Attractions and Places To See around Heapey - Top 20

Heapey and its surroundings are rich in history. You can visit the distinctive Pigeon Tower (Dovecote Tower), Rivington, built in 1910, which once housed ornamental pigeons and offered impressive views. Another significant site is the Rivington Pike Tower, a Grade 2 listed structure from 1733 that served as a hunting lodge. Don't miss the Darwen Tower (Jubilee Tower), an 85-foot monument erected in 1898 to commemorate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee, offering expansive views from its internal staircase.

For breathtaking views, consider climbing to the top of Darwen Tower (Jubilee Tower), where on a clear day you can see the Lake District, Morecambe Bay, Blackpool Tower, and even the Isle of Man. The Winter Hill Summit and TV Mast also offers panoramic vistas from its 456m elevation. Additionally, the Eagle Tower View Point, located behind St Barnabas' Church, provides extensive views across the West Lancashire Plain to the Fylde, Blackpool, and the Irish Sea.

Yes, several spots are great for families. Entwistle Reservoir is a popular choice for easy walking and scenic views. The Pigeon Tower (Dovecote Tower), Rivington is also considered family-friendly, offering an interesting historical site amidst beautiful surroundings. The hamlet of White Coppice, with its stone cottages and cricket field, provides a lovely setting for family walks.

Heapey is situated at the foot of the expansive West Pennine Moors, offering numerous natural attractions. You can visit Entwistle Reservoir, a historical lake that was once the highest dam in England. The area also includes parts of Anglezarke Reservoir, Heapey Moor, and the prominent Winter Hill and Rivington Pike, which are popular for hiking and enjoying the wild landscapes.

The Heapey area is excellent for outdoor activities, especially cycling. You can find various routes for road cycling, general cycling, and gravel biking. For instance, there are road cycling routes like the 'View of Rivington Pike – Lower Rivington Reservoir loop' and general cycling routes such as the 'Leeds & Liverpool Canal – Leeds and Liverpool Canal Path loop'. For gravel biking, consider the 'Entwistle Reservoir – View of Belmont Reservoir loop'. You can find more details on these and other routes in the Road Cycling Routes around Heapey, Cycling around Heapey, and Gravel biking around Heapey guides.

Beyond the prominent towers, Heapey features several other historical sites. The Heapey and Wheelton War Memorial is a Gothic-style clock tower. You can also see the Heapey Canal Lock, the uppermost of seven locks connecting the Leeds and Liverpool Canal with the Lancaster Canal. The parish also contains several listed historic farmhouses, some dating back to the early 17th century, and the substantial ruins of Heapey Moor Farm, offering a glimpse into past farming life.

The Heapey area offers beautiful scenery year-round. Clear days, particularly in autumn, can provide exceptional visibility for panoramic views from spots like Darwen Tower (Jubilee Tower), where you might even see the Blackpool Illuminations from the Eagle Tower View Point. However, the West Pennine Moors can be exposed, so be prepared for windy and wet weather, especially in cooler months. Spring and summer offer milder conditions for exploring the trails.

Entwistle Reservoir holds historical significance as it was built in 1832 and, at 108 feet high, was once the highest dam in England. It continues to supply water to the region and is a popular spot for easy walks, offering beautiful views and a tranquil setting. There are also pubs and a coffee shop nearby, making it a convenient stop.

While not exactly hidden, the hamlet of White Coppice is a charming spot nestled at the foot of the West Pennine Moors. It features picturesque stone cottages and a cricket field next to a reservoir, offering lovely walks like the 'Great Hill from White Coppice' route. The substantial ruins of Heapey Moor Farm also provide a unique location with views towards Healey Nab and the Lancashire plain, offering a sense of discovery.

When hiking Winter Hill Summit and TV Mast, it's advisable to wear walking boots and a windproof jacket, as the summit is quite exposed to windy and wet weather. The area is part of the West Pennine Hills and stands at 456m, offering a trig point and a memorial to a plane crash. Be aware that some paths around the base may occasionally be closed for maintenance.

A short distance from Heapey, you can find several significant cultural and historical sites. Hoghton Tower, an ancient fortified manor house, has hosted notable guests like King James I. Astley Hall in Chorley is a 'grand old house' with Tudor origins, built on a Bronze Age burial ground. Additionally, Withnell Fold Conservation Village, accessible via the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, is known for its original mill houses, an impressive old mill chimney, and medieval stocks.

Visitors frequently praise the stunning 360-degree views from places like Darwen Tower (Jubilee Tower) and the excellent trails and superb vistas from Rivington Pike Tower. The historical significance of these sites, combined with the opportunity to explore them for free, is also highly appreciated. Many enjoy the easy walking, beautiful views, and convenient amenities like pubs and coffee shops found near attractions such as Entwistle Reservoir.