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.
Accrington is a historic market town located in the Hyndburn borough of Lancashire, nestled between Burnley and Blackburn. Known for its role in the Industrial Revolution, particularly as a major centre for the textile industry and the world-famous Accrington brick, the town has a rich heritage and a close-knit community feel. The centre features Victorian architecture, traditional indoor and outdoor markets, and green spaces that create a distinctive, welcoming environment.
Bacup is a historic market town situated in the Rossendale Valley in Lancashire, nestled between the scenic moorlands of the South Pennines. Known for its strong sense of community and well-preserved Victorian heritage, Bacup has often been recognised for its notable architecture and unique topography. Residents and visitors are attracted by the town’s dramatic hillsides, stone terraces, and commanding views across rolling countryside.
Barnoldswick, nestled on the border of Lancashire and North Yorkshire, is a historic market town that combines the character of a quintessential Northern English town with a modern, community-focused lifestyle. Surrounded by the sweeping beauty of the Pennine Hills and the Yorkshire Dales, Barnoldswick is an area steeped in industrial heritage, with its roots firmly planted in textile manufacturing and engineering. Today, the town offers a tranquil setting with independent shops, traditional pubs, and a weekly market which keeps local traditions alive.
Blackburn is a large town situated in Lancashire, North West England, nestled on the southern edge of the Ribble Valley and within easy reach of both the Pennines and the West Pennine Moors. Historically, Blackburn was a powerhouse of the textile industry and remains renowned for its rich industrial heritage, evident in the ornate Victorian mills and red-brick architecture scattered throughout the area. In recent decades, the town has undergone extensive regeneration, blending its history with contemporary development such as the modernised Blackburn Cathedral Quarter and the impressive King George's Hall.
Blackpool is a well-known seaside town located on the northwest coast of England, facing the Irish Sea. The area has a distinct identity shaped by its long-standing reputation as one of the UK’s most popular holiday destinations. Although famed for its vibrant promenade, iconic Blackpool Tower, and bustling beach environment, Blackpool also has residential areas with a blend of Victorian terraces, suburban homes, and newly developed apartments.
Burnley is a large market town located in the heart of Lancashire, close to the scenic landscapes of the Pennines and nestled at the confluence of the River Calder and the River Brun. Known historically for its Victorian-era textile mills, Burnley has a rich industrial heritage, which is still visible in its distinctive architecture and urban layout. Today, the town has evolved to offer a blend of traditional charm and modern amenities, making it a popular choice for residents wanting easy access to both scenic countryside and urban conveniences.
Carnforth is a small town situated in north Lancashire, close to the border with Cumbria and within striking distance of the scenic Lake District. Famed for its railway heritage, Carnforth is perhaps best known as the filming location for the 1945 classic 'Brief Encounter', with its historic railway station still drawing visitors today. Set against a backdrop of rolling countryside and the Morecambe Bay coastline, Carnforth combines rural charm with the convenience of transport links, making it appealing for families, retirees, and those commuting to nearby cities like Lancaster or Preston.
Chorley is a historic market town in Lancashire, situated between Preston and Bolton, offering a blend of rural charm and modern convenience. The town is known for its picturesque parks, most famously Astley Park, and its location on the western edge of the West Pennine Moors makes it popular with walkers and outdoor enthusiasts. Chorley’s heritage is reflected in features like its famous covered market, dating from 1498, and landmark buildings such as the Chorley Town Hall and the Grade I listed Astley Hall.
Clitheroe is a historic market town located in the Ribble Valley of Lancashire, surrounded by the scenic beauty of the Forest of Bowland, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The town is renowned for its medieval castle, which stands proudly above the town centre and offers expansive views across the valley. Clitheroe combines a rural charm with modern amenities, making it highly attractive to families, commuters, and retirees seeking a strong sense of community amidst picturesque countryside.
Colne is a market town situated in the heart of Pendle, East Lancashire, bordered by rolling hills and with far-reaching views towards the Pennines. Its elevated position provides an attractive, semi-rural setting while still offering the convenience of town amenities. Colne has a rich heritage as a former mill town and much of its Victorian architecture, such as the grand Municipal Hall and lovingly restored buildings in the centre, still shapes the town’s identity today.
Darwen is a market town nestled in the heart of East Lancashire, situated south of Blackburn and encircled by the West Pennine Moors. Historically renowned for its role in the textile industry during the Industrial Revolution, Darwen retains much of its Victorian heritage, with stone terraced homes, restored mills, and the iconic Darwen Tower standing as a symbol of the town’s proud past. The area is favoured for its blend of semi-rural lifestyle and town amenities, attracting families, commuters, and older residents seeking a quieter yet well-connected place to live.
Fleetwood is a traditional seaside town located on the northwest coast of Lancashire, at the tip of the Fylde Peninsula where the River Wyre meets Morecambe Bay and the Irish Sea. The town is renowned for its rich maritime heritage, Victorian architecture, and scenic coastal views. Fleetwood is known for its historic fishing port, purpose-built Victorian streets, and the famous Fleetwood Market, which draws visitors from across the region. The iconic Fleetwood Pier and bustling promenade make it popular for leisure as well as residential living.
Located in the heart of Lancashire, Lancaster is a picturesque and historic city set on the banks of the River Lune. Serving as the county town, Lancaster is famous for its medieval Lancaster Castle, winding Georgian streets, and thriving university community. The city's compact layout blends period architecture and contemporary living, where cobbled streets meet independent shops, riverside walks, and lively marketplaces.
Leyland is a town located in the South Ribble district of Lancashire, positioned conveniently to the south of Preston. Historically recognised as the heart of the British commercial vehicle industry, Leyland is most famous for Leyland Motors, which shaped the area’s industrial character. Today, it offers a blend of traditional Lancashire heritage and contemporary living, marked by tree-lined avenues, parks, and a range of modern amenities.
Lytham St Annes brings together the best of coastal living with a traditional British seaside charm. Situated on the Fylde coast in Lancashire, this area blends the distinctive communities of Lytham and St Annes-on-Sea. Known for its elegant Victorian and Edwardian architecture, expansive beaches, and the iconic Lytham Green, the town has long offered an appealing lifestyle to residents and visitors alike.
Situated on the stunning coastline of northwest England, Morecambe is a classic British seaside town in Lancashire, famous for its sweeping bay, sandy beaches, and unparalleled views across to the Lake District fells. Morecambe has long been associated with seaside holidays and retains much of its early 20th-century charm, visible in its seafront promenade, traditional amusements, and iconic landmarks such as the Eric Morecambe Statue. The town offers a mix of period terraces, Victorian hotels, and modern housing developments, making it an interesting place to live for a variety of residents.
Nelson is a market town in Lancashire, situated in the historic Borough of Pendle. Resting at the foot of the scenic Pennines, Nelson is equidistant between Burnley and Colne, making it well-placed for both urban conveniences and access to open countryside. The area developed its character through a strong heritage rooted in cotton weaving and the industrial revolution, with many late Victorian and early 20th-century buildings still lending period charm to its streetscape today. The famous Pendle Hill rises to the north, setting the scene for a landscape steeped in folklore and natural beauty.
Ormskirk is a historic market town located in West Lancashire, well known for its traditional street markets, attractive town centre, and rich heritage. Positioned between Liverpool and Preston, Ormskirk offers a blend of rural charm and urban convenience, making it a popular choice for commuters, families, and students from across the region. The town has a welcoming atmosphere and is particularly recognised for its landmark clock tower and picturesque streets lined with independent shops and cafés.
Poulton le Fylde is a traditional market town situated just a few miles inland from the bustling seaside attractions of Blackpool in Lancashire. Renowned for its historic market square and charming Georgian and Victorian architecture, Poulton le Fylde offers residents a distinctive blend of heritage appeal and modern convenience. The town’s atmospheric winding streets and independent shops help maintain a sense of community, while its excellent transport links make it a favoured spot for both commuters and families.
Preston, located in the heart of Lancashire in North West England, offers a distinctive blend of historic character and modern convenience. Set on the banks of the River Ribble, Preston’s long history is reflected in its striking architecture, such as the Harris Museum and the Grade I-listed St Walburge’s Church, which boasts one of the tallest spires in England. The city served as an important centre during the Industrial Revolution and remains an energetic location celebrated for its deep-rooted heritage, friendly communities, and expanding economic opportunities.
Rossendale is a borough nestled in the south-eastern corner of Lancashire, bordered by the urban centres of Greater Manchester and the picturesque landscapes of the Pennines. The area consists of several towns, including Rawtenstall, Bacup, Haslingden, and Whitworth, each with its distinct history and character. Rossendale is renowned for its rolling hills, scenic valleys, and strong sense of local heritage, set against the backdrop of former textile mills and historic stone cottages.
Skelmersdale is a distinctive town located in West Lancashire, approximately midway between Liverpool and Wigan. Developed as a New Town in the 1960s, Skelmersdale is characterised by its modernist layout, spacious residential areas, and a network of pedestrian walkways separated from major roads. The town is set on gently undulating ground, and many homes are surrounded by grassy verges, trees, and play spaces, providing a green backdrop to daily life.
Thornton-Cleveleys is a coastal conurbation in Lancashire, nestled on the Fylde Coast just north of Blackpool. The area incorporates two neighbouring communities — Thornton, with its village character, and Cleveleys, which boasts an established seaside resort atmosphere. Residents enjoy proximity to the Irish Sea, sandy beaches, and a classic British promenade, making it a popular choice for families and retirees alike. The area’s history is deeply tied to its fishing and maritime roots, while modern development has brought retail parks, supermarkets, and leisure facilities.