What to do with young children near Burnley? Suggestions gratefully received

[JimmyTarbuck]

We are off in half-term to stay in a cottage with my husband's family. MIL has booked a cottage near Briercliffe, which I think is not far from Burnley. We have DD age 4 and our niece will be there too - she is 2.5. Any ideas for good days out? I have absolutely no knowledge of that area.
Thanks

I don't know anything about Burnley particularly, but a bit further afield, there are some nice walks up to the Haslingden Halo and Peel Tower in Ramsbottom.

You're also not 'that' far from Manchester so you can drive to Prestwich, where you can park for free, and get the tram in.

Giddy Kippers is a big soft play area just off the motorway if it's raining.

I'll see if I can think of anything else. HTH.

Thanks for taking the time to reply!

In Nelson there is a wave pool type of place. Big park and hall in Burnley called Townley Park. Clithroe is a lovely day out it's a small market town with lovely little 'shoppes', a castle and lovely play park. Ramsbottom is similar but a bit further I think.

Great ideas, thanks

Coldwell activity centre just outside nelson is small but really nice, a small playground, a garden centre and a lovely small cafe is great in beautiful countryside just outside Nelson. Wycoller is really nice too on a summers day, a nice little river, ruin and visitors centre. If you like river paddling, the river outside Roughlee school just outside Nelson is shallow and fun and the nearby Barley park is also great (with a nice cafe). Slightly further afield, Hebden bridge is a great day out with a wonderful park/ play area and an alternative technology centre (great charity shops too).

Towneley Hall & it's grounds are very popular with families, as has been mentioned - it has a nice play area, and children love looking for the bear in the Hall. This weekend I think there's a 'Soccer 6' event on at the football ground next door though, so it might be bad traffic wise.
Queen Street Textile Mill in Harle Syke is close to Briercliffe, and they sometimes have craft activities etc for children.
Queens Park, a smallish park near the Town Centre is quite popular, and has one of those mini roads/cycling tracks for kids. Across the road is Thompson's Park, which has a boating lake and a mini steam railway.
Thornton Hall Country Park near Skipton is a children's farm that's worth a visit.
There's also the steam railway at Rawtenstall that goes to Bury (decent market and a transport museum).
There are barge trips running from Reedley Marina at Barden Mill, which isn't far from where you're staying (there's also a small park across the road there, just higher up for a quick play).

I forgot to mention the 'Happa' horse and pony rescue place, which is in Briercliffe. Have never been, but they apparently welcome visitors, there's a cafe etc.

you must go to the Transport Museum kids will love it
www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk/burytransportmuseum/

Hi, If you're still in Burnley on the 1st & 2nd June, have a look at the ARK project which will be in Burnley. Completely unique, and lots of free activities happening suitable for families. www.thearklancashire.co.uk

The Bowland Wild Boar park is brilliant for children your age.