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Brockholes Nature Reserve

Type:Nature Reserve

Off junction 31 of the M6, Preston New Road, Samlesbury, Preston, Lancashire, PR5 0AG

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1569 reviews1569 reviews

Tel: 01772 872 000

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Brockholes Nature Reserve

Whether it’s on the iconic floating isitor village or on the 250 acre nature reserve, Brockholes is full of nature moments just waiting for you to find.  Located just off the M6, Brockholes is perfect for a family day out.

Explore the flagship, Lancashire Wildlife Trust nature reserve and you’ll see the wide variety of wildlife on offer.  You can take a walk along the River Ribble, explore the ancient woodland and amble around the lakes while spotting a huge array of wildlife all year round. 

There’s hides, paths and viewing points that have been specifically designed to allow you to get closer to nature and wildlife without disturbing it.

Brockholes Nature Reserve is home to two eating establishments, Kestrel Kitchen and Peckish.  Kestrel Kitchen provides an indoor seating area for you to relax and recharge.  Or if you prefer dining al fresco, Peckish, which is dedicated to Lancashire street food, provides an outdoor seating area for you to enjoy your refreshments with some truly spectacular views.

The spectacular floating visitor village plays host to an interactive welcome centre, a shop and the Guild Wheel cycle path which runs right through the nature reserve.  So why not hop on your bike and pop down for a pit stop?  There are plenty of bike racks and a huge car park for visitors from further afield.

Brockholes is owned and managed by the Lancashire Wildlife Trust.   No direct government funding is recieved and each time you visit you’re helping to support vital conservation work on the reserve.  Thank you for supporting your local wildlife trust.

Parking charge applies unless otherwise stated at £5.00 all day.

Brockholes is a dog free zone. 

Book Tickets

Prices

Ticket TypeTicket Tariff
Free AdmissionFree

Car parking charges:

£5 all day parking.

These charges apply to all cars and minibuses every day, all day. Coaches are free.

Opening Times

Winter (1 Nov 2023 - 31 Mar 2024)
DayTimes
Monday - Sunday10:00 - 16:00*
Summer (1 Apr 2024 - 31 Oct 2024)
DayTimes
Monday - Sunday10:00 - 17:00*

* The gates to the reserve are open from 6:00 - 21:00 April to October and 6:00 - 19:00 November to March.

Dates and times marked with a '*' are provisional and may be subject to change

Events

Thursday, 21st March 2024 - Thursday, 21st March 2024

Thursday, 28th March 2024 - Thursday, 28th March 2024

Pram Walk at Brockholes Nature ReserveA brisk one hour walk around the nature reserve on pram friendly paths.  A great way to get out in the fresh air.
more info

Friday, 22nd March 2024 - Friday, 22nd March 2024

Nature Tots at Brockholes Nature ReserveEach session has a different theme and activities include nature art, story time, bug hunts, games, crafts and much more.
more info

Friday, 5th April 2024 - Friday, 5th April 2024

Thursday, 29th August 2024 - Thursday, 29th August 2024

Brockholes Family Bat WalkBat Walk Night will start with an introduction to these fascinating creatures and the equipment used to detect them, before heading out on the reserve for a walk to see if the bats are out and about.
more info

Tuesday, 9th April 2024 - Tuesday, 9th April 2024

Tuesday, 27th August 2024 - Tuesday, 27th August 2024

Brockholes Adult Only Bat WalkBat Walk Night will start with an introduction to these fascinating creatures and the equipment used to detect them before heading out on the reserve for a walk to see if the bats are out and about
more info

Sunday, 21st July 2024 - Sunday, 21st July 2024

As You Like It: Outdoor Theatre at Brockholes Nature ReserveRosalind, the daughter of a banished duke, falls in love with Orlando. 
more info

Sunday, 25th August 2024 - Sunday, 25th August 2024

Angelica Sprockets Pockets: Outdoor Theatre at Brockholes Nature ReservePrepare to be surprised, thrilled and tickled pink by Angelica Sprocket's never-ending pockets, and the marvellous things she keeps in them.
more info

Thursday, 17th October 2024 - Thursday, 17th October 2024

Thursday, 21st November 2024 - Thursday, 21st November 2024

Thursday, 19th December 2024 - Thursday, 19th December 2024

Thursday, 16th January 2025 - Thursday, 16th January 2025

Thursday, 20th March 2025 - Thursday, 20th March 2025

Skies and Pies with the StarsmithSkies and Pies with the StarsmithJoin an exciting talk by local astro photographer, Lee Hunt.
more info

Gradings

  • VAQAS VB Attraction
VAQAS VB Attraction

Awards

  • Green AwardsGreen Tourism Business Scheme (Gold) Green Tourism Business Scheme (Gold) 2014
  • Sub-Regional AwardsPartner of Visit Lancashire Partner of Visit Lancashire 2018
  • Sub-Regional AwardsMarketing Campaign of the Year Marketing Campaign of the Year 2011
  • Sub-Regional AwardsConference/Meeting Venue Award Conference/Meeting Venue Award 2013
  • Sub-Regional AwardsLancashire Tourism Awards Finalist 2017 - Large Visitor Attraction Award Lancashire Tourism Awards Finalist 2017 - Large Visitor Attraction Award 2017
  • Sub-Regional AwardsLancashire Tourism Awards Finalist 2018 - Large Visitor Attraction Award Lancashire Tourism Awards Finalist 2018 - Large Visitor Attraction Award 2018

Directions

Road Directions

From Preston: At the roundabout of the M6 J31and A59 go straight over under the motorway signed A59 to Blackburn. Stay in the left hand lane. Just before the traffic lights, take the FIRST exit signed 'Brockholes Nature Reserve' heading north over the river (adjacent to the off-ramp slip road). Follow this road left, round doubling back and under the slip road bridge to the site entrance. From M6 North bound: As you come off the motorway get in the middle lane. At the roundabout turn right, signed A59 to Blackburn. Stay in the left hand lane. Just before the traffic lights, take the FIRST exit signed 'Brockholes Nature Reserve' heading north over the river (adjacent to the off-ramp slip road). Follow this road left, round doubling back and under the slip road bridge to the site entrance. From Samlesbury and south-bound off the M6: From Samlesbury - At the roundabout of the M6 J31and A59 you need to go all the way round the double roundabout as if you where going to head back along the A59 towards Samlesbury. As you come round the roundabout past the Tickle Trout Service Station stay in the left hand lane. Just before the traffic lights, take the FIRST exit signed 'Brockholes Nature Reserve' heading north over the river (adjacent to the off-ramp slip road). Follow this road left, round doubling back and under the slip road bridge to the site entrance. From M6 southbound: As you come off the motorway turn right at the roundabout towards Preston. Stay in the right hand lane and continue around the roundabout, As you come round the roundabout past the Tickle Trout Service Station stay in the left hand lane. Just before the traffic lights, take the FIRST exit signed 'Brockholes Nature Reserve' heading north over the river (adjacent to the off-ramp slip road). Follow this road left, round doubling back and under the slip road bridge to the site entrance.

Public Transport Directions

Bus: Take the No. 59 Bus from Preston Bus station. Alight the bus at the Tickled Trout Hotel. From the bus stop walk towards the bridge where traffic is easier to see, cross over and turn LEFT to the end of the bridge. There is a farm road to the right, follow this short road to a metal gate, passing a sign for Brockholes Wood. Cross over the style at the side of the gate. Follow the metal fence on your right to the next gate and at the left side of the gate there is a gap onto a rough roadway. Remain on this roadway to the end the boundary is marked by another metal gate. To the right of the gate there is a style marked Ribblesway go over the style and turn left and you will see the next style to cross. Keep to the right and follow the wooden fence under the motorway bridges, and as the road bends you will see the entrance to Brockholes. This walk is not suitable for pushchairs or anyone that cannot climb a style. During the walk there is a possibility of seeing several species of birds and insects due to the close proximity of the river and the woods. By train: The nearest railway station to Brockholes is Preston.

Facilities

Other

  • Toilets

Catering

  • Café
  • Picnics available

Children & Infants

  • Baby Bottle and Food Warming Facilities Available

Establishment Features

  • Conference Facilities

Parking & Transport

  • Car Parking
  • On site parking
  • Parking (charge)

Payment Methods

  • MasterCard accepted
  • Switch accepted
  • Visa accepted

Provider Preferences

  • In town/city centre

Specialist Features

  • Aim to Attract Conferences & Business meetings

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      • The Building of Brockholes Floating Visitor Village

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