Best attractions and places to see around Broughton offer a diverse range of experiences, from expansive nature reserves to historical industrial sites. The area features significant waterways like the River Ribble and the Lancaster Canal, providing opportunities for outdoor activities. Visitors can explore natural habitats, landscaped parks, and unique engineering marvels. This region combines natural beauty with points of historical and cultural interest.
Last updated: July 3, 2026
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Lots of hideaways to stop and admire the wildlife
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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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Around Broughton, you can discover a diverse range of attractions, including expansive nature reserves, historical industrial sites, and unique engineering marvels. The area features significant waterways like the River Ribble and the Lancaster Canal, offering both natural beauty and points of historical and cultural interest.
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. Brockholes Nature Reserve is a great option, offering ancient woodlands, lakes, and wildlife viewing points, along with a floating cafe. Miller Park Fountain features spiralling gardens and is easy to explore. The Ribble Steam Railway also provides an engaging historical experience for all ages, allowing visitors to ride on original locomotives and explore a museum.
For nature and wildlife, Brockholes Nature Reserve is an excellent choice. Spanning 250 acres, it provides important habitats from wetlands to woodlands, with hides and viewing points designed for observing wildlife. You can also explore Haslam Park Nature Reserve, which offers trails through grassland and forest along the River Ribble.
The Ribble Steam Railway is a significant historical site where you can ride on preserved steam or diesel locomotives and learn about railway history. Another unique engineering marvel is the Ribble Link Staircase Locks and Holding Basin, which connects the Lancaster Canal to the River Ribble, showcasing an impressive canal system.
Yes, the area around Broughton offers various walking and hiking opportunities. You can find easy to moderate trails, including loops through Masons Wood and routes around Haslam Park Nature Reserve. For more options, explore the hiking guide for Broughton, which includes routes like the 'Masons Wood loop' and 'Bluebell Way Alternative Route'.
For easy walks, Miller Park Fountain and the surrounding Avenham Park offer lovely greenspaces with myriad paths and landscaped gardens. The Brockholes Nature Reserve also has accessible paths for exploring its wetlands and woodlands. You can find more easy routes in the easy hikes guide for Broughton.
Absolutely! The parks and nature reserves provide excellent running trails. For instance, Avenham and Miller Parks host regular parkruns. You can find various running loops, such as the 'Running loop from Broughton' or the 'Black Fir Wood loop', by checking the running trails guide for Broughton.
Visitors appreciate the blend of natural beauty and historical interest. Highlights like Brockholes Nature Reserve are loved for their diverse habitats and wildlife, while Ribble Steam Railway offers an engaging journey into railway history. The scenic paths and green spaces like Miller Park Fountain are also highly rated for their tranquility and beauty.
Miller Park Fountain is noted for being wheelchair accessible, offering paths through its gardens. Many nature reserves and parks in the area strive to provide accessible routes, though it's always advisable to check specific attraction websites for the most current accessibility information.
The attractions around Broughton can be enjoyed year-round. Spring and summer are ideal for exploring nature reserves like Brockholes Nature Reserve and enjoying outdoor walks. Historical sites like the Ribble Steam Railway operate on specific schedules, so checking their opening times is recommended regardless of the season.
At Brockholes Nature Reserve, you can bring your bike, but cycling is generally restricted to the Guild Wheel Cycle Route that passes through the reserve. For other areas like Haslam Park Nature Reserve, there are designated cycle paths, but some sections may be off-grid or have specific restrictions.
Yes, the area is known for its significant waterways. The Ribble Link Staircase Locks and Holding Basin is a key feature, connecting the Lancaster Canal to the River Ribble. You can walk along the canal towpaths and observe the impressive lock system, or enjoy views of the River Ribble from various points, including near Miller Park Fountain.


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