Things to Do in Burnley: The Top Attractions

Burnley is a town known for the importance it played during the industrial revolution, especially in the textile industry. Therefore, some of the activities and attractions in the town focus on its past. However, there is a lot more to enjoy and discover during your trip to the town, as there are plenty of things to do in Burnley to suit all ages. Here are just some of the things to do in Burnley during your visit.

Best Things to Do in Burnley

Visit Towneley Hall: One of the Best Things to Do in Burnley Overall

One of the best things to do in Burnley, Lancashire, is to visit Towneley Hall. It is a historic hall that is now an art gallery and museum with a focus on the town’s history. The hall is set in 180 hectares of parkland that you can also explore during your visit. It includes 24 acres of woodland, golf courses, playing fields, playgrounds, a working farm, and multiple walks. There are several entrances to the park, all of which lead to the hall. You can enjoy a bite to eat during your visit, as there is an on-site café that has received excellent reviews.

Climb Pendle Hill and Visit the Pendle Heritage Centre

Pendle Hill is one of the most iconic landmarks in Lancashire, and it is an important part of the county’s history. Therefore, climbing the hill is one of the best outdoor activities in Burnley. The hill lies in Pendle, just outside Burnley, and it is something you should not miss during your visit to Burnley. Climbing the hill is rewarding for lovers of the outdoors, as you can enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding scenery. However, it is the history of the hill which is fascinating, as it is where the famous Pendle witches met their end. To learn more about the Pendle witches and their trials, you should visit the Pendle Heritage Centre. There is also the option to take the Pendle Witch Experience Tour.

Go to the National Trust- Gawthorpe Hall

A notable building to include in your itinerary when visiting Burnley is the National Trust- Gawthorpe Hall. It is an Elizabethan country house that sits on the banks of the Calder River. The house is a Grade II listed building that was originally home to Robert Smythson but was rebuilt in the mid-19th century by architect Charles Barry, who is famous for designing the Houses of Parliament. A textile exhibition is the main attraction of the hall, and visitors can also explore the beautiful gardens.

Queen Street Mill Textile Museum: One of the Best Things to Do in Burnley to Learn About Local History

Burnley has a rich history and is particularly well known for the contributions it made during the Industrial Revolution. It is specifically associated with the textiles industry, and one of the best things to do in Burnley to learn about the role it played in textiles is at the Queen Street Mill Textile Museum. It is set in a Grade I listed former weaving mill in the Burnley suburb Harle Syke. There is both textile and weaving equipment in the exhibition, and visitors can see some of the machinery in operation.

Watch a Match a Turf Moor

Turf Moor is a football stadium and the home ground of Burnley Football Club. If you are lucky enough to be in the area when the team is playing a home game, get yourself tickets to watch the match. The passion of Burnley fans means the atmosphere is electric.

Spend Time at Thompson Park

Other than the park at Towneley Hall, Burnley’s largest and most visited park is Thompson Park. It is a formal Edwardian park that opened in 1930, and it is on the former grounds of Bank Hall, which is why the park is also known as Bank Top. The park features ornamental gardens, rose gardens, flower beds, Italian gardens, a paddling pool, a boating lake, and a playground

Visit the Weavers Triangle Visitor Centre

If you are interested in Burnley’s history and architecture, you should see the Weavers Triangle, an area on the western side of Burnley that consists of 19th-century buildings. The area centres around the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, and it is of historical interest due to the buildings that were formerly cotton mills. One of the buildings houses a visitor’s centre, where you can learn more about Burnley’s textile industry.

Watch a Performance at The Mechanics: One of the Best Things to Do in Burnley for Theatre-Lovers

Those who enjoy a trip to the theatre during a break away should watch a performance at The Mechanics. The theatre is in the former Mechanics Institute building in Burnley, Lancashire. Check out what is on before visiting the area and book your tickets in advance.

Enjoy an Educational Visit to Helmshore Mills Textile Museum

Further your knowledge of the textile industry in Lancashire at a visit to Helmshore Textile Museum, which is just outside Burnley in Helmshore. The museum consists of two mills by the River Ogden. While the Higher Mill was built for William Turner in 1796, the Turner family built Whitaker’s Mill in the 1820s. Currently, the museums are only open for three days a week between April and November.

Take the Kids to Air Unlimited Burnley: One of the Best Things to Do in Burnley with Kids

Air Unlimited Burnley is one of Burnley’s top attractions for families visiting the area with younger children. It is a children’s amusement centre with inflatable equipment, ball pools, and slides. There is also an on-site café where parents can enjoy a hot drink and something to eat while the kids play.

Bancroft Mill Engine Museum

The focus of Bancroft Mill Engine Museum is the industrial history of Burnley, and the exhibits include machinery from the former mills. When they host steam days, the museum has extra staff to educate visitors about the various exhibits. Visitors can also enjoy hot drinks and cake in the tearoom.

Have Fun at MFA Bowl Burnley

We visited MFA Bowl Burnley during a recent visit to Burnley when we stayed at The Oaks and The Palazzo Italian restaurant. There are the traditional bowling lanes, an amusement arcade, and a café selling fast food and snacks.

Splash Around at Pendle Wavelengths

Water lovers should include a visit to Pendle Wavelengths in their itinerary, as it is a fun activity for people of all ages. It is in nearby Nelson and boasts pools, a wave machine, slides, inflatables, a gym, an exercise studio, fitness classes, a thermal suite, and a café.

Stroll Around Scott Park

A pleasant place to enjoy a stroll in Burnley is Scott Park. It is a wonderful green space that feels like you are miles away from the town. In addition to the trees and playing fields, there are also tennis courts and a bowling green.

Race Around at Prestige Go Karting Colne: One of the Best Things to Do in Burnley with Teens

Those who visit Burnley with teens and need activities to keep them entertained during the trip should consider an afternoon at Prestige Go Karting Colne. As its name suggests, the attraction is in the nearby town of Colne.

Walk Along Burnley Way

If the weather is nice and you feel like taking a stroll, then consider a walk along Burnley Way. It is one of the best walks in the Burnley area, as it takes you along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal and the River Calder and through the stunning countryside surrounding the town. There are stone carvings to see along the way.

See the Singing Ringing Tree

An unusual visitor attraction to see while you are in Burnley is the Singing Ringing Tree. It is a wind-powered sound sculpture designed to look like a tree, and it is in the Pennine Hills range. The sculpture is in an elevated position that overlooks Burnley, Lancashire. The sculpture is one of four sculptures for the East Lancashire Environmental Arts Network.

Go to Marsden Park

Another fantastic park to visit is Marsden Park, as there are multiple features to enjoy. These include a small lake, a wooded stream, a fishpond, pseudo-Roman baths, gardens, sundials, sculptures, stonework, grassy areas, and footpaths.

Sample the Drinks at Moorhouse’s Brewery

If you are a beer lover, visit Moorhouse Brewery in Burnley, Lancashire. Not only can you sample the beers they make, but you can also take a tour of the facilities and learn about the production process. You will find the brewery on Accrington Road.

Visit Ightenhill Park

Ightenhill Park is one of the smaller parks in Burnley. It is in a nice location and is a pleasant space to visit at any time of the year. It has walkways, playing fields, outdoor gym equipment, and a children’s playground. Dogs are welcome at the park, and there is free parking.

See the Horses at HAPPA

If you are an animal lover or visiting Burnley with children, the Horses and Ponies Protection Association (HAPPA) is a top attraction to visit. Visitors can spend time with the horses and go for pony rides, watch horse races, participate in various events, and dine in the award-winning café on-site.

See a Film at Reel Cinemas Burnley

Looking for something to do on a rainy afternoon or evening during your visit? Check out what is on at Reel Cinemas Burnley. The schedule usually includes a range of films of different genres, and there are options for both adults and children.

Enjoy an Affordable Meal at Queen Victoria Brewers Fayre

Looking for an affordable place to eat while you are out enjoying things to do in Burnley? A budget and family-friendly option is Queen Victoria Brewers Fayre. It offers a menu of tasty pub classics with something to suit all tastes and a separate children’s menu. If you are dining as a family, the children can enjoy the play area and burn off some energy while waiting for their meals. Brewers Fayre is also an excellent option for eating between activities, as it is close to many of the town’s top attractions. Turf Moor, Burnley Youth Theatre, and Thompson Park are all within walking distance, so it is a convenient place to dine. You will find the restaurant on Queen Victoria Road.

Relax at The Woodland Spa

While some people love to explore the area when they visit a new location, others want to spend their break taking things at a slower pace and getting away from the stresses and strains of daily life. If you prefer a break where you can relax and unwind, then one of the best things to do in Burnley is to spend some time at The Woodland Spa. The spa is set within 100 acres of stunning countryside, and it offers a range of treatments and packages, including massage treatments, thermal experiences, and facials.

Admire the Artwork at Haworth Art Gallery

Haworth Art Gallery will be of particular interest to those interested in glasswork. It is home to the largest collection of Tiffany glass in Europe, with more than 140 pieces of work from the studio of Louis Comfort Tiffany, including glass tiles, samples, mosaics, and jewellery. The museum is set inside a Tudor-style house built in 1909 and is the former home of textile manufacturer William Haworth. It is set within nine acres of parkland you can explore during your visit. The museum is located just outside Burnley in nearby Accrington and is well worth the short drive. It is worth noting that there is a lovely café on-site where you can enjoy a pleasant lunch in beautiful surroundings.

Where Should I Stay in Burnley?

Those not just visiting Burnley for the day and needing accommodation will find a fantastic choice of bed and breakfasts or hotels in Burnley. Each of these has its own pros and cons, which means they will appeal to different tastes and suit different needs and budgets. Check out our article about the best hotels in Burnley to find somewhere to stay to meet your requirements.

Eating Out in Burnley

If you visit Burnley, you will likely want to eat out at some point during the day. While some attractions have on-site eateries, there are also plenty of other options in the town. To help you decide where to grab a bite to eat, you might like to take a look at some of our other articles, including:

• The Best Italian Restaurants in Burnley
• Burnley’s Best Vegetarian Restaurants

Do you live in Burnley, or have you visited the town recently? What do you recommend as the best things to do in Burnley? Add your recommendations to the comments section below to help our other readers.