Whitworth

Whitworth is a popular, thriving town, nestled in the stunning foothills of the Pennines.  It is situated in the Rossendale Valley, right on the tip of the Lancashire boundary bordering Greater Manchester to the south, with West Yorkshire just over the easterly hills in Todmorden. 

The township of Whitworth is long and thin, consisting of the communities of Healey, Whitworth, Facit and Shawforth all linked by part of the great turnpike road built in the 18th century, now the A671. 

Whitworth has much to offer for lovers of The Great Outdoors - the town is surrounded by the rolling Pennine hills, providing amble walking opportunities, and located to the south of the town is Rossendale's only designated nature reserve, the beautiful Healey Dell.  The Whitworth Cycleway runs the entire length of the town, and Cowm Leisure offers a variety of off-road motor sport activities. 

No visit to Whitworth is complete without a walk around Cowm Reservoir , tucked away within beautiful countryside and offering a choice of watersports for the more adventurous.

Whitworth boasts a great historical tapestry - the town played a significant role in the former cotton industry, and relics of its industrial past can be found scattered across the town.  The Whitworth Square Conservation Area is a step into the past where you can find great food and drink rounds of St Bartholomew’s Church, a stunning Grade II listed building; you can even sit in the stocks! 

The Whitworth Historical Society and Museum has a huge collection of archive materials for anyone interested in the town’s illustrious past.

Whitworth hosts a number of events  throughout the year, including the Rushcart celebrations in September (one of only four remaining in the country), the Scarecrow Festival in June and the New Year’s Day Duck Race.  There are a number of bed and breakfasts within the town and close by providing the perfect base, and the town offers a wide variety of restaurants and pubs to suit all tastes.

Whitworth is also home to the wonderful Bluestone Brewery, producing and selling quality craft brewed, traditionally made beers. There is also the famous Fudge Factory , producing award-winning fudge and nougat.