Heading west along the Leeds and Liverpool canal

As you head towards the west coast of England you will pass many towns and villages that are worth mooring up to take a walk around. Listed below are just a few of the sights you might find of interest. Or for a longer trip west, the Millennium Ribble Link provides a link via the River Ribble to the Lancaster Canal:

Witton Country Park – Just north of Blackburn this park has acres of woodland and wetland as well as open park and farmland, really giving visitors a taste of life in the Lancashire countryside.

Burnley & Blackburn – These typical Lancastrian towns thrived in the industrial revolution, with many Victorian mills still visible today. Burnley Embankment, built in 1795 to avoid diverting the canal through the valley is a sight to behold and has earned its place as a wonder of the waterways.

Haigh Country Park – Near Standish, this park with its 18th century hall offer acres of woodland and countryside walks with stunning views, as well as a golf complex and cafe.

Rufford Old Hall – This beautiful 16th Century building is situated between Southport and Preston and houses some delightful gardens as well as The Great Hall where William Shakespeare is said to have performed. The Philip Ashcroft Folk Museum houses costumes and objects from the 16th and 17th centuries offering visitors an insight into life in Lancashire when the hall was built.

Martin Mere Wetland Centre – located between Wigan and Liverpool this Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust site is home to over 100 species of rare and endangered birds including ducks, geese, swans and flamingos.

Liverpool – After a successful year as the Capital of Culture in 2008, Liverpool has invested millions of pounds to make the most of some of its most famous sites. Thanks to a newly opened link, boaters now have wonderful views of the Albert Docks and the Liver Building as they cruise around the extended docklands.