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.
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).
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.
“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.
Multi-million pound investment for Darwen Town Centre There’s a massive amount of exciting new investment planned for Darwen Town Centre, including over £20m for Darwen Market, the library and library theatre and Darwen Youth Centre. And there’s a further £20m of new funding available through the Government’s Long-Term Plan for Towns Scheme. The major projects…
We’re thrilled to share the Easter holiday activities schedule for Darwen Market! There’s seven fantastic FREE events to enjoy – plenty to keep the kids busy over the holidays! Grab your diary and make a note of what’s in store for families in Darwen Town Centre this Easter… Earth Art Workshop: Wed 3rd April Come…
Darwen’s Monthly Artisan Market is Back – A Celebration of Creativity & Community! Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council are delighted to be welcoming back Crafty Vintage’s Monthly Artisan Markets on Darwen Market Square on the last Saturday of each month, starting on 30th March from 11am to 4pm. Immerse yourself in the charm of our…
