Attractions and Places To See around Withnell - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Withnell, a village in Lancashire, England, offers a blend of natural beauty and historical landmarks. Nestled amidst the West Pennine Moors, the area is appealing for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can explore a variety of sites, from significant historical structures to scenic natural features. The region provides opportunities to experience its industrial past and rich architectural heritage.
Best attractions and places to see around Withnell
- The most popular attractions is Rivington Pike Tower, a viewpoint that was built in 1733 on the site of an ancient beacon. The tower was originally a hunting lodge and offers expansive views from its summit.
- Another must-see spot is Darwen Tower (Jubilee Tower), a man-made monument. Erected in 1898 to commemorate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee, this 85-foot tower stands on Darwen Hill. An internal staircase allows visitors to climb for views that can include the Lake District and Blackpool Tower on clear days.
- Visitors also love Entwistle Reservoir, a lake that was built in 1832. It provides an easy walk along its shores, bordered by woods.
- Withnell is known for its historical landmarks, natural reserves, and scenic viewpoints. The area offers a variety of attractions, from historic towers and reservoirs to disused railway cuttings and listed buildings.
- The attractions around Withnell are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 160 upvotes and 93 photos shared across the highlights.
Last updated: June 20, 2026
Winter Hill Summit and TV Mast
Highlight • Historical Site
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Rivington Pike Tower
Highlight • Viewpoint
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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.
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Entwistle Reservoir
Highlight • Lake
Records suggest it was built entirely of puddle clay with no distinct core. Earth dams usually have a waterproof cutoff under their earthworks designed to stop seepage under the dam but it is doubtful whether there was any such a cutoff at Entwistle. The reservoir has a rock-cut outlet tunnel driven through the valley side rather than a culvert or pipeline and a siphon draw-off pipe. The dam is 108 ft high and 110 metres long at the crest. The present overflow channel and valve tower were added by the Bolton Corporation Water Works who took over the reservoir in 1864.
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Pigeon Tower (Dovecote Tower), Rivington
Highlight • Historical Site
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Tips from the Community
Much of the path around the base is presently closed owing to maintenance works, so please be aware!
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The path around the reservoir is worthwhile. It's used by many runners and dog walkers. Unfortunately, the reservoir is currently low on water.
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I visited on a sunny day, it was warm at the bottom and very windy at the very top. The route was quite easy.
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A lovely, easy walk along reservoir shores, with wooded borders that look beautiful in autumn sunshine
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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.
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Tower open at weekends, great view from the top despite missing landmark plaques!
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Rivington is a lovely place to get out for a walk - lots to see within a short distance and great to keep kids and adults entertained.
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Rivington Pike at 362m is a very popular summit for runners and walkers. The trails up through the terraced gardens are a lot of fun to run and you can extend the loop by taking in Winter Hill. Get up early or take a head torch and run in the evening to avoid the crowds although it's quite fun running up past them at any time. The tower was built in 1733 on the site of the ancient beacon. It was a hunting lodge but when restored none of the internal features where kept and the door and windows have been blocked.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of outdoor activities can I do around Withnell?
Withnell, nestled in the West Pennine Moors, is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. You can enjoy various activities such as hiking, running, and gravel biking. There are numerous trails around scenic spots like Entwistle Reservoir and the Roddlesworth Reservoirs. For more detailed routes, you can explore guides like Easy hikes around Withnell or Running Trails around Withnell.
Are there any nature reserves or scenic walks in Withnell?
Yes, the Entwistle Reservoir offers an easy, lovely walk along its shores, bordered by woods that are particularly beautiful in autumn. Additionally, the Withnell Local Nature Reserve, a 12-acre site following a disused railway cutting, provides a pleasant environment for public walks amidst wildflowers and native trees.
Where can I find easy walking trails suitable for families?
For family-friendly walks, the trails around Entwistle Reservoir are highly recommended, offering beautiful views and easy terrain. Many of the routes listed in the Easy hikes around Withnell guide are also suitable for families, such as the loops around Roddlesworth Reservoirs.
Are there any challenging hikes or viewpoints with extensive views?
Absolutely. For challenging hikes and expansive views, consider climbing Rivington Pike Tower, which offers views as far as the Lake District and Blackpool Tower on clear days. Darwen Tower (Jubilee Tower) also provides stupendous 360-degree views from its summit, including Morecambe Bay and North Wales. Winter Hill Summit, at 456 meters, is another challenging option with panoramic vistas.
What historical landmarks can I visit near Withnell?
Withnell is rich in history. You can visit Pigeon Tower (Dovecote Tower), Rivington, built in 1910 by Lord Leverhulme. St Paul's Church, built in 1841, features a 1917 war memorial cross. The area also boasts numerous Grade II listed buildings, primarily historic farmhouses, showcasing the region's architectural heritage.
Are there any notable historical buildings or villages to explore?
Yes, Withnell Fold Village is a notable 'colony' village established in 1843 around a paper mill, featuring historic buildings like Withnell Fold Methodist Church (1852) and Withnell Fold Farm (1736). The civil parish of Withnell also contains 20 Grade II listed buildings, including Close House (1638) and Stanworth Farmhouse (17th century), which highlight traditional sandstone construction and historical details.
What are the best places for panoramic views?
For breathtaking panoramic views, head to Rivington Pike Tower, where you can see the Lake District and Blackpool Tower on a clear day. Darwen Tower (Jubilee Tower) also offers extensive views, including Morecambe Bay and North Wales. Winter Hill Summit provides another high vantage point over the West Pennine Hills.
What is the best time of year to visit Withnell for outdoor activities?
The West Pennine Moors can be enjoyed year-round, but spring and autumn offer particularly pleasant conditions for walking and hiking, with milder temperatures and beautiful foliage. Clear days in any season will provide the best long-distance views from the various summits and towers. Be prepared for potentially windy and wet weather, especially on higher ground like Winter Hill Summit.
Are there places to eat or drink near the walking trails?
Yes, near popular walking spots like Entwistle Reservoir, you'll find pubs and coffee shops, making it convenient to refuel after your walk. The area around Rivington Pike also has Saxon Barns that offer meals and drinks.
What do visitors enjoy the most about Withnell?
Visitors particularly enjoy the stunning 360-degree views from landmarks like Darwen Tower and Rivington Pike Tower. The variety of walking trails, from easy reservoir loops to more challenging moorland hikes, is also a major draw. The rich history, evident in the listed buildings and industrial heritage of places like Withnell Fold Village, adds another layer of enjoyment for those exploring the area.
Can I find dog-friendly walks in the area?
Many of the outdoor trails and natural areas around Withnell are suitable for dog walking. Popular spots like Entwistle Reservoir and the various routes through the West Pennine Moors are generally dog-friendly, though it's always advisable to keep dogs on a lead, especially near livestock or in nature reserves.
Are there any hidden gems or lesser-known spots worth exploring?
Beyond the well-known towers and reservoirs, the Withnell Local Nature Reserve offers a peaceful, less-trafficked experience along a disused railway cutting. Exploring the historic buildings within Withnell Fold Village or seeking out some of the 20 Grade II listed farmhouses, such as Close House or Stanworth Farmhouse, can also reveal unique insights into the area's past.
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