347 Chorley – Croston – Rufford – Southport

Journey Overview

A journey on the 347 bus from Chorley to Southport makes for a beautifully relaxed day out, weaving through charming Lancashire villages and countryside before reaching the Merseyside coast.

Your adventure begins at Chorley whose bus station is near Chapel Street which is full of independent shops and cafes – well worth a pre-journey ‘mooch’, as the locals would say.

In no time at all, the 347 will take you away from built up town and into rolling fields. The first notable stop of the journey is Charnock Richard, a village known for its leafy lanes and cosy pubs. The scenery starts to open out as you next reach the pretty and history-filled village of Eccleston – distinct by its characterful cottages and birthplace of Sir Henry Tate, the Tate and Lyle sugar magnate.

Brace yourself for a treat as the bus whisks you towards Croston: a picture-perfect village that is sure to entice you with its cobbled streets, historic cottages, and the flow of the peaceful River Yarrow.

Smaller but equally quaint is the village of Mawdsley – blessed with walking paths that meander through fields and woodland. Next is beautiful Rufford situated on the banks of the River Douglas and is surrounded by beautiful countryside.

Continuing on, the route brings you to Mere Brow, a tiny hamlet with a welcoming farm shop, before arriving at Banks, known for its market gardens and open views across the West Lancashire flatlands. A little further along is Crossens, once a market gardening hub, now a suburb on the edge of Southport.

Finally, you will leave the rural for coastal, as the bus rolls into the classic seaside resort of Southport, with its expansive pier, Marine Lake and elegant Lord Street, lined with Victorian glass canopies.

A Fab Day Out!

A day out on the 347 bus begins in the bustling market town of Chorley, where you can start your adventure with a quick coffee in one of the independent cafés on Chapel or Market Street or with a wander through the gorgeous Astley Park where you can admire the Georgian Astley Hall kept company by a lovely lake and fountain. 

A heaven of village havens 

You will be spoilt for choice by village after village so dip your toe into each or choose a few to explore more fully:  

• Leafy Charnock Richard is a village which offers a slow pace of life. Here you can stroll past traditional cottages and duck into a local pub for a mid-morning refreshment.  

• Eccleston is a pretty spot with characterful cottages and the popular Heskin Hall offers you an antique and craft centre brimming with curiosities. St Mary’s Church is also worth a peek, and the small high street offers a mix of antique shops and tearooms.  

• Croston village is a real gem and must see along this route, perfect for a gentle walk. Its churches – St. Michael and All Angels – are worth a look, boasting roots stretching back nearly a thousand years.  

From Rufford with love 

Rufford is a charming village that offers visitors a glimpse into Lancashire’s rich history and natural beauty. The village is surrounded by beautiful walking trails, including the Rufford Circular Walk, which takes visitors through the village and along the River Douglas. It is also home to Rufford Marina which offers boat trips along the River Douglas.  The village’s historic landmarks include Rufford Old Hall and Garden, a 16th-century manor house that is now a National Trust property. You’ll have worked up an appetite by now and there are a number of pubs and restaurants, including the Hesketh Arms, which serves traditional British cuisine, where you can rest and recharge. 

Seaside saunter in Southport 

Finally, Southport is your seaside finale, with its wide boulevards and sweeping coastline, and offers something for everyone. Take a walk along the famous Victorian pier, browse the shops along Lord Street, or enjoy a wander through the Botanic Gardens. For families, Pleasureland offers a dose of fairground fun, while nature lovers can explore the coastal dunes and wildlife.  

Take a stroll along the famous Southport Pier, one of the oldest iron piers in the country, and take in sweeping views of the Irish Sea. The town’s botanic gardens are another highlight, filled with colourful displays and lakeside paths. 

Treat yourself to dinner at The Vincent Café or one of the stylish seafront restaurants. Whether you fancy shopping in the arcades, relaxing on the promenade, or indulging in a seaside ice cream, Southport rounds off your day with plenty of charm. 

The 347 bus offers a fulsome day out and a heady mix of villages, coast, and countryside all in one trip.