Discover the best things to do in Mellor, Lancashire

Local attractions near the Spread Eagle

Located in the Ribble Valley in Lancashire, Mellor is a lovely little village on the outskirts of Blackburn that’s just perfect for a peaceful getaway. Surrounded by beautiful countryside, it provides an ideal setting for anyone who enjoys being outdoors and especially walking, running or cycling, with stunning views and peaceful surroundings.

The village is also home to many historic landmarks like the Mellor Cross and the nearby archaeological site, offering a glimpse into the area’s fascinating past. Add in a long list of cosy pubs – including the Spread Eagle – and you may just have the perfect weekend trip. Read on to discover our favourite things to do in Mellor.

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Witton Country Park

Set in 480 acres of countryside, Witton Country Park is a fantastic destination if you’re looking to enjoy nature and outdoor activities.

Just a couple of miles south of our pub, this expansive park features a variety of landscapes, from tranquil woodlands and lush meadows to scenic lakes and flowing streams. Whether you're interested in enjoying a peaceful walk along the many well-maintained trails or immersing yourself in the park’s diverse wildlife, there’s always something new to discover.

The park is also home to a large, family-friendly play area, making it an ideal destination if you have children, while fitness enthusiasts can take advantage of the outdoor exercise equipment.

And when you’ve finished exploring some of our favourite things to do in Lancashire? Make your way to the Spread Eagle, one of the best pubs near Witton Country Park.

Turton Tower

Turton Tower is a wonderful spot if you’re looking to explore a blend of history, nature and local charm. This stunning 16th-century manor house offers a unique glimpse into the past with its fascinating architecture and scenic surroundings.

The tower itself is an imposing structure, with its distinctive medieval design, complete with a square tower and steep gables. It’s believed to have originally been a fortified home, and as you walk around, you can truly appreciate the historical significance it holds.

For nature lovers, Turton Tower is set within beautiful grounds. The surrounding area features lovely walking paths, perfect for a peaceful stroll or a more vigorous hike, offering splendid views of the West Pennine Moors.

If you’re searching for a restaurant near Turton Tower to head to afterwards, the Spread Eagle is a welcoming pub that’s only a short drive away.

Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery

Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery is a fantastic spot if you’d like to dive into the town’s rich history and vibrant art scene.

Located in the heart of town, Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery offers a wonderful mix of fine art, local history and fascinating collections. Art lovers will enjoy works by well-known artists like Edward Burne-Jones and L.S. Lowry, while history buffs can explore displays that showcase the town's industrial past and its journey through time.

The museum also features an impressive collection of archaeology and natural history, with highlights like ancient Egyptian artefacts and fossils. With its rich offering, welcoming atmosphere and free admission, we’d recommend putting it right at the top of your list of things to do in Blackburn.

Hoghton Tower

Perched on a scenic hilltop, Hoghton Tower offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Lake District, the Irish Sea, and even distant Wales. And that’s not even the best thing about it.

With a history spanning over 1,000 years, this captivating landmark invites you to step back in time and discover its rich past. From intriguing underground passageways to grandiose banqueting halls, it’s truly something to behold.

If you appreciate natural beauty, the gardens are a must-see. Wander through the meticulously tended rose garden, or take a peaceful stroll in the enchanting walled garden, surrounded by lush greenery and perfectly manicured lawns.

The tower makes for a memorable day out and is one of the best things to do in Mellor and its surrounding Lancashire countryside.

Blackburn Cathedral

Blackburn Cathedral lies in the heart of this Lancashire hotspot and boasts over 1,000 years of rich history. Originally founded as a church in the 11th century, it was later elevated to cathedral status in 1926. The blend of historical and modern design elements makes it an intriguing place to explore.

One of the standout features of the cathedral is its stunning architecture. The building is a mix of Norman, Gothic and Victorian styles, with intricate stone carvings, stunning stained glass windows, and towering spires that captivate visitors from every angle. Not to mention a high ceiling that gives the space a serene and awe-inspiring feel.

Another highlight is the cathedral’s remarkable organ, which is one of the largest in the UK. The sound it produces is truly something to experience, and if you’re lucky enough to hear a recital or service, it’s sure to leave an impression. Whether you hear the organ or not, it’s easy to see why the atmospheric cathedral is one of the best things to do in Blackburn.

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Go for par at Sandiway Golf Club

Formed in 1920 and just across the road from the Blue Cap, the esteemed Sandiway Golf Club is home to generous, tree-lined freeways with sandy subsoil, making the course an excellent golfing location all year round. Spot the oak, beech and birchwood trees, dotted with birds and insects, and as you play through the back nine, take some time to enjoy the ravishing backdrop of Pettypool — best viewed on the 11th and 12th holes.

The club holds an extensive history, from its original layout by Ted Ray, the first UK & Ireland Ryder Cup Captain, to part of the course being lost in the Second World War as the fairways were ploughed for food production. In the 1950s, some holes were lost or abandoned due to enforcement by the completion of the Northwich bypass, which you may drive on today as you make your way to the Blue Cap! Today, the club is often chosen to host international, national, regional and local championships and is held in high regard as a traditional private members’ club.

If your golfing skills are a little rusty, you can check out the course before you arrive on the Course Flyover page. Booking is advised at this esteemed golf club.

Sprinkle some time in Northwich into your day

Northwich is famous for its salt industry, which is, in fact, the reason the town has such few ancient buildings. The constant pumping of brine from beneath the district and the collapse of old salt mines has weakened the landscape around, sadly causing subsidence of the town, but this has been arrested in recent times with the introduction of controlled pumping.

Take a stroll through the old market town, pop into a few independent shops on your way past and, if you’ve timed your trip well, visit the monthly Artisan Market, full of unique treasures and handmade goods. The town is vibrant and welcoming, sitting prettily on the confluence of the River Dane and the Weaver Navigation, and has a distinctive look with its black and white timber-framed buildings.

Northwich lies at the end of the Heritage Cycle Trail route from Anderton Boat Lift and is home to the Weaver Hall Museum and Workhouse, where the history of West Cheshire comes to life through film, reconstruction, models, displays and artefacts. It’s a truly lovely day out for any family, made even better with a visit to a pub near Northwich. Why not try the Blue Cap, just 11 minutes' drive away, to complete a day of heartfelt memories?

The Ice Cream Farm

Award-winning ice cream, fun at the farm and family-friendly events are aplenty here at the Ice Cream Farm, and it's just a 25-minute drive from the Blue Cap, Sandiway, too. There are ten different areas for the little ones to run wild in, including Europe's largest indoor sand and water play, an adventure golf course and an arcade room for older children.

The Ice Cream Farm is also home to the world's biggest ice cream shop. The shop is filled with over 50 flavours of award-winning Cheshire Farm Ice Cream, which are topped with enough sprinkles and sauces to fulfil even the sweetest of tooths.

If you're looking for an event for the whole family, the Ice Cream Farm has themed escape rooms, scavenger hunts, toddler time and more. It's the perfect place to treat everyone to a day of fun and excitement in a fun and engaging environment. And, after a busy day of play, you can pop into the Blue Cap for a drink and some non-ice-cream-themed food afterwards.

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