6, Blackburn – Great Harwood, Accrington and Blackburn

Start your day in Blackburn Town Centre with a hearty breakfast at Rhode Island Coffee, just a short stroll from Blackburn Bus Station. This cosy café offers everything from fresh pastries to full English breakfasts and barista-made coffee—perfect fuel for a day of exploring. Sit by the window and watch the town wake up, with the hustle of shoppers heading toward The Mall and the historic Blackburn Market.

After breakfast, head to the bus station and hop on the Number 6 bus. As you leave Blackburn, the urban landscape gives way to open skies and rolling Lancashire hills. Within 20 minutes, you arrive in Great Harwood, a small town with a big heart. Start with a walk through Memorial Park, a lovely green space with flowerbeds, a bandstand, and distant views of Pendle Hill. Then pop into Great Harwood’s Indoor Market, where you’ll find local traders selling everything from cheese and pies to vintage records and handcrafted gifts. If you’re peckish, grab a snack from one of the local bakeries or a cuppa in one of the independent cafés that line the high street.

Back on the Number 6, the route dips through the countryside into Accrington. Stop off here to explore Haworth Art Gallery, home to Europe’s largest collection of Tiffany glass, set in a stunning Edwardian mansion surrounded by peaceful gardens. The town centre has plenty of character, from the iconic Accrington Market Hall to the poignant Accrington Pals Memorial. History buffs can also visit the Oswaldtwistle Mills, just a short walk away, which combines outlet shopping with heritage and dining options.

As the afternoon fades, catch the Number 6 bus back to Blackburn, and spend some time exploring what the town has to offer. Visit the impressive Blackburn Cathedral, one of the newest in the UK but rich in atmosphere and stunning modern art. If you’re in the mood for shopping, The Mall has a wide range of stores, or take a detour to the Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery—small but packed with intriguing collections.

Round off the day with dinner at Thira, a well-loved Indian restaurant just a few minutes from the bus station. Rich spices and warm hospitality provide the perfect end to a day well spent exploring Lancashire’s heartland on the Number 6 bus.