Attractions and Places To See around Pleasington - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Pleasington include a variety of natural landscapes and historical landmarks. The region features hills, rivers, and woodlands, providing diverse outdoor experiences. Visitors can explore significant nature reserves and notable man-made monuments. The area offers opportunities to engage with both natural points of interest and historical sites.
Best attractions and places to see around Pleasington
- The most popular attractions is Darwen Tower (Jubilee Tower), a man-made monument built in 1898 to commemorate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee. Standing 85 feet (26 m) high on Darwen Hill, it offers expansive views from its internal staircase.
- Another must-see spot is Brockholes Nature Reserve, a lake and nature reserve spanning 250 acres. Visitors can explore ancient woodland, lakes, and diverse wildlife viewing points, with facilities including a floating cafe and visitor center.
- Visitors also love Roddlesworth Reservoirs, a trail system around three reservoirs surrounded by mature deciduous woodland. These paths are suitable for relaxed rides and strolls, with numerous trails exploring the banks and forest.
- Pleasington is known for its natural monuments, historical sites, and nature reserves. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from river confluences to impressive viaducts.
- The attractions around Pleasington are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 330 upvotes and over 240 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: June 20, 2026
Darwen Tower (Jubilee Tower)
Highlight • Monument
It is a popular objective for hikers, which is fitting because it was also built to celebrate a victory in the local people's fight to gain access to the moorland. There's an internal staircase that allows walkers to climb the tower.
From the very top, the views are unsurprisingly stupendous. On a clear day, the mountains of the Lake District can be seen, as well as Morecambe Bay, Blackpool Tower, the Isle of Man and North Wales. Of course, closer at hand stretch the wild moorlands of the West Pennines.
Tip by
Brockholes Nature Reserve
Highlight • Lake
The reserve is open from 6am - 9pm during summer and until 7pm during winter. You can also bring your bike! Just bear in mind that you are only allowed to cycle on the Guild Wheel Cycle Route through the reserve. You can find more information, here: brockholes.org
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Confluence of the Rivers Calder and Ribble
Highlight • Natural Monument
You can follow the Ribble to its dramatically situated source at Ribblehead, close to the eponymous viaduct, by hiking the Ribble Way, which passes by this spot. The Calder's source is on the moors above Burnley, not far from the source of the Irwell and West Yorkshire's own River Calder.
A ferry once operated near this spot and may have been the inspiration for Bucklebury Ferry in JRR Tolkien's 'The Fellowship of the Ring'. Tolkien regularly stayed at nearby Stonyhurst Cottage while he was working on his epic Lord of the Rings saga and there are many links between this part of the Ribble Valley and locations in the Shire.
Tip by
Hoghton Bottoms Weir and Viaduct
Highlight • Waterfall
Tip by
Roddlesworth Reservoirs
Highlight • Trail
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more attractions around Pleasington.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
any age can do this walk, was a really nice most flat, very enjoyable and had lunch in pub at end great day in all
0
0
I visited on a sunny day, it was warm at the bottom and very windy at the very top. The route was quite easy.
0
0
Lots of hideaways to stop and admire the wildlife
1
0
A grand, high-level cruise around the West Pennine Moors. The route follows long chunks of the Witton Weavers’ Way on good tracks so is suitable for a winter’s night. It can, however, get claggy in the woods. The bridleway signage is a lot more generous on the ground than the map would suggest, especially if you have an older map.
2
0
Tower open at weekends, great view from the top despite missing landmark plaques!
0
0
The path at the side of the river is the Tolkien Trail, a lovely 11km loop which is generally fine to walk all year round.
0
0
Brockholes was previously a major quarry extraction site. The land was bought by the Trust in January 2007, and the reserve opened to the public at Easter 2011. It has been regenerated as a mosaic of key habitats such as pools, reedbeds and woodland. The reserve is aimed less at dedicated bird-watchers and nature lovers than the general public of the big cities. The riverbank is covered in steaming ferns and rampant Himalayan balsam. Brockholes offers a wide range of events throughout the year and over 250 acres of trails and hides. It has already seen record numbers of breeding wading birds along with visitors such as osprey, otter and bittern. Now it's a beautiful nature reserve with amazing wildlife.
6
0
There are a couple of benches which are perfectly placed to spend some time to take in the scenery or to stop for lunch.
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What natural attractions can I explore around Pleasington?
Pleasington offers a variety of natural attractions. You can visit Brockholes Nature Reserve, a 250-acre site with ancient woodland, lakes, and diverse wildlife viewing points. The Roddlesworth Reservoirs provide beautiful mature deciduous woodland trails perfect for relaxed strolls. You can also see the Confluence of the Rivers Calder and Ribble, an important ecological spot.
Are there any historical landmarks to visit in the Pleasington area?
Yes, a prominent historical landmark is Darwen Tower (Jubilee Tower). Built in 1898 to commemorate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee, this 85-foot tower stands atop Darwen Hill and offers internal stairs to climb for expansive views. Another notable historical structure is the Hoghton Bottoms Viaduct, which towers 108 feet over a picturesque sandstone gorge.
Where can I find family-friendly activities near Pleasington?
For family-friendly outings, Brockholes Nature Reserve is an excellent choice, offering trails, wildlife viewing, and a floating visitor center. The Roddlesworth Reservoirs also feature paths suitable for family strolls through woodland. The Confluence of the Rivers Calder and Ribble is another spot suitable for families to explore.
What kind of views can I expect from the attractions?
From Darwen Tower, you can expect "stupendous" 360-degree views. On a clear day, you might see the Lake District mountains, Morecambe Bay, Blackpool Tower, the Isle of Man, and North Wales. Brockholes Nature Reserve offers scenic views of lakes and ancient woodland, while the Hoghton Bottoms Weir and Viaduct provides great photo opportunities of the river gorge and impressive viaduct.
Are there opportunities for hiking or walking near Pleasington's attractions?
Yes, there are many opportunities for hiking and walking. The area around Darwen Tower on Darwen Hill is popular for hikers. The Roddlesworth Reservoirs offer numerous trails through mature deciduous woodland. For more options, you can explore various routes in the Easy hikes around Pleasington guide.
Can I go mountain biking around Pleasington?
Absolutely. The Pleasington area offers several mountain biking trails. You can find routes like the "Beamers Trail" or explore the "Roddlesworth Reservoirs – Ice Cream Chute Downhill Trail loop." For a comprehensive list of routes, check out the MTB Trails around Pleasington guide.
Are there any dog-friendly walking spots?
Yes, the trails around Roddlesworth Reservoirs are dog-friendly, provided your dog is kept on a lead. This area offers peaceful rambles through gorgeous woodland at any time of year.
What is the best time of year to visit Pleasington's outdoor attractions?
While many attractions are accessible year-round, trails around areas like Hoghton Bottoms Weir and Viaduct can become very boggy after rainfall or during winter months. Sturdy hiking boots are highly recommended during these periods. Summer offers longer daylight hours and generally drier conditions for exploring.
Where can I experience river scenery or water features?
You can visit the Confluence of the Rivers Calder and Ribble, where these two significant Lancashire rivers meet. Another spectacular spot is Hoghton Bottoms Weir and Viaduct, featuring a picturesque sandstone gorge and a tumbling weir on the River Darwen.
What makes Brockholes Nature Reserve a popular spot?
Brockholes Nature Reserve is popular for its 250 acres of diverse habitats, including wetlands and woodlands, managed by the Lancashire Wildlife Trust. Visitors enjoy exploring ancient woodland, lakes, and various wildlife viewing points. It also features a unique floating cafe and visitor center, making it a great place to connect with nature.
Are there running trails available near Pleasington?
Yes, there are several running trails in the vicinity. You can find routes in Witton Country Park or explore loops starting from Pleasington itself. For detailed options, refer to the Running Trails around Pleasington guide.
What are Roddlesworth Reservoirs known for?
The Roddlesworth Reservoirs are known for their trio of reservoirs surrounded by beautiful mature deciduous woodland. They offer numerous trails perfect for relaxed rides and strolls, with paths exploring the banks and forest, making them ideal for an afternoon outing.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about Darwen Tower?
Visitors particularly enjoy the historical significance of Darwen Tower, built to commemorate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee and a victory for local people's access to moorland. The internal staircase allows climbers to reach the top for truly "stupendous" 360-degree views, which are a major highlight.
Most popular routes around Pleasington
Most popular attractions around Pleasington
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Still not found the Highlight you’re looking for? See guides of the top attractions in other regions:
