Rawtenstall and Crawshawbooth

Rawtenstall’s historic textile past is very much in evidence at every turn you take in the town. Ilex Mill dominates the area; a fine example of a 19th Century cotton mill now converted to luxury apartments. Row after row of stone, terraced houses, some back to back and some skilfully built on steep inclines with sharp angled roofs, criss-cross the town. 

If you are into industrial heritage you can steep yourself in history with a visit to the Weavers Cottage run by the Rossendale Civic Trust, visitors can dip into a bygone era with one of the finest examples of an 18^th century loom shop. Rossendale Museum is an intriguing museum housed within an early Victorian country house, set within tranquil Whitaker Park. Look out for the constantly changing exhibition programme and regular family events/activities.

East Lancashire Railway with stops at Irwell Vale, Ramsbottom, Summerseat, Bury and Heywood there are plenty of opportunities for travellers to stop off and explore. The railway really shines when it comes to staging events, especially the award winning 1940s Wartime Weekend or one of the many family fun days planned including, Diner Trains and Santa Specials. Just on the main roundabout near the Station, look out for the Bocholt Tree, where decorations on this sculpture sometimes mysteriously appear overnight.

Practice your swing at Pennine Lancashire’s new state-of-the-art Golf Rossendale Driving Range and Academy based at Marl Pits offering professional tuition, open 7 days a week and hosts golf summer schools, corporate hospitality and birthday parties.

Fitzpatrick’s on Bank Street is the last remaining temperance bar in Britain; sit back and relax and enjoy a nostalgic glass of Sarsaparilla or Blood Tonic. If you are ready for some lunch Do-Dahs Café Wine Bar, The Deli @ 89 Bank St and Café Artisan all serve tasty lunch-time snacks.

If you fancy a spot of shopping you can visit probably the friendliest market in world, Rawtenstall Market, and then work your way down Bank Street, and the neighbouring streets for some great independent retail outlets, Sunday Best is definitely one for the fashionista. Bolthole is perfect for that niche or quirky gift you seek or if its quality you seek, a visit to Lambert Mill Shop is a must. Two floors of high class items where you will find bespoke handmade upholstery, over 23 Pennine Lancashire local producers, Footwear Museum and Tea Room all under one roof.

There is a great selection of eateries on Bacup Road from pizzas and pasta at Nino’s, to tasty tapas at Casa Tapas and spicy curries at the Ashoka restaurants.

Crawshawbooth

Three kilometres up the Limy Water from Rawtenstall you will arrive at Crawshawbooth. If you are a hardened foodie it’s worth stopping off at Rileys Butchers, which is more than just a butchers, with a superb range of locally reared meats, cheeses and unique deli lines. The Corner Cafe is a perfect stop off to recharge and refresh, the menu offers yummy homemade cakes and daily specials. For more uniqueness visit the See Gallery in Crawshawbooth where unusual art by local artists are exhibited and up for sale.

More heritage awaits you in Crawshawbooth at the Friends Meeting House, one of the first Quaker meeting houses to be built in Lancashire, dating back to 1715, the place is steeped in history. Goodshaw Fold is a designated Conservation Area where you will find an old Baptist Chapel dating back to 1855.

Skirting the fringes of the Rossendale boundary you can try your hand at something new at Clowbridge Reservoir. It’s a RYA recognised teaching establishment for Dinghy Sailing and Windsurfing levels 1 and 2.

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