Attractions and Places To See around Woodplumpton - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Woodplumpton include a mix of historical landmarks, natural features, and cultural sites. The village, located in Lancashire, England, is characterized by its surrounding countryside, including Woodplumpton Brook and the Lancaster Canal. Visitors can explore historical buildings, nature reserves, and parks, offering diverse outdoor activities. The area provides opportunities for hiking and cycling through varied landscapes.
Best attractions and places to see around Woodplumpton
- The most popular attractions is Brockholes Nature Reserve, a lake that spans 250 acres and features ancient woodland, lakes, and wetlands. It provides habitats for varied wildlife and includes a floating café and visitor center.
- Another must-see spot is Miller Park Fountain, a man-made monument located near Preston's center. This park features a listed water fountain, spiraling gardens, and exotic trees, offering landscaped paths for exploration.
- Visitors also love Ribble Link Staircase Locks and Holding Basin, a river feature connecting the Lancaster Canal to Savick Brook. This site allows observation of canal boats navigating a series of locks towards the River Ribble.
- Woodplumpton is known for its historical landmarks, natural reserves, and canal-side paths. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from 14th-century churches to extensive nature reserves.
- The attractions around Woodplumpton are appreciated by the komoot community, with 3 highlights, more than 9 photos, and over 120 upvotes.
Last updated: July 2, 2026
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
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Miller Park Fountain
Highlight • Monument
Avenham Park hosts the Japanese Rock Garden, as well as a popular cafe for an ice cream in summer or a warming brew in winter. Miller Park features a listed water fountain, spiralling gardens and a basalt rock from Ireland's Giant's Causeway.
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Cartford Toll Bridge
Highlight • Bridge
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Ribble Link Staircase Locks and Holding Basin
Highlight • River
Tip1
If you see only Tip1, open this highlight using the link:
komoot.com/highlight/3843027
Some suggestions below in Tip2.
The Ribble Link Staircase is visited by several Komoot tours - for example, check out these links:
komoot.com/tour/610244459
komoot.com/tour/1118780163
Take care with children at all points near the holding basin and staircase locks.
The locks join the Lancaster Canal to the start of the river navigation along Savick Brook, which flows three locks below at the bottom of the staircase.
To view the photos alongside these descriptions, use a split-screen.
Photos 1 and 2: the holding basin, taken from a new bridge that carries the Lancaster Canal 'towpath' over a short channel. That channel branches off the canal and widens into the holding basin at the top lock, with moorings for boats waiting to descend the staircase and continue along the brook to the River Ribble.
Photo 3: looking from the basin towards the towpath bridge and the canal, just visible under the bridge.
Photo 4: looking across the holding basin to the top lock.
The Ribble Link Navigation follows the course of Savick Brook west towards the north bank of the Ribble, where the brook passes through the sea lock and into its tidal waters to join the Ribble.
Departure down the staircase to the Ribble is only possible when the tide is right. It's timed so that boats arrive at the junction of Savick Brook with the Ribble near high tide.
Photo 5: two boats descending - the canal boat is reversing down the staircase to avoid a U-turn in Savick Brook.
Photo 6: at the bottom lock the boat is reversing into the Savick Brook winding hole - too narrow for a long boat to turn. It then moves forward and turns slightly left to continue on along the brook.
Photo 7: the raised walkway that follows Savick Brook under the railway bridge. Low bridge - mind your head.
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Haslam Park Nature Reserve
Highlight • Trail
Photo-Guide or Satnav through the Nature Reserve to Cottam Lane - Walk or 10min Cycle
The 3rd photo, P3, shows this highlight's location, red 2, beside Lancaster Canal bridge 15.
If you see only Tip1 open:
komoot.com/highlight/4114660
Despite the above "Cycling not permitted at this location", photo P4, taken from this location, shows a cycle path, a Haslam Park/Nature Reserve sign and a blue-bike sign.
Visitors to the park can include the Nature Reserve route in a walk or cycle. Parking at Cottam Lane and Bristow Avenue park entrances. Link:
komoot.com/highlight/4092174
You can use the route through the reserve as a detour from a Komoot tour that passes close to the park - e. g. via the canal towpath. Join the detour at the highlight location. The detour route ends near the Cottam Lane park entrance. Then rejoin your tour. See Tip2.
The P3 map shows part of a tour (blue route) that includes the photo-guide route through the reserve. If needed, satnav is provided along the detour by that tour, link:
komoot.com/tour/610244459
See Tips 2 to 4 below.
Route Description - Photo-Guide
View in split-screen (Tip6) or 2 screens to see photos alongside the description of the route through the reserve. Best to view photos in the Komoot app.
From the start, blue-bike sign P4, Highlight2 on P3, follow the gravel path - 20 paces. Fork right (P5) onto the off-grid path, hedge on right. In 30 paces go through gap in hedge (P6). Take care - safer to dismount and you may encounter a walker/cyclist approaching the gap. Follow path NW then W. Cycle times based on continuous cycling.
1 min - W to SW - group of trees straight ahead (P7). Continue straight on, W then S between points 5 and 6, on brown, off-grid path (P8 - top of map is west). If using satnav it may instruct to turn left onto blue, on-grid path - ignore it.
Path turns S - group of trees close (P9).
2.5 min - go south (P10). If using satnav, an instruction to turn right, back on-grid. Turn right (W) near the trees to bank of brook, then S and E around edge of field - brook on right.
3.5 min - path more distinct - maybe muddy (P11).
4.5 min - T-junction (P12). Turn right across bridge. No barrier- take care (P13). Turn right. Path divides (P14) - take right fork.
A feint path goes to hedge on left to Cottam Lane (P15).
6 min - P16 looks back through hedge.
Go right in Cottam Lane if you plan to join the canal at bridge 16.
See Tips 2 to 4 for options.
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Tips from the Community
Lots of hideaways to stop and admire the wildlife
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Cartford Bridge is a single-track toll bridge in the English county of Lancashire. Built in 1831, it spans the River Wyre, connecting Little Eccleston-with-Larbreck, in the Borough of Fylde, on the southern side of the river, to Out Rawcliffe, in the Borough of Wyre, on its northern side (known locally as "Over Wyre"), carrying both automotive and pedestrian traffic of Cartford Lane. The tolls are £1 for vehicles exceeding five tonnes, 70p for vehicles exceeding two tonnes, 60p for motorised vehicles not exceeding two tonnes, and 20p for two-wheeled vehicles.
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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.
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Cartford bridge is a great crossing point from Great Eccleston to the Over Wyre coast
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of natural attractions can I explore around Woodplumpton?
Woodplumpton is surrounded by natural beauty. You can visit Brockholes Nature Reserve, a 250-acre site featuring ancient woodland, lakes, and wetlands, ideal for wildlife spotting. The village is also traversed by Woodplumpton Brook and the Lancaster Canal, both designated Wildlife Corridors. Additionally, the area boasts various woodlands, hedgerows, and small ponds, providing diverse habitats.
Are there historical landmarks to visit in Woodplumpton?
Yes, Woodplumpton has a rich history. A significant landmark is St Anne's Church, a Grade II listed building dating back to the 14th century. In its churchyard, you'll find the intriguing Meg Shelton's Witch's Grave, a site of local folklore. Nearby, you can also see historical artifacts like the Village Stocks, a mounting block, and an old gateway, offering a glimpse into the village's past.
What outdoor activities are available near Woodplumpton's attractions?
The countryside around Woodplumpton offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for cycling, mountain biking, and running. For example, there are easy MTB trails like the 'Brockholes Nature Reserve loop' and various cycling routes, including a loop from Broughton that passes Cartford Toll Bridge. For runners, running trails range from moderate loops around St Anne's to more challenging routes like the 'Masons Wood loop'.
Are there any family-friendly attractions in the area?
Absolutely. Brockholes Nature Reserve is highly recommended for families, offering trails, viewing points, and a floating café. Miller Park Fountain, with its landscaped gardens and exotic trees, is also family-friendly. The Cartford Toll Bridge and the Ribble Link Staircase Locks provide interesting sights for all ages, with opportunities to observe canal boats.
Can I find places with wheelchair access near Woodplumpton?
Yes, Miller Park Fountain in Preston is noted for being wheelchair accessible, offering landscaped paths for exploration. While specific accessibility details for all sites are not available, parks and nature reserves often have accessible sections.
Where can I observe canal boats and learn about local waterways?
The Ribble Link Staircase Locks and Holding Basin is an excellent spot to observe canal boats. This unique river feature connects the Lancaster Canal to Savick Brook and the River Ribble, allowing visitors to watch boats navigate a series of locks. The Lancaster Canal itself, which passes through Woodplumpton, also offers scenic views and opportunities to see canal activity.
What is the best time to visit Woodplumpton for outdoor activities?
The warmer months are generally ideal for outdoor activities around Woodplumpton. For instance, Brockholes Nature Reserve extends its opening hours during summer (6 am - 9 pm), offering more daylight for exploration. The surrounding countryside is perfect for hiking and cycling when the weather is mild.
Are there any local pubs or cafes near the attractions?
Yes, The Smiths Arms is the local pub in Woodplumpton, offering a community atmosphere. At Brockholes Nature Reserve, you can enjoy refreshments at their unique floating café and visitor center. Miller Park also has a popular café, perfect for a break during your visit.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see in Woodplumpton?
The area around Woodplumpton is rich in wildlife, particularly at Brockholes Nature Reserve, which provides diverse habitats for varied wildlife, including breeding wading birds, osprey, otter, and bittern. The Woodplumpton Brook and Lancaster Canal are designated Wildlife Corridors, supporting various species. Woodlands, hedgerows, and numerous ponds also contribute to the local biodiversity.
Are there any unique historical buildings beyond the church?
Beyond St Anne's Church, Woodplumpton features several other historic buildings. Hollowforth Hall, primarily built in the 1850s, incorporates parts of an earlier 17th or 18th-century farmhouse. You can also find a 17th-century thatched cottage at Cuckstool Farm and other large farmhouses like Crow Hall, Midge Hall, Bartle Hall, and Swillbrook House, which date back to the 18th or early 19th centuries.
What is the significance of the Ribble Link Staircase Locks?
The Ribble Link Staircase Locks and Holding Basin is a crucial engineering feat that connects the Lancaster Canal to Savick Brook and the tidal waters of the River Ribble. Completed in 2002, it allows boats from the previously isolated Lancaster Canal to access other inland waterways, making it an interesting site for those interested in canal history and engineering.
Are there any parks with unique features near Woodplumpton?
Yes, Miller Park, located near Preston's center, is known for its listed water fountain, spiraling gardens, and exotic trees. Adjacent to it, Avenham Park features a distinctive Japanese Rock Garden, offering beautifully landscaped paths for visitors to explore.
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