Rossendale offers a different kind of Lancashire day out, shaped by a network of towns and villages rather than a single centre. Places like Rawtenstall, Bacup, Whitworth and Haslingden each bring their own character, creating what locals simply call “The Valley”. Its industrial past is still visible in mills, heritage sites and local traditions, with museums and events helping to tell the story—including well-known fixtures like the World Gravy Wrestling Championships.
The landscape plays just as big a part, with a patchwork of hills, trails and open spaces linking the Valley together. Walking, cycling and riding routes are easy to pick up, while those looking for something more active can try everything from mountain biking to skiing at The Hill at Ski Rossendale. Independent shops, local makers and places to eat are dotted throughout the towns, giving you plenty of reasons to stop off as you explore each corner of this varied and distinctive part of East Lancashire.
Find out more Rossendale Borough Council
Another great weekend of fun awaits in Lancashire this week! From celebrating the 1940s to the heritage of one of Lancashire's most famous fishing ports, through to monsters and fire feasts, there is something for everyone
Looking to treat yourself or someone you love to afternoon tea? Lancashire has so many great options, including a number of experiences that really up the ante when it comes to making your afternoon tea extra special.
Horse + Bamboo is a multi-arts community venue, situated in the heart of Waterfoot, Rossendale.
Read MoreYou will find fresh produce, butchers, fishmongers, traditional deli, Italian deli, fresh coffee and cakes, as well as Africa Al's handmade African sauces. Pet food and goods are also available.
Read MoreRossendale's Panopticon, 'Halo', is an 18m-diameter steel lattice structure supported on a tripod five metres above the ground.
Read MoreThe East Lancashire Railway provides a memorable and quirky wedding experience, with a wide range of options and locations from receptions aboard dining trains and the luxury Observation Saloon to photo opportunities on the footplate.
Read MoreNestled deep in the heart of the Irwell Valley, the East Lancashire Railway spans 12 miles of beautiful Lancastrian scenery and over a century of rich history.
Read MoreThe industrial heritage of the north west is brought to life before your very eyes.
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Date: 13th Sept 2026
For Heritage Open Day 2026, join our Curator for a talk informed by our archive selection of contact magazines, bringing them out into the spotlight. Produced by David Whitehead & Sons, this in-house publication offers a fascinating glimpse into t...
Read MoreDate: 15th Oct 2026
Join Alex Bevan and Hannah Singleton for two talks which explore the ways the trial and executions of the Pendle Witches are remembered through tourism, souvenirs, and artworks in the Lancashire landscape. Since the 1612 execution of the ten accus...
Read MoreDate: 8th Oct 2026
A Church through Time. A social history of Valley village life told through the characters and stories of the people of Helmshore's parish church. Join us for 175 years of whip rounds, Rose Queens, parades, pulling together and falling apart. St T...
Read MoreDate: 1st Oct 2026
In this session, you'll be painting clay figurines and creating wire sculptures inspired by the artworks in our Sculpture Garden. You'll explore colour, shape, and texture as you bring the figurines to life with paint, and experiment with bending...
Read MoreDate: 22nd Oct 2026
An honest, practical artist support talk about what happens after art school: finding opportunities, getting paid, building confidence, meeting people and keeping your practice alive when the structure disappears. No gatekeeping or hustle mytholog...
Read MoreDate: 13th Aug 2026
Join us for an engaging heritage talk exploring the history of leisure: from fairs, ftes, and music halls to early cinemas, sports, and seaside escapes.Discover how free time has evolved over the centuries and what pastimes can reveal...
Read MoreDistance8 miles
Lee Quarry is the first of Rossendale’s purpose built mountain bike venues.
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