The largest green space in Blackburn, and it feels it: 480 acres of parkland, woodland and proper countryside a mile out of the town centre, with a Green Flag to its name. The flat parkland near the entrance does the picnic and ball-game work, and the wooded hillsides behind give you real walks when everyone needs marching.
It is a free day in all but the parking. There is no entry charge; the main car park by the entrance is 80p for two hours or £2 for the day, and the Tower Road and Pleasington car parks are free. The visitor centre sits in the Victorian stable block with toilets alongside, there are adventure play areas for the climbing years and a Pavilion cafe, picnic spots all over, and waymarked nature trails through the woods.
This is a run-around park rather than a destination with rides and queues. On a dry day that is exactly the point.
What it costs: Free to enter. Parking in the main and astroturf car parks is charged from 8am to 9pm every day: 80p for two hours or £2 for the day, coin or card. The Tower Road and Pleasington car parks are free, and blue badge holders are exempt.
Round Table, Lions and 41 Club's big fundraiser: bonfire, fireworks and funfair, with an advance family ticket of £8 for two adults and up to four children. That is about as cheap as a ticketed display gets, and the money goes to local charities.
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