From coastal towns to rural villages and with a few bigger cities in between, Lancashire is an extremely varied county. Housing tends to be affordable, and schools are generally good, making Lancashire an attractive option for families. It’s easy enough to commute to Preston or Lancaster, especially by car, but many places are also a quick drive away from Manchester. Two towns in East Lancashire also made it into the top 10 of the Sunday Times list of the best places to live in 2013, noting safety, cultural live, employment figures, property prices and strengths like independent shopping and rail links.
Blackburn is an industrial town that is located in the county of Lancashire, in the North West region of England. At the height of the industrial revolution, Blackburn became the biggest weaving town in the world and a big-timer in the cotton industry. Much of the original architecture still stands in Blackburn today, with the many Grade II listed 19th-century buildings that are dotted across the town. Some of these impressive buildings include the Cotton Exchange, the Old Bank Building, and the exceptional red brick and yellow terracotta Victorian facade of the Art School. With the regeneration of different areas within Blackburn, more residents are being drawn into the area due to the affordability of properties.
Blackpool is a seaside resort town located in the county of Lancashire, in the North West region of England. This lively coastal town is well-known for its flamboyancy and charisma which come from the bright illuminations, vibrant nightlife, and exciting attractions. The town is very popular with tourists as they can make their way around many fun-filled and action-packed adventures, as well as witness some of the culture and history that lies within. Blackpool has had rapid growth since the 1800s when it developed from a hamlet into a favoured seaside hotspot, due to a British Scientific writer named William Hutton, who popularised the health-giving benefits of seawater. With popularity came extensive amusement, which brought more residents and visitors into the town where it has continued to remain a thriving destination today.
Nelson is a town in the Borough of Pendle, Lancashire, in the North West of England. Originally, Nelson was made up of both Little Marsden Village and Great Marsden Village, however, the arrival of railways in the late 19th century resulted in the new town of Nelson being given its Town Charter by Queen Victoria. After being developed as a mill town following the industrial revolution, Nelson is still very much made up of cobbled streets and old mill chimneys, although the residents are striving to bring a new lease of life into the town which now has an array of amenities and entertainment options.
Ormskirk is a rural town which is located in West Lancashire, in the North West of England. This charming town offers warm welcomes, heritage and folklore, as well as attracting residents who are looking to be surrounded by the natural beauty, reserves and wildlife of the English countryside. This town caters to a large group of residents from families and retirees to professionals and couples, and offers a wide variety of properties, including traditional detached homes, semi-detached homes, bungalows and apartments. Ormskirk also boasts an array of amenities, 65% of which are thriving independent retailers.