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Whether it’s on the iconic floating visitor 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 the perfect place for a family day out.
Explore the flagship Lancashire Wildlife Trust nature reserve and you’ll see a wide variety of wildlife on offer. You can take a walk along the River Ribble, explore ancient woodlands and amble around 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 a wonderful eating establishment, Kestrel Kitchen. Kestrel Kitchen provides an indoor seating area for you to relax and recharge, with wonderful views over Meadow Lake.
The spectacular floating visitor village plays host to an interactive welcome centre and the Guild Wheel cycle path 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 received and each time you visit you’re helping to support vital conservation work that takes place on the reserve. Thank you for supporting your local wildlife trust.
Brockholes is a dog free zone.
| Ticket Type | Ticket Tariff |
|---|---|
| Free Admission | Free |
Parking charges apply unless otherwise stated. £5.00 all day parking.
These charges apply to all cars and minibuses every day, all day.
Coaches park for free.
| Summer (1 Apr 2025 - 31 Oct 2025) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Day | Times | |
| Monday - Sunday | 10:00 | - 17:00* |
| Winter (1 Nov 2025 - 31 Mar 2026) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Day | Times | |
| Monday - Sunday | 10:00 | - 16:00* |
* 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
Summer Xplorer at BrockholesExplore Brockholes, find the markers, complete the challenge and have fun together.
Brockholes Reserve TourJoin one of the guided walk leaders for a fascinating tour of Brockholes.
Pram Walk at BrockholesA brisk one hour walk around the nature reserve on pram friendly paths. 
Woodland Survival at BrockholesCan you survive in the woods? Test out your woodland survival skills at Brockholes this summer. 
Wedding Showcase at BrockholesJoin in at the floating visitor village as it is set up for a wedding, showcasing some wonderful local suppliers.
Pond Dipping at BrockholesWoodlands, meadows, ponds and lakes are home to a variety of species waiting to be discovered. 
Forest School Family Fun at BrockholesThis is a space and freedom to play, explore and connect with the natural environment.
Toddle Together at BrockholesA one hour walk around the reserve on buggy friendly paths. 
Wildlife Superheroes at BrockholesHave you got what it takes to become a superhero?
Stone Age Survival at BrockholesDiscover how early man lived and survived by learning how to light fires and master stone age crafts.
Enchanted Garden at BrockholesEnter into an enchanted garden where children can immerse themselves in the world of magical folk.
Brockholes Village FeteA weekend full of fun, nature and nostalgia.
Brockholes Family Bat WalkBat Walk Night will start with an introduction to these fascinating creatures before heading out.Brockholes Adult Only Bat WalkBat Walk Night will start with an introduction to these fascinating creatures before heading out.
Green Tourism Business Scheme (Gold) 2014
Partner of Visit Lancashire 2018
Marketing Campaign of the Year 2011
Conference/Meeting Venue Award 2013
Lancashire Tourism Awards Finalist 2017 - Large Visitor Attraction Award 2017
Lancashire Tourism Awards Finalist 2018 - Large Visitor Attraction Award 2018From 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.
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.
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