What to Do
Pendle is bursting with colourful events, fantastic walks and cycle rides, and a host of unusual and entertaining attractions. Whether you love historic houses or countryside activities, like to "shop until you drop", or are looking for family fun, Pendle has it all.
From Llamas to Leisure
There are many things for families to see and do in the area. Cycle the canals on our family friendly cycle trails, get a real buzz racing round the track at Prestige Karting, and make a splash at Wavelengths, with its big slide and wave machine. Or why not go wild down on the farm at Thornton Hall? Get close up to the animals, enjoy the weirdest and most fun Caterpillar ride you'll ever have been on, and have a go on the 18ft tall Wizzick Slide...Yes they've even got Llamas! There's more family fun to be had at places like Ikkle Monkeys and Giddy Kippers.
No doubt you will never tire of the stunning views, but if you do want to take it easy there's an amazing new facility, the Inside Spa, which will invigorate your mind and body, leaving you refreshed and ready to explore the area's magnificent hills and valleys anew. Pendle also has a number of golf courses, including Marsden Park and Colne. In the evenings you can relax by taking in Colne's fine Restaurant Quarter, and after have a trip to the Pendle Hippodrome or the Colne "Muni" with its sparkling range of entertainment.
From Shops to Shovels
There's loads to do here. Why not start with a spot of retail therapy? Boundary Mill has a huge store here, as does Junction 12. Big brand heaven! If you're drawn more to niche-style shopping the village of Barrowford is a must. Nearby is the Pendle Heritage Centre, a terrific historic house and garden, with a fine gallery attached.
Heritage is never far away, with the Pendle Witches, as well as museums that offer a real taste of the past, like Earby Lead Mining Museum with its collection of rare artefacts and Bancroft Mill, with its massive 30ft Flywheel, still driven by steam. Pendle is different and quirky. Nowehere epitomises this more than the British in India Museum, the only one of its type in this country.
From Art to Atoms
Pendle has inspired many photographers and artists, a number of whose works you can see displayed in local galleries, most notably at Pendle Heritage Centre, Higherford Mill, and the Keith Melling Gallery. Nature and art so are intertwined here. Nowhere is this more apparent than at Wycoller, with its wicker figures and its stunning sculpture called The Atom, part of a new Panopticons Trail covering the whole of Pennine Lancashire. The large shiny ball in its interior intrigues adults and children alike.
From Boats to Bobbins
Ever fancied escaping from the rat race to a gentler pace of life? Then you should make a bee-line for Foulridge Wharf, where the Marton Emperor sails from. Public and private boat rides take you down the longest canal in the country, the Leeds & Liverpool Canal. The boat has even had the royal patronage of Prince Charles himself. Today the canal is used for leisure but in days gone past it was used to carry materials, such as lime for agriculture and building and textiles. Most of the textile mills have now disappeared but the skills that went with the trade are being nurtured at places like Empress Mills, which run training courses in things like garment making, and have an emporium of fabrics that has to be seen.
Scenic Road Trails
Fancy a fantastic sightseeing tour around Pendle? There are three self-guided Pendle Scenic Road Trails, suitable for touring in the car, or cycling. Trail No1 is called the Pendle Witches Scenic Car Trail, and as the name describes on this trail you can discover some of the famous places associated with the witches. The Second Trail is called Brontes and Browsing, and is part town trail around Colne, and part countryside trail, around Wycoller. On this trail you can discover some famous people from the past, like Sir Wallace Hartley and the Brontes. The Third Trail is the Boats and Beams Trail covering the lovely West Craven part of Pendle. The Trails are available by clicking on request a brochure above or by downloading them here.
