The Pendle Guide
 Things to do and places to go!

 

Whatever you'd like to do with your time in Pendle, there are many fascinating things to see and do!

Things to see and do in Pendle

Pendle has a lot of colourful events, great walks and super cycle rides, and many fascinating and entertaining attractions. Whether you like to explore historic houses or enjoy countryside activities, or you want to enjoy a spot of shopping or some family fun, you can do it in Pendle.

1 Pendle Heritage Centre

One of the best places to start exploring Pendle is Pendle Heritage Centre. There's an historic Farmhouse with a museum, art gallery, gift shop, delightful tea-room, a restored 18th Century walled garden, a Cruck-barn with exciting farmyard animals, and a helpful tourist information centre. The Museum includes an exhibition about Pendle Life in the 17th Century and a fascinating display about the Lancashire Witches and their trial in 1612. The Walled Garden has been carefully restored and features "A Year in the Garden". And kids will really enjoy the Cruck-frame barn with farm animals. You can enjoy delicious home cooked food - mostly Lancashire dishes - freshly baked cakes and drinks in the tea room.
Park Hill, Barrowford, Nelson, Lancashire, BB9 6JQ
Phone: 01282 661702 Fax: 01282 611718  Web: www.htnw.co.uk

2 Bancroft Mill

See a Cornish steam boiler firing a working steam engine. Displays throughout the year. Bancroft Mill Engine Trust is an independent registered charity.  It was formed in 1980 to preserve the industrial heritage of the last working steam mill engine in the area.  This is a working museum open to the public with free entry most Saturdays throughout the year from 11-3pm, and with the engine in steam on many Sundays from March through to early December. Check the link to Steaming days for the full list. This magnificent mill engine, with its two cylinders and 16 foot flywheel can generate over 600 British Horsepower and originally drove some 1,250 weaving looms via its main shaft some 263 feet in length. The Bancroft Mill Engine Trust relies entirely on visitor entrance, donations and membership fees. If you would like to donate, make a bequest or join our band of volunteers to help in this valuable and highly enjoyable work then please click on the appropriate link. The mill site is disabled friendly with ample parking and on steaming days we have delicious home made refreshments available, along with a range of original souvenirs and tea towels woven on our own loom.
Bancroft Mill Engine, Gillians Lane, Barnoldswick, Lancashire
Phone: 01282 865 626  Web: Steaming days

3 British In India Museum

A small museum with many unusual items.  The Museum was opened in 1972 and contains a fascinating collection: model soldiers, dioramas, postage stamps, picture postcards, paintings and uniforms.
Newton Street, Colne, BB8 0JJ    Phone: 01282 613129

4 Earby Lead Mining Museum

The Old Grammar School is one of the oldest buildings in Earby, founded about 1594; it existed as a school until 1910, and in 1970 was offered at a peppercorn rent as a museum to Earby Mines Research Group. The New Level arch, from Faggergill, Arkengarthdale, forms the entrance to a reconstructed horse level where a pony and rake of three wagons transport ore, while pickmen work a vein of lead and feed ore into small wagons. There are comprehensive displays of tools, photographs and items which show the mining, dressing and finally the smelting of lead ore. The whole sequence is described clearly and simply so as to make a fascinating display. The lead mine at Cononley is the nearest to Earby, only a few miles away, and restoration work has been going there since 1967. You can see smelt chimney flues and other mining related structures at Grassington Moor and there are walking trails around the site. To visit, park your car at Yarnbury or walk from Grassington village. All in all this is a fascinating museum tracing the history of a once-important local industry.
Yorkshire Dales Mining Museum, Old Grammar School, School Lane, Earby, BB18 6QF
Phone: 01282 841422  Web: www.yorkshiredalesminingmuseum.com

5 Pendle Heritage Centre

An historic house, walled garden and museum. Park Hill, Barrowford, Nelson, Lancashire, BB9 6JQ
Phone: 01282 661701  Fax: 01282 611718   Web: www.htnw.co.uk

6 Pendle Witches Trail

The true story of the Pendle witches comes to life.
Phone: 01282 661981   Web: www.pendlelife.co.uk

7 The Pendle Witch Experience

Small group tours bring the Pendle Witches' history to life.
Phone: 01282 458759   Web: www.pendlewitchexperience.co.uk

8 Family Cycle Routes

A free booklet covering six great easy routes, three in the Pendle area. Available at Pendle's Tourist Information Centres or Phone: 01282 661981. Click here for more details.

9 Fireworks Fantasia

One of the North's premier family firework events - on November 5th, of course.
Phone: 01282 661981 Web: www.pendle.gov.uk

10 Foulridge Canal Cruises

With over 14 years operating the canal cruises and 30 years in the Tourism and Leisure industry, we can offer you some great canal cruises and all day group packages, and variations for our many returning customers. Need a guide for your day out? - we can arrange guided trips and many options. We want you to have a memorable trip and day out - we want you to come back to us and we have some great value packages with some great unique attractions! Pies can be included! Very popular family and group trips on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, in scenic and famous tunnel trips.
The Wharf, Foulridge, Colne, BB8 7PP
Phone: 01282 844033 Web: www.foulridgecanalcruises.com

11 Panopticon Trail

The Atom, Pendle's PanopticonThe Atom in Pendle is the first of a number of art installations throughout East Lancashire, a visionary scheme to create a unique series of 21st century landmarks across East Lancashire as symbols of the renaissance of the area. The unique, egg-shaped, bronze-coated Atom was designed by Peter Meacock and is located in Wycoller Country Park. It provides both a striking contemporary viewing point and shelter from which to enjoy the stunning surrounding landscape, and an intriguing and beautiful object which can be viewed from afar. For a self-guided walk at Wycoller try Peter Short's Panopticon Walk. Located on the Haworth Road Car Park in Wycoller Country Park.

12 Prestige Go-Karting - one of the North West's best tracks. Great thrills for all the family (min. height 4ft 3ins)
Phone: 01282 865675

13 Thornton Hall Farm

A working farm open to visitors. A great family owned attraction with demonstrations and tours. Set in 260 acres of stunning Craven & Pendle countryside, Thornton Hall Farm Country Park is a real working farm. With plenty of indoor attractions we provide a fun filled day out for all the family no matter what the weather! Demonstrations including hands-on activities and guided tours of the farm on our purpose built All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) known as the "Wizzick Farm Safari". New to 2008 - piggy wigs house of straw and tots play area. Purpose built viewing galleries give you a bird’s eye view of the cattle and lambing sheep in the indoor sheds. Ride on tractors, giant sandpit, Wizzick Caterpiller ride and Wizzick Slide provide hours of entertainment for children of all aThe paddocks are home to all manner of animals including rare breed cattle, sheep, llamas, pigs, wallaby, pygmy goats, deers, horses and a variety of poultry. Come and see us and find out all about animals, farming and the countryside in an entertaining and informative way.
Phone: 01282 841148   Web: www.thorntonhallcountrypark.co.uk
Access could not be easier as the farm is ideally situated just 5 minutes from both the A59 & A56.

14 Wavelengths Swimming Pool

Experience the thrill of riding a spectacular, roof-high flume with black hole hologram chute, traffic light entry, "splash landing", speed timer and speed mats all for one admission price! Pendle Wavelengths is the perfect day out with session ranging from aqua babes to over fifties - something for all the family guaranteed.

Facilities include a six-lane competition pool, attractive beach side diner, health suite and three horizontal fast tanning sunbeds. Admission allows you to stay all day and take advantage of the excellent facilities on offer.Nelson.  fun pool for all the family, with wave-maker, giant slide, six lane pool, etc, etc. Phone 01282 661717

15 Great walks in Pendle - see also the walks page of this site

The Pendle Way is a 45 mile circular walk in 8 sections passing through villages like Barnoldswick, Earby and Newchurch-in-Pendle. There are also 6 smaller circular walks along the route. Information about the Pendle Way is contained in a special information pack available from Nelson Tourist Information Centre. Phone: 01282 692890

15 Research Famous People From Pendle
1) Selina Cooper - a leading suffragette, she was one of only four women chosen to present a petition to Asquith in 1910. Her home is featured in The Weavers Walk - one of the Tacklers Trails available from Pendle's Tourist Information Centres.

2) The Quakers - It was on the top of Pendle Hill in 1652 that George Fox was inspired to set up the Society of Friends, or the Quaker Movement. Today many Quakers still make the pilgrimage to the top. So many Quakers crossed the river into Brierfield, with its many Quaker meeting rooms, that the bridge was called Quaker Bridge, a point of interest on one of Pendle's Six Circular Walks.

3) Katherine Bruce Glaiser - founder member of the Independent Labour party who lived from the 1920s to the 1950s in Glen Cottage in Earby. The cottage is now Earby Youth Hostel. The ILP set up a number of Clarion Houses in the country, but the only one still open is is in Roughlee.

4) Sir Jonas Moore - was born in Fence at Higher White Lee and was the inventor of Greenwich Mean Time, when he set up the Royal Observatory. His birthplace is one of the points of interest on
one of Pendle's Six Circular Walks.

15 Barnoldswick

Lovely, traditional, market town, whose size belies its profusion of events, including speciality markets, a hot-air balloon festival, town criers contest, and more.
Phone: 01282 666704

16 Barrowford

This charming village is an Aladdin's Cave of high quality niche shopping.

17 Boundary Mill

The country's largest mill store, with thousands of brand names in home and fashion. Tel: 01282 865229.

18 Junction 12

Converted mill with loads of discounts on quality goods. Tel: 01282 442424.

19 Nelson & Colne

Nelson has a reinvigorated indoor shopping centre. Both towns have indoor and outdoor markets. Look out for special events throughout the year, including continental markets. Tel. 01282 661240 (Nelson) and 661894 (Colne).

20 Empress Mills

Empress Mills has a high reputation in sewing and dressmaking circles throughout the UK. Tel. 01282 863181

21 East Lancs Towel Company

This is one of the last places in the country still to make towels. Tel. 01282 612193

22 Scenic Road Trails

Not one but three scenic road trails covering different themes, including "The Pendle Witches", "Brontes and Browsing" and "Boats and Beams". The Pendle Witch trail is a fascinating one going through the pretty villages of Barley, Roughlee and Downham, visiting the actual "haunts" of the witches. On The Bronte trail you can discover some of the amazing people of Colne, like Wallace Hartley, and find out the area's Bronte sisters connection. Stunning views, pubs with ghosts and unique industrial heritage attractions can be found on the "Boats and Beams" tour. Available from Pendle's Tourist Information Centres. Find more information here.

23 Colne "Muni"

A fantastic variety of acts can be seen at the area's most popular performance venue, from comedy to music. Tel: 01282 661234

24 Colne Restaurant Quarter

When visiting the "Muni", or even if no why not check out the quality and variety of restaurants here. Tel: 01282 661701

25 Great British Rhythm and Blues Festival

The biggest and best in the UK. Tel: 01282 661234

26 Hippodrome Theatre

Tours and performances featuring some of the best am-dram plays and musicals in the area. Tel: 01282 863210

27 Pendle Ale Trail

Leave the car at home on this bus trail (Pendle Wayfarer) and experience some of Lancashire's best Real Ales. Starting the Thursday after Easter Sunday and ends on the last Thursday in October. For more details call Nelson County Information Centre on 01282 698533.

28 Country Escapes Trails

There are many walking and cycling trails in Pendle, as well many countryside attractions and events. Copies of the routes are available from Pendle's Tourist Information Centres, or by calling 01282 661981. The publications are mostly free, though there is a small  charge for some of them.

1) Beating the Bounds - a nine mile circular walk starting from Victory Park in Barnoldswick. Traditionally the old parish boundary was "marked" by beating it with willow wands. The route guide contains a song which is meant to be sung at the highest point on the walk.

2) Grand Tour of Pendle Cycle Route - the cycling equivalent of the Pendle Way, this route takes in the whole of Pendle, mainly on country roads, and is quite hilly in parts.

3) Letcliffe Country Park - attractive hillside location with views to the Dales and start point of the walk up Weets Hill.

4) Pendle Letterbox Trail - designed by John Kirk in 2005, this trail takes in the unusual rock formations and moorland on Boulsworth Hill, and is possibly the only one in the North West! Letterboxes are hidden containers. A combination of map reading, orienteering and treasure hunting. A clue sheet to this fascinating trail is available by calling 01282 661981.

5) Pendle's Three Peaks - a booklet featuring the area's three main hills: Boulsworth, Weets and Pendle Hill itself. Try them separately, or for a challenge why not try all three in a day or over a weekend!

6) Pendle Way - a 45 mile walk around the area, split into eight sections. Some guesthouses provide a transport service.

7) Walks Around the Reservoirs - three walks designed by United Utilities and taking in the flora and fauna of a number of lovely woods.

8) West Craven Way - a new 24 mile route, split into two parts, covering some of Lancashire and North Yorkshire's most beautiful countryside. A number of Link Paths described in the guide mean that most of the route can be broken down into shorter circular walks. Some guesthouses provide a transport service.

9) Wycoller Country Park - many walking trails radiate out from this Country Park. Some cross Wycoller's seven historic bridges. The Bronte Way takes in the village of Wycoller, and the "Ferndean Manor" of Charlotte Bronte's "Jane Eyre". Visitor Centre and tea rooms. Tel: 01282 870253.

29 Nature reserves and wildlife

Get to grips with Pendle's wild side! Visit one of our Local Nature Reserves and you'll see some amazing plants and wildlife.

1) Alkincoates is located on the estate that once belonged to the Parker family who have been part of the area's history since 1349, the reserve includes areas of woodland, meadow, ponds and wetland. Visitors may be lucky enough to spot snipe, sedge warbler, reed bunting, and other important bird species like the tawny owl, bullfinch and grey heron. Wetland areas are home to frogs, newts, kingfishers. Also look out for toads and water voles, dragonflies and damselflies.

2) Greenfield was once the site of Greenfield Mill, a mill pond and water race. Evidence of the existence of these features can still be seen today. The reserve supports a range of habitats including woodland and grassland.

3) Lomeshaye Marsh is a mosaic of habitats, including ponds and swamp, grassland and riverside banks. Over 160 species of plant and 50 birds, many insects and amphibians.

4) Upper Baligrove Lodge - The Ferndean Way passes through the reserve and connects to the Pendle Way. The area has a good diversity of grassland species, including knapweed, greater bird's-foot-trefoil, marsh thistle, cuckoo flower and angelica. The south-facing slope also supports groups of trees and shrubs, including raspberry, rose, hawthorn and bramble.

5) Quarry Hill is located on the site of an old quarry. During the late 1800s shale was dug from the site to make bricks. Among the flowers you might expect to see at various times of the year are water avens, salad burnet, heather, evening primrose and yellow rattle. There are 17 species of bird including kestrels, tawny owls, woodpeckers and jays.

Separate leaflets on each nature reserve available on 01282 661981

30 West Craven

West Craven is a very special area within Pendle on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales. Barnoldswick, known locally with affection as Barlick, is the thriving hub of the area. A bustling market town, justly proud of its shops. The town's history dates back to Saxon times. In 1086 the hamlet of Bernulfeswick was featured in the Domesday book.

A number of local churches silently and beautifully express part of the area's history, notably St Mary's, with its lovingly restored water well, and St Mary-le-Ghyll. The church in the ghyll, with its idyllic setting, has a chancel dating from the 13th century, a tower dating from 1524, a Norman font, and 17th century pews. A church was originally built on this site by Cistercian monks, who went on to establish Fountains Abbey.

Handloom weaving dominated the area until the mid 19th century when steam power took over. A superb example of a steam-powered mill still exists ... Bancroft Mill has the country's only short-centre rope drive engine still in operation and brings history to life with its amazing Steam Days. The pretty village of Earby also has a fascinating and unique heritage attraction .... Earby Lead Mining Museum. Nearby are Lower Park Marina and Thornton Hall Farm. Hire a boat from the marina or explore a working farm with demonstrations. A great family day out. West Craven, like Pendle as a whole, has a wealth of walks and cycle rides. The Pennine Way and Pennine Bridleway go through the area.The West Craven Way explores the sheer beauty of the area, starting as it does from the historic Anchor Inn at Salterforth, with its unique collection of stalactites and stalagmites. Another very popular walk is a 9 mile circular called "Beating the Bounds". Alongside all these great places to walk and places to visit is a thriving events calendar, including a Town Criers Contest, a hot-air balloon festival, a number of street events, including specialist markets, and one of the biggest and best fireworks spectaculars for miles around.

One of the country's most famous socialist heroines, Katherine Bruce Glasier was a much loved West Craven personality. Described as the "Mother of the Independent Labour Party", by Keir Hardie himself, she tirelessly fought for the poor and impoverished. Her work made her famous in her own right, and she could count many prominent people as her friends, notably the writer George Bernard Shaw. She lived at Glen Cottage in Earby from 1920 until her death in 1950. The cottage, a unique "national landmark" to "Fighting Kate" is now a Youth Hostel, and possibly the only hostel owned by a Local Authority in the country.

A great list of restaurants in Lancashire for you to choose from.

More information on West Craven events and attractions is available from Barnoldswick Tourist Information Centre.