autumn months are extra incentive to come.

3. Garstang

An adorable market town, Garstang was mentioned in the 11th-century Domesday book and has a weekly market that has been running since 1310. Just west of the Forest of Bowland, this is prime walking country.

Set a course for the ruins of Greenhaigh Castle on elevated ground over Garstang.

There isn’t a great deal remaining of this sandstone building, but the decayed remnants have their own fragile beauty.

Up here there’s a great perspective of the town and countryside, while the Lancaster Canal crosses the town and runs all the way to Kendal.

Hire a longboat or walk the towpath for to experience Lancashire’s wild moorland and fells at a lighter gradient.

4. Lytham St Annes

A conurbation of two coastal towns a few miles down the coast from Blackpool, Lytham St Annes is an ideal antidote to its glitzier neighbour.

Amusements and theatre shows are replaced by more tranquil forms of enjoyment: The marshes on the Ribble Estuary and 80 hectares of sand dunes in the resort provide a wintering habitat for more than 100,000 migratory birds.

Golf is the sport of choice, and there are four courses, including the Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club, which has hosted the prestigious Open Championship, the oldest of the four majors.

St Annes is the seaside destination and is an understated Victorian resort, with a pier, gigantic beach and loads of period character.

As a textile town in the 19th and 20th centuries, Burnley is a good place to delve a bit deeper into industrial times in Lancashire.

The atmospheric Weavers’ Triangle, with its workers’ houses and cotton mills on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, is permeated with this history and you’ll get enthusiastic insights about these times at the visitors centre.

There’s a more refined side to Burnley too, at Towneley Hall a sublime Elizabethan manor house in sprawling grounds and with a museum containing everything from traditional local furniture to pre-Raphaelite paintings.

Burnley FC meanwhile is the overachieving local team, playing in the Premier League at Turf Moor one of the top flight’s last traditional grounds.

Crossing the river Calder with a stark majesty is the Whalley Viaduct, a titanic railway bridge built in the 1840s, 21 metres high and comprising 7,000,000 bricks.

Go to view the spectral ruins of Whalley Abbey.

This Cistercian monastery was founded in the 13th century but was divided up after the Dissolution of the Monasteries in the 16th century, The church and most of the monastic buildings were pulled down, but the dormitory is still there and is still used as a catholic place of worship.

The Northwest Gatehouse is also mostly intact and has Grade-I listing.

You’re in the scenic Ribble Valley in Whalley, and can hike up through woodland and pasture to the nearby Whalley Nab for a satisfying panorama of the village.

The story of the city of Preston is one echoed throughout the northwest: A small market town that grew rich and large from the cotton mills in the 1800s.

This era was when Preston’s most imposing landmarks were created.

Take the gothic revival Church of St Walburge, which has the tallest spire of any non-cathedral church in the country.

Or there’s the classical purpose-built Harris Museum, with paintings by Lucien Freud and Stanley Spence, and the excellent Discover Preston section, guiding you through the city’s and region’s past back to prehistoric times.

Rolling down to the north bank of the Ribble River are the joyous Avenham and Miller Parks, with a Japanese Garden and a grand stairway dominated by a statue of Edward Smith-Stanley, the MP for Preston and three-times the country’s Prime Minister.

8. Morecambe

A seaside town in the scenic bay of the same name, Morecambe means huge sandy beaches, kite-flying, chippies, ice cream parlours and the many other simple joys of a British coastal destination.

One fabulous sight to take in is the breathtaking MIdland Hotel, an art deco masterwork built in 1933 and recently brought back to life.

Morecambe has several cultural connections, as the playwright Alan Bennett based some of his works in the town.

And if you have a thing for British comedy you’ll appreciate the statue of the performer Eric Morecambe, who is fondly remembered for the Morecambe and Wise double act in the 1970s.

One of Lancashire’s cotton towns, Chorley’s skyline was a crowd of chimneys until the last decades of the 20th century, while the nearby collieries closed in the 1980s.

The Industrial Revolution brought sudden growth to Chorley, but it had been an important town for centuries, with a market that goes back to the 15th century.

Come to browse the stalls on Tuesdays and try a freshly-baked Chorley cake, shortcrust pastry with a currant filling.

Astley Hall is owned by the town and is a sublime 17th century country house with a walled garden.

And for fresh air, the sandstone peak of Rivington Pike climbs to 363 metres and is an amazing vantage point for the barren but enchanting moorland around the Rivington Reservoir.

10. Poulton-le-Fylde

It may be that you’d prefer a more placid and rural setting to retreat to during your trip to Blackpool.

The pretty market town of Poulton-le-Fylde is ten minutes away and has a centre protected as a conservation area.

At least 15 buildings in this little town have been listed, and some, like the Golden Ball pub, have been regional landmarks for as long as anyone can remember.

Poulton is in an agricultural area, far from the coalfields and so was unaffected during the Industrial Revolution.

Salad and vegetables are grown in the local countryside and sold at Monday’s weekly market.

And while you’re on Market Square, look for the medieval whipping post and stocks, still in place though thankfully they haven’t been used recently!

Neighboured by tall hills, Darwen is a good shout for an outdoor holiday, with bike trails, footpaths and bridleways into the West Pennine Moors.

The scenery is windswept and barren, but has an untamed appeal.

These moors weren’t always accessible to the public, and that’s the story behind the Jubilee Tower.

At the crest of the 372-metre Darwen Hill, this landmark was created to commemorate Victoria’s jubilee in 1897, but also to celebrate the reopening of historic rights of way, which had been blocked off by private landowners for much of the late-19th century.

Up here drink in the vistas of Blackpool, the Isle of Man and Morecambe Bay.

Also spend some time in the town, visiting the Victorian Market Hall, which has 130 stalls overflowing with great local produce.

12. Blackburn

A large town between Preston and Burnley, Blackburn is well-known for its historic cotton-weaving industry.

This dates further back than in other towns in the county as Blackburn was settled by Flemish migrants who brought the trade with them in the 1300s.

The Blackburn Museum & Art Gallery, established in 1874, has curated a lot of this heritage, including the awesome Japanese Print Collection, as well as medieval manuscripts, fine arts and Egyptology collections.

The other big claim to fame is the football team Blackburn Rovers, who won the Premier League in 1995. They are the bitter rivals of Burnley but currently languish in the second tier of English football.

13. Ormskirk

On Thursdays and Saturdays, the pedestrianised centre of Ormskirk bustles with shoppers at a market that got its charter in 1286. And the moment you see it you’ll know that the 12th-century Church of St.

Peter and Paul is a bit of oddity: This is one of only three in Britain to have both a western tower and a spire.

What’s inside is just as intriguing, as the church is the burial place of several Earls of Derby.

Thomas Stanley changed sides in the Battle of Bosworth, accelerating Richard III’s defeat and death, while the royalist James Stanley was beheaded at the end of the Civil War.

His head and body were buried in separate caskets.

14. Carnforth

A small town in northern Lancashire and close to the boundary with Cumbria, Carnforth’s reputation as a “railway town” was enshrined in 1945 when the classic movie Brief Encounter was shot at Carnforth Station by David Lean.

You can go into the Heritage Centre to see reconstructed sets and artefacts from the steam age.

You could also catch a steam train to Scarborough on the West Coast Line heritage railway, and get the luxury cream tea treatment in first class.

Carnforth is a town for walkers, who can climb Warton Crag, a steep limestone hill, which has a breeding site for peregrine falcons.

15. Heysham

On Morecambe Bay, Heysham is the a ferry-port with traffic to and from Ireland and the Isle of Man.

But there are lots of little things to hold your attention.

High above Morcambe Bay are the atmospheric ruins of St Patrick’s Chapel, a Grade I-listed building from the 8th century.

What makes this site so unusual is the presence of six tombs that were carved directly from the rock in the 1000s.

Heysham is the only site in the UK with two functioning power stations, and you may as well embrace them: If you’re curious about nuclear energy then the EDF centre offers pre-booked tours.

They’ll kit you out with safety gear like a hi-vis jacket, hardhat and safety glasses, and take you round the reactor, cooling systems and turbines.

15 Best Places to Visit in Lancashire:

• Lytham St Annes
• Poulton-le-Fylde

Top Things to Do in Burnley, Lancashire

Places to visit in burnley, explore popular experiences, tours in and around burnley.

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Burnley: cotton mills, walking and witches galore

Burnley: towering cotton mills, spectacular walking routes and witches galore. The Pennine town of Burnley in Lancashire is located just over 20 miles north of Manchester and has a history of being a centre of excellence for innovation, engineering and trade.

Once one of the world’s largest producers of cotton cloth, Burnley had 140 operating cotton mills, 1933,101,000 looms and over 70% of the town’s population were employed within the cotton industry, even as late as 1914. All made possible by the town’s damp climate and location on the Leeds Liverpool Canal. Visitors can explore Burnley’s remarkable textile history by visiting Queen Street Mill Textile Museum .

A great way to discover why Burnley’s location on the Leeds Liverpool Canal enabled such growth, is by walking the Canal and River Trust’s three mile trail from the Gannow Tunnel, which was built especially for boats to travel in and out of Burnley in 1801.

On the trail, you’ll see how Burnley’s industrial heritage is still evident and celebrated today, with towering former cotton mills re-purposed as hubs for university centres, corporate spaces and digital innovation. In 2018, Burnley was named one of the UK’s leading ‘Tech Towns’ by The Financial Times for its number of tech start-ups and growth of digital skills, and is also known as a hub for engineering and aerospace technology.

If you are a football fan, you may want to plan a visit to Turf Moor, home to Burnley Football Club since 1883. Make sure you try an unofficial match-day drink of Benedictine topped up with hot water, also named a ‘benny-and-hot’. Legend says that the East Lancashire regiment developed a penchant for the spirit whilst stationed in France during WW1, and now Burnley is the biggest consumer of the French liqueur outside of France.

One of Burnley’s most impressive building is the beautiful Towneley Hall, which dates back to the 14th Century and sits in 445 acres of stunning parkland. Open to the public, the hall boasts a museum and art gallery with an eclectic collection for explorers of all ages to enjoy. Affectionately known as “the jewel in Burnley’s crown”, you’ll find a children’s playground, ancient trees, sports pitches, pitch and putt and dog-friendly walking trails.

National Trust property, Gawthorpe Hall in Padiham is also nearby. A stunning Elizabethan Hall, also known as the ‘Downton of the North’, which houses an extensive collection of extraordinary needlework, lace and costume, and holds regular community and arts events.

Leaving the bustling town centre behind, there are plenty of opportunities to stretch your legs and take in spectacular open countryside including The Burnley Way , which travels across 40 miles of industrial heritage, waterways, fields, the Forest of Burnley to the wild South Pennine Moors.

You might even spot the South Pennines Park’s mascot, the endangered twite, aka the Pennine Finch . Locations of recent sightings include Hurstwood Reservoir on the outskirts of Burnley, which can be enjoyed by a picturesque 8.7km circular route to Cant Clough Reservoir. https://www.alltrails.com/en- gb/trail/england/lancashire/ hurstwood-reservoir–3

Continue your journey to the pretty village of Worsthorne, just 2 miles from Burnley, for a 8.5 mile ramble past a number of reservoirs and a series of crags called the Gorple Stones – https://www.greatbritishlife. co.uk/things-to-do/walks/ lancashire-walk-worsthorne- 6993912  and enjoy a well deserved pint at The Crooked Billet, which serves ale from the local Worsthorne Brewery and welcomes walkers, dogs and cyclists.

The town’s award-winning panopticon, The Singing Ringing Tree, is perched on Crown Point and boasts spectacular views across the valley. This iconic musical sculpture is hauntingly beautiful as the wind travels through its galvanised steel pipes and forms part of the Forest of Bowland’s reforestation programme, linking local walking routes with the Pennine Bridleway. Read more about this historic packhorse route here , which has just celebrated its 10 year anniversary and takes in dramatic local scenery.

In fact, it is difficult to highlight one walking trail as Burnley acts as the gateway to many spectacular walking routes and scenery including the Bronte Way and of course, the Pendle Witches Way.

Nestled in the shadow of the famous Pendle Hill, Burnley and its neighbouring villages have long been known for their connection to the Pendle witch trials in 1612, and you will notice plenty of magical references across the region. From Alice Nutter’s statue in the charming village of Barley, to Burnley’s award-winning ale, Pendle Witches Brew, and the Witches Galore shop in Newchurch-in-Pendle.

If you like history, legends of magic, and wild open moorland, Burnley certainly will not disappoint for a dramatic adventure into spectacular Pennine countryside and iconic Lancastrian heritage.

Photos: Towneley Hall and Singing Ringing Tree by Karol Wyszynski, Gawthorpe Hall by Matthew Roe/Unsplash.

The 11 stunning National Trust properties and sites worth visiting in and around Lancashire

Discover these National Trust sites near Lancaster, Preston, Blackpool, the Lake District and more

• 11:10, 27 JUL 2021

Lancashire is blessed with stunning, picturesque countryside.

The county welcomes thousands of visitors every year for staycations and days out, and with the likes of the Lake District and Blackpool promenade being here, it's hardly no surprise.

With the summer holidays now in full swing and the majority of lockdown restrictions ceasing to exist, the county is expected to see the return of even more tourists.

READ MORE: Cafe chain with 'proper coffee and great grub' to open in Preston

Those who choose to come to Lancashire for a break away or for a walk are spoilt for choice.

From Williamson Park in Lancaster to the chocolate-box town of Keswick in the Lake District, Lancashire has many options when it comes to days out.

National Trust is a big part of this, offering over 300 places to visit in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The UK conservation charity has three main sites and historical properties here in Lancashire, with nine also available within an hours drive from the county.

We've decided to take a look at some of the National Trust places you can visit in and around the county, what you can do there and why it's worth visiting.

For prices of all the National Trust properties, find out here or to become a National Trust member (which gives you discount on attraction entry fees) visit here.

Gawthorpe Hall

Gawthorpe Hall can be found near Burnley and is described as an Elizabethan gem in the heart of industrial Lancashire.

The hall has a rich history, featuring 17th century panelling in the Drawing Room, and is sometimes referred to as the 'Downton of the North', according to the National Trust website .

Visitors can take a stroll through the formal gardens with views of the river, or take a short ramble through the woodland to enjoy the wildlife.

Inside the hall you can see the Gawthorpe Textile Collection which showcases intricate needlework, lace and costume amassed by Rachel Kay Shuttleworth as well as contemporary pieces from talented artists across the region.

To book a visit to Gawthorpe Hall or to find out more visit the National Trust website here or call 01282 771004.

Rufford Old Hall

This fine Tudor building near Ormskirk is the home for stories of romance, wealth and 500 years of Hesketh family history.

Visitors here can enjoy North Woods, the Walled Garden, North Lawn, Beech Walk Paddock, the Orchard and the Squirrel Border.

The Orchard has a fascinating past.

The first recording of an orchard at Rufford is from 1779, when the hall was leased to a gardener called Thomas Lowe for 21 years at an annual rent of £22 and 16 shillings.

Today, Rufford's orchard contains a varieties of apple and pear trees, including Keswick Codlin, Duke of Devenshire, Lemon Pippin and Bramleys Seedling to name a few. It's the perfect place to roll out a picnic and enjoy some peace and quiet.

And there's plenty of things to do with the kids at Rufford Old Hall this summer.

Take part in sports activities, grab a free balance bike, set your imaginations free inside the house or simply explore nature as a family.

See more and book a visit to Rufford Old Hall here.

Heysham Coast

Beautiful sandstone headland renowned for its eighth-century chapel and rock hewn graves; a wonderful urban green space.

That's how Heysham Coast is described by the National Trust.

The coast, which has a backdrop of Morecambe Bay, is just a short drive from Lancaster and offers a glimpse into the area's Viking past.

Among the site is St Patrick's Chapel which possibly dates back to the mid-eighth century, or a little later.

The rectangular chapel is constructed of sandstone and measures roughly 7 meters by 2.2 meters.

One of the best architectural features is the curved Anglo-Saxon style doorway.

Local tradition states that St Patrick may well have come ashore here in the fifth century, after being shipwrecked off the coast, and subsequently established a small chapel.

Around St Patrick's Chapel are the remains of eight rock-cut graves hewn from the headland, several of which are body shaped and have rock-cut sockets, possibly for wooden crosses.

It is thought that the graves were created around the eleventh century and were used for burying very high-status individuals.

From sea crossings to shipwrecks and Saints to sands, there's plenty to explore here.

Sizergh is a medieval house with rich gardens and an estate and can be found near Kendal, in Cumbria.

Although situated in Cumbria, the National Trust estate is just a short drive away from Lancashire.

The site contains a Garde I listed castle and Tudor house, with the earliest part of the building dating back to the 14th century.

Visitors can explore the house, which is open Thursday to Sunday (12-4pm), the gardens and head out on nearby walks including the Park End Moss wetland and Sizergh's wildlife walk.

There is acres of woodland to explore as well as enjoying a bite to eat at the café near the castle, which is open seven days a week from 10am.

To book a visit to Sizergh or to find out more visit the National Trust website here .

Dalton Castle

Slightly further a field, about an hours drive from Lancaster, is Dalton Castle.

The National Trust site in Dalton-in-Furness boasts a 14th century tower which was built to assert the authority of the Abbot of Furness Abbey.

The 14th-century tower known as Dalton Castle was formerly the manorial courthouse of Furness Abbey.

According to the National Trust website, here the abbott exercised his right to hold manorial courts and administer justice within the lordship of Furness, as authorised by the abbey's foundation charter of 1127.

Explore the historic grounds and the vast art collection which is housed there, and includes; a helmet, glove box, paintings and more.

Find our more about Dalton Castle here.

Beatrix Potter fans can visit her 17th century farmhouse.

Hill Top is Beatrix Potter's 17th-century farmhouse: a time-capsule of her life and can be found in Ambleside, Cumbria.

Just over an hour away from Lancashire, the site gives a glimpse into Beatrix Potter's life.

Visitors can explore the famous garden, just like in the books, and meet the man who cares for one of the most famous vegetable gardens in the world, Pete Tasker.

The house boasts collections from the Beatrix Potter Gallery, all aiming to keep the legacy of the author alive.

There's also a café at Hill Top and walks nearby too - including a native woodland to explore which was planted at one of Beatrix Potter's favourite places.

To book a visit at Hill Top visit the National Trust website here or you can call 015394 36269.

Wray Castle

Wray Castle is a Gothic Revival castle sitting on the shores of Lake Windermere.

The castle has turrets and towers and is housed informal grounds in Ambleside, Cumbria.

It's between an hour or two hour drive from Lancashire, depending upon which part of the county you're leaving from.

Created in the 1840s by an heiress and a dentist, the Wray Castle estate includes an impressive Gatehouse, a jetty and several boathouses.

And there’s plenty of outdoor fun for all the family this summer at Wray Castle - see a full list of activities here.

Keld Chapel

If you're looking to get away from the county then you could drive to Keld Chapel.

Located in Shap, Cumbria, the remote medieval chapel is one of a kind.

This picturesque and rustic stone chapel is thought to have been the chantry for Shap Abbey originally.

It was built around the sixteenth-century and has been used as a cottage and meeting house during its long history.

The key to open the chapel door is hanging by the front door of the house opposite.

Situated in the heart of the Lake District, Townend is an atmospheric farmhouse full of quirky objects and fascinating stories.

The National Trust site can be found in Windermere, Cumbria and attracts thousands of visitors every year.

The 17th century house features a library, made up of around 1,500 books which cover many diverse topics.

It was the home of the Browne family, local farmers, for 400 years before it was donated to the Trust in 1948.

Visitors can also find exhibitions housed there and learn more about the Browne family.

Book a trip there by visiting the website here.

Eskdale and Duddon Valley

Eskdale and Duddon Valley is popular among walkers.

The site is a descent from high mountains down to beautiful beaches on Cumbria's western coast.

Walkers can wander along one of the memorable riverside walks with their intimate scenic combination of crags, woods and waterfalls.

A favourite lower level walk is the Eskdale trail which follows the river from St Catherine’s Church where you can cross the river on stepping stones.

On a warm day visitors can cool off in one of the many rock pools.

To find out more about the walking site and the activities available visit the website here.

A little south from Lancashire is Formby in Merseyside.

The coastal site is a nature haven for wildlife and people, with dramatic sand dunes, surrounded by sweeping coastal pinewood.

With hundreds of acres of woodland and a sandy beach that stretches for miles, Formby is the perfect place to walk your dog whatever the time of year.

Many visitors also bring their horse for a walk here.

To find out more about what to do in the area visit the National Trust website here.

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