Attractions and Places To See around Myerscough And Bilsborrow - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Myerscough And Bilsborrow include a mix of historical landmarks, natural features, and cultural sites within a rural landscape. The area is characterized by the Lancaster Canal and the River Brock, offering various outdoor activities. Visitors can explore listed buildings, canal-side paths, and nature reserves. This region provides diverse points of interest for those seeking to experience Lancashire's heritage and natural environment.
Best attractions and places to see around Myerscough And Bilsborrow
- The most popular attractions is Miller Park Fountain, a man-made monument located within Miller Park, which features a listed water fountain, spiralling gardens, and a basalt rock from Ireland's Giant's Causeway. It is situated on the banks of the River Ribble.
- Another must-see spot is Ribble Steam Railway, a man-made monument that operates as a standard gauge preserved railway along Preston Docks. Visitors can experience 137 years of railway history, including rides on steam or diesel locomotives and a museum.
- Visitors also love Ribble Link Staircase Locks and Holding Basin, a unique canal lock system that connects the Lancaster Canal to the River Ribble. This site allows boats to navigate between the canal and the river, offering views of the engineering.
- Myerscough And Bilsborrow is known for its historical sites, canal-side walks, and nature reserves. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from listed bridges and farmhouses to scenic paths along waterways.
- The attractions around Myerscough And Bilsborrow are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 50 upvotes and 15 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 22, 2026
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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Cartford Toll Bridge
Highlight • Bridge
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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.
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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Ribble Steam Railway
Highlight • Monument
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Tips from the Community
Cartford Bridge is a single-track toll bridge in the English county of Lancashire. Built in 1831, it spans the River Wyre, connecting Little Eccleston-with-Larbreck, in the Borough of Fylde, on the southern side of the river, to Out Rawcliffe, in the Borough of Wyre, on its northern side (known locally as "Over Wyre"), carrying both automotive and pedestrian traffic of Cartford Lane. The tolls are £1 for vehicles exceeding five tonnes, 70p for vehicles exceeding two tonnes, 60p for motorised vehicles not exceeding two tonnes, and 20p for two-wheeled vehicles.
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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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Cartford bridge is a great crossing point from Great Eccleston to the Over Wyre coast
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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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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore in Myerscough and Bilsborrow?
The parish is rich in history, featuring 15 Grade II listed buildings. You can discover historical farmhouses, bridges over the Lancaster Canal and River Brock, and the aqueduct carrying the canal over the river. Notable sites include the Bilsborrow War Memorial, the 1811 Methodist Chapel, and St. Hilda's Church, consecrated in 1927. While the original Myerscough Hall was replaced by Myerscough College, its entrance piers and walls are also listed.
Are there any unique engineering marvels to see in the area?
Yes, a significant engineering marvel is the Ribble Link Staircase Locks and Holding Basin. This unique canal lock system connects the Lancaster Canal to the River Ribble, allowing boats to navigate between the two waterways. It's a fascinating site to observe the intricate workings of canal engineering.
Where can I enjoy nature and outdoor walks in Myerscough and Bilsborrow?
The area offers numerous opportunities for nature walks. You can explore paths along the Lancaster Canal and the River Brock. The Haslam Park Nature Reserve, located near the Lancaster Canal, provides dedicated walking and cycling paths. For more extensive hiking, consider exploring the nearby Forest of Bowland, known for its wide views and limestone features, though it can be boggy after rain.
Are there family-friendly attractions in Myerscough and Bilsborrow?
Families can enjoy several attractions. The Ribble Steam Railway offers rides on steam or diesel locomotives and a museum, preserving 137 years of railway history. The Miller Park Fountain, within Miller Park, features spiralling gardens and is a pleasant green space for a family stroll. Additionally, The Flower Bowl Entertainment Centre is listed as a local attraction offering family activities.
What kind of walking routes are available along the Lancaster Canal?
The Lancaster Canal passes north-to-south through the parish, offering scenic walking routes along its towpaths. You can find canal moorings at Bilsborrow and a marina at Barton Grange Garden Centre. These paths provide easy, flat terrain suitable for various fitness levels, often passing by local pubs like Owd Nell's where you can relax by the water.
Can I find accessible trails for all abilities in the area?
Yes, some areas offer accessible options. The Miller Park Fountain and its surrounding park are noted for easy walks suitable for all fitness levels. Paths along the Lancaster Canal are generally flat and well-maintained, making them suitable for those seeking less challenging routes. The Haslam Park Nature Reserve also features walking paths that can be explored.
What outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?
Beyond walking, the area offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous cycling routes, such as the 'Canal View – Boats on the Canal loop' or the 'Bluebell Way Alternative Route'. For runners, there are trails like the 'Town Croft Wood loop'. You can explore more options for cycling, running, and hiking around Myerscough and Bilsborrow.
Where can I find places to eat or stay in Myerscough and Bilsborrow?
For dining, local establishments include The White Bull Inn, known for its real fire in the winter hearth, and Owd Nell's pub, which is located adjacent to School House Farm and offers a relaxing setting by the canal. While specific accommodation details are not provided, these pubs offer local dining experiences.
What is the <a href="https://www.komoot.com/highlight/3234710" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Miller Park Fountain</a> and what makes it special?
The Miller Park Fountain is a prominent feature within Miller Park, located close to Preston's centre and on the banks of the River Ribble. It is a listed water fountain surrounded by spiralling gardens and even includes a basalt rock from Ireland's Giant's Causeway, making it a unique and picturesque spot.
What is the <a href="https://www.komoot.com/highlight/570325" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cartford Toll Bridge</a>?
The Cartford Toll Bridge is an interesting historical toll bridge in the area. Cyclists are required to stop and pay a small fee (20p) to cross. It's a unique piece of local infrastructure that adds character to the routes it connects.
What do visitors enjoy most about Myerscough and Bilsborrow?
Visitors appreciate the blend of historical sites, tranquil canal-side walks, and natural reserves. The area's rural charm, combined with unique attractions like the Ribble Link Staircase Locks and the Ribble Steam Railway, offers diverse points of interest. The komoot community has shared over 15 photos and given more than 50 upvotes to the attractions, highlighting their appeal.
Are there any specific historical buildings related to agriculture or education?
Yes, the area has connections to agricultural history. While the original Myerscough Hall was replaced, the Lancashire College of Agriculture moved onto its site in 1969, later becoming Myerscough College in 1993. This institution continues to be a significant part of the local landscape and heritage.
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