DISCOVER

OUR TOWN

You have no shortage of choice when it comes to dining out, drinking the night away or finding quality produce or special gifts. What Darwen lacks in large high street brands it makes up for with it’s abundance of independent businesses, service providers and glorious countryside.

What makes it always worth a visit however is the friendly welcome. The Darwen spirit and sense of community is stronger than ever and for anyone unfamiliar with the Darwen way, be prepared to be treated like family.

Darwen is the kind of special place that you only really find out how amazing it is when you speak to the people, so here they are. We’re sharing the stories, businesses and recommendations of the people of Darwen, giving you your very own insider’s guide.

DISCOVER

OUR TOWN

You have no shortage of choice when it comes to dining out, drinking the night away or finding quality produce or special gifts.

Darwen is the kind of special place that you only really find out how amazing it is when you speak to the people, so here they are. We’re sharing the stories, businesses and recommendations of the people of Darwen, giving you your very own insider’s guide.

ENJOY ALL THE

places to eat

Vegan Cafe

Freedom Organic

Market Street

I went travelling around Australia, New Zealand and Asia before returning to Darwen with a new passion for tasty organic, vegan food. I started with a market stall for 12 months doing salads, juices and cakes before expanding into the shop and selling all types of food and produce. I do it because I love it, and for the environment. The response has been amazing.

Italian Restaurant

Amalfi Lounge

Duckworth Street

Our businesses were born out of a passion for pizza and family. Each one of our restaurants – Amalfi Lounge, Eddie’s, Papa’s American Diner – link back to our Father who started it all in 1990. Amalfi was named after where he was raised and Papa refers to him becoming a grandfather.  All of our businesses are in Darwen and we very much feel part of this community. 

Social Eating

Dinner at Maria’s

Darwen Town Centre

Dinner at Marias is all about great, healthy, tasty, home cooked food that is made to be shared. Come to dinner, meet new people, make new friends and eat some amazing food.

Dinner at Marias was set up in 2014 as a fundraiser and we continue to support local people and local charities.

Cafe & Catering

The Black Olive

Darwen Town Centre

Rachel is a self taught home cook turned wildly successful business owner since opening The Black Olive less than 2 years ago. It all began with a butty van but now the cafe and catering business is cooking up a storm in Darwen. Rachel has been joined by new head chef Nicola Milligan and together they create a real treat for the tastebuds.

DISCOVER ALL THE

things to Buy

Vintage Clothing

My Vintage

Bolton Road

We’ve had people visit from London, Bristol, Scotland, Cornwall, all over. We’ve been selling online since 2002 but people love to come to Darwen to visit us. The ambition has always been to open more stores, that’s our goal.

Gifts

By Erin

Bridge Street

We’re a family run Gift Shop offering a range of beautiful cards and gifts for all occasions as well as craft activities.

“Lovely beautiful shop, came in today to buy a father’s day gift for my husband from my two kiddies. Very friendly and welcoming! Very glad Darwen has a shop like this. High recommend to anyone!” – Sharon

Shoes & Accessories

Belgrave Boutique

Bolton Road

Highly recommended for ladies shoes, boots, bags, jewellery, fascinators and more.

“Fabulous shop, after walking past many times I finally had a look inside and couldn’t believe the selection and quality of goods on offer. I will definitely be back.” – Karen

DEVELOPING YOUR NEW

MARKET SQUARE

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council is investing £1.5million in creating a fantastic new public space in the heart of Darwen. We’ve got all the latest news and updates on progress plus insight into the work with British designer and artist Liam Hopkins.

``I love that living in Darwen it's so easy to get to beautiful countryside. We're surrounded by it.``

EXPLORE THE

great outdoors

Parks

Whitehall Park

Whitehall Road / Queens Road (Street parking)

Whitehall Park (16 acre) is a beautiful park at the southern end of Darwen. The park forms a long narrow strip with winding paths leading up through a wooded valley to grass terraces. From the top of the park there is access onto Darwen Moors with paths leading up to Jubilee tower (Darwen tower).

PARKS

BOLD VENTURE PARK

Borough Road / Belgrave Road

Bold Venture park opened in 1889 and is both a picturesque and historic park. Lying in the valley of Bold Venture brook, it acts as a bridge connecting Darwen town to the countryside of Jubilee Tower and beyond. Bold Venture park has retained the prestigious Green Flag Award status.

COUNTRYSIDE

DARWEN TOWER

Bolton Road

“I remember first going up on the moors as a boy to pick Winberries. You’d put 5 in your mouth and 1 in the basket.”

When the footpaths were all blocked on the moors by Lord of the Manor, the Rev. W. A. Duckworth in the 1800s five men (three labourers, a gardener and a mason) – took up the fight and were joined by hundreds of local folk. Eventually, nearly 300 acres of moorland passed into the possession of the people in September, 1896. It has been open to people ever since. That Darwen spirit and sense of community is still here today and people adore the moors. It is part of our identity and life here.

ATTEND UPCOMING

DARWEN EVENTS

Food Festival / Cookery

Darwen Market Kitchen

29TH SEPTEMBER 10AM-4PM

Your favourite local chefs, market traders and Masterchef finalist Moonira Hinglotwala will be cooking up some delicious recipes for you to try. Watch as they prepare their market menu dish, have a taste and take away a recipe card so you can recreate it at home.

FOOD FESTIVAL

Darwen Food Festival

6TH OCTOBER 11AM-9PM

It’s back! After the HUGE success of last year we’re really pleased to announce that the Food Festival will be going ahead. We’ll be incorporating Bridge Street to make sure that you have one of the best food events of the year! Come and enjoy great food, great drinks, brilliant entertainment and even more for the little ones to do.

Darwen Rotary

Christmas Carol Concert

22ND DECEMBER 4PM-7PM

Join us as Darwen Rotary bring extra Christmas Spirit to Darwen on Saturday the 22nd December. The Carol Concert will take place on Darwen Market Square.

``Darwen is the perfect size of town. It’s not too big but it has everything and such a strong identity. A really special community.``

JOIN A LOCAL

GROUP, CLUB OR CHARITY

Dance

Rothwell Arts

Darwen

“We deliver a unique experience in which the student can grow both mentally and physically as a dancer. We have some extraordinary and talented students, some of which have landed opportunities in TV shows. Some join for that professional development and others simply for the fun and enjoyment of dance.” – Vicky Rothwell

Crafts

Darwen Knitting and Crochet Group

Darwen

At Darwen Knitting and Crochet Group we are all here for each other; we offer advice and support, companionship and friendship. We learn new skills and have fun at the same time. We’d love to welcome new members.

Sport

Darwen Kung Fu School

Darwen

I’ve been doing this for over 20 years. It’s always been about bringing kids together to learn from each other. We have all abilities in the same group because that way they help each other to learn.

All my kids have come to Ray’s classes. It keeps them busy, they have fun and learn at the same time. The parents can join in as well if they want or just watch.

Social Group

Derwent Hall

Darwen

Derwent Hall was originally set up in 1947 to provide companionship for those who had lost loved ones in the war. Since then, it has evolved into a community day centre with a popular lunch club and takeaway service. We host regular events for our community and the residents of Darwen own the building. This is all possible because of our committee who do everything they can to support its success.

Choir

Darwen Ladies Choir

Darwen

Our choir has a history of success dating back to the 50s and 60s, the Choir has performed at concerts with brass or swing bands. Members have created lasting friendships through a mutual love of singing and community and we would love to welcome new members.

YOUR INSIDER'S

GUIDE