If you live in Lancashire or you are visiting the area, you have probably heard of a town called Thornton. However, there are other locations in the world with that name. So, what are some of the other places called Thornton worldwide? Here is a look at some places called Thornton in Lancashire, elsewhere in the UK, Australia, the United States, and other locations.

Thornton in Lancashire

Marsh Mill in Thornton, Lancashire, one of the places called Thornton
Image credit:  Ian Taylor and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence

Thornton in Lancashire is a small town located in the northwest of England. It is a part of the Wyre district and lies on the River Wyre and along the coast of the Irish Sea between Blackpool and Fleetwood. The town has a rich history, with evidence of human activity dating back to the Bronze Age. In 1927, the town was joined with the neighbouring town of Cleveleys to become Thornton-Cleveleys, although many locals still see them as two distinct geographical locations. One of the most notable landmarks in Thornton is Marsh Mill (pictured). It is also home to several parks, a football stadium and training ground, various shops, and many excellent restaurants.

Other Places Called Thornton in England

There are many more places in England called Thornton. These include:

  • Thorntons in Yorkshire: There is a town called Thornton in the Middlesborough area of North Yorkshire, one in West Yorkshire and also one in the East Riding of Yorkshire. Multiple locations have Thornton as part of their name in North Yorkshire, including Thornton in Craven, Thornton in Lonsdale, Thornton-le-Beans, Thornton-le-Clay, Thornton-le-Dale, Thornton-le-Moor, Thornton-le-Street, Thornton Rust, Thornton Steward, and Thornton Watlass.
  • Thorntons in Lincolnshire: Another county with multiple places called Thornton or with the word as part of the name is Lincolnshire. It has the locations Thornton, Thornton Abbey, Thornton Curtis, and Thornton le Moor.
  • There are also places called Thornton in Buckinghamshire, Leicestershire, Merseyside, Pembrokeshire, and an electoral ward in London. Additionally, there are places called Thornton Heath in London, Thornton Hough in Merseyside, and Thornton-le-Moors in Cheshire.

Locations in Scotland Called Thornton

There is also one Thornton in Fife, Scotland, between the towns of Glenrothes and Kirkcaldy. The village has a population of around 2,000 people, and a notable landmark is its historic church, Thornton Parish Church, which dates back to the 12th century. Additionally, Thornton is home to a popular golf course, Thornton Golf Club, which offers stunning views over the Firth of Forth. The village is also near the Lomond Hills Regional Park.

Places Called Thornton in Australia

  • Thornton, New South Wales: Thornton is a small suburb in the Hunter Region of New South Wales, Australia. It is around 25 kilometres northwest of the city of Newcastle and is part of the City of Maitland local government area. The suburb is predominantly residential and has a population of around 4,000 people. Thornton is a popular base for visitors looking to explore the area due to its proximity to the Hunter Valley wine region.
  • Thornton, Queensland: You will find it in the Lockyer Valley Region.
  • Thornton, South Australia: A former town.
  • Thornton, Victoria: Thornton is a small rural locality in the Australian state of Victoria, located approximately 150 km northwest of Melbourne. It is in the Shire of Loddon and has a population of around 100 people. Thornton is known for its picturesque countryside, characterised by rolling hills, farmland, and natural bushland. The area is popular with visitors looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy a peaceful rural retreat.

Places Called Thornton in the United States

  • Thornton Creek: There is a stream in Seattle, Washington, called Thornton Creek.
  • Thornton, Arkansas: Thornton is a small town in Calhoun County, Arkansas. It’s a rural area of natural beauty offering various outdoor recreation opportunities. The town has a small population and a laid-back atmosphere. There are several parks and nature preserves in the area that offer hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting. The nearby Ouachita River is also a popular spot for kayaking and canoeing.
  • Thornton, California: A small unincorporated community in the Central Valley region of California in San Joaquin County, within driving distance of Sacramento. It is known for its agricultural industry, including vineyards and orchards. The town is near the Mokelumne River, which offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, including fishing, boating, and hiking. Thornton is also home to several wineries and tasting rooms where visitors can sample some of the region’s delicious wines.
  • Thornton, Colorado: A growing and vibrant city in Colorado. Thornton offers a variety of recreational activities, including parks, trails, and sports fields. The town is also home to several shopping centres, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
  • Thornton, Idaho: Thornton is a small town in Madison County, Idaho, United States. It has a population of around 400 people and offers scenic views and a peaceful atmosphere. Farmlands and mountains surround the town, making it a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy hiking, fishing, and camping. Despite its small size, Thornton has a strong sense of community and is home to several local businesses and organisations.
  • Thornton, Illinois: A village in Cook County, Illinois, United States, home to 2,300 people. It boasts many historic homes and Thorn Creek Nature Preserve.
  • Thornton, Iowa: A tiny town in Cerro Gordo County with a population of just over 400.

More American Towns Called Thornton

  • Thornton, Kentucky: A small unincorporated community in Letcher County with a population of around 500 people. It is famous for its scenic beauty, as it is in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, and lush forests and rolling hills surround the town.
  • Thornton, Mississippi: A town in Holmes County with around 400 people. It covers an area of approximately 1.7 square miles. The town offers rural beauty and a friendly community.
  • Thornton Township, Buffalo County, Nebraska: It has a population of just over 400, a peaceful atmosphere, and a friendly community. Beautiful countryside surrounds the town, so there are many outdoor activities.
  • Thornton, New Hampshire: Thornton is a town in Grafton County, New Hampshire, United States. It has a population of around 2,500. The town is famous for its scenic beauty, with the White Mountains to the north and the Pemigewasset River running through the centre.
  • Thornton, Pennsylvania: An unincorporated community in Thornbury Township, Pennsylvania.
  • Thornton, Rhode Island: A neighbourhood in Cranston on the Johnston Line.
  • Thornton, Texas: Thornton is a small town in Limestone County, Texas, United States. It has a population of around 526 people and an area of approximately 2.5 square miles. Notable places to visit include the Thornton Cemetery, the Thornton Volunteer Fire Department, and the Thornton Community Center.
  • Thornton, Wisconsin: It is in Shawano County, in the northeastern part of the state. The village has a population of around 400 and an area of approximately one square mile. Thornton is famous for its scenic location, and some notable places include the Thornton Town Hall, the Thornton Dam, and the Embarrass River Trail.

Settlements in New Zealand Called Thornton

  • Thornton, Bay of Plenty: Thornton is a small town located in the Bay of Plenty region of New Zealand. It is situated between Whakatane and Tauranga and is known for its beautiful natural scenery, including nearby beaches and forests. The town is home to a close-knit community and offers a peaceful and laid-back lifestyle for those who choose to live there. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, and other outdoor activities in the surrounding area or explore nearby attractions such as the Whakatane Kiwi Trust and Ohope Beach.
  • Thornton, Waikato: Thornton is a suburb of Hamilton in the North Island of New Zealand, in the Waikato region. It is situated approximately 15 kilometres southwest of Whakatane and is known for its beautiful scenery, including the Kaimai-Mamaku Forest Park and the Waihou River. Thornton is a great place to visit if you enjoy hiking, fishing, or simply taking in the area’s natural beauty.
  • Thornton Bay, Coromandel Peninsula: Thornton Bay is located on the beautiful Coromandel Peninsula, known for its stunning natural beauty and picturesque coastline. It’s a wonderful place to visit if you want to relax and unwind in a peaceful and tranquil setting. The bay offers plenty of opportunities for swimming, kayaking, and fishing, and several walking tracks in the area showcase the stunning views of the coastline. If you’re planning a trip to the Coromandel Peninsula, Thornton Bay is definitely worth a visit!

Other Locations Called Thornton Across the Globe

  • Thornton, Ontario, Canada: An unincorporated area of Tessa County, Ontario. It is 46 miles north of Toronto and home to fewer than 1,000 people.
  • Thornton, Cape Town, South Africa: A suburban area of Cape Town that lies adjacent to Pinelands, approximately six miles east of the city centre.

Do you know any other places called Thornton? Let us know in the comments below.