Attractions and Places To See around Barton - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Barton include a variety of natural features and man-made landmarks. The region offers diverse landscapes, from expansive nature reserves with wetlands and woodlands to historic parks and waterways. Visitors can explore areas along the River Ribble, which flows through the local terrain. These locations provide opportunities for walks and observing local wildlife.
Best attractions and places to see around Barton
- The most popular attractions is Brockholes Nature Reserve, a lake and nature reserve spread across 250 acres. It features ancient woodland, lakes, and viewing points for varied wildlife, managed by the Lancashire Wildlife Trust.
- Another must-see spot is Miller Park Fountain, a man-made monument located within Miller Park near Preston. This park, alongside Avenham Park, offers landscaped gardens, a Japanese Rock Garden, and a notable listed water fountain.
- Visitors also love Cartford Toll Bridge, a historic bridge that crosses the River Wyre. This operational toll bridge requires a small fee for cyclists to cross.
- Barton is known for its nature reserves, historic landmarks, and scenic waterways. The area provides a mix of natural features around Barton and points of interest for exploration.
- The attractions around Barton are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 120 upvotes and 9 photos shared across various highlights.
Last updated: October 7, 2026
Brockholes Nature Reserve
Highlight • Lake
The reserve is open from 6am - 9pm during summer and until 7pm during winter. You can also bring your bike! Just bear in mind that you are only allowed to cycle on the Guild Wheel Cycle Route through the reserve. You can find more information, here: brockholes.org
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Miller Park Fountain
Highlight • Monument
Avenham Park hosts the Japanese Rock Garden, as well as a popular cafe for an ice cream in summer or a warming brew in winter. Miller Park features a listed water fountain, spiralling gardens and a basalt rock from Ireland's Giant's Causeway.
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Ribble Link Staircase Locks and Holding Basin
Highlight • River
Tip1
If you see only Tip1, open this highlight using the link:
komoot.com/highlight/3843027
Some suggestions below in Tip2.
The Ribble Link Staircase is visited by several Komoot tours - for example, check out these links:
komoot.com/tour/610244459
komoot.com/tour/1118780163
Take care with children at all points near the holding basin and staircase locks.
The locks join the Lancaster Canal to the start of the river navigation along Savick Brook, which flows three locks below at the bottom of the staircase.
To view the photos alongside these descriptions, use a split-screen.
Photos 1 and 2: the holding basin, taken from a new bridge that carries the Lancaster Canal 'towpath' over a short channel. That channel branches off the canal and widens into the holding basin at the top lock, with moorings for boats waiting to descend the staircase and continue along the brook to the River Ribble.
Photo 3: looking from the basin towards the towpath bridge and the canal, just visible under the bridge.
Photo 4: looking across the holding basin to the top lock.
The Ribble Link Navigation follows the course of Savick Brook west towards the north bank of the Ribble, where the brook passes through the sea lock and into its tidal waters to join the Ribble.
Departure down the staircase to the Ribble is only possible when the tide is right. It's timed so that boats arrive at the junction of Savick Brook with the Ribble near high tide.
Photo 5: two boats descending - the canal boat is reversing down the staircase to avoid a U-turn in Savick Brook.
Photo 6: at the bottom lock the boat is reversing into the Savick Brook winding hole - too narrow for a long boat to turn. It then moves forward and turns slightly left to continue on along the brook.
Photo 7: the raised walkway that follows Savick Brook under the railway bridge. Low bridge - mind your head.
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Ribble Steam Railway
Highlight • Monument
Tip by
Haslam Park Nature Reserve
Highlight • Trail
Photo-Guide or Satnav through the Nature Reserve to Cottam Lane - Walk or 10min Cycle
The 3rd photo, P3, shows this highlight's location, red 2, beside Lancaster Canal bridge 15.
If you see only Tip1 open:
komoot.com/highlight/4114660
Despite the above "Cycling not permitted at this location", photo P4, taken from this location, shows a cycle path, a Haslam Park/Nature Reserve sign and a blue-bike sign.
Visitors to the park can include the Nature Reserve route in a walk or cycle. Parking at Cottam Lane and Bristow Avenue park entrances. Link:
komoot.com/highlight/4092174
You can use the route through the reserve as a detour from a Komoot tour that passes close to the park - e. g. via the canal towpath. Join the detour at the highlight location. The detour route ends near the Cottam Lane park entrance. Then rejoin your tour. See Tip2.
The P3 map shows part of a tour (blue route) that includes the photo-guide route through the reserve. If needed, satnav is provided along the detour by that tour, link:
komoot.com/tour/610244459
See Tips 2 to 4 below.
Route Description - Photo-Guide
View in split-screen (Tip6) or 2 screens to see photos alongside the description of the route through the reserve. Best to view photos in the Komoot app.
From the start, blue-bike sign P4, Highlight2 on P3, follow the gravel path - 20 paces. Fork right (P5) onto the off-grid path, hedge on right. In 30 paces go through gap in hedge (P6). Take care - safer to dismount and you may encounter a walker/cyclist approaching the gap. Follow path NW then W. Cycle times based on continuous cycling.
1 min - W to SW - group of trees straight ahead (P7). Continue straight on, W then S between points 5 and 6, on brown, off-grid path (P8 - top of map is west). If using satnav it may instruct to turn left onto blue, on-grid path - ignore it.
Path turns S - group of trees close (P9).
2.5 min - go south (P10). If using satnav, an instruction to turn right, back on-grid. Turn right (W) near the trees to bank of brook, then S and E around edge of field - brook on right.
3.5 min - path more distinct - maybe muddy (P11).
4.5 min - T-junction (P12). Turn right across bridge. No barrier- take care (P13). Turn right. Path divides (P14) - take right fork.
A feint path goes to hedge on left to Cottam Lane (P15).
6 min - P16 looks back through hedge.
Go right in Cottam Lane if you plan to join the canal at bridge 16.
See Tips 2 to 4 for options.
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Tips from the Community
Lots of hideaways to stop and admire the wildlife
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The Ribble Steam Railway is a standard gauge preserved railway in Lancashire, in the United Kingdom. It was opened to the public on 17 September 2005, running along Preston Docks
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Brockholes was previously a major quarry extraction site. The land was bought by the Trust in January 2007, and the reserve opened to the public at Easter 2011. It has been regenerated as a mosaic of key habitats such as pools, reedbeds and woodland. The reserve is aimed less at dedicated bird-watchers and nature lovers than the general public of the big cities. The riverbank is covered in steaming ferns and rampant Himalayan balsam. Brockholes offers a wide range of events throughout the year and over 250 acres of trails and hides. It has already seen record numbers of breeding wading birds along with visitors such as osprey, otter and bittern. Now it's a beautiful nature reserve with amazing wildlife.
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Avenham & the neighbouring Miller Park lie along the river Ribble on the southern edge of Preston. It was created in the 1860's and has a famous Japanese Rock Garden with unusual ornamental plants & beautiful water features. The riverside path, parkland trails and larger park on the other side of the river make a great place to run. The Preston parkrun is held here every Saturday at 9:00. The junior parkrun takes place every Sunday at 9:00.
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The Ribble Steam railway is a standard gauge preserved railway in Lancashire. It was opened in 2005 and runs along Preston Docks. Here you can see both the railway and views of the river Ribble.
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Tip6 How To View In Split-Screen Note: an alternative to split-screen is to view on 2 devices, e.g. laptop and mobile. Instructions: (a) an Android phone (b) a Windows PC View the photo slideshow on one half of the screen and the description on the other - scroll the two halves independently to compare a photo with e.g. the description in Tip1. If using a tablet/mobile, view the description in the Komoot website and the photos in the app - easier to pinch-zoom to see different parts of photo more clearly. (a) Video Instructions - an Android Phone If viewing this in the Komoot website then tap the image below for a video on how to use a split-screen. If you are viewing this tip in the Komoot app then tapping the image to start the video will not work. Instead, click the link that will display here on the app page. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=43NuPS5Juxg On a mobile phone it's better to view the video in landscape. A split-screen should work on most Android devices. (b) Instructions for Windows Easy to do in Windows 10/11. You have a choice - you can open the same webpage in two different web browsers displayed on the two halves of the screen or open the same webpage using a single web browser in two windows on the two halves. The instructions below are minimal. For a more detailed explanation see Comment10 in this link: https://www.komoot.com/tour/610244459 These instructions use a single web browser, e.g. Chrome. 1) First open this webpage on your Windows PC, maximise it and scroll to these instructions. Copy the web address. You will need to paste it - see below. 2) Locate this browser's tab on the taskbar. Opposite click on it and click 'Open new window'. When opened then maximise it if necessary and paste the web address into the new window and scroll to these instructions so that you can continue to follow them. 3) Press and hold the Windows key and press the left arrow key. The active window will move the left side of the split screen. 4) You should now see the right hand half of the first window. Click that window to display it 'on top'. These instructions should still be visible on the right. Check that it is full screen. Press and hold the Windows key again and press the right arrow key. 5) The two windows should now display, left and right. You may need to make a small adjustment (drag) if the windows overlap slightly at the join. Scroll one window to display the photos and the other for the photo descriptions in Tip1.
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Tip5 Haslam Park Nature Reserve Description The nature reserve is wooded grassland with mostly narrow, dirt or gravel paths. This route through the western part is rarely visited by cyclists. You may see walkers with dogs. In wet weather the paths can be muddy - manageable on a road bike - fat tyres may help. After a period of wet weather the route is very muddy on about 15 metres alongside Savick Brook before the bridge (photo P10) - you may have to dismount and push. About 15 metres of boardwalk would help. That same stretch is bumpy with tree roots. Take care. If cycling with children, take care beside the brook and when crossing the bridge over the brook on the route described above. You may not immediately see the brook through the trees and so not realise that the sometimes muddy, slippery ground at the side of the track is the bank of a river. Unlike the other bridges across the brook, this bridge has no safety barriers at the sides.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural attractions can I explore around Barton?
Barton offers several natural attractions. The most popular is Brockholes Nature Reserve, a 250-acre site with ancient woodland, lakes, and diverse wildlife. You can also visit Haslam Park Nature Reserve, which features grassland, forest, and river areas perfect for walks.
Are there any historic landmarks or man-made structures to see in the Barton area?
Yes, the area features notable man-made landmarks. You can visit the Miller Park Fountain, a listed water fountain within Miller Park near Preston, known for its landscaped gardens. Another historic structure is the Cartford Toll Bridge, an operational toll bridge crossing the River Wyre.
What are some family-friendly activities around Barton?
For families, Brockholes Nature Reserve is an excellent choice, offering trails, wildlife viewing, and a floating visitor center with a cafe. Miller Park Fountain and its surrounding park also provide a pleasant environment for family strolls with landscaped gardens and open spaces. Haslam Park Nature Reserve is another good option for easy walks.
Where can I find walking or hiking trails near Barton's attractions?
Many attractions, like Brockholes Nature Reserve and Haslam Park Nature Reserve, have their own trails. For more extensive hiking options, you can explore routes like the 'Hiking loop from Myerscough and Bilsborrow' or the 'Brock Stream loop'. Find more details and routes at Hiking around Barton.
Are there cycling routes available near the attractions?
Yes, the area around Barton is popular for cycling. Brockholes Nature Reserve has sections of the Guild Wheel Cycle Route. You can also find routes like the 'Cartford Bridge – Lane Ends Nature Reserve loop' or 'Bluebell Way Alternative Route'. Discover more cycling options at Cycling around Barton and Road Cycling Routes around Barton.
What is the Ribble Link Staircase Locks and Holding Basin?
The Ribble Link Staircase Locks and Holding Basin is an impressive man-made structure that connects the Lancaster Canal to the River Ribble via Savick Brook. It's a fascinating spot to observe canal boats navigating the locks and offers scenic views along the waterway.
Are any attractions in Barton wheelchair accessible?
Yes, Miller Park Fountain and the surrounding Miller Park are noted as wheelchair accessible, offering paved paths and facilities for visitors with mobility needs.
Can I bring my dog to attractions around Barton?
While specific dog policies vary, nature reserves like Brockholes Nature Reserve often have designated areas or rules for dogs, typically requiring them to be on a lead. Parks such as Miller Park are generally dog-friendly. Always check individual attraction guidelines before visiting.
Are there cafes or facilities available at the attractions?
Yes, Brockholes Nature Reserve features a floating visitor village with a lakeside restaurant and shop. Miller Park, home to the Miller Park Fountain, also has a popular cafe. These provide convenient spots for refreshments during your visit.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the attractions near Barton?
Visitors frequently praise the diverse landscapes, from the wetlands and woodlands of Brockholes Nature Reserve to the historic charm of Miller Park Fountain. The opportunity for wildlife observation, peaceful walks, and the blend of natural beauty with interesting man-made structures like the Cartford Toll Bridge are highly appreciated.
Is there parking available at the main attractions?
Yes, attractions like Miller Park Fountain and the surrounding Miller Park offer parking facilities. For nature reserves such as Brockholes Nature Reserve, dedicated parking is available for visitors.
Most popular attractions around Barton
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