Discover Chorley
Located at the foot of the West Pennine Moors, Chorley is the southern gateway into Lancashire and what a welcome it is! Situated right on the M61, M6 and M65 motorways, Chorley is at the centre of the North West, making it a short drive to discover a great day out.
Landmarks
Chorley has a wealth of history and landmarks that are not to be missed, so much so you’ll return again and again for many great days out, no matter what your age or interest. For more information on Chorley’s attractions, check out our ‘Things to Do’ section.
One of the most notable landmarks in Chorley is Rivington Pike, the 1,191 foot summit that cycling star Sir Bradley Wiggins once declared as his favourite place to cycle. Another ‘must’ is the opportunity to journey through 400 years of history to reveal the secrets of Astley Hall, one of the most important historic buildings in the North West of England. Located between Chorley town centre and Astley Village, make sure you explore this intriguing and intimate country home and its breath-taking mid-17th century interior.
Astley Hall is surrounded by the beautiful Astley Park, which features a magnificent Royalists Retreat themed play area, Pets’ Corner, a wonderful Walled Garden, sumptuous café and much more. Undoubtedly, Chorley is surrounded by beautiful Lancashire villages that are well worth exploring. From the famous tower in Hoghton to the former mill in Coppull, there are lots of hidden treasures to discover.
Rich heritage
Many famous names hail from Chorley including England rugby legend Bill Beaumont and Sir Henry Tate of Tate and Lyle fame and founder of the Tate Gallery. Other famous names include Charles Lightoller, the most senior officer to survive the Titanic and comedian Phil Cool.
Delve deeper into the rich past and you’ll discover Chorley actually dates back to the Bronze age and later the town was heavily involved in the mining industry. Today, the skyline has traces of the Industrial Revolution when cotton mills dominated, serving as a subtle reminder of the town’s rich heritage.
During recent years the Royal Ordnance Factory, in Euxton, was a major munitions supplier, aiding troops in World War II.
Town centre
Love shopping, you’ll love Chorley! With its niche independent traders, high street names and bustling market, it’s a combination that brings real life and character to a thriving town centre.
If you want to sample a traditional market, Tuesdays are best as you’ll find the Covered Market and street market in full swing. Away from the traditional attractions of the markets, shoppers will find a refreshing mix of smaller, unique independent traders and major high street names.
The shopping centre, Market Walk, provides a focal point for visitors – you can catch a bus or train to the town centre or park in one of the many cheap car parks.
If you aren’t planning a shopping trip, the town centre offers a glimpse of Chorley’s past. Glance up above the shopfronts and you will see fantastic architecture reminding you of times gone by.
Rivington revealed
Let us take you on outdoor adventure around Lord Leverhulme’s unique hillside retreat. A favourite spot for many, Rivington is a place where you can walk or cycle along the hillside footpaths and take in the spectacular views of Chorley from the Pigeon Tower and Rivington Pike – you can even see Blackpool Tower and the Welsh mountains on a clear day. The Pike, which is visible for miles around, was once used as a beacon to warn of invasion and is a popular attraction today.
For the more energetic you can keep walking across open moorland to the base of the television mast and transmitter, which dominates the skyline to the east of Chorley. It is lit up at night and looks impressive if you make it to the base – on a windy day you can see the mast swaying from side to side.
On the northwest slopes of the Pike, visitors can enjoy the Babylonian terraced gardens and the ruins of miniature lakes, waterfalls, pagodas and oriental tea houses. This is the legacy left behind by Lord Leverhulme, the founder of the Lever brothers, who enjoyed extravagant architecture and the Rivington countryside. It was also Lord Leverhulme who once owned the magnificent Rivington Hall Barn. A replica of Liverpool Castle is another landmark well worth checking out. It boasts a cracking view over one of the many reservoirs in the area. If you’re a thrill seeker, why not try the Go Ape high wire forest adventure. Or visit the Barn for a traditional English afternoon tea of to observe the weekly gathering of motorcyclists – a spectacular sight and sound.
