heritage open days - Discover Burnley and Hyndburn

Discover Burnley and Hyndburn

September 2026

Discover the rich heritage across Burnley, Padiham, Accrington, and Brierfield. From historic buildings and landmarks to exhibitions, tours and talks.Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor, Heritage Open Days invites you to step back in time and discover the stories that have shaped our region.

For more information about Heritage Open Days visit heritageopendays.org.uk

CENTENARY WAY/LEEDS LIVERPOOL CANALSIDE Meet at the stairs/ramp next to car park adjacent to Buzz Bingo on Centenary Way, BB11 2EJ 11 September 10am-12pm Canal Corridor walk exploring natural history with Peter Hornby, local naturalist, R.S.P B. member, Butterfly Conservationalist and a Member of the Wildlife Trust.Walking shoes/ boots recommended and appropriate clothing for an outside event if bad weather is forecast. burnleycivictrust@gmail.com burnleycivictrust.org.uk

GAWTHORPE TEXTILES COLLECTION, NORTHLIGHT Suite 226 Unit 2, Northlight House, Pendle Rd, Brierfield, Nelson BB9 5FL 11 & 12 September 10am-11am & 12pm-1pm Northlight, the home of Gawthorpe Textiles Collection, is a former mill built in 1832 and a local landmark in Brierfield. Join us for guided tours of the stores to explore highlights from our collection of over 30,000 items. 01282 773963 events@gawthorpetextiles.org.uk https://www.gawthorpetextiles.org.uk

Part of the Gawthorpe Textiles Collection

Burnley Central Library

Fully accessible

Partially accessible

Book in advance

Accessible Toilet

Toilet

Refreshments Family Friendly

Parking

BURNLEY CENTRAL LIBRARY Grimshaw Street, Burnley, BB11 2BD 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 September 10am–12pm and 2pm–4pm Burnley Ballads Exhibition (Music Library) – Screenings of Jen Reid and Boff Whalley’s Burnley Ballads films with information regarding the project and the artists. Stocks Massey Library Exhibition (Music Library) – Exhibition of the story of Edward Stocks Massey and the library’s music collection and the ‘creation’ of the Stocks Massey Music Library. Beneath the Hill: Folklore from Burnley & Pendle (Local History Library) – Exhibition in collaboration with The Northern Folklore Archive and Burnley Library’s folklore collection about folklore tales, spirits, ghosts, boggarts and other creatures from Burnley and Pendle. 0300 123 6703

ACCRINGTON LIBRARY St James Street,Accrington, BB5 1NQ 11 - 19 September 9am-5pm Visitors can explore our exhibition about the lives of ordinary people who lived and worked in Accrington and the immediate surrounding area. 0300 1236703

accrington.library@lancashire.gov.uk https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/libraries

CASUAL MINDS MATTER 4 Howe Walk, Burnley, BB11 1QB 11, 12, 14,15,16,17,18, & 19 September 10am-4pm Exhibition: Orangemen from the past in Burnley and nearby districts. BURNLEY TOWN CENTRE, BURNLEY VINTAGE & PERFORMANCE CAR SHOW St James Street & Curzon Street, Burnley 12 September 11am-4pm Filled with horsepower, history and high-octane entertainment, this unique vehicle show featuring classic, retro and high-performance vehicles will transform St James’s Street and Curzon Street into a paradise for car and bike lovers. Visitors can also enjoy entertainment including a free trail for families, live performances and walkabout acts. Organised by Burnley Business Improvement District (BID) with support from The Rotary Club of Burnley. discoverburnley.co.uk/whatson/burnley vintage-performance-car-show/

burnley.library@lancashire.gov.uk www.lancashire.gov.uk/libraries

11, 14, 16, 18 & 19 September 10am-12pm & 2pm-4pm One of Our Own’ Exhibition by Clarets Collected (Lancashire Archives and Local History)

Join us to view a brand new exhibition about Burnley Football Club celebrating some of the home-grown footballing talent that has played in Claret and Blue down the years – from goalkeeper Willie Smith in the 1880s to Jay Rodriguez and Naomi Hartley in more recent times. Find out which Burnley player also played county cricket….and was a successful athlete, rifle shooter, and was also rated as the best wrestler in England! https://www6.apps.lancashire.gov.uk/w/ webpage/event-details?eventid=3635953

Heritage Open Days supported by:

ALL SAINTS CHURCH WITH ST JOHN THE BAPTIST, HABERGHAM Padiham Road, Burnley, BB12 6LG 12 September 12pm-4pm Explore the history of the church, the connections with Gawthorpe Hall and see the stunning East Window. Discover the story of our first vicar known as the workers champion the Rev. Edward Verity. Graveyard tour at 1.30pm (weather permitting), children must be accompanied by an adult. GAWTHORPE HALL Gawthorpe Hall, Padiham, Burnley, BB12 8SD 12 September 12pm-4pm Explore the fabulous historic rooms of Gawthorpe Hall and discover the home and estate of the Shuttleworth family. Enjoy the wonderful Gawthorpe Textiles Collection displays; meet the housekeeper in the basement kitchen and see the hidden Victorian toilet by the Long Gallery. Outside you can explore the Walled Garden and the Great Barn which is open for the first time in over 10 years and join the National Trust Ranger for guided walks around the grounds. 01282 771004

HAPPA SHORES HEY FARM Off Halifax Road, Briercliffe, Burnley BB10 3QU 12, 16 & 18 September 10am-12pm Immerse yourself in the history of HAPPA (Horses and Ponies Protection Association) through a guided tour of The Evolution of Equine Welfare Museum and presentation at Shores Hey Farm. Follow the charity’s journey through its 89-year history, from humble beginnings to rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming thousands of horses, ponies and donkeys. Hear about some of the historical rescue cases the charity has been involved with. Extend your visit by booking to look around the farm, visit the onsite shop or enjoy a tasty meal in the café. HAPPA also offer overnight parking for campervans or motor homes, so you can tie in your visit to other local historical sites of interest: https://www.happa.org.uk/ overnight-campervan-stays-lancashire/ 01282 455992 enquiries@happa.org.uk www.happa.org.uk

gawthorpehall@lancashire.gov.uk www.lancashire.gov.uk/museums

A photo of Gawthorpe Hall on view at All Saints Church

GAWTHORPE’S GREAT BARN Following the £1.35m re-roofing and

conservation project, Gawthorpe’s Great Barn is once again open for everyone to enjoy.The Barn and its stunning cathedral-like interior will be open to view, alongside our cafe, Mooch Gawthorpe, based in the adjoining Coach House. 01282 770353 greatbarnenquiries@nationaltrust.org.uk www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/liverpool lancashire/gawthorpe-hall

QUEEN STREET MILL Queen Street Mill Textile Museum, Queen Street, Harle Syke, Burnley, BB10 2HX 12 September & 19 September 12pm - 4pm. Step back in time at Queen Street Mill, a rare surviving 19th-century cotton factory. See historic machinery in action, including powerful Lancashire Looms, explore behind-the-scenes areas, and enjoy guided tours with costumed staff. On 12 September, discover traditional crafts with the Bowland Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers. On 19 September, enjoy lively clog dancing performances from the Lancashire Wallopers.There is a lift available to the engine house, however we may not be able to accommodate motorised scooters. 01282 459996 queenstreetmill@lancashire.gov.uk https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/leisure-and-culture/ museums/queen-street-mill-textile-museum/

TOWNELEY HALL GUIDED TOURS Towneley Park, BB11 3RQ 12 September & 20 September 12.30pm-2.00pm & 3pm-4.30pm

Hear stories about the remarkable history and collections at Towneley Hall and explore places the public don’t usually go! Please note that the tour includes several flights of stairs. Suitable for age 16+. Each tour group is limited to 10 people. Please book one ticket per person. 01282 477130 towneleyhall@burnley.gov.uk https://towneley.org.uk/ HISTORICAL CHARACTER FUN AT TOWNELEY HALL 13 September 12pm – 4.30pm (last entry 4pm) Join in fun family crafts from 1-2pm, drink tea in the Regency Rooms from 2-3pm served by costumed characters, and hear stories from characters around the Hall.You never know who you might meet at Towneley! There may even be a bear about! Activities are free but normal Hall admission prices apply. WEAVERS’ TRIANGLE VISITOR CENTRE 85 Manchester Road, Burnley, BB11 1JZ 13 September & 20 September 1pm-4pm Visit the Weavers’ Triangle on the only dates it will be open during 2026 due to refurbishment works. Explore the history of Burnley in the old Wharf Masters office and store built in the 19th century. 01282 452403 weaverstriangle@yahoo.co.uk weaverstriangle.co.uk

Queen Street Mill

Towneley Hall

OAK MOUNT MILL ENGINE HOUSE Wiseman Street, Burnley, BB11 1RU 13 September & 20 September 2pm-4pm See the impressive restored steam engine in operation throughout the afternoon, now powered by an electric motor. 01282 452403 weaverstriangle@yahoo.co.uk weaverstriangle.co.uk

PADIHAM LIBRARY WALK Padiham Library, Burnley Road, Padiham, BB12 8BN 16 September 6pm-8pm Padiham Library is situated within Padiham Town Hall, a Grade 2 listed building opened in 1938.The library is an Art Deco library with original curved shelves, wooden counter and metal windows. Our library is in the centre of Padiham which has some interesting architecture and history of its own and this will be the theme of the guided walk hosted by a local historian.We will also be open as usual for those who might just want to call in and see the library. In partnership with Newground Together and Outdoor Town more details can be found at www.outdoortown.uk

( roadside) PADIHAM WALK Padiham Library, Burnley Road, Padiham, BB12 8BN 14th September 2pm-4pm

Michael Duckworth 07764244766 Padiham.library@lancashire.gov.uk www.lancashire.gov.uk > select Libraries and Archives and then Events.

Meeting at the library entrance, join long time resident Carol Stinton for an informative walk and talk around streets of central Padiham, discover places you may not be aware of and historical background to some unseen features.Wear appropriate footwear - includes some steps and walking uphill in the town centre on paths and cobbled streets. burnleycivictrust@gmail.com burnleycivictrust.org.uk BURNLEY ON FILM Burnley Mechanics Theatre, Manchester Road, Burnley, BB11 1BH 15 September 1.30pm-4pm A FREE film show provided by Burnley Film Makers. 1.30–2.30pm Promotional film of Burnley from 1968, Penelope Keith Travels to East Lancashire, Queen Street Mill closure and Ron Carter Blacksmith Higher Trapp Forge. 3pm–4pm Promotional film of Burnley from 1974, Padiham Market, Swans at Lowerhouse Lodge, John Spencer Textiles, Burnley Barracks railway station,The Queen’s visit 2012 and Burnley FC are Premier League 01282 664400 burnleymechanics@blcgroup.co.uk

ACCRINGTON STANLEY FOOTBALL CLUB Wham Stadium, Livingstone Road,

Accrington, BB5 5BX 16 September 10.30am

Tour behind the scenes to learn more about the club’s history and experience a unique insight into one of the founding members of the Football League dating back to 1888. Book via phone or email. 01254 356950 info@accringtonstanley.co.uk accringtonstanley.co.uk

blcgroup.co.uk/what-we-offer/ theatre-culture/whats-on-at-blc/

See the late Queen visiting Burnley c/o Burnley On Film

BURNLEY TOWN HALL Rooms 2/3, Manchester Road, Burnley, BB11 9SA 15 FASCINATING FACTS

TOWNELEY HALL Towneley Park, BB11 3RQ 18 September 1.30pm-2.30pm

ABOUT YOUR TOWN 16 September 6.30pm-8.30pm

Towneley’s Furniture Collection talk.The talk will take place in the Lecture Theatre. Places are limited to 60 and will be offered on the day on a first come first served basis. 01282 477130 towneleyhall@burnley.gov.uk https://towneley.org.uk/

A talk by Tony Mitchell, Local Historian Burnley Historical Society,Towneley Hall

Society Chairman, BCT member FOOTBALL TOWN TRAIL 17 September 6.30pm-8.30pm

Illustrated Talk by Historian Dr Stephen Tate traces the club’s footprint in its first 25 years across the town centre in a virtual ‘Football Town Trail’, featuring people, places and buildings.A record of ‘everyday lives’ and the pursuit of sporting excellence. burnleycivictrust@gmail.com burnleycivictrust.org.uk ST JAMES CHURCH Cannon Street,Accrington, BB5 2ER 17 September 11am & 1pm Church tours: see the Accrington Pal’s regimental flag brought back from the Somme and find out more about the prominent families including the Peel’s and the Hargreaves who are honoured within the church.

TOWNELEY HALL 19 September 12pm – 4.30pm (last entry 4pm) Free entry to Towneley Hall.

TOWNELEY PARK 19 September 10am to 4pm

Step back in time to the 12th Century with Historia Normannis as we bring history to life.With interactive displays, set pieces on life in the 12th century and medieval combat! historianormannisburnley@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/NormannisBurnley ONETWOTHREE 123-125 St James’s St, Burnley, BB11 1PP 19 September 12pm-4pm. Part of the Empire Building in Burnley town centre (opposite The Burnley Empire Theatre) is now a space for artists, to make and exhibit work. Restored with heritage funding, drop in from 12-4pm, visit the ground floor and see our current exhibition Town to Towneley, an Open Call featuring artwork submitted by people with a connection to Burnley.

( roadside)

With a guided tour around the whole building at 1pm, please note the building is 3 storey and access is via stairs. creativespacesburnley.co.uk

(nearby)

HAWORTH ART GALLERY Hollins Lane,Accrington, BB5 2JS

Rasa Jamia Masjid Mosque

20 September 12pm to 4pm The Hollins Hill Household

A FREE, fun and accessible day for all the family. Go back in time and join in with the Haworth team to immerse yourselves in the world of the servants who worked here when it was a home to Anne and William Haworth. In partnership with the Friends of Haworth Art Gallery find out about the jobs the servants did, the fun they had in their time off and about where they lived. 01254 233782 haworth.artgallery@hyndburnbc.gov.uk https://www.hyndburnbc.gov.uk/haworthaccrington/

RASA JAMIA MASJID MOSQUE 39 Lower Antley Street,Accrington, BB5 0BA 19 September 11am-3pm See inside one of the largest and most beautiful mosques in the UK.All faiths and members of the community are welcome.

Haworth Art Gallery

raza.link@hotmail.com razajamiamasjid.co.uk

Look out for details of other events coming up on discoverburnley.co.uk/ whatson TOWN HALL 15th and 18th September 10am-2pm, including refreshments. burnleycivictrust@gmail.com burnleycivictrust.org.uk ACCRINGTON TOWN HALL Join the Mayor of Hyndburn for a tour of Accrington Town Hall. Originally commissioned as ‘The Peel Institute’ to commemorate the life of former Prime Minister Sir Robert Peel. THE BURNLEY AND NELSON BIG DIG

QUEEN’S PARK off Ormerod Road, Burnley, BB10 3AA 20 September 11am to 4pm Historia Normannis Burnley, Medieval

Re-enactment have a go session. Learn how Medieval soldiers would have fought in the 12th century. Bring gloves, water and wear solid shoes. historianormannisburnley@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/NormannisBurnley ( roadside) BURNLEY MECHANICS Manchester Road, Burnley, BB11 1BH 20 September from 2pm Talks inspired by the Burnley Mechanics Institute programme of the early 20th century. 01282 664400

© Crown Copyright and database right 2026 AC0000849998. © Burnley Council 2026. Job_21255. creative-council.net

Led by Bluestone Archaeology the Burnley and Nelson Big Dig is a community archaeology project funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund to involve local residents in uncovering their prehistoric and medieval past. Follow @The Burnley and Nelson Big Dig on Facebook for updates and how to get involved.

burnleymechanics@blcgroup.co.uk https://blcgroup.co.uk/what-we-offer/ theatre-culture/whats-on-at-blc/