It's Friday, the week's finally done, and someone in the house asks the usual question: "So what are we doing this weekend?" If your answer is normally a shrug and another trip round the shops, this list is for you.
Blackburn and Darwen have far more going on than people give them credit for. There are Victorian parks, moorland with views to the sea, a free museum full of surprises, and plenty of great places to eat. Here are our favourite ideas, sunny or rainy, with or without kids, and most of them free.
Quick picks: sunny day? Walk up to Darwen Tower or explore Witton Country Park. Rainy day? Head to Blackburn Museum & Art Gallery (free, Tuesday to Saturday). Want to know what's on this weekend? Ask locals on Ask Blackburn.
Get outdoors
1. Climb Darwen Tower
If you only do one walk, make it this one. Darwen Tower (also called the Jubilee Tower) was finished in 1898 to celebrate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee and the moment local people won the right to walk on the moor. It's 85 feet tall and you can climb the stairs inside to the top. On a clear day you can see Blackpool Tower, Morecambe Bay and even the Isle of Man.
A popular route starts at Sunnyhurst Woods on Earnsdale Road in Darwen. It's a steady climb, so wear proper shoes and take a coat, because it's always windier at the top than you think.
2. Spend a day at Witton Country Park
Witton Country Park covers 480 acres on the west side of Blackburn, with woodland walks, nature trails, a play area, picnic spots and a visitor centre. Parking is free and dogs are welcome, which makes it one of the easiest family days out in town. Take a ball, take a picnic, and let the kids run until they're tired.
3. Explore Corporation Park
Blackburn's grandest park opened in 1857, and it still has plenty of Victorian charm. Look out for the two lakes full of swans and ducks, the glass conservatory from 1900, and the two Russian cannons from the Crimean War at the top of the park. Keep climbing to the viewing platform for one of the best views over the town and the West Pennine Moors. It sits between Preston New Road and Revidge Road, a short walk from the town centre.
4. Walk the woods at Roddlesworth and Tockholes
For a quieter walk, the woodland and reservoirs around Roddlesworth and Tockholes, between Blackburn and Darwen, are lovely in every season, especially in autumn when the leaves turn. There are paths for short strolls and longer circuits, so you can make it as easy or as tough as you like.
5. Follow the canal
The Leeds and Liverpool Canal runs right through Blackburn. The towpath is flat, so it's great for a gentle walk, a pram or a bike ride. You'll pass old mills, locks and narrowboats, and it's a nice way to see a different side of the town.
Rainy day ideas
6. Blackburn Museum & Art Gallery
This is one of Blackburn's best-kept secrets, and it's free. Inside you'll find Egyptian artefacts, the famous R E Hart collection of early books and coins, Japanese prints, Greek and Russian icons, and displays about Blackburn's textile history. It's on Museum Street in the town centre and is open Tuesday to Saturday, 11am to 4:45pm. It's closed on Sundays, Mondays and bank holidays, so plan a Saturday visit.
7. Visit Blackburn Cathedral
Even if you're not religious, the cathedral is worth a look. Stand under the lantern tower when the sun comes through its coloured glass and you'll see why. It's right next to the bus and train stations on Darwen Street, and there's a café inside if you fancy a brew afterwards.
8. See a show at King George's Hall
King George's Hall hosts concerts, comedy nights, tribute acts, panto and more. Check what's on before the weekend, because the popular shows sell out.
9. Step back in time at Turton Tower
Turton Tower, near Chapeltown, started life as a medieval tower and grew into a grand manor house. It's one of the most historic buildings in the borough. Opening days change through the year, so check before you set off.
For sports fans
10. Watch Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park
Nothing beats a home match. If Rovers are at home this weekend, there's a real buzz around Ewood Park. Check the fixtures and buy tickets in advance for the bigger games.
Eat, drink and shop local
11. Try somewhere new to eat
Blackburn's food scene is brilliant, from proper curry houses and family restaurants to cosy cafés and late-night takeaways. Instead of going back to the same place again, try somewhere new this weekend:
- Restaurants in Blackburn
- Cafés in Blackburn
- Takeaways in Blackburn for a night in
Not sure where to go? Ask on Ask Blackburn Food & Drink. Locals love recommending their favourite spots.
12. Shop small
Spend Saturday morning around the town centre and the market, and pick up something from an independent shop. Every pound spent with a local business helps keep Blackburn's high street alive. You might also find a bargain on our local marketplace, where people in Blackburn and Darwen sell and give away things nearby.
What's on THIS weekend?
Events change every week, from car boot sales and craft fairs to charity fun days, live music and school fêtes. The quickest way to find out what's happening is to ask the people who live here.
That's exactly what Ask Blackburn is for. It's our free local community where real people ask questions and share recommendations. Have a look at the Events & Activities section, or ask your own question, like "Anything on for kids in Blackburn this Saturday?" Someone local will know.
Running an event yourself? Post it in Events & Activities so more people hear about it.
A few tips before you go
- Check opening times before you set off, especially on bank holidays and in winter.
- Dress for the hills. Darwen Moor and the West Pennines can be cold and windy even when town feels mild.
- Take cash and a card. Some smaller stalls and cafés prefer one or the other.
- Leave only footprints. Take your litter home and keep dogs on a lead near livestock.
Whatever you choose, we hope you have a great weekend in Blackburn. Got a favourite we've missed? Tell us on Ask Blackburn and we might add it to the list. 💙
