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
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
Lancashire has some of the best country walking in England, from short, gentle rambles to long distance treks allowing you to enjoy some of the best views and vistas the county has to offer.
A majestic Victorian manor house lovingly transformed into a traditional country house hotel.
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Date: 31st Oct 2026
Following the overwhelming response to last year's celebrated Two Wheels Good tour, Martin McAloon is hitting the road again this autumn - this time bringing Prefab Sprout's landmark album Steve McQueen to towns, cities and venues that the tour di...
Read MoreDate: 12th Nov 2026
BRUV. The break-out star of Taskmaster and Mr Bigstuff is only embarking on her first ever stand-up tour, isn’t she?! Fatiha’s ironed her swaggest hijab and she’s ready to hit the road to serve up her one-of-a-kind and award-winning stand-up.
Read MoreDate: 7th Nov 2026
From Seal to Frankie Goes to Hollywood, from ABC to Yes, from Grace Jones to Belle and Sebastian, and from Robbie Williams to Pet Shop Boys, one man has been at the heart of some of Britain’s most important pop music of the past 50 years: Trevor H...
Read MoreDate: 6th Nov 2026
Shakespeare hasn’t written anything new for an age, so we thought we would give him a hand...Using his language, your audience suggestions, and our overactive imaginations, ShakeItUp create a brand-new Shakespeare play live on stage.Pi...
Read MoreDate: 4th Nov 2026
Join us on a nostalgic journey down memory lane back to those good old days for an afternoon of uplifting songs, stories and laughter.Originally hosted by local comedian Don Banks and more recently by popular singer Glen South the mont...
Read MoreDate: 29th Oct 2026
The hour-long spooktacular is perfect entertainment for the October Half Term holidays, featuring family friendly characters, rib-tickling laughter, mind blowing magic, fang-tastic tricks & treats galore.Suitable for even the smallest...
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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