The position can still be bracing, and the surroundings are unmistakably beautiful but the 1974 Local Government Act saw the town shift its allegiance to Lancashire. The town now stands in the Lancashire Borough of Pendle but within the boundaries of the historic West Riding.
Shops and businesses along Rainhall Road. PHOTO: Martin Bostock Known locally as Barlick, it appears in the Domesday Book and in the 12th century monks founded a monastery here. You can still visit the Grade I listed church of St Mary-le-Ghyll, complete with box pews and an unusual three tier pulpit.
Today, Barnoldswick – the largest town in England without an A road – welcomes visitors. Most shops are independently owned, offering everything from antiques and witch paintings to artisan bread and organic meat, with a lively market held every Thursday and Saturday. The Great British High Street Award was impressed both with its shops and calendar of free community events.
Barnoldswick war memorial was unveiled, in 1924, by Elizabeth Sutcliffe who lost three of her five sons in World War One. They are among the 282 names listed from that conflict. PHOTO: Martin Bostock These include Barnoldswick in Wonderland, which takes place on March 29 and features The Cheshire Cat and The Mad Hatter. Spring Bank Holiday Weekend sees Bands on the Square: a variety of bands performing in the picturesque Town Square. Summer welcomes Barlick Beach – sand is imported and there are donkey rides, a Food Court and plenty of activities. The Kite Festival – another summer event – takes place in Victory Park.
The town is also serious about work. Rolls Royce, a major employer since 1943, is often referred to as ‘the cradle of the jet engine’. Rolls Leisure is part of the community with everyone welcome to visit its restaurant and gym. Silent Night is another major employer, including an employee whose sensitive buttocks – used to test mattresses – were insured for a million pounds. Last year the company raised £30,000 for local charities, including Pendleside Hospice and this year, their iconic mascots Hippo and Duck reach 40.
Yarn bombers add jolly colour to the town. PHOTO: Martin Bostock Esse makes its famous cast iron stoves and wood burners in the town. Their products were used by Ernest Shackleton, Florence Nightingale and even, James Bond. They remain popular worldwide, making sure the town is known to celebrity chefs, such as Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall.
Other Barnoldswick firms may not be as famous but they contribute to the town’s successful economy. Raptor Titanium, who make motocross footpegs used by several world champion riders, have recently received a King’s Award for International Trade. Barnoldswick knows how to work, how to play and it’s successful at both.
Huppach Jewellers, Barnoldswick. PHOTO: Martin Bostock Family jewels
When Friedrich Huppach travelled from Germany to Barnoldswick, his ambition was to design jewellery and in 1978, he bought a jewellery shop and began to carve himself a reputation.
It’s a reputation that his son, Stefan and grandson Declan have built upon. They design bespoke pieces, melting down, rolling and making the pieces on the premises, much the same way as Friedrich did, and still using his official maker’s mark: FHA.
‘We see a client in our private consultation space,’ says Stefan. ‘Some clients may only have the vaguest idea of what they would like but we guide and help. We’ve been here for decades so we’re in no rush.’
Huppach Jewellers, Barnoldswick. PHOTO: Martin Bostock Stefan and Declan begin by discovering a little about the recipient, before making dummy parts and Declan adds: ‘That enables a client to visualise the piece. A widower brought us his late wife’s jewellery to make it into a locket, incorporating her ashes, for his son. His son was a young man and, after discussing it, felt a dog tag might be more appropriate.
‘Similarly, a grandad wanted us to make a St Christopher’s medallion for his granddaughter’s graduation but together we discovered she might like something more timeless, such as a piece featuring a solitaire diamond.
‘Fashions change. One lady inherited an old-fashioned charm bracelet. She didn’t like it but didn’t want to shove it in the back of a drawer. We made her engagement and wedding rings from it. We always find a solution.’
Travel consultant Rebecca James. PHOTO: Martin Bostock All inclusive
Everyone loves a holiday. However, for some families with children or adults living with autism, special needs or physical disabilities they may decide the stress involved in arranging a holiday simply isn’t worth it.
But Rebecca James says it needn’t be that way. She runs James’ Travel, an independent travel consultant which specialises in arranging holidays for those whose needs may not be met elsewhere.
She is ideally suited for the role. For many years, Rebecca worked for major holiday firms, arranging luxury vacations.
‘I had masses of experience but it wasn’t until my son, Henry, was diagnosed with autism, that I appreciated the difficulties. There are very few independent travel consultants in this field and so I formed my agency,’ says Rebecca.
‘Many people with special or sensory needs may require particular bedding or a quiet place in which to have breakfast and accessible rooms that really are accessible,’ says Rebecca who also arranges door to door transport and airport lounges to relax in.
Rebecca also works with hospice patients, making sure hoists and medical beds are provided and visits locations around the world regularly to personally vet hotels.
‘I visit Disneyland annually, in order to tell families about details such as rides which might include jump scares or dark places. Everything is personally tailored,’ adds Rebecca who has even organised safaris for wheelchair users.
The Barnoldswick Art Group. PHOTO: Martin Bostock The art of the community
Barnoldswick Art Group usually has a membership waiting list but it will welcome new members during 2025.
‘We’re looking forward to meeting new people and sharing our love of painting. We have members from various East Lancashire towns and we have a real sense of fellowship,’ says committee member Jeff Watson, who found the support of the group a tremendous help following the death of his wife, Joan.
‘Painting is a wonderful way to make friends and of course, expressing oneself creatively is always a good thing to do. We have many abilities, so new members shouldn’t worry if they don’t know one end of the brush from the other to begin with – they soon will. And of course, not everyone uses a brush – some of us prefer pencil or charcoal.’
The group hold an exhibition every November in Barnoldswick Library and throughout the year they regularly invite professional artists to give demonstrations. They also host activity days and workshops and events planned for spring include a demonstration by Harriet Quilty, and studies of pencil drawing and Aboriginal painting.
Jeff, who has exhibited and sold his work since joining the group, believes Barnoldswick is an ideal spot for painters.
‘We’re a lively town with a strong sense of community and there are many picturesque spots, and of course we’re surrounded by some lovely countryside.
Greenberfield Bridge No.156, over the Leeds and Liverpool Canal at Barnoldswick. PHOTO: Getty
Four things to do in Barnoldswick
Bancroft Mill Engine Museum
The museum houses the largest working Mill Steam Engine in Lancashire and once powered over 1000 looms. The museum is open on Saturdays from April to November. If you want to see it in action, check the website for Steaming Days. One takes place on Sunday March 16.
Greenberfield Locks
One of the best kept locks in the country, the Greenberfield locks are at the highest point of the Leeds Liverpool canal, before it begins its descent towards Leeds. It’s a lovely place to spend Mother’s Day; maybe enjoying a champagne picnic or simply watching the barges and waterfowl.
Barnoldswick Music and Arts Centre
An acoustic based venue, with a bar and restaurant. The acclaimed Irish guitarist Grainne Duffy and her band will play on February 24 and Jim Causley, described as, ‘the finest voice of his generation’ will perform, as part of a duo with Miranda Sykes, on March 6.
Thornton Hall Farm at Thornton Country Park
Two miles outside Barnoldswick and just on the Yorkshire border, this award-winning family-run attraction has plenty to offer. The farm offers animal encounters, animal safaris, soft play and pony rides. Mother’s Day weekend will be celebrated with free entry for mums.
The Craven Heifer. PHOTO: Martin Bostock
Three places to stay in Barnoldswick
Craven Heifer
Situated in the nearby village of Kelbrook, this country inn offers a choice of accommodation, including a recently refurbished and romantically presented Loft Room. Some rooms are dog friendly. A seasonal menu is available on the premises.
Alma Cliffe Guest House
A privately owned home with very attractive gardens and, thanks to its elevated position, stunning views over the surrounding countryside. Rooms are en-suite and a family room is available. Well behaved dogs are welcome.
Deerstone Glamping
A family-run site, set in 80 acres. There are six luxury domes, suitable for families or couples and pets are welcome. A firepit sits in front of each well-equipped dome and sauna evenings with a cold plunge barrel dip. There is also a cinema dome on site.
Circular walk
This walk is almost eight miles long and contains several stiles. Begin in the car park on Fernlea Avenue, before making your way to Victory Park. Go through the park, keep the stream on your right. After the second bridge, the stream will be on the left and Rolls Royce on the right. Turn right into Greenberfield Lane, before turning left on to the tow path and heading for Greenberfield Locks.
Leave the canal by the path next to the Pump House then left, before turning right into a farmyard. Continue on the track for 800 metres, turning left at the stream.
Follow the stream to an earthed bridge, cross and continue to next bridge. Cross and continue uphill, turning right towards Stock Beck bridge. Bear left, approaching farm buildings, over the stile towards Stock. Turn left and follow the sunken track. Go straight downhill, across Stock Beck and then follow the lefthand edge of the field towards Bracewell.
Once on the road, turn right then second left towards Priory Cottage. At the gate, turn right, keep right, towards a stile in the wall. Continue left to the fence, turn right to the far-right field corner. There will be a series of gates past the reservoir.
Turn left over the ladder stile through two stiles to reach the farm. Keep the farm buildings on the left and continue onto Brogden Lane. Turn right and continue for 800 metres before turning left and crossing two stiles, across two fields towards Hollins. Turn right over a stile and go left down the lane.
It will bear left, then right. Immediately after this, turn into a field over a stile. Go across the field and then right down a track. After the Cattle Grid, turn right then left onto Esp Lane and then Town Head going towards Bancroft Mill. Just before, go down Forty Steps, turning left at the bottom onto Westgate and make your way back to the car park. visitpendle.com.
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