Padiham is a historic market town in Lancashire situated on the River Calder, approximately three miles west of Burnley. The town expanded rapidly during the Industrial Revolution when cotton weaving, spinning and engineering became important local industries. Its historic centre still contains buildings reflecting the prosperity created by the textile industry. Today Padiham is a residential community surrounded by the countryside of the Calder Valley and Pendle area.
Padiham: Historical sights and information
Facts about Padiham
- Latitude:
- 53.801956
- Longitude:
- -2.313947
- GPS Coordinates:
- 53°48' N, 02°19' W
The historical and tourist significance of the town
Gawthorpe Hall, an impressive Elizabethan house managed by the National Trust, is located just outside Padiham and is one of the area's principal attractions. The Leeds and Liverpool Canal passes nearby and provides opportunities for walking and cycling. Pendle Hill and the wider Forest of Bowland offer dramatic landscapes and outdoor activities. Burnley and nearby industrial heritage sites provide further insight into the region's textile history.
Food and leisure
Padiham has traditional pubs, cafés, takeaways and small local shops, while Burnley offers a wider selection of restaurants and shopping. Lancashire hotpot and other traditional northern English dishes can be found throughout the area. Spring through early autumn is particularly suitable for exploring the canal and surrounding countryside. Padiham is a useful rural stop close to Burnley and Pendle.
Locations & Tours
Discover famous landmarks, historical sites and tourist attractions in Padiham.