15 Things to Do in Blackburn: A Local's Guide to Getting the Most Out of This Lancashire Town
Blackburn often gets overlooked in favour of its louder neighbours, but spend a weekend here and you'll quickly see why locals are proud of it. There's a real mix of history, outdoor space, arts, and family-friendly fun packed into this East Lancashire town. Whether you're planning a birthday party, a family day out, or just looking for something different to do, Blackburn delivers.
Here are 15 of the best things to do in Blackburn, starting with one of the most popular options for parties and events in the area.
1. Hire an Inflatable for Your Next Event with Wacky World Hire
If you're planning a party, a school fete, a community event, or just a big garden get-together, hiring an inflatable is one of the easiest ways to keep guests entertained. Wacky World Hire offers a wide range of inflatables available for hire across the Preston and Lancashire area, with free self-pickup available.
Their range includes bouncy castles for all ages, inflatable climbing walls, the Meltdown inflatable, Hungry Hippos, a Velcro Fly Wall, the Rock 'N' Roll Gladiator Duel, an Unclimbable Ladder, Base Jump, and a Basketball Hoopla. They also offer Wacky Mascot entertainers, where you can choose from dozens of characters including Spiderman, Peppa Pig, Darth Vader, Elsa, and many more. Mascot hire starts from £75 for one hour.
It's a straightforward setup: browse the products online, pick your inflatable or mascot, book directly, and either arrange delivery or pick it up yourself. For anyone organising an outdoor event or kids' party in or around Blackburn, it's well worth checking out.
2. Visit Blackburn Cathedral
Right in the town centre sits Blackburn Cathedral, one of the youngest Church of England cathedrals in the country. The building has medieval roots, but the current structure has been expanded and developed significantly over the 20th century, including a striking lantern tower added in the 1960s.
Entry is free, and the cathedral regularly hosts concerts, exhibitions, and community events throughout the year. Even if you're not religious, the architecture alone is worth a look, and the peaceful interior offers a real contrast to the buzz of the shopping streets just outside.
Good to know: Check the cathedral's events calendar before you visit, as guided tours and special exhibitions run throughout the year.
3. Explore the Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery
This free museum in the town centre covers everything from local history to Egyptian mummies and medieval manuscripts. The collections are genuinely varied, making it one of the better regional museums in the North West.
The art gallery section holds paintings, prints, and decorative arts, including Japanese netsuke and a notable collection of coins. Kids tend to enjoy the more interactive displays, and there's enough here to keep adults interested too.
4. Spend Time at Corporation Park
One of Blackburn's most loved green spaces, Corporation Park opened in 1857 and still draws families, joggers, and dog walkers every day. The park sits on a hillside, giving good views across town, and features formal gardens, a lake, a children's play area, and a restored Victorian conservatory.
It's free to enter and open year-round. On a dry day, it's one of the best places in Blackburn to get some fresh air and let the kids run around.
5. Take a Walk Along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal
The Leeds and Liverpool Canal runs right through Blackburn, and the towpath makes for a pleasant walk or cycle in either direction. The stretch through town is well-maintained and passes through some interesting industrial heritage.
If you walk east towards Rishton or west towards the Feniscowles area, the surroundings open up into countryside fairly quickly. It's a good low-effort outdoor activity that most people in Blackburn overlook because it's right on their doorstep.
6. Catch a Match at Ewood Park
Ewood Park is the home ground of Blackburn Rovers, one of the most storied clubs in English football. The stadium holds around 31,000 fans and has a rich history, including the club's Premier League title win in 1994-95.
If you're visiting Blackburn and there's a home fixture on, it's worth going. The atmosphere in the Darwen End is particularly good, and there are usually family-friendly ticket options available. Check the fixture list on the official Blackburn Rovers website before planning your trip.
7. Browse Blackburn Market
Blackburn Market is one of the largest indoor markets in the North West, operating out of the Market Hall that was rebuilt in the 1960s and has recently undergone significant investment. You'll find fresh produce, clothing, hardware, and independent food traders under one roof.
The market runs Tuesday through Saturday, and the street market outside adds another layer of variety on busier days. It's genuinely one of the best places in Blackburn to pick up local produce and support independent traders.
8. Visit Witton Country Park
Witton Country Park covers around 480 acres of woodland and open grassland on the edge of town, making it the largest green space in Blackburn. There's a visitor centre, play areas, a pitch and putt course, and plenty of walking trails ranging from easy flat paths to more demanding woodland routes.
It's free to enter and well-signposted. The park is managed by Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council and is popular for family picnics, orienteering, and nature walks. Dogs are welcome in most areas.
9. Explore Hoghton Tower
A short drive from Blackburn (about six miles south), Hoghton Tower is a fortified manor house dating back to 1565 and is a Grade I listed building. It's open to the public during the summer months, with guided tours of the state rooms, banqueting hall, and extensive grounds.
Hoghton Tower is famous as the place where King James I supposedly knighted a loin of beef, giving us the word "sirloin." Whether that story is true or not, the house itself is genuinely impressive and the views from the hilltop site are excellent.
10. Try the Food Scene on King Street and Surrounding Areas
Blackburn's food scene has grown noticeably over recent years, with a strong independent restaurant culture driven partly by the town's South Asian community. King Street and the surrounding streets have a good mix of Pakistani and Indian restaurants that serve some of the best curry in Lancashire.
If you haven't eaten here before, ask locals for recommendations as the best spots aren't always the most visible. There are also a growing number of independent cafes and bakeries worth seeking out in the town centre.
11. Visit the Indian Textile Gallery at the Museum
Worth a separate mention from the main museum, the Indian Textile Gallery at Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery holds an extensive collection of fabrics and garments reflecting the town's historical connection to the cotton trade and its more recent South Asian heritage.
It's one of the more distinctive collections in the region and free to visit. The gallery does a good job of connecting Blackburn's industrial past to its present-day community.
12. Walk the Darwen Tower Trail
Just south of Blackburn in the neighbouring town of Darwen sits Jubilee Tower (sometimes called Darwen Tower), a Victorian observation tower on top of Darwen Hill. The walk up through Sunnyhurst Hey Woods is popular with families and walkers, and on a clear day the views from the summit stretch to the Lake District and Snowdonia.
The trail starts from the Sunnyhurst Hey car park and takes around 45 minutes to reach the tower. It's free, well-marked, and one of the best short walks in the whole area.
13. See a Show at King George's Hall
King George's Hall is Blackburn's main entertainment venue, hosting comedy nights, tribute acts, theatre productions, orchestral concerts, and exhibitions throughout the year. The main auditorium seats around 2,000 people and has decent sight lines and acoustics.
It's a well-run venue with a consistent programme across the year. Check the What's On listings on their website for upcoming events, as the calendar tends to fill up quickly for popular shows.
14. Explore the Ribble Valley on a Day Trip
Blackburn sits right on the edge of the Ribble Valley, which is one of the most scenic parts of Lancashire. Within 20 minutes you can be in Clitheroe, walking along the River Ribble, or heading up towards the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The Ribble Valley Food and Drink Festival (held annually in Clitheroe) is one of the best food events in the North, and the market town itself has good independent shops and a well-preserved castle. It makes for a very easy half-day or full-day addition to any Blackburn trip.
15. Attend a Local Festival or Community Event
Blackburn has a busy calendar of local events across the year, from the Blackburn Festival to multicultural celebrations, food markets, and outdoor cinema screenings in the park. The town's diverse community makes for a genuinely varied programme of events.
The Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council website maintains an up-to-date events calendar, which is worth checking if you're planning a visit and want to coincide with something specific.
Frequently Asked Questions About Things to Do in Blackburn
What are the best free things to do in Blackburn?
Blackburn has plenty of free options. Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery, Corporation Park, Witton Country Park, and walking the Leeds and Liverpool Canal towpath all cost nothing. The cathedral is also open for free most days and well worth a visit.
Is Blackburn worth visiting for a day trip?
Yes, especially if you combine a few activities. A good day trip might include the museum, lunch near King Street, a walk through Corporation Park, and an evening match at Ewood Park or a show at King George's Hall. There's more than enough to fill a full day.
What outdoor activities are available in and around Blackburn?
The area is well-suited to outdoor activity. Witton Country Park, the Leeds and Liverpool Canal towpath, the Darwen Tower trail at Sunnyhurst Hey, and the wider Forest of Bowland are all within easy reach. The Ribble Valley is also just a short drive away for cycling and longer walking routes.
How do I hire a bouncy castle or inflatable near Blackburn?
Wacky World Hire offers inflatable hire in the Preston and Lancashire area, with a range of bouncy castles, inflatables, and mascot entertainers available to book online at hire.wackyworld.co.uk. Free self-pickup is available, or you can arrange delivery for your event.
What is there to do in Blackburn with kids?
Families are well catered for. Corporation Park has a play area, Witton Country Park has trails and picnic spots, Blackburn Museum has interactive displays, and the Darwen Tower walk is manageable for older children. For parties and events, hiring an inflatable from Wacky World Hire is a popular choice for keeping kids entertained.
