visitburnley

Briercliffe is an area of picturesque moorlands and stone built villages. Of these the largest is Harle Syke, once the most important cotton weaving village in Lancashire. The village is mostly mid-Victorian with ‘grid-iron’ plan streets of terraced houses and mills.  Briercliffe and its neighbour Extwistle (well known for its ruined Manor House), are among the most haunted places in the country. Both townships have many miles of varied country walks including the Burnley Way and the Brun Valley Greenway.

Queen Street Mill Textile Museum

Queen Street Mill Textile Museum transports you back to a time when cotton was King; when weavers, tacklers and winders spent their days surrounded by the noise and dirt from the looms, breathed in cotton fibres and had to learn to lip read in order to communicate with each other over the noise of the looms.

At this unique venue you will find collections of national importance, including the engine, boiler house and chimney that are ‘scheduled ancient monuments’; and you will be able to experience the noise, sights and smells of the last steam powered weaving mill in the world. The café is a great place to visit for a nice cup of tea after looking around the mill or completing one of the walks around the area.

01282 412555

Burnley Way

Divided into six walks, the Burnley Way is a 40-mile adventure from industrial heritage, along waterways, through fields, parks, old farms and Forest of Burnley woodlands to the wild South Pennine Moors. The landscape history and wildlife are varied and fascinating.

Follow walks one and two to enjoy the beautiful countryside around Briercliffe  including the ruins of Extwistle Hall, the ‘Ogglty-Cogglty’  – the path made by hobgoblins, HAPPA (the Horses and Ponies Protection Association) at shores Hey Farm and Thursden Brook.

Brun Valley Greenway

Extending from Burnley Central railway station through Bank Hall and Heasandford to Queen Street Mill Textile Museum, the Brun Valley Greenway is designed especially for walkers, cyclists and horse riders. The route takes you through parks, along wooded river valleys and out into the countryside.   Look out for the carved oak markers along part of the route designed by artist John Merrill.

HAPPA

The Horses and Ponies Protection Association (HAPPA), rescues neglected or distressed horses, ponies and donkeys and nurses them back to health and fitness. Here the animals can enjoy their lives running around in the fields with their friends. Visitors are welcome to make a fuss of the friendly animals; you may even be able to groom them. Some of the better natured horses, ponies and donkeys are available for adoption or re-homing.

01282 455992 or 435067

Herd House Farm

Herd House Farm has four star self-catering units overlooking the Burnley countryside towards PendleHill, the farm is a member of the Association of British Riding Schools, a pony club centre and is a riding for the disabled centre. Facilities include an indoor arena and jumping paddock and guided hacks of various lengths from one hour to a full day around the Many Towneley Loop take place by appointment, Riders must have some experience. Please ring to book.

01282 436091 / 07885 571220