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.
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.
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, 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.
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 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 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.
Offering something of a mini theme park to visitors, Blackpool South Pier has a ton of white-knuckle rides to get stuck into.
Thanks to its lime green-painted brick frontage, this family-friendly guest house certainly stands out from the crowd in the centre of Blackpool.
We learn how to cook Lancashire’s finest dishes, courtesy of Northcote’s Michelin-star chefs.
Blackburn Cathedral is one of England’s newest Cathedrals, yet it is one of the country’s oldest places of Christian worship.
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.
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.
Fancy a day trip? Explore our guide to Blackpool and build yourself an itinerary featuring attractions, galleries, restaurants and more.
Take me there
Hollywood greats and early bird film fest tickets are on our horizon as we start the New Year.
Readings are springing up everywhere as the live literature and spoken word scene starts to defrost.
We might be past the holiday season, but Manchester and the North's arts and cultural calendar is still packed with brilliant events and activities for families
Documentary performance, groundbreaking dance, world premieres and fresh takes on classic works - check out our early theatre highlights for 2025.
Warm, intimate storytelling is the thread connecting our new picks, which include a number of brilliant folk artists.
From genre-defying art film to vibrant embroidery and Surrealist sculpture, check out the best winter exhibitions to see right now.
Get creative, allow yourself to be curious and learn something new with this month's tours and activities guide.
Looking for the best winter meals the North has to offer? This month's guide to food and drink has the lot.
