Days Out in Bacup and the Rossendale Valley

The Rossendale Valley packs a lot into a small space. Old mill towns line the hillsides from Bacup down to Haslingden, with heritage steam trains, a ski slope, a Victorian temperance bar and one of Lancashire's most unusual folk traditions along the way. It makes a brilliant day out, whether you live in the valley or are coming over from Burnley or Accrington.

This guide covers some of the best things to see and do in Rossendale, plus the practical bit: getting around a valley that has no mainline railway station of its own.

Getting around the Rossendale Valley

Rossendale is a string of towns and villages following the valley: Bacup, Stacksteads, Waterfoot, Rawtenstall, Crawshawbooth, Haslingden and Whitworth. The roads wind, the hills are steep, and because the valley has no mainline station, most journeys in and out are by road.

That is why taxis do a lot of the work here. Whether you are heading out for the day, coming home late or hopping between towns, a car at your door beats a steep walk or a long wait at a bus stop. We cover the whole valley around the clock, with taxis in Bacup, Rawtenstall, Haslingden, Waterfoot, Whitworth and right across Rossendale.

Steam trains at Rawtenstall

Rawtenstall is the northern end of the East Lancashire Railway, the heritage line that runs down the Irwell Valley towards Bury and Heywood. A trip on a heritage train, often steam-hauled, makes a popular family day out, and starting at Rawtenstall means the whole line is ahead of you.

If you are planning a family trip, check the railway's timetable before you go, because services vary through the year. Then pre-book a taxi to Rawtenstall station and another to collect you when you are back.

The Whitaker, Rawtenstall

Set in Whitaker Park, The Whitaker is Rawtenstall's art gallery and museum, in the building that used to be Rossendale Museum. The park around it is a good spot to stretch your legs, and the gallery makes an easy half-day out, especially when the valley weather turns.

A proper Victorian temperance bar

Rawtenstall is home to Mr Fitzpatrick's, widely described as Britain's last original temperance bar. Temperance bars were set up in the nineteenth century as an alcohol-free alternative to the pub, serving herbal cordials and drinks such as dandelion and burdock and sarsaparilla. Most disappeared long ago, which makes this one well worth a visit.

Ski Rossendale

Ski Rossendale, known as The Hill, is on Haslingden Old Road in Rawtenstall and is run by Rossendale Leisure Trust. It is one of the more unexpected things to find in a Lancashire mill town, and a great way to try the slopes without heading abroad. Check the booking details before you go, and let the taxi do the driving so you are not tackling the hill road after a tiring session.

The Irwell Sculpture Trail

The Irwell Sculpture Trail follows the river through the region, and its northern stretch runs through Rawtenstall, Stacksteads and Bacup. Walking a section is a good way to see the valley at a gentler pace, with public artworks along the route.

A taxi makes a linear walk easy. Get dropped at one end, walk, and book your pickup from wherever you finish. With the Ride app you can pre-book the return in advance, or book it when you are ready.

The Coconutters of Bacup

Bacup's most famous tradition takes place every Easter Saturday, when the Britannia Coconut Dancers, known locally as the Coconutters, dance their way through the town. They are one of Lancashire's best-known folk traditions, and the day draws visitors from well beyond the valley.

It is a busy day, so if you are coming in from elsewhere, pre-book both ways.

Making the day work: getting there and back

A few habits make a day out in the valley much easier:

• Pre-book your return. The Ride app lets you pre-book up to 12 months ahead, so you can set your pickup for when you expect to finish.
• Watch your driver arrive. Live GPS tracking shows your car on the map from the second you book, so you can wait inside somewhere warm.
• Know who is coming. You will see your driver's name, car and registration before they arrive.
• Agree the spot. You can message your driver in the app if your pickup point needs explaining, which helps on hillside streets.
• Pay how you like. Pay by card in the app, or in cash.

Choosing the right car

Ride has five vehicle types, so the whole group can travel together:

• Ride X. A saloon for up to four passengers, and the everyday choice.
• Ride XL. Room for six, ideal for families and groups of friends.
• Estate. The biggest boot in the fleet, for when you are carrying more than a day bag.
• Ride Pet. Seat covers fitted and all breeds welcome, so the dog can come on the walk too.
• Ride Access. A wheelchair-accessible vehicle with a ramp and secure fastenings.

Everyday journeys in Rossendale

Days out are only part of it. We are on the road in the valley 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, for work, appointments, nights out and everything in between. Every driver is fully licensed, DBS-checked and vetted. If you are heading further afield, we also run airport transfers from across East Lancashire.

For more ideas across the wider area, read our guide to summer days out in East Lancashire without the drive.

Book your ride

Whether you need Bacup taxis for a day out or a Rossendale taxi home at midnight, get the Ride app and your ride is a few taps away.

FAQs

Does Ride Taxis cover Bacup?

Yes. We cover Bacup and the whole Rossendale Valley, including Stacksteads, Waterfoot, Rawtenstall, Haslingden and Whitworth, 24 hours a day.

Is there a train station in Rossendale?

Rossendale has no mainline railway station. Rawtenstall is the northern end of the East Lancashire Railway, which is a heritage line rather than an everyday service.

Can I pre-book a taxi for a day out?

Yes. You can pre-book in the Ride app up to 12 months ahead, including your return journey.

Can I bring my dog?

Yes. Book a Ride Pet, which has seat covers fitted and welcomes all breeds.