Month: January 2021

Pickering Pasture

A local nature reserve alongside the river Mersey and full of wildflowers and animals. Most Sundays offer a pop-up cafe provided by local volunteers.
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Spike Island

Located on the Trans Pennine Trail, this was home to the Stone Roses concert in 1990 – Just across from the Catalyst discovery centre which is an action-packed fun family day out exploring chemistry in our everyday life.
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Mersey Gateway and Silver Jubilee Bridges

A bridge over the river Mersey connecting Widnes and Runcorn. Its impressive length is part of a larger project in developing the infrastructure in Merseyside
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Pex Hill Quarry Nature Trail

The place to go for walking, climbing, and biking.
Explore dozens of woodlands at your chosen pace. A hotspot for wildlife and family-friendly.
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The Dream Sculpture

Commissioned by Ex miners and Halton council to reflect the aspirations of the local community. Standing 20 metres high, this impressive statue is a real landmark.
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Stadt Moers Park

A great spot for walking, cycling and fishing. Located in Whiston and spread over 220 acres of land, the park is open all year round.
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Clock Face Country Park

Spanning 57 acres on the site of a former colliery. There are many woodlands and footpaths to follow. It’s a fabulous place to walk dogs and take an easy stroll on flat ground.
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Norton Priory Gardens and Museum

Dating back as far as the 12th century, remains can be seen from an abbey complex. Its 18th-century country house is open as a museum. With surrounding gardens and woodlands for walks and regular events through the year, this is an idyllic spot to visit with the family.
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Walton Hall and Gardens

A country house and grade two listed building based in Walton. There are acres of ground to explore and a cafe. The Hall opens its groups to outdoor theatre and festivals.
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Manchester Ship Canal

An impressive 36 miles long, this canal links Manchester to the Irish Sea through Merseyside. Still used today for supply chain cargos, this canal dates back to the 18th century.
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Irwell Sculpture Trail

Ramsbottom lies right in the middle of the Irwell Sculpture Trail. The trail is the largest public art scheme in England with 70 art pieces that follow an established 30-mile footpath from Salford Quays and finishes just above Bacup. From the Old Mill Hotel head south and follow the trail.
The North Trail is an 8.4-mile route from Ramsbottom, through to Irwell Vale, Rawtenstall, Stacksteads and Bacup.
The South Trail totals 14.2 miles as you walk from Ramsbottom to Burrs Country Park and then on to Bury, Close Park, Radcliffe, Whitefield, Outwood Country Park, Clifton Country Park, Chapel Street, Ordsall Hall (Salford) and finally to Salford Quays.
In Ramsbottom, artwork pieces include ‘Tilted Vase’ located in the town centre and ‘The River’, an 88m stainless steel path inscribed with poems.
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Peel Tower

Sitting proudly on Holcombe Hill, Peel Tower is a monument named after Bury’s most famous son – former Prime Minister and founder of the Metropolitan Police founder Sir Robert Peel. Starting at the Old Mill climb Holcombe Hill to reach Peel Tower. The walk offers a 3-mile round trip and once at the tower, provides stunning views across the Irwell Valley to Manchester.
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Burrs Country Park

The park is a beautiful place to visit the ideal spot for riverside walks, fishing or nature watching. For the more adventurous outdoor activities including kayaking, climbing and raft building are all available at Burrs Activity Centre (pre-booking usually required).
Views of the well-known East Lancs Railway steam trains are easy to come by from this spot.
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Nuttall Park

Lots to do with playgrounds, tennis courts, and bowling greens. A stunning location to visit with regular annual events and a tea room.
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Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary

Bleakholt is one of the largest sanctuaries in the UK, home to over 450 animals. Established by a local woman from Ramsbottom. Time your visit with one of their family fun days, or pop into the shop and café during your family-friendly visit.
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Turton Tower

Dating as far back as Pre-Christian times. Turton Tower offers a wonderful family-friendly day out. Facilities onsite include a gift shop, Victorian tea cafe, and a children’s outdoor play area.
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Turton and Entwistle Reservoir

A well-known local trail around two reservoirs next to the village of Edgeworth.
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Musbury Tor

Standing at 340 Meters, this flat-topped hill is recommended to walkers visiting the area. Referred to as “The Tor” by locals, it provides stunning must-see views on a clear day.
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Jumbles Reservoir

An easy flat and circular walk of up to about one hr. Not far from Entwistle and Turton Reservoirs.
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Calf Hey Reservoir

A 3.5km circular walk based near the green town of Haslindgen. Popular for hikers and trail runners.
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Hail Storm Hill

Located at the highest point in Rossendale, Hail Storm Hill is also known as Cowpe Moss. This climb takes around two hours and stands around 600m high.
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Whalley Abbey, Gatehouse and Gardens

Whalley Abbey showcases beautifully kept gardens and the intriguing ruins of a 14th century Cistercian Abbey. Take a guided tour of the ruins or explore the woodland beside the River Calder. The attraction also features Cloisters coffee shop for refreshments and a gift shop that sells tickets to the grounds and other souvenirs from your visit.
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Gawthorpe Hall and Gardens (National Trust)

Steeped in history a visit to Gawthorpe Hall and Gardens will transport you to era from our illustrious industrial past. Built between 1600 and 1605 Gawthorpe Hall was the family seat of the Shuttleworth family for over 300 years. In 1850 the house was redesigned by Sir Charles who also redesigned Highclere Castle (filming location for Downton Abbey).
Inside the house, you will find period rooms on display from the remodelling as well as original plasterwork ceilings, panelling and the impressive Long Gallery. Also on display are over 200 pieces from the nationally important Gawthorpe Textile collection. Don’t forget to visit Tea Room some snacks and refreshments.
Outside take a leisurely stroll through the beautiful gardens with views of the river and a ramble through the woodland to enjoy the wildlife.
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The Singing Ringing Tree

Burnley’s Panopticon, ‘Singing Ringing Tree’, is a unique musical sculpture which overlooks Burnley from its position high above the town on Crown Point. Constructed from pipes of galvanised steel stacked in layers, this Panopticon takes the form of a tree bending to the winds and harnesses the energy of those winds to produce a low, tuneful song.
It’s close to the Dunnockshaw Millennium Wood, part of the Forest of Burnley reforestation programme, and links to the Pennine Bridleway and local walking routes.
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Pendle Hill

A walk up Pendle Hill offers the perfect opportunity to experience some of the UK’s most breathtaking scenery. The walk starts from the picturesque village of Barley and is approximately 8km to the top and is a great route for walkers of all abilities.
Not only for the views, but the Witches of Pendle also offers a fascinating historical story.
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Pendle Sculpture Trail

A trail steeped in local history and a tribute to the people of Pendle who lost their lives in the biggest witchcraft trail over 400 years ago. The Pendle Sculpture Trail is a collection of ten unique ceramics each representing a person who was found guilty and hanged. The plaques are also presented in a treasure trail style quiz to be hunted down and found! There is also stunning artwork from Philippe Handford, including the tumbling tree arches.
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Hardcastle Crags woodland walk

Owned by the National Trust, Hardcastle Crags is a wooded Pennine valley located in nearby quaint town of Hebden Bridge. A diverse area of deep rocky ravines, tumbling streams, oak, beech and pine woods plus upland meadows; Hardcastle Crags is a wonderful place to spend the day exploring. Visitors can also recharge the batteries at the Weaving Shed Cafe whi serve a range of ethical and locally-produced food or buy a souvenir from the gift shop located there.
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Bowland Wild Boar Park

Located in the heart of the Ribble Valley, Bowland Wild Boar and Animal Park is 65 acres of fun for the whole family. Visitors can see a wide range of animals, explore their habitats and even meet and hold some of the smaller animals. There are some walking trails for visitors to enjoy, a large play area and a popular cafe serving delicious food!
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Top Withens

A ruined farmhouse near Haworth said to have been the inspiration for the location of the Earnshaw family house Wuthering Heights in the 1847 novel of the same name by Emily Bronte. Located in the middle of ‘Bronte country’, there are many trails to walk across miles of moorland.
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Clitheroe Castle

Standing high on Castle Hill, Clitheroe Castle has dominated the local skyline for over 800 years! In more recent times, the castle now serves as a museum and tells the story of Clitheroe, and explains the formation of the land 350 million years ago and the local people. Clitheroe Castle Museum makes a great day out for the whole family.
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Stocks Reservoir

Located near Slaidburn, the trail around Stocks Reservoir is a 10.8km loop and provides a moderate walk. If you’re feeling energetic attempt the whole circuit or there is a series of short walks to enjoy. There is also a good range of facilities for visitors, including a large car park, cafe and toilets.
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Townley Park, Museum and Art Gallery

Burnley’s largest park is set in 180 acres landscaped parkland which surrounds the impressive Townley Hall and Museum. Offering exhibitions, woodland walks, sculpture trails, organic community garden, play areas, sport pitches, two golf courses, ornamental gardens, café and gift shop a trip to Townley Park is a great day out for all the family.
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The Singing Ringing Tree

Burnley’s Panopticon, ‘Singing Ringing Tree’, is a unique musical sculpture which overlooks Burnley from its position high above the town on Crown Point. Constructed from pipes of galvanised steel stacked in layers, this Panopticon takes the form of a tree bending to the winds and harnesses the energy of those winds to produce a low, tuneful song.
It’s close to the Dunnockshaw Millennium Wood, part of the Forest of Burnley reforestation programme, and links to the Pennine Bridleway and local walking routes.
Find out more

Gawthorpe Hall and Gardens (National Trust)

Steeped in history a visit to Gawthorpe Hall and Gardens will transport you to era from our illustrious industrial past. Built between 1600 and 1605, Gawthorpe Hall was the family seat of the Shuttleworth family for over 300 years. In 1850 the house was redesigned by Sir Charles who also redesigned Highclere Castle (filming location for Downton Abbey).
Inside the house, you will find period rooms on display from the remodelling as well as original plasterwork ceilings, panelling and the impressive Long Gallery. Also on display are over 200 pieces from the nationally important Gawthorpe Textile collection. Don’t forget to visit the Tea Room for snacks and refreshments.
Outside, take a leisurely stroll through the beautiful gardens with views of the river and a ramble through the woodland to enjoy the wildlife.
Find out more

Leeds and Liverpool Canal

For those who want to combine a good walk while appreciating a piece of local history, the Burnley section of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal is a perfect destination. Known as ‘The Straight Mile’ and regarded as one of the ‘Seven Wonders of the British Canal system’ the impressive engineering feat the embankment carries the canal 60ft above Burnley.
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Thompson Park

Thompson Park is Burnley’s most ornamental park where visitors can spend the afternoon appreciating a large number of well-kept flowers beds and a large rose garden. As a formal Edwardian urban park it retains its original features like a boating lake, Italian gardens Ranger centre and a playground.
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Pendle Hill

A walk up Pendle Hill offers the perfect opportunity to experience some of the UK’s most breathtaking scenery. The walk starts from the picturesque village of Barley and is approximately 8 km to the top and is a great route for walkers of all abilities.
Not only are the views does Pendle offer a fantastic walk but the Witches of Pendle offers a fascinating historical story.
Find out more

Hurstwood Reservoir

Pack up a picnic and head out to Hurstwood Reservoir for a great walk combined with wonderful views. Starting from the public car park in the village of Hurstwood, this circular walk is a great trail for people of all abilities and is sure to blow the cobwebs away while appreciating the best of the Lancashire Countryside!
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Pendle Sculpture Trail

A trail steeped in local history and a tribute to the people of Pendle who lost their lives in the biggest witchcraft trail over 400 years ago. The Pendle Sculpture Trail is a collection of ten unique ceramics each representing a person who was found guilty and hanged. The plaques are also presented in a treasure trail style quiz to be hunted down and found! There is also stunning artwork from Philippe Handford, including the tumbling tree arches.
Find out more

Boulsworth Hill

Another fantastic opportunity to experience some of the best countryside in the UK! This large expanse of moorland in the south pennies provides an exhilarating, energetic ramble with breathtaking views.
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Take in the changing seasons and pay a visit to Lancashire’s marvellous woodland…

Beacon Fell, Goosnargh

Not just woodland, Beacon Fell Country Park covers almost 192 acres in total including moorland and farmland. Extremely rich in wildlife, it’ll be hard not to spot rabbits, deer, stoats and weasels enjoying the autumn habitat. In the warmer months, you’ll be in awe at the various dragonflies and damselflies dancing around the ponds. It’s practical too, with a car park, toilets and picnic areas.

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Forest of Bowland, Ribble Valley

Perhaps the ultimate Lancashire woodland walk, The Forest of Bowland is well-known for its dense woods, with firm roots since which have been around since before the 1600s. There’s plenty to explore with over 200 hectares of upland oak and mixed ash woodland habitat, situated within the valleys of the rivers Hindburn, Roeburn, Ribble and Hodder. Keep your eyes out for badgers, foxes various bats, and a rich mix of birds of prey.

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Wyre Estuary Country Park, Thornton Cleveleys

For those eager to learn, the Wyre Estuary Country Park has a woodland and geology explorers trail, perfect for discovering local wildlife and native trees. And, not just for walking, there’s also the opportunity to ride bikes or enjoy a horse ride.

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