Darwen is a traditional Lancashire town set against the backdrop of the West Pennine Moors, with a strong connection to both industry and landscape. Its history as a mill town is still part of the town’s identity, even welcoming Mahatma Gandhi during his visit to Lancashire in 1931. Today, the town centre is home to a Victorian Market Hall dating back to 1871, where a mix of stalls offers everything from everyday essentials to local goods.
The surrounding countryside is a key part of what makes Darwen special, with routes leading out into open moorland and wooded valleys. Sunnyhurst Wood provides miles of well-marked paths, leading up to Darwen Tower, built to mark Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee and offering wide views across the area. Closer to town, spaces like Bold Venture Park and Whitehall Park offer easier walks, while golf courses, reservoirs and local spots to eat and stay add to what’s on offer around Darwen.
Find out more Darwen Town Centre
October is here and soon the weekends will be full of Halloween fun, but before the pumpkin picking and spooky stories take over, this weekend is easing you into the month gently.
A unique travelling museum showcasing remarkable works from the Government Art Collection is set to make a special stop in Darwen this summer.
Darwen Festival of Fun Returns for Sixth Year with Free Family Day of Live Entertainment, Markets and Street Food Darwen Market Square to host a full day of performances, workshops, artisan stalls on 29th August 2026
A majestic Victorian manor house lovingly transformed into a traditional country house hotel.
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Date: 11th Feb 2027
Orphaned...Oppressed...Unbreakable.Jane Eyre’s fight for freedom, happiness and a sense of belonging, blazes from the cruelty of her childhood to the creepy corridors of Thornfield Hall, where she discovers passion, dark secrets, and a...
Read MoreDate: 5th Mar 2028
He’s the singer/songwriter who wrote the tunes for the Britpop generation. Simon Fowler, frontman for Ocean Colour Scene, penned The Riverboat Song, The Circle, The Day We Caught The Train, Moseley Shoals and many, many more.Lining up...
Read MoreDate: 5th May 2027
An intimate evening of songs, stories and silliness in the company of Nik Kershaw.Nik Kershaw exploded onto the UK pop scene in 1984. A string of global hit singles including ‘Wouldn’t it Be Good’, ‘The Riddle’ and ‘I Won’t Let the Sun...
Read MoreDate: 25th Mar 2027
Ocean Colour Scene guitarist Steve Cradock is responsible for some of the most distinctive riffs of the past 30 years. The man who gave us signature riffs ignited The Riverboat Song and Hundred Mile High and helped propel OCS to double-platinum gl...
Read MoreDate: 4th Dec 2026
In 1969, the King didn’t just return - he exploded back onto the stage. After the world saw him reclaim his crown in the ’68 Comeback Special, Elvis Presley stormed into the brand-new International Hotel in Las Vegas for his legendary opening show...
Read MoreDate: 28th Nov 2026
THE HOUGHTON WEAVERS, The Northwest’s Premiere Comedy / Folk Group, have been entertaining folk for over 50 years! with their unique blend of popular folk music, humour and audience participation. With countless Television and Radio appearances un...
Read MoreDuration1 hour 30 mins
Distance2 miles
On a clear day the Isle of Man and the hills of North Wales can be seen from Darwen Tower. The Tower celebrates Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in 1897 and to many local people it also celebrated the freeing of Darwen Moor in the previous year.
Read MoreDuration1 hour 30 mins
Distance2 miles
This circular walk takes in some fantastic views of the surrounding countryside from Darwen Moors.
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