Towneley Hall, Park & Gardens
Towneley Hall Towneley Hall historic house, art gallery and museum located in 400 acres of beautiful parkland provides all the ingredients for a fun, educational and adventurous day out. The magnificent hall, which dates from the 14th Century, contains fine period rooms decorated with oil paintings and sculptures. The museum houses an eclectic collection including an Egyptian mummy, the Whalley Abbey vestments, Lancashire-made oak furniture, Pilkington Pottery and the Towneley Bear! Children will enjoy following the wooden mouse trail. The art gallery boasts a spectacular collection of oil paintings including works by Sir Lawrence Alma Tadema, John William Waterhouse and Johan Zoffany. A programme of exhibitions in the galleries cover a wide range of arts and crafts. There is always something new to see. Visitors can explore life “below stairs” in the Victorian kitchen, servant’s bedroom and discover the hidden Priest’s Hide.
Parkland and Gardens Towneley Hall sits in an extensive historic parkland landscape of formal gardens, woodland walks, sculpture and nature trails. In spring the woodlands are filled with displays of bluebells and wild garlic, which are followed by spectacular rhododendrons in the early summer and brilliant autumn foliage. An extensive network of well signed paths and nature trails allows you to explore Towneley’s historic landscape. Mobility scooters are available free of charge (call to book). A large adventure playground provide endless fun for children and there are good facilities for picnics by the river with a refreshment kiosk serving fresh coffee and snacks.
Refreshments The Rotunda Kiosk, located on the Riverside car park offers great coffee, tea, cold drinks and snacks. The Stables cafe is currently closed until further notice for refurbishment.
Play Areas and Picnics Two play areas provide opportunities for kids to have fun and let off steam. The Riverside play area includes sand and water play and the smaller Barwise play area has just been refurbished. There are picnic areas next to both play areas. New changing places toilet now available.
Woodland walks Towneley is a great for walkers with many kilometres of well marked paths through the parks extensive woodlands and meadows. Mobility scooters are available for free hire.
Offshoots Project Located in the old walled garden, the award-winning Offshoots permaculture project demonstrates the techniques of permculture gardening. The eco-friendly buildings are powered by renewable energy and there are organic vegetable gardens, beekeeping, forest garden, a wildlife pond, charcoal kiln and a backyard garden demonstration area. Offshoots is open weekdays and also holds workshops and activities. Check the website for opening times.
Garden Centres Green-fingered visitors will also enjoy visiting the two garden centres, both located on the edge of Towneley, which offer a great selection of plants and garden furniture.
Galleries The Art Gallery - Recently re-hung and with new lighting, the Hall’s wonderful collection of oil paintings can be now be enjoyed at their best. New additions to the gallery include: Jade Necklace for an Eastern Princess, Ring-a-Ring-a-Roses-Oh..
The Sanderson and Stocks Massey galleries both host a program of exciting exhibitions and displays throughout the year and in the Decorative Arts Gallery there is stunning new display of 20th Century ceramics and studio pottery.
Wild About Burnley The ‘Wild About Burnley’ gallery allows you to explore the sights and sounds of natural world around Burnley. A series of exhibition cases display the wildlife that can be seen in Burnley’s remarkably diverse habitats which range from the wide open moorlands, through woodlands, rivers and farmland to the parks and gardens of the town and you can explore the underground world of badgers. There are live cameras in bird boxes and feeders together with video clips Young people particularly enjoy the interactive displays and adults can join it too!
Museum of Local History Step back in time with a visit to the Museum of Local History. Located in the old brew house alongside the main hall, it tells the story of Burnley people at home and at work using exhibits, photographs and stories told by local residents.
Golf There are three golf courses at Towneley. The 18 hole Pitch and Putt course is fun for all the family, the 9-hole course provides a great introduction to golf and there is a full 18-hole course for more experienced golfers.
A59
SKIPTON
Gisburn Earby A59 A56 A682
CLITHEROE
A6068 Colne
A59
BURNLEY
M65
A680
Towneley Hall
BLACKBURN
Hebden Bridge
Accrington
A56 Rawtenstall
Towneley Hall Museum, Towneley Park, Burnley BB11 3RQ
01282 477130 Entry Fee:
Adults £5.50 for a 12 month passChildren and students Free
Opening Times:
Saturday to Thursday 12 until 5pm (last entry at 4pm.) Winter opening times (see website)
Book your slot before you go
towneley.org.uk/book-a-visit
make the most of Towneley visit towneley.org.uk or find us on facebook Towneley Hall is owned and managed by Burnley Council