Pictures of Accrington
About Accrington
This is the town that made its name from bricks. During Victorian times smooth red bricks made in Accrington spread throughout England, finding their way to some of the countries most imposing public buildings. In the days of the Industrial Revolution the town was widely known for its cotton and linen mills. The mills have long disappeared, but a few have been retained and converted for other uses such as luxury hotels or apartments.
Some of the town's loveliest architecture comes from the Victorian era, this can be seen in the elegant Victorian Market Hall with its clock and rich display of sculpture. The town hall too is of interest, this throws open its doors to stage a variety of events including The Lancashire Food Festival, featuring regional and exotic food and drink. This lively event is linked to other events held in the town's Hawarth Art Gallery and Oswaldtwistle Mills. For the duration of the festival a bus runs visitors between each venue.
For anyone interested in shopping the town has two main shopping areas, the wide modern Broadway and the atmospheric Victorian Arcade, which has all the charm of a bygone era with tables and chairs where you can sit, enjoy a drink whilst planning were to go next! Perhaps you might try Oswaldtwistle Mills, a family attraction set within a working mill and its grounds. Here you will find a treasure trove of fabrics, ceramics, pottery, glass and crafts, even a children's play area with Wendy house and sweet factory. This has something for everyone, nature trails, garden centre, wild fowl reserve and picnic area.
The town's Cog Wheel Sculpture vividly portrays Accrington's industrial heritage, this contrasts sharply with the historic church dedicated to St.James. Originally founded in 1546, the church we look at today replaces the earlier church which served the town for over two hundred years, with the present church dating from 1763, with later additions. In 1805 a peal of six bells was installed. The bells, cast by Thomas Mears and Son of London, were paid for by public subscription and rung for the first time on Christmas Day. In 1974 a new treble was added making the peal up to 12 bells, at the time these were the lightest ring of twelve bells in the country.
Country lovers will appreciate the lovely nature reserve at nearby Oswaltwistle. Foxhill Bank Nature Reserve offers an insight into the history of local industry as well as providing a host of habitats for local wildlife. This is a wonderful spacious landscape hidden in an urban area, where the emphasis is on conservation. There is around 40 species of birds, 200 or more plants, water, woodland, wildflower grassland, and two former mill lodges set beside the river.
The town of Accrington is close to the valley's of the River Ribble and Calder, it is also close to the waters of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, which offers opportunities for boating and fishing.
Visitors will find Accrington a pleasant place to visit, it has choice hotels and friendly bed and breakfast houses together with good pubs, cafe's and restaurants. It gives access to the city of Blackburn and to Burnley. A few miles north of the town lies the majestic beauty of the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
