Attractions and Places To See around Darwen - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Darwen include a mix of historical landmarks, natural landscapes, and cultural sites. This market town in Lancashire is nestled near the West Pennine Moors, offering diverse outdoor exploration opportunities. The area features prominent industrial heritage, scenic woodlands, and reservoirs. It provides a variety of points of interest for visitors.
Best attractions and places to see around Darwen
- The most popular attractions is Darwen Tower (Jubilee Tower), a man-made monument that stands at 85 feet (26 m) on Darwen Hill, 1,220 feet (372 m) above sea level. Built in 1898, it offers panoramic views of the Lancashire landscape.
- Another must-see spot is Entwistle Reservoir, a lake offering an easy walk along its shores with wooded borders. Built in 1832, it was once the highest dam in England.
- Visitors also love Rivington Pike Tower, a historical viewpoint built in 1733. This Grade 2 listed tower offers superb views and was formerly used as a hunting lodge.
- Darwen is known for its historical landmarks, natural parks, and cultural sites. Visitors can explore industrial heritage, scenic woodlands, and local arts venues.
- The attractions around Darwen are appreciated by the komoot community, with 160 upvotes and 93 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 6, 2026
Winter Hill Summit and TV Mast
Highlight • Historical Site
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Rivington Pike Tower
Highlight • Viewpoint
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Darwen Tower (Jubilee Tower)
Highlight • Monument
It is a popular objective for hikers, which is fitting because it was also built to celebrate a victory in the local people's fight to gain access to the moorland. There's an internal staircase that allows walkers to climb the tower.
From the very top, the views are unsurprisingly stupendous. On a clear day, the mountains of the Lake District can be seen, as well as Morecambe Bay, Blackpool Tower, the Isle of Man and North Wales. Of course, closer at hand stretch the wild moorlands of the West Pennines.
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Entwistle Reservoir
Highlight • Lake
Records suggest it was built entirely of puddle clay with no distinct core. Earth dams usually have a waterproof cutoff under their earthworks designed to stop seepage under the dam but it is doubtful whether there was any such a cutoff at Entwistle. The reservoir has a rock-cut outlet tunnel driven through the valley side rather than a culvert or pipeline and a siphon draw-off pipe. The dam is 108 ft high and 110 metres long at the crest. The present overflow channel and valve tower were added by the Bolton Corporation Water Works who took over the reservoir in 1864.
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Pigeon Tower (Dovecote Tower), Rivington
Highlight • Historical Site
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Tips from the Community
Much of the path around the base is presently closed owing to maintenance works, so please be aware!
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The path around the reservoir is worthwhile. It's used by many runners and dog walkers. Unfortunately, the reservoir is currently low on water.
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I visited on a sunny day, it was warm at the bottom and very windy at the very top. The route was quite easy.
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A lovely, easy walk along reservoir shores, with wooded borders that look beautiful in autumn sunshine
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A grand, high-level cruise around the West Pennine Moors. The route follows long chunks of the Witton Weavers’ Way on good tracks so is suitable for a winter’s night. It can, however, get claggy in the woods. The bridleway signage is a lot more generous on the ground than the map would suggest, especially if you have an older map.
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Tower open at weekends, great view from the top despite missing landmark plaques!
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Rivington is a lovely place to get out for a walk - lots to see within a short distance and great to keep kids and adults entertained.
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Rivington Pike at 362m is a very popular summit for runners and walkers. The trails up through the terraced gardens are a lot of fun to run and you can extend the loop by taking in Winter Hill. Get up early or take a head torch and run in the evening to avoid the crowds although it's quite fun running up past them at any time. The tower was built in 1733 on the site of the ancient beacon. It was a hunting lodge but when restored none of the internal features where kept and the door and windows have been blocked.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of outdoor activities can I do around Darwen?
Darwen is surrounded by diverse landscapes perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. You can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and gravel biking. For specific routes, explore the easy hikes around Darwen, MTB trails, or gravel biking routes in the area.
Are there any family-friendly attractions or walks in Darwen?
Yes, Darwen offers several family-friendly options. Entwistle Reservoir provides an easy, scenic walk along its shores. Additionally, Sunnyhurst Wood and Bold Venture Park are excellent country parks with footpaths, playgrounds, and visitor centers, ideal for family outings and picnics.
Where can I find historical landmarks in Darwen?
Darwen has a rich industrial and local history. You can visit the iconic Darwen Tower (Jubilee Tower), built in 1898, which offers historical significance and panoramic views. The striking India Mill Chimney is a prominent industrial remnant, and the Darwen Heritage Centre in Holker House is dedicated to preserving the town's cotton mill history.
What are some natural beauty spots or parks to visit in Darwen?
Beyond the well-known Darwen Tower, you can explore the natural beauty of Sunnyhurst Wood, offering seven miles of footpaths and rich wildlife. Bold Venture Park features gardens, woodland paths, and a small lake. The town also borders the expansive West Pennine Moors, providing vast landscapes for exploration.
Are there any good viewpoints in the Darwen area?
Absolutely. The top of Darwen Tower (Jubilee Tower) provides stupendous panoramic views, including Blackpool Tower and Morecambe Bay on a clear day. Another excellent spot is Rivington Pike Tower, a historical viewpoint offering superb vistas of the surrounding landscape.
What is the best time of year to visit Darwen's attractions and for walks?
The best time to visit Darwen for walks and attractions is generally during the spring and summer months (April to September) when the weather is milder and the days are longer, making outdoor exploration more enjoyable. Autumn also offers beautiful scenery, especially around the reservoirs and woodlands like Entwistle Reservoir with its wooded borders.
Are there dog-friendly walks around Darwen?
Many of Darwen's natural areas and parks are dog-friendly. Sunnyhurst Wood and Bold Venture Park are popular choices for walks with dogs, offering extensive footpaths. The wider West Pennine Moors also provide ample space for dog walking, though it's always advisable to keep dogs on a lead near livestock or protected wildlife areas.
What cultural sites or entertainment venues does Darwen offer?
Darwen boasts the Darwen Library Theatre, which hosts a year-round program of theatre, music, comedy, and community arts. It's also one of the venues for the annual Darwen Live music festival. For local history, the Darwen Heritage Centre is a must-visit.
Are there any hidden gems or lesser-known spots in Darwen?
While not entirely hidden, Whitehall Park features a notable drinking fountain with an elaborate canopy, offering a charming historical detail. For a unique historical structure, the Pigeon Tower (Dovecote Tower) in Rivington, built by Lord Leverhulme, is an interesting site with historical significance and great views.
Where can I find information about Darwen's industrial heritage?
Darwen's industrial past is well-represented. The towering India Mill Chimney is a striking reminder of its textile manufacturing history. For a deeper dive, the Darwen Heritage Centre in Holker House is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the town's cotton mill heritage, including its architecture and stories from the past.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Darwen?
Visitors frequently praise the superb views from landmarks like Darwen Tower and Rivington Pike Tower. The easy walking trails around Entwistle Reservoir and the historical significance of the various monuments are also highly appreciated. Many enjoy the combination of natural beauty and accessible history.
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