59, Accrington – Blackburn and Preston

This is an enthralling journey that begins in the heart of Accrington, past the Hare and Hounds pub, past well kept houses with perfectly manicured gardens. This includes a huge Christmas tree in a sculptured front garden in Blackburn Road! Down Tennyson Avenue, the bus makes its way, past a football pitch on the right before arriving in Oswaldthwistle with its independent shops and huge variety of takeaways.

Hills and gorgeous green pastures soon dominate the landscape as Oswaldtwistle is left behind. The Willow Tree pub on the left looks enticing as a Beehive Sculpture soon emerges at the roundabout in the Beehive Business Park. Downwards the bus soon meanders towards Blackburn, with backdrop of the town as its a slow descent, past bungalows - again with lovely, well-maintained gardens.

The bus approaches the centre of Blackburn with the Town Hall and Museum close by in all its majestic glory, with Mall on the left. Pink, grey, cream and blue buildings in Mill Lane are visible from the window, creating a real sense of uniqueness and occasion as the town centre is entered, with its quirky sculptures balancing modern art in an otherwise historic landscape.

Leaving Blackburn behind and there's the delightful Sacred Heart Church on the left, St Silas Parish Church on the right - very tall too! The bus travels down tree-lined Preston New Road, with green fields soon appearing either side - sheep and cows grazing. The Stanley House Hotel and Spa is on the left and its picturesque grounds look inviting, then it's wheat fields on the left as the journey becomes more remote through Brockholes Brow. Over the River Ribble the bus goes and then its a slight ascent towards Preston, where the landscape becomes inevitably more built up but fascinating nonetheless before the Bus Station provides a fitting finale to this fab journey, nestled in the heart of the hustle and bustle of the City, surrounded by trendy restaurants, traditional shops and an eclectic range of architecture, that pays tribute to its industrial glory!

Starting in Accrington, there’s plenty to explore before boarding the bus. The Haworth Art Gallery, set in a beautiful Edwardian mansion, houses Europe's largest collection of Tiffany glass and is surrounded by peaceful parkland – perfect for a morning stroll. In the town centre, you can also drop by the Accrington Market Hall, a Victorian gem offering everything from local produce to quirky gifts, and soak up a bit of the town's working-class history, famously tied to the "Accrington Pals" of World War I.

As the 59 bus leaves Accrington and heads to Oswaldtwistle, the landscape shifts subtly, and it’s worth hopping off at Oswaldtwistle Mills. This former cotton mill has been transformed into a shopping village with independent retailers, a textile heritage centre, and even a small garden centre. It’s an ideal stop for picking up unusual gifts or browsing local crafts. There's often entertainment or seasonal events on, giving the place a friendly, bustling atmosphere.

Back on the bus, the journey continues into Blackburn, a town that blends a strong industrial past with a growing arts and cultural scene. A visit to Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery offers insight into the town’s weaving history and houses a notable manuscript collection. If time allows, a quick wander around the regenerated Cathedral Quarter is worthwhile, with its mix of old and new architecture, and views of the striking modern sculptures outside the cathedral.

As the 59 winds towards its final stop in Preston, you’ll arrive in a lively university city with a blend of Georgian and Victorian architecture. For lunch, Preston has no shortage of spots, but the covered market area offers excellent local options – from artisan bakeries to international street food. Alternatively, one of the cafes around Winckley Square, a leafy Georgian square, makes a peaceful lunch stop. Afterwards, you might stroll along the River Ribble or explore the Harris Museum (currently undergoing refurbishment, but some exhibitions may still be on show), before heading back, full and satisfied, on your scenic return journey.