A historic market town hugged by wondrous wilderness and urban hubs, Chorley in Lancashire is a darling destination for year-round retreats. The perfect place for lovers of the great outdoors, it boasts a plethora of parks and woodlands that encourage days in the wild. Complemented by historic sites, intriguing landmarks, and an array of attractions, there are plenty of places to visit (and dine) in Chorley for dreamy escapes.
To uncover some of Chorley’s most captivating beauty spots and unmissable sights, peruse our curated guide for a Lancashire love story to cherish…
Anglezarke Moor
The landscape around the parish of Anglezarke near Chorley is woven with wilderness. Swathed in uninterrupted moorland and home to the largest of the Rivington reservoir chain, it promises spellbinding adventures for those seeking hours immersed in nature. To uncover some of the area’s most bewitching sights, hike your way to the top of Great Hill where reaching vistas unravel across Chorley, Darwen, and beyond. Nearby, you can also walk to Round Loaf, the site of a late-Neolithic or Bronze Age tumulus. Elsewhere, Anglezarke Reservoir is part of the 30-mile Anglezarke Loop and beckons for waterside wanderings. Ideal for exploration on clement days, it is encompassed by magical woodland and interlaced with countless countryside trails.
Chorley Golf Course
Chorley Golf Course resides within 127 acres of moorland and reveals soul-stirring views as far as the South Lakes in one direction and North Wales in the other. Welcoming golfers since 1897, it is one of the best places to visit in Chorley for putting pursuits and is renowned for being one of the finest courses in the region. Step onto the fairway and challenge your skills across the 6,284-yard, 18-hole course. To polish your swing, you can also make the most of the club’s virtual practice play system and tuition offerings, as well as visit the onsite shop. Events are held throughout the year and refreshments are served in the Clubhouse.
Astley Park
Astley Park is a delightful destination close to the market town of Chorley. Within the 100-acre grounds, a 16th-century, Grade I listed manor takes pride of place, surrounded by historic buildings, walled gardens, and landscaped parkland. Step back in time with a tour of the house, where 400 years of history await to be uncovered. With grand receptions adorned in tapestries and tableaus and rooms dressed with the finest English oak and rare painted panelling, every turn reveals something to admire. For alfresco forays, venture into the grounds to find weaving pathways, children’s play areas, and plenty of quiet corners to sit and absorb the timeless atmosphere.
Brindle Distillery
The home of the Cuckoo Gin, Brindle Distillery at the family-run Holmes Farm is an unmissable attraction near Chorley. For lovers of slow moments and sloe gins, this is the perfect place to visit to enjoy an artisan pairing. For the full experience, head over to Brindle Distillery for a guided distillery tour or a bespoke experience, such as gin tastings, workshops, and cocktail masterclasses. You can also relax in the distillery bar, where Brindle’s specialist spirits are served as part of your tipple of choice. Adding to the sense of occasion are an array of events taking place throughout the year.
Chorley Theatre
For an evening of entertainment, turn your attention to Chorley Theatre. Starting life as an electric cinema in 1910, the space developed into a dynamic arts venue over the years and, since 1960, has become the home of Chorley’s talented amdram society. Peruse the programme of upcoming events, anticipating a line-up of comedy, music, theatre, and silver screen productions. Whatever your genre, you’re sure to find something to pique your interest and capture your imagination with live performances and cinema spectaculars.
Yarrow Valley Country Park
Covering over 700 acres of luscious verdure, Yarrow Valley Country Park is an idyllic spot for outdoor escapes. First established in 1987, the park was originally created around an industrial backbone and commercial production, from dyeing and printing to mining. After sensitive restoration, the area has been repletely reclaimed by nature and is a haven for flora and fauna, home to 14 biological heritage sites. Fall in love with its sylvan realms and wander through its mature ancient treescapes, past restored mill lodges and following waterside footpaths. With a peppering of picnic sites and a visitor centre onsite, you can seek year-round exploration amongst the heavenly scenery.
Rivington
The village of Rivington in Chorley and its surrounds make for an enticing destination for sojourns in all seasons. Entwining a number of beauty spots and attractions, it is beloved for its wooded scenery, stunning gardens, historic ruins, and wealth of nature trails. Particularly enchanting, Rivington Terraced Gardens are regarded as one of the most spellbinding ‘lost gardens’ in the UK and one of the best-kept secrets in the north – just perfect for escaping the everyday with tranquil moments ensconced in natural beauty. For those seeking adrenaline adventures, Go Ape Rivington tempts with treetop walkways. Meanwhile, the 13th-century remains of a replica of Liverpool Castle also captivate wanderers during relaxed rambles. For breathtaking panoramas, Rivington Pike is a must.
The Bee Centre
The multi-award-winning Bee Centre offers visitors a uniquely immersive experience into the sweet world of honeybees. Situated on Sandy Lane in Chorley, it operates as a conservation centre, educational facility, and welcoming attraction, and delivers a range of activities and courses. Should you like to find out more about the vital role bees play in supporting our ecosystem, head over to the centre and learn from the experts. For a novel twist, you can try a hands-on beekeeping exercise which lasts for around 90 minutes and provides beekeepers-to-be the opportunity to don suits and lift the lid on beehives. Of course, you can also savour the chance to sample some of the centre’s delicious honey, known for its numerous health benefits.
Forest of Bowland
A short distance from Chorley lies the spectacular Forest of Bowland. An enthralling National Landscape, it comprises a patchwork of fells, lakes, rivers and valleys, all parcelled into one glorious setting. As well as its charming scenery begetting exploration by day, the Forest of Bowland is also adored for its low levels of light pollution, making it one of the best places in the country to stargaze under the vast cosmos. Adorn cosy layers and head out into its 300 square miles of Eden-esque countryside, ready to enjoy days of walking, cycling and following fairytale pursuits. By night, return with thick blankets and flasks of something warming and turn your attention skyward, absorbing the endless wonders of the night sky above.
Darwen Tower
Darwen Tower, otherwise known as Jubilee Tower, is a striking monument above Darwen town that was built to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria. Presiding over its hilltop crown since 1897, its construction also coincided with the passing of a local right-to-roam law, setting the foundations for over a century of storybook strolls and wanderlust whimsies. Whisk away to the countryside and walk to the top of Darwen Hill to reach the foot of the tower, admiring the views that extend for miles as you go. Among the network of paths to follow, you can choose from two different 2-mile routes to the northwest and southeast of the tower, as well as a longer 6-mile circular walk starting in Sunnyhurst Wood.
Roddlesworth Woods
For the lovers of woodland wonder, venture to Roddlesworth Wood. Set between the market town of Chorley, Anglezarke Moor, and Darwen Tower, this adumbral pocket of paradise is just perfect for immersing in mindful moments to reset life balance, from peaceful promenades to serene forest bathing. Follow the well-defined footpaths that meander through the trees and look out for hidden highlights such as the River Roddlesworth, Roddlesworth Reservoir, Halliwell Fold Bridge and Waterfall, and the remains of a historic farmstead, Higher Garstangs. From the bluebells of spring to the rich auburn hues of autumn, an ever-changing tapestry provides endless inspiration throughout the year.
WWT Martin Mere
The Wildlife and Wetlands Trust’s Martin Mere is an important sanctuary supporting diverse habitats and fragile ecosystems, from regal bitterns and marsh harriers to delicate orange-tip butterflies. Promising mesmeric encounters with the natural world, this 600-acre site is an unrivalled place to embrace a slower pace and connect with life outdoors. To familiarise yourself, head to the visitor centre to learn about the work of the reserve and find out about the varied programme. As well as bird observatories and self-led walks, you can also make the most of canoe safaris and boat tours, wildlife talks and feeding, a replica Saxon tun, adventure play areas for children, and much more.
Gawthorpe Hall
Brought to life by the designer of the Houses of Parliament, Sir Charles Barry, Gawthorpe Hall is an enchanting place to visit and the last stop on The Brontë Way long-distance trail. An Elizabethan country house residing within a 40-acre riverside estate, it was originally built in the 17th century before being redesigned in the 1850s by Barry and fellow architect designer, A.W.N Pulgin. Now looked after by the National Trust, it beckons for resplendent reveries following corridors dressed in portraits and porcelain and floral pathways garlanded with seasonal blooms. Inside the house, uncover one of the UK’s largest collections of National Portrait Gallery artworks, as well as stunning textiles and ornate period furnishings. Outside, explore the formal gardens, woodlands, and natural play areas and absorb the charming ambience.
Feeling inspired for a storybook staycation? Uncover our collection of luxury cottages in Lancashire.
