Great Harwood is a small town that’s just 4.5 miles from Blackburn and is within easy reach of Ribble Valley. Over the past few years, an influx of investment has seen the area prosper, and several new independent shops and businesses have recently opened up their doors on its bustling high street.
Things To Do
Great Harwood boasts several parks, including Memorial Park, a stunning outdoor space that has beautiful flower displays, a war memorial and garden, sports pitches and mature woodland. For a fantastic children’s play area, bowling green and tennis courts, head to Lowerfold Park.
There’s also the Great Harwood Showground, which hosts regular shows and car boot sales over the warmer months, or for a scenic walk, check out Dean Clough Reservoir, which is surrounded by stunning waterside paths.
Things You Didn't Know About Great Harwood
Great Harwood is the birthplace of John Mercer, who is famous for revolutionising the cotton dyeing process.
Schools in Great Harwood
There are several Ofsted rated 'Good' schools in and surrounding Great Harwood, including:
- St Bartholomew’s Parish CofE Voluntary Aided Primary School
- St John’s CofE Primary School
- St Hubert’s Roman Catholic Primary School
- Great Harwood Primary School
- St Wulstan’s Catholic Primary School
Transport
Great Harwood is just a few minutes away from the M65 motorway and has good road links to surrounding areas including Blackburn, Clitheroe and Whalley. While Great Harwood doesn't have its own train station, Rishton Station is just a 10-minute drive away and connects the town to Blackburn City Centre in just 6 minutes! There are also regular bus routes to nearby villages, towns and cities, making sure you're always well connected.
History
Great Harwood is a former cotton manufacturing town. By 1912 its looms outnumbered its people and at the height of its cotton production era, the town had a total of 22 textile mills.
Eating & Drinking
When it comes to eating and drinking in Great Harwood, there are several great places to choose from. The Park Hotel serves up a fantastic selection of gastro dishes and drinks, and shows live sports in its sports bar. It also hosts regular themed food evenings including steak night, curry night and pasta night. There’s also an Italian restaurant, Checco’s, an Indian restaurant, The Spice Lounge, and The Green Olive, a deli and bistro that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.
For traditional pub grub and great drinks, head to the Dog & Otter or The Plough, which have huge beer gardens that are great for al fresco drinks.
Shopping
Great Harwood’s bustling high street is packed full of brilliant independents including a cheese deli, a fishmonger, a fudge shop, a butcher and a pet store. Independent bakery, Finch Bakery, is also hugely popular amongst locals and sells a range of delicious cupcakes, brownies and celebration cakes.
The town also has three major supermarkets, including Morrisons, Tesco and Aldi.
