The Best Things to Do in Blackburn, Lancashire

If you are lucky enough to spend some time in Balckburn, Lancashire, you will find plenty of things to see and do during your stay. There is something for everyone, regardless of their age or interests. So, what are some of Blackburn’s activities and attractions to enjoy? Here are some of the best things to do in Blackburn during your visit.

Visit Blackburn Museum & Art Gallery: One of the Best Things to Do in Blackburn Overall

The Blackburn Museum & Art Gallery is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in art, history, and culture. Established in 1874, the museum has a vast collection of artefacts, including local history, archaeology, and natural history. There is also an extensive art collection. Additionally, the museum hosts various events and activities throughout the year.

Spend Time at the Parks

Blackburn, Lancashire, has several beautiful parks perfect for outdoor leisure activities. Some of the top parks in the area include Corporation Park, Witton Country Park, Pleasington Playing Fields, and Blackburn Meadows Nature Reserve.

These parks offer a range of activities such as walking, running, cycling, picnicking, and wildlife spotting. Corporation Park is particularly popular with families due to its play areas, boating lake, and Victorian greenhouse. Witton Country Park is perfect for those who enjoy hiking, nature walks, and exploring the countryside.

Watch a Game at Ewood Park

For football fans, visiting Ewood Park is a must-do activity when in Blackburn. The stadium offers guided tours, providing visitors with a behind-the-scenes look at the ground and its facilities. The tour includes visiting the trophy room, the player’s lounge, and the dugout. Visitors can also visit the Blackburn Rovers club shop, which offers a range of merchandise and memorabilia.

Go to The Cannons and The Tank Toposcope

The Cannons is a historic landmark in Blackburn, Lancashire, located in the town centre. The French army originally used these two large cannons during the Napoleonic Wars, but they were captured by the British and brought to Blackburn as trophies. They have been displayed in the town since 1859 and are a popular visitor attraction.

Nearby The Cannons is the Tank Toposcope, a metal sculpture that offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. The sculpture was commissioned and designed in 1972 to commemorate the town’s textile industry. The Tank Toposcope is set on a hill overlooking the town and offers fantastic views of Blackburn and the surrounding countryside.

Visitors to Blackburn can easily visit both The Cannons and the Tank Toposcope in one trip, as they are located within walking distance of each other.

Take the Kids to Mrs Dowsons Farm Park: One of the Best Things to Do in Blackburn for Families

Mrs Dowsons Farm Park is a popular family attraction located in Blackburn, Lancashire. The farm park covers over 20 acres and offers a range of activities for visitors of all ages.

Some of the activities include animal feeding, tractor rides, outdoor play areas, and indoor play areas. Visitors can get up close and personal with a range of farm animals, including cows, pigs, sheep, and chickens. There is also a pet corner where visitors can meet rabbits, guinea pigs, and other small animals. The tractor rides take visitors on a tour of the farm, providing an opportunity to see the animals and the surrounding countryside.

For children, there are several outdoor play areas, including a sandpit, a zip line, and a climbing frame. There is also a large indoor play area, which is perfect for rainy days or when the weather is too cold to play outside. Mrs Dowsons Farm Park also has a café that serves a range of hot and cold food and drinks, including homemade cakes and sandwiches. The farm park is open all year round and is a popular destination for families looking for a fun day out in Blackburn.

Enjoy the Views from Darwen Tower

Darwen Tower is a historic landmark on the West Pennine Moors, near Blackburn in Lancashire. The tower was built in 1897 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s diamond jubilee and stands at 85 feet tall. It is a popular destination for hikers and walkers, offering fantastic views of the surrounding area from the top of the tower.

Visitors can hike to the top of the tower using a series of steps and ladders, which can be a challenging climb for some. However, the panoramic views of the surrounding countryside from the top are well worth the effort. On a clear day, visitors can see as far as Blackpool Tower and the Lake District.

In addition to the tower itself, the surrounding area is a popular destination for hikers and walkers, with several trails and paths to explore. There is also a nearby reservoir, which is a popular spot for fishing and birdwatching.

Darwen Tower is open to visitors all year round, and there is no admission fee to climb to the top. However, visitors should be aware that the tower can be closed in adverse weather conditions to ensure their safety.

Hike the Trails in the Surrounding Countryside: One of the Best Things to Do in Blackburn for Outdoor Enthusiasts

Blackburn, Lancashire, is surrounded by beautiful countryside, making it a great destination for hiking and exploring the great outdoors. One of the best-known and longest hikes in Blackburn is Witton Weavers Way. This 32-mile trail follows the course of the River Darwen and passes through picturesque countryside, quaint villages, and historic landmarks. Other great trails include:

• The Darwen Tower trail takes you to the top of Darwen Tower, offering panoramic views of the surrounding area from the top of the tower.
• Entwistle Reservoir is a circular trail that takes you around the scenic Entwistle Reservoir, passing through woodland and open countryside.
• Tockholes Plantation trail takes you through a beautiful woodland with stunning views of the surrounding area.
• Sunnyhurst Woods is a peaceful woodland that is perfect for a leisurely walk, with several trails to explore and plenty of wildlife to spot.
• Heapey Fold Lane takes you through the open countryside, with stunning views of the West Pennine Moors.

Visit Helmshore Mills Textile Museum

Have you heard of the Helmshore Mills Textile Museum? It’s a fascinating museum located in Helmshore, Lancashire, England, that showcases the history of the textile industry in the area. The museum is in two historic mills, Higher Mill and Whitaker’s Mill, both built in the early 1800s. Visitors can learn about the processes involved in textile production, see spinning and weaving demonstrations, and explore exhibits showcasing the tools and machinery used in the mills. It’s definitely worth a visit if you’re interested in the history of textiles or the Industrial Revolution.

Admire the Art at Haworth Art Gallery: One of the Best Things to Do in Blackburn for Art Lovers

Haworth Art Gallery is a beautiful gallery in Accrington, Lancashire, England, that showcases an impressive collection of art and artefacts. The gallery is housed in a magnificent Edwardian house and features a range of exhibits, including paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and glassware. One of the gallery’s highlights is the Tiffany glass collection, one of the largest in Europe. Visitors can also explore the gallery’s stunning gardens and enjoy a meal or a drink at the gallery’s cafe. If you’re a fan of art and history, the Haworth Art Gallery is worth a visit.

Have Fun at Planet Ice Blackburn Arena

A fun activity for the whole family is a visit to Planet Ice Blackburn Arena. It is a fantastic place to burn off some energy, have a laugh with friends or family, and learn new skills on the ice.

Visit Blackburn Cathedral

One of the most notable structures in Blackburn is Blackburn Cathedral, one of the city’s listed buildings. Those interested in architecture, history, or religion will love to see both the exterior and interior of the building. Visitors can attend a mass or look around the cathedral to admire the artwork, statues, windows, and artefacts.

See a Performance at King George’s Hall

There are several venues in Blackburn where you can see a performance, but one of the top establishments for the performing arts is King George’s Hall. There is a jam-packed calendar of events throughout the year, including dance, opera, music, drama, and stand-up performances.

Try Skiing: One of the Best Things to Do for Adventurous Visitors

Whether you have never taken to the slopes or are an experienced skier, you can enjoy a fun day out at Ski Rossendale. It is an outdoor dry slope venue in Rossendale, just outside Blackburn, that takes advantage of the area’s hilly landscape.

Spend Time in Nearby Towns and Cities

While in Blackburn, you should also explore the surrounding area, as there are some beautiful, fun, and interesting places to visit in Lancashire. Neighboring Darwen has some stunning countryside to explore, while Burnley boasts historic buildings like Towneley Hall. Other easily accessible locations include the seaside resort of Blackpool, the city of Preston, and historic Lancaster.

Dine in the Local Restaurants: The Best Things to Do in Blackburn for Foodies

If you are anything like us, dining out is an important part of the overall experience when visiting a new location. Fortunately, there are some amazing places to eat in Blackburn and the surrounding area. You might like to check out our articles about some of the best restaurants in Blackburn, including:

• Chinese restaurants
• Indian restaurants
• Italian restaurants

It is also worth considering trying the restaurants in neighbouring locations. For example, try some Preston or Burnley establishments.

Choose a Hotel to Meet Your Needs

Another element of a breakaway that makes all the difference to your experience is the place you stay. There are Blackburn hotels to suit all budgets, regardless of whether you have limited funds or want to splash out on something special. You can also choose to stay in modern hotels, establishments with lots of facilities, historic buildings, places with on-site restaurants, and self-catering apartments.