Hoghton Tower and Hoghton Bottoms Walk
This fortified manor house near Blackburn and has some nice trails to follow around its grounds and through the surrounding area. The house dates from the 16th century and takes its name from the de Hoghton family, its historical owners since at least the 12th century.
This circular walk from the tower visits the grounds before picking up the Witton Weavers Way to explore the surrounding area.
The walk starts from the car park at the tower. You could also start from the nearby Pleasington train station if you would like to come by public transport. You can catch trains there from Preston or Blackburn.
From the car park you can pick up surfaced footpaths heading around the grounds of the castle. The house sits in an elevated position so there are fine views of the surrounding Lancashire countryside to enjoy on the way. The grounds includes woodland, a walled garden, a rose garden and the Grade I listed Barn which dates to 1692. After exploring the grounds you can head east to pick up the Witton Weavers Way. This waymarked trail will take you to Hoghton Bottoms and the village of Pleasington. Here you could take a small detour from the route and head east into Witton Country Park. There's a visitor centre, river trails and a climb to Billinge Hill to try here.
This route heads south through Pleasington to Feniscowles where you head west to meet up with the Witton Weavers Way again. The trail then follows the River Darwen back towards the castle.
Postcode
PR5 0SH - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locationsPlease click here for more information
Hoghton Tower Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Hoghton Tower Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Hoghton Tower OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Hoghton Tower Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Pubs/Cafes
There's a very good on site tea room where you can enjoy a rather fine Afternoon Tea.
The Samlesbury Bottoms Walk visits the tower from Nab's Head to the north. There's a pub here with a car parking area and a decent menu.
Dog Walking
You can enjoy a walk with your dog around the grounds, though you are asked to please keep them on leads. Dogs are not allowed in the house, barn, shop, common gardens or courtyards.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
There is a popular monthly farmer's market at the hall where you can pick up some delicious Lancashire produce. See the tower website for dates and details.
To extend your walking from the tower continue along the Witton Weavers Way to visit the pretty Belmont Reservoir where there are some waterside walking trails.
If you were to head south along the trail there are a few local walking highlights around Tockholes. You could enjoy a lakeside stroll along Roddlesworth Reservoir and then a climb to the splendid viewpoint at Darwen Tower or Great Hill.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Lancashire Walks page.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Hoghton Tower 1. The house was damaged during the English Civil War of the 17th century. It subsequently became derelict, but was rebuilt and extended between 1862 and 1901.
Hoghton Tower 2
SS Mary and John the Baptist, Pleasington Priory
Ruins of Fielden house, Pleasington
River Darwen south of the castle
.JPG)
The Great Barn west of Hoghton Tower dates from 1692. Like the tower it is Grade I listed. It was constructed in sandstone with a slate roof, and incorporates a carthouse.
Rose Garden at Hoghton Tower. On the east side of the house is a walled garden, known as the Wilderness, and on the south side are smaller walled gardens, the Rose Garden and the Rampart Garden.
Bridge in Hoghton Bottoms