Part of the lush green Rossendale Valley, Rawtenstall is a Lancashire market town that boasts independent bars and restaurants, a thriving market, vintage railway, historic cobbled streets and dramatic valley views.
Situated at the bottom of the M66, this well preserved former mill town is surrounded by spectacular wild moorlands and miles of footpaths across the Pennine hills and is only 18 miles from Manchester City Centre.
Known for its significant role in Lancashire’s cotton industry, evidence of the region’s industrial past is celebrated at the nearby Helmshore Mills Textile Museum through a multi-sensory, immersive experience of working machinery and real life stories.
The Whitaker Museum and Art Gallery, which has recently enjoyed a £2.2m refurbishment and was gifted to the people of Rossendale 120 years ago. This small museum is free to enter, has a charming café and houses a number of permanent collections and visiting exhibitions from internationally renowned artists and craftspeople. The Cabinet of Curiosities in particular is a fascinating visit for explorers of all ages and interests.
Rawtenstall sits at the end of the 12-mile vintage steam line and with seven stations to visit, you could certainly make a day of exploring the local area via the historic, East Lancashire Railway. Look out for include themed nights, Sunday lunches, afternoon teas, Santa Specials, Thomas the Tank Engine events, and gin and wine tasting nights – a fantastic alternative to a birthday celebration or trip out with friends.
If you prefer a little more speed, take a trip to The Hill, Rawtenstall’s dry ski slope which has been entertaining local families since 1973. Boasting beautiful views across the valley, families and friends can ski and snowboard, and book fun tube runs, the 105 airsoft shooting range and warm up in the on-site café.
When looking for a spot of lunch, plan your trip around the town’s historical market – now a thriving hub for foodies. Established in 1906, this artisan market is a partially covered outdoor marketplace, open on Thursdays and Saturdays between 9am – 4pm, for food, drink, crafts and gifts and has a regular food extravaganza, ‘Foodie Friday’.
Step back in time for a refreshing, non-alcoholic tonic at Mr Fitzpatrick’s – Britain’s Last Temperance Bar. Located on Bank Street and still producing vintage drinks such as Dandelion and Burdock, and Gooseberry and Elderflower, this historic temperance bar dates back to 1899 and a movement that aimed to address widespread alcoholism during the industrial revolution.
If you’re feeling particularly active, you must hike up the beautiful Rossendale hills for spectacular views across the valley. There are a number of trails to follow including the Irwell Sculpture Trail, which is the largest public art scheme in England. Featuring 28 art pieces, four of those sit within Rawtenstall including an eerie, multi-sensory installation – the whispering wall.
The Pennine Bridleway and The Rossendale Way also pass through the area – the latter being a high-level 40 mile route around Bacup, Rawtenstall, Haslingden and Whitworth. Classed as a challenging trail, you will definitely need your waterproofs and walking boots for this one but will be rewarded with fantastic, wild vistas across the Rossendale Valley.
Cosy up in a traditional pub or hit the town in one of Rawtenstall’s independent bars – with delicious food, friendly service and beautiful green valley views.
Photos: Rossendale landscape by Karol Wyszynski, Haslingden Halo by Adam Taylor