Blackburn in the United Kingdom is a lively, happening place with delicious food, good sport, and popular heritage as well as two town centres that are creative, entrepreneurial, and delightful places to be. Blackburn has three local theatres that feature live music, comedy, and drama. Come visit the marvellous exhibitions at Blackburn Museum, or explore Corporation Park and get lost in the beauty of pristine nature. The city is a one-stop shopping destination with all your high street stores and the bright contemporary Blackburn Market has everything you would expect from a traditional market! So, read on for a comprehensive list of the best things to do in Blackburn, UK.
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1. Experience ice skating and live sports at Planet Ice
Looking for an exciting day trip that’s suitable for all ages and skill levels? Look no further than Planet Ice! Whether you’re a seasoned skater or a total novice, the arena offers comprehensive skate lessons for every level of ability. And when you are feeling hungry, there’s a wide variety of food and drink options available on site. For those seeking live sports entertainment, you can see the Blackburn Hawks take the ice at Planet Ice Blackburn, their home turf.
Planet Ice Blackburn Arena
Address: Lower Audley St, Blackburn BB2 3DY, United Kingdom
Website: Planet Ice Blackburn Arena
Opening hours: Mon, Tue & Thu: 10:45am - 4:30pm; Wed- 10:45am - 4:30pm & 6:30pm - 9pm; Fri: 10:45am - 4:30pm & 7:45pm - 10pm; Sat: 11am - 4:30pm & 6:30pm - 9pm; Sun: 11am - 6:30pm
2. Learn military history in a unique way at Veterans Living History Museum
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Are you interested in military history and want to experience it uniquely and interactively? The Veterans Living History Museum is the perfect destination for you! This mobile museum boasts an extensive collection of military artefacts from World War 1 to the present day, providing an immersive experience that brings history to life. The museum regularly visits schools, cadet centers, community centers, and large events, making it accessible to all interested in learning more about military history.
Veterans Living History Museum
Address: Ordnance St, Blackburn BB1 3AE, United Kingdom
Website: Veterans Living History Museum
3. Witness the magnificent Hoghton Tower
Hoghton Tower is one of Lancashire’s treasures. It is the ancestral home of the de Hoghton family. Hoghton Tower stands beautifully on the hill overlooking the countryside. You can feel like you’ve time-travelled to the 16th century following the steps of Charles Dickens, William Shakespeare, and King James I. Walk through the lovely gardens and take in the magnificent views of Lancashire, North Wales, and the Lake District. You can also enjoy afternoon tea or just call in for coffee, lunch, and cake. Hoghton Tower is quite simply extraordinary–and it is can make an excellent location for your fairy tale wedding.
Hoghton Tower
Address: Hoghton, Preston PR5 0SH, United Kingdom
Website: Hoghton Tower
4. Check out the interesting Samlesbury Hall
Located between Blackburn and Preston, Samlesbury Hall is an intriguing place to learn about the fascinating history of the families who lived in the manor. It was constructed in 1325. The hall also offers exhibits from local artists. The restaurant and the cafe serve delicious food. You can just stroll through the beautiful garden and enjoy the beauty of Samlesbury Hall. The hall has plenty of magnificent rooms and a play zone dedicated to the kids. It is an excellent place to have a memorable experience with your friends and family.
Samlesbury Hall
Address: Preston New Rd, Samlesbury, Preston PR5 0UP, United Kingdom
Website: Samlesbury Hall
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 4pm (closed on Sat)
5. Admire the architecture of Blackburn Cathedral
Located in the heart of Blackburn, Blackburn Cathedral is one of the marvellous cathedrals in the United Kingdom. The cathedral is dedicated to St. Mary the Virgin and remains as a place of prayer and devotion. The cathedral has a lovely atmosphere with fantastic architecture. The interior of the cathedral is completely modernised with traditional furniture. You can even enjoy the delicious meals served at the on-site cafe of Blackburn Cathedral.
Blackburn Cathedral
Address: Cathedral Close, Ewood, Blackburn BB1 5AA, United Kingdom
Website: Blackburn Cathedral
6. Stop by the 15th-century Turton Tower
Turton Tower has been transforming over hundreds of years. The tower used to be a rock tower in the 15th century and then at some point, it became the home of the Victorian Kay families. Turton Tower has been remodelled many times according to the requirements of those who resided here. Turton Tower will take you on a time travel journey as it still beautifully captures the elegance of those times.
Turton Tower
Address: Chapeltown Rd, Chapeltown, Bolton BL7 0HG, United Kingdom
Website: Turton Tower
7. Catch performances at King George’s Hall
King George’s Hall is a famous spot in Blackburn where all the upscale performances are organised. The theatre was inaugurated in 1921. King George’s Hall can accommodate 3,500 guests and has a lovely atmosphere. The theatre has organised many live events in collaboration with some well-known artists. If you are in Blackburn, then this place is a must-visit for shows to remember.
King George’s Hall
Address: Northgate, Ewood, Blackburn BB2 1AA, United Kingdom
Website: King George’s Hall
8. Get to know the local cuisines at Blackburn Market
Blackburn Market is located in the centre of Blackburn. It is a modern market hall that still has all the traditional traders giving it the feel of a conventional market. The market has a food court that serves international cuisines. It also has stalls that offer a variety of fresh fruits, meat, and vegetables. The market has well-sanitised washrooms. Many stalls sell electronic products, fashionable clothing, mobile phones, and cute gifts.
Blackburn Market
Address: Church St, Ewood, Blackburn BB1 5AF, United Kingdom
Website: Blackburn Market
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 8:30am - 4pm (closed on Sun)
9. View the exquisite coin and manuscript collections at Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery was inaugurated in 1874. The rope-maker, R. E. Hart left the museum one of the country’s most exquisite coin and manuscript collections that feature a page from the Gutenberg Bible, Books of Hours and the Psalters, and the Leges Aureus. You can also find traditional South Asian jewellery, Shakespeare folios, and an extensive Egyptology collection containing a mask, mummy, Shabti figures, and a copy of the Rosetta Stone.
Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery
Address: Museum St, Ewood, Blackburn BB1 7AJ, United Kingdom
Website: Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery
10. Witness the fantastic world of honeybees at Bee Centre
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Bee Centre is a fantastic world of the honeybee. Their Visitor Centre is full of displays, information, and activities which provide outstanding insight into these extraordinary and essential animals and their connection with humans. Their remarkable, glass observation hive allows you to see, up-close, the wonderful workings of a honeybee hive. You can observe the bees while they are bringing nectar and pollen back to the hive, producing honey, and building honeycomb. Their helpful, skilled staff are always on hand to talk about bees and beekeeping.
Bee Centre
Address: Samlesbury Hall, Preston New Rd, Samlesbury, Preston PR5 0UP, United Kingdom
Website: Bee Centre
Opening hours: Mon, Wed, Sun: 10am - 4pm (closed on Tue, Thu & Fri - Sat)
11. See the unique Italian Renaissance-Style Old Town Hall
Blackburn’s unique Italian Renaissance-style town hall was built in 1856. It is one of a few fabulous sights in Blackburn’s pedestrian-friendly town centre. The Old Town Hall is an ebullient building. It was built by the renowned architect Scotsman James Paterson, who gave the building an extraordinary Italianate structure with a balustrade, Corinthian columns, and reliefs of garlands and eagles above its cornice.
Old Town Hall
Address: Old Town Hall, King William St, Ewood, Blackburn BB1 7DT, UK
Website: Old Town Hall
12. Take an evening stroll around Corporation Park
Corporation Park is a hidden gem in Blackburn. It is a beautiful park with lovely surroundings. The park has gorgeous gardens and a marvellous play area for kids. Corporation Park has a small pond that is home to many ducks and ducklings. It is a perfect place for an evening stroll with your loved ones. The atmosphere is very calm and relaxing. The children can play and enjoy to their fullest in the lovely playground of the park.
Corporation Park
Address: Preston New Rd, Blackburn BB2 6AY, United Kingdom
Website: Corporation Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Come to Blackburn soon
Blackburn has a variety of different things to do for all ages. You can explore the amazing exhibitions at Blackburn Museum or just wander in Corporation Park and get lost in the beauty of nature. Blackburn has everything to amaze you. Make sure to visit soon!
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