Colne is an ancient market town steeped in history (parts of the parish church date back to the 11th century). Birthplace of Wallace Hartley (band master on the Titanic) and home of The Great British R&B Festival.
Colne, along with Nelson, were at the heart of the Lancashire cotton industry, there are many signs of this still around. Close to the motorway system (the M65 terminates in Colne), it has many shops, an indoor and a lively outdoor market, and several mill shops to whet your appetite.