Towns & Villages

Pendle’s towns and villages have something for everyone. Our three main towns are…..

Barnoldswick

The town has the second highest concentration of independent shops in the UK. Higher than Arundel or Hebden Bridge! Barnoldswick recently won the Best British High Street Award. Barlick is proud of it’s manufacturing traditions. Bancroft Mill, which is on the Stream and Steam Trail, is one of the finest mill museums around and the town boasts some huge names such as Rolls Royce and Hope Technology. Just on the edge of the town is one of the best family attractions around – Thornton Hall Farm. There’s also a fantastic range of events throughout the year, including Barlick Beach.

Colne

Bursting with new, trendy independent businesses the town has been dubbed “Lancashire’s Capital of Cool” by Lancashire Life Magazine there’s also a blog to this chic destination at http://blog.visitlancashire.com/tl08/2014/08/cool-colne.html .The town boasts many great venues, including Colne Muni, Green Chimney and The Venue with its live music scene. The town features not one, but three theatres, including Colne Muni, Colne Little Theatre and Pendle Hippodrome. Colne has lots to do! Pendle Beer Festival. Colne Gala, The Great British Rhythm and Blues Festival, and Colne Grand Prix Cycle Race, and many more events, all take place in this lively town.

Nelson

Visit the town of Nelson with its very own 12m weaving shuttle, a fascinating centrepiece created by local artist, Philippe Handford. Shop in Nelson’s traditional indoor market and a variety of welcoming shops, enjoy a relaxing spa treatment at the Inside Spa or if you’re looking for something more lively take your family to Wavelengths, with its pool, wave machine, and waterslide. Neighbouring Brierfield has a fascinating Heritage Trail, as well as an outstanding mill, now called Northlight, which is being developed for housing, business, leisure and tourism. Nelson has a lot to offer!

Pendle also has a number of other lovely small towns and villages:

Barrowford

Barrowford is full of chic designer shops, spa and beauty parlours as well as specialist food and drink stores. All this is just seconds away from the relaxation of Barrowford park. Close by is Pendle Heritage Centre and Higherford Mill, which houses many artists studios. Explore this pristine town with the help of the Barrowford Shopping & Heritage Trail.

Barley and Roughlee

Rural delight doesn’t come much better than in these two beautiful villages. Barley is a honey pot for visitors as it’s the base from which people climb the iconic Pendle Hill or visit the Pendle Sculpture Trail and Roughlee was the home of one of the most famous of the Pendle Witches, Alice Nutter. There are many delightful walks around these villages with a pub or eatery at the end

Trawden and Wycoller

These pretty villages offer the visitor a real escape in the country. Wycoller is home to a beautiful country park and was visited frequently by the Brontes. Their stories were inspired by the gorgeous scenery and by local tales of Squire Cunliffe and his family, who resided at Wycoller Hall. Nearby are the picturesque settlemants of Foulridge and Laneshaw Bridge. All are visitor gems in their own right. Foulridge for its historic canalside buildings and boat rides. Picturesque Laneshaw Bridge, and Trawden, where many a walker starts his ascent of Boulsworth Hill. These villages are featured in the “Three Villages Walk.

Earby and Salterforth

Two lovely little towns. Why not stay at the local Youth Hostel in nearby Earby, once home of historic social reformer Kathryn Bruce Glasier. Spring out from here on a number of great walks. Salterforth is known for its campsite and a great canalside pub, The Anchor Inn. Further up the canal at Greenberfield is the highest point on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal.