Attractions and Places To See around Tockholes - Top 20

Tockholes is rich in history. You can visit the iconic Darwen Tower (Jubilee Tower), built in 1898 to commemorate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee, offering 360-degree views from its internal staircase. Another significant site is Rivington Pike Tower, originally a hunting lodge from 1733. Don't miss the unique Pigeon Tower (Dovecote Tower) at Rivington, built in 1910, which once housed ornamental birds and offered amazing views from its upper floor. You can also find the ruins of Hollinshead Hall and its well-preserved Well House, known for its lion's head fountain and historical belief in curing eye diseases.

Absolutely. The region is known for its natural landscapes. The Roddlesworth Reservoirs and Woods are a highlight, especially beautiful during bluebell season. You can spot various bird species like wildfowl, woodpeckers, dippers, and kingfishers along the streams. Entwistle Reservoir offers easy walking paths and picturesque wooded borders, particularly stunning in autumn. The West Pennine Moors, where Tockholes is situated, provide extensive opportunities to enjoy wild moorlands and scenic views.

Tockholes is a fantastic base for outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking and cycling are very popular, with numerous routes through the natural landscapes. You can find many trails around the reservoirs and leading up to landmarks like Darwen Tower. For detailed hiking routes, explore the Hiking around Tockholes guide. If you're into cycling, there are also dedicated guides for Gravel biking and Road Cycling in the area.

Yes, there are several options for families. Entwistle Reservoir offers easy, pleasant walks suitable for all ages. The Pigeon Tower (Dovecote Tower) at Rivington is also considered family-friendly. Beyond the immediate area, Smithills Open Farm provides an interactive experience for children to engage with animals, and Hukd Crazy in Bury offers crazy golf for all ages.

The best time to visit Tockholes depends on your interests. Spring is ideal for seeing the Roddlesworth Woods carpeted in bluebells. Autumn offers particularly picturesque scenery around Entwistle Reservoir with its wooded borders. Generally, warmer, drier months are best for hiking and cycling, but the views from places like Darwen Tower can be stunning on a clear day year-round, even if it's windy.

Near Entwistle Reservoir, you'll find two pubs and a coffee shop, making it a convenient stop for refreshments during your walk. When visiting Rivington Pike Tower, consider stopping at one of the Saxon Barns on the way down for a meal or drink; the Higher Barn is over 2000 years old and worth a visit.

Yes, for those seeking more challenging routes and expansive views, the Tockholes area delivers. The climb to Darwen Tower (Jubilee Tower) is considered challenging, but from its summit, you can see the Lake District, Morecambe Bay, Blackpool Tower, and even the Isle of Man on clear days. Winter Hill Summit, at 456m, also offers superb views across the West Pennine Hills, though it can be exposed to windy weather.

Tockholes parish contains 26 listed buildings, predominantly historic farmhouses and associated farm buildings, with three holding Grade II* status. These buildings, such as Higher Whitehalgh Farmhouse (dating back to 1616) and the former Silk Hall, provide a glimpse into the region's architectural heritage and its past as a center for weaving and silk production. You can learn more about these historical structures on Wikipedia.

Visitors particularly appreciate the stunning 360-degree views from landmarks like Darwen Tower and Rivington Pike Tower. The historical significance of these sites, combined with the opportunity to explore them freely, is also highly valued. Many enjoy the easy walking paths around reservoirs like Entwistle Reservoir, which offer beautiful scenery and convenient amenities like pubs and coffee shops.

Yes, Tockholes has a deep religious and historical past. St. Stephen's Church is an ancient site, with its current structure being a 19th-century reconstruction. Its churchyard features an outdoor stone pulpit from 1910 and a stone cross believed to be a remnant of an old parish preaching cross from AD 684. Tockholes United Reformed Church also stands on the site of an original church from 1662, reflecting the area's history as a center for nonconformist worship.

Beyond the main landmarks, you can discover unique historical elements. The Well House at Hollinshead Hall, with its magnificent lion's head fountain, is a well-preserved structure over an ancient mineral spring. On Rock Lane, you can find an ancient stone water trough with a Norman arch, which was relocated from Gerstane Hall in 1910. The area of Silk Hall Fold also features 17th-century cottages that still show evidence of old weaving rooms, highlighting Tockholes' past as a silk production center.