Accrington: Architecture, Market History and the Woodnook Route

Accrington offers several themes to explore when planning a stay: architecture, market history, the memory of the Accrington Pals and the Woodnook Route. Its historic buildings vary in age, original function and design. The route complements these cultural themes with walking, cycling and horse riding. You can choose to focus your trip on the town’s history or on activities along the route.

Architecture and Market History

Haworth Art Gallery and Museum is a Grade II listed country house in the Arts and Crafts style. Admission is free. As admission arrangements may change, check the latest information before visiting.

Accrington Town Hall was originally built in 1857 as the Peel Institution and is designed in the Classical style. Accrington Market Hall, also known as the Old Market, was built by John F Doyle in 1868. It has two storeys and numerous Classical architectural features. The styles are reflected to different degrees: Town Hall is classified as Classical, while Market Hall is noted for its numerous features of this style.

Accrington’s market history dates back to 1547. The 1868 Market Hall marks a later architectural milestone than the market history that stretches back to 1547. This distinguishes the long market tradition from the 19th-century construction date of the hall.

Remembering the Accrington Pals

The Accrington Pals Memorial Chapel at St. John’s Church was dedicated on 23 February 1992. The Accrington Pals Memorial Garden on Church Street is an open space in the town centre, offering a peaceful place to relax and reflect. The completed garden project also included a sculpture by garden designer and landscape architect John Everiss. The chapel and garden thus offer different ways to remember the Accrington Pals.

The Woodnook Route and Further Information

The Woodnook Route is part of the National Cycle Network. Woodnook is the local name for the section from Accrington to Baxenden, which is used for walking, cycling and horse riding. So its place in the cycle network does not mean that cycling is the only way to use it. If you include the route in your stay, check current path conditions before setting out, as they may change.

Getting Here and Accessibility Information

Accrington railway station has hourly train services to Preston, Colne, Manchester via Todmorden, York and Blackpool North. Check the timetable for your travel date, as services may change.

Accrington Library has step-free access via the side entrance; a lift provides access to all floors inside the building. If this information is important for planning your trip, check the latest accessibility information before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Burnley, Aughton, Samlesbury, Great Harwood, Lytham Saint Annes, Preesall, Worsthorne, Whitworth.

For an overview of the wider area: Lancashire.