Great Harwood

About:

Great Harwood is a friendly, traditional Lancashire town located in the Borough of Hyndburn, between Blackburn and Accrington. Perched on a hill with views across the Ribble Valley and toward Pendle Hill, the town combines rich industrial heritage with a strong sense of community and local pride.

Historically, Great Harwood grew rapidly during the Industrial Revolution, becoming a centre for textile manufacturing, particularly weaving. Although many of the old mills have now gone or been repurposed, their legacy remains in the town’s red-brick architecture, stone terraces, and street names echoing the town’s working-class roots. The past is also remembered in Memorial Park, a well-kept green space opened in 1926 to honour those lost in World War I. With mature trees, formal gardens, a bandstand, and panoramic views, it’s a peaceful spot loved by locals.

The town is home to a lively indoor market, where independent traders sell everything from fresh produce to gifts, clothing, and homewares. This market is at the heart of Great Harwood’s community spirit and gives the town a sense of self-sufficiency. On the nearby high street, you’ll find traditional butchers, bakeries, cafés, and family-run shops, which give the town a warm, welcoming feel.

Great Harwood also has a proud cultural heritage. It was once the home of John Mercer, a chemist and dyeing expert who invented mercerisation, a process that revolutionised the cotton industry. His legacy lives on in local place names like Mercer Park and Mercer Hall.