Attractions and Places To See around Mawdesley - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Mawdesley, a tranquil village in Lancashire, offer a blend of historical charm and natural beauty. The area is characterized by its flat, intensively-farmed plains, including Mawdesley Moss, and is bordered by the River Douglas. Visitors can explore historical landmarks, expansive natural features, and cultural sites within the village and its surroundings. Mawdesley provides opportunities for walking and cycling through its countryside and along waterways.
Best attractions and places to see around Mawdesley
- The most popular attractions is Leeds & Liverpool Canal, a river that links the cities of Leeds and Liverpool. This canal spans over 120 miles and includes 91 locks on its main line.
- Another must-see spot is Eyes Lane Metal Bridge, a cycle way that offers a viewpoint over the canal. It is a popular stop for admiring the views and taking photos.
- Visitors also love Yarrow Valley Country Park, a facility featuring beautiful lakes, waterfalls, and various routes. This park, once a site of cloth mills and a colliery, now provides a natural escape with traces of its industrial past.
- Mawdesley is known for its historical sites, natural landscapes, and waterways. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from village centers to wetland reserves.
- The attractions around Mawdesley are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 60 upvotes and 9 photos shared.
Last updated: May 22, 2026
Eyes Lane Metal Bridge
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Croston Stone Cross and Village Centre
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Yarrow Valley Country Park
Highlight • Rest Area
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Leeds & Liverpool Canal
Highlight • River
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Martin Mere Wetland Centre
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Tips from the Community
Yarrow Valley Country Park was first established in 1987 on land previously used for bleaching, dyeing, calico printing, and mining. Once industrial activity had ended, the site lay derelict for 30 years until the late 1980's when Chorley Council acquired the site. Yarrow Valley Country Park, a 700-acre facility run by Chorley Council, includes a café (treeface) built using Heritage Lottery funds. There is a play area for children, with a dog protection order, and also an angling agreement at Yarrow Valley Country Park, which gives the fishing rights at Birkacre to Wigan & District Angling Association (WDAA). Yarrow Valley Country Park has been awarded Green Flag status since 2004. The 'park' is used by (dog) walkers, runners & cyclists. Share with care :)
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Green route, make sure follow the map as we didn’t and got lost
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lovely village to stop lots of cafes
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Agreed on the beauty of the area but if you arrive at the bridge and find it empty, take your pics and vids quickly because the racket caused by cars passing over it is absolutely awful/unbearable. Not sure who designed it with loose individual metal slats in mind but the clatter means a re-think is required! The central rubber 'carpet' (sections of which are missing) might mildly dim noise generated by cyclists but is totally redundant for the main culprit: the car. Speaking of which: a decision needs to be made on whether the lane and bridge should remain accessible by car because at the moment (and with burgeoning sizes of vehicles in future), the purpose of the cycleway is somewhat diminished when riders have to constantly stop while two cars squirm past each other or to allow one to overtake. Perhaps it was just busier on the day I visited but it got very silly indeed!
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This park has so much to offer beautiful lakes waterfalls many different routes which is great for the kids and dog walkers
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Croston was founded in the 7th century when St Aidan arrived at the riverside settlements. In the absence of a church, a cross was erected as a place of worship. The name is derived from the two Old English words 'cross' and 'tūn' (town/homestead/village) and is unique to the village. The parish of Croston was formerly far larger than it is today. It included Chorley, Much Hoole, Rufford, Bretherton, Mawdesley, Tarleton, Hesketh Bank, Bispham, Walmer Bridge and Ulnes Walton. These became independent parishes as a result of a series of separations between 1642 and 1821.[2] A charter granted by Edward I in 1283 permitted an annual medieval fair and market to be held on the village green. Pre-20th Century maps also depict a castle which is believed to have been of a wooden construction because there is no evidence of a stone structure.
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The Leeds & Liverpool Canal was built between 1770 and 1816, rough stretches in places
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(205 km) – the longest in Britain! The Leeds & Liverpool Canal was built between 1770 and 1816 to connect the big industrial towns of Yorkshire and Lancashire to the port of Liverpool and America. It also connected to Hull and the North Sea via the Aire & Calder Navigation, and then to Europe and Africa.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural features can I explore around Mawdesley?
Mawdesley is surrounded by natural beauty. You can explore the flat, intensively-farmed Mawdesley Moss, bordered by the River Douglas, which offers great opportunities for walking and cycling. The Yarrow Valley Country Park features beautiful lakes, waterfalls, and various routes. Additionally, the Millennium Green provides five acres of public green space with fields, wooded coppices, and wildflowers.
Are there historical sites to visit in Mawdesley?
Yes, Mawdesley has a rich history. You can visit Mawdesley Hall, a Grade I listed building dating back to 1625. The village is also home to three churches: St. Peter's CE Church, St. Peter and St. Paul's Catholic Church, and the former Wesleyan Methodist Church. Nearby, Croston Stone Cross and Village Centre offers a glimpse into a village founded in the 7th century, with historical pubs and a vibrant community spirit.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near Mawdesley?
The area around Mawdesley is ideal for outdoor activities. You can enjoy walking and cycling along the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, which spans over 120 miles. The Mawdesley Moss area is particularly highlighted for walks connecting to neighboring villages. For more structured routes, you can find numerous hiking trails and cycling routes, including easy and moderate options.
Are there family-friendly attractions around Mawdesley?
Absolutely. Yarrow Valley Country Park is a great option with beautiful lakes, waterfalls, and various routes suitable for children and dog walkers. Cedar Farm hosts monthly farmers' markets and allows children to visit and feed animals like goats and ducks. A short drive away, Martin Mere Wetland Centre and Windmill Animal Farm (in nearby Burscough) are also popular destinations for families.
Where can I find good walking routes in Mawdesley?
Mawdesley offers many walking opportunities. The Mawdesley Moss area is excellent for walks, with varied routes connecting to villages like Croston or Rufford. The Yarrow Valley Country Park also provides many different routes. For specific trails, explore the hiking guide for Mawdesley, which includes routes like the 'Harrock Hill Windmill Ruins loop from Mawdesley'.
What cycling opportunities are there in the area?
Cycling is a popular activity around Mawdesley. The Leeds & Liverpool Canal offers a relatively flat and scenic path for cyclists. You can find several routes in the cycling guide for Mawdesley, including easy loops from Mawdesley itself or nearby Rufford, such as the 'Leeds and Liverpool Canal loop from Mawdesley'.
Are there any viewpoints or scenic spots?
Yes, there are several scenic spots. The Eyes Lane Metal Bridge offers a lovely viewpoint over the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, perfect for admiring the views and taking photos. Harrock Hill, though in neighboring parishes, is visible from some areas and serves as a landmark in the otherwise flat landscape. The Yarrow Valley Country Park also features beautiful natural viewpoints.
What is the <a href="https://www.komoot.com/highlight/2321805" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Martin Mere Wetland Centre</a> known for?
Martin Mere Wetland Centre, located near Burscough, is a major attraction for birdwatching and nature lovers. It is a vast marsh that was once the largest body of fresh water in England, formed at the end of the last ice age. Today, it's a Wildfowl and Wetland Trust reserve, supporting various birds such as Bar-tailed Godwit, Knot, and Sanderling, especially in the nearby Ribble Estuary.
What local amenities and shops are available in Mawdesley?
Mawdesley boasts a range of unique and independent shops, tea rooms, and local pubs. The Red Lion pub is noted for serving high-quality food. Cedar Farm also features boutiques selling handmade crafts, a salon, and a yoga studio. The Village Hall hosts various community events and activities.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Mawdesley?
Visitors particularly enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and the blend of historical charm with natural beauty. The Leeds & Liverpool Canal is appreciated for its scenic views and opportunities for walking and cycling. The Yarrow Valley Country Park is loved for its diverse routes, lakes, and waterfalls, making it great for families and dog walkers. The community spirit and local amenities in villages like Croston are also highly valued.
Are there any mountain biking trails near Mawdesley?
Yes, for mountain biking enthusiasts, there are trails available. You can find various routes in the MTB Trails guide for Mawdesley. These include options like the 'Wigan Pier – Leeds and Liverpool Canal loop from Burscough Junction' and 'Burscough Wharf – Leeds and Liverpool Canal loop from Burscough Junction', offering both easy and moderate difficulty levels.
Most popular attractions around Mawdesley
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