History and heritage is abundant in The Valley’s buildings and in the traditions still practiced throughout The Valley.
Its many museums exhibit The Valley’s industrial and cultural heritage in contemporary surroundings, offering excellent activities and facilities not normally associated with museums.
This museum is closed to the public. It is only open for pre-booked school visits. A place where pioneering innovations and ideas carved the way for Britain in the Industrial Revolution.
Looking around our two mills, discover how wool and cotton became yarn and unravel the stories of inspirational inventors, their magnificent machines and understand how their ideas revolutionised the world we live in today.
Set in the beautiful Whitaker Park in the Valley of Rossendale the museum displays interesting local history, paintings, and Victorian natural history collections and a very active contemporary art gallery. There’s also a wonderful cafe/restaurant. Keep your eye out for the fantastic Acoustic Nights.
There’s a wealth of industrial, religious, household and military artefacts collected and catalogued by local volunteers at the society.
The East Lancashire Railway is the North West’s premier heritage railway providing both steam and diesel journeys along a scenic 12-mile route.
As a “Large Visitor Attraction of the Year” winner, the railway has two real ale pubs, cafés, gift shop and museum. Experience the luxury on-board dining, real ale trails, ‘drive a train’ course and photography days.
Open: Tuesday 7.30pm–9.30pm,
Saturday 2pm–4pm.
The display rooms have masses of exhibits, mainly donated by local people. In addition they have an extensive library of documents relating to Whitworth, and a large collection of photographs from the past. A visit to the museum gives an insight into the history of life in the Valley of Rossendale. It also has a programme of monthly lectures, held on first Wednesday of each month between September and June. Admission is free.
Steep yourself into industrial heritage history and dip into a bygone era with one of the finest examples of an 18th century loom shop, complete with Victorian kitchen, a clog shop, working “tippler toilets” and a tea room. Knowledgeable volunteers are always at hand to enhance the rich local heritage.
Our antique centre is situated on the edge of the Valley of Rossendale. The listed building is former St. Stephens Church and has over 35 dealers in antiques, collectables, contemporary ceramic art, antique furniture, clocks, watches, jewellery, militaria, paintings and books. Interested in buying quality items. We buy single items, collections or complete house contents.
