Explore Blackburn through a range of interests: the museum brings together art and local and industrial history, while the cathedral, parks and leisure activities offer different experiences. You can shape your stay around the themes that matter most to you.
Art and collections at Blackburn Museum
Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery opened on 11 June 1874 as Blackburn Free Library and Museum. Its collections include 19th- and 20th-century British art, as well as the R E Hart Collection of early books and coins. The Thomas Boys Lewis Collection features Japanese prints. There are also Greek and Russian icons, along with an Egyptology collection. The borough’s local and industrial history is represented too, including by the Lewis Textile Collection, previously housed in the Lewis Textile Museum. The museum therefore offers several perspectives: art and distinctive collections sit alongside the history of the borough. It is open Tuesday to Saturday, from 11:00 to 16:45.
Religious art and getting to the cathedral
The religious art collection at Blackburn Cathedral is considered one of the finest in the country. It includes Penny Warden’s “The Journey” and the 35-foot-tall outdoor sculpture “Healing of the Nation”, considered one of the most innovative modern sculptural works at an English cathedral. Admission is free; opening arrangements may differ during services and events. The cathedral is very close to the bus station and railway station—a useful landmark if you are travelling by bus or train.
Festival dates and city life
The free, participatory National Festival of Making takes place across Blackburn city centre. Each year, it brings art, manufacturing, performances and making together over a shared festival weekend. Exact dates vary from year to year. If the festival is a key part of your trip, check the dates for your planned stay.
Parks, waterbirds and active experiences
The two picturesque lakes in Corporation Park provide a habitat for many species of waterbirds, including mute swans and ducks. Here, the focus is on the water and birdlife—a different way to experience nature from the city’s art and collections.
Go Ape Blackburn is located in the 480-acre Witton Country Park, which offers nature trails, picnic areas and play areas. Treetop Adventure Plus is designed for children aged six to ten, as well as people who want to build their confidence. The activity includes four sections with obstacles and zip lines up to 100 metres long. Leisure interests differ too: Corporation Park centres on lakes and waterbirds, while Treetop Adventure Plus focuses on obstacles and zip lines.
Planet Ice Blackburn Arena is an Olympic-sized ice rink. You can skate there all year round; sessions and booking arrangements may vary. Check in advance which sessions are available during your stay.
Discover more destinations: Darwen.
Go to the main travel overview: Blackburn With Darwen.
