Living in Accrington

Accrington’s local life is defined by strong community spirit and pride in its history. Residents support local markets, attend church and community centre activities, and participate in annual festivals such as the Accrington Food and Drink Festival. Social clubs, youth organisations, and sports teams like Accrington Stanley FC are central to the town’s identity, drawing people together from across generations.

For those seeking an outdoor lifestyle, Accrington is near the Pennine countryside, offering walking and cycling routes including the Hyndburn Greenway and Peel Park. Green spaces like Oak Hill Park and Bullough Park provide attractive outdoor facilities for recreation, picnicking, and family events, while the local Civic Arts Centre serves as a hub for creative workshops and community theatre productions.

Crime rates in Accrington are in line with similar Lancashire towns, with certain parts of the centre experiencing higher recorded incidents, mostly related to property crime and antisocial behaviour. However, many residential areas, particularly those on the outskirts, are perceived as relatively safe and are popular family locations. Local policing teams are active with community engagement schemes, neighbourhood watch programmes, and youth outreach initiatives working to improve local safety.

Recent investments in CCTV and community policing have contributed to gradual improvements in reported crime rates. Residents often highlight the benefits of tight-knit neighbourhoods, where community vigilance and local support networks foster a secure atmosphere in everyday life.

Parking in Accrington is generally straightforward, with a mix of free and pay-and-display public car parks in and around the town centre. On-street parking is available in many residential streets, typically without the need for permits in most areas, although restrictions apply closer to central shopping and business districts.

Traffic congestion is usually low, though some busy periods occur during school runs and market days. The A56 and M65 provide easy connections to neighbouring towns, while local A-roads link the town with smaller Lancashire villages.

Nearby road travel times:

• Blackburn – approx. 15 minutes via A679 (6 miles)
• Burnley – approx. 20 minutes via A56/M65 (10 miles)
• Preston – approx. 30 minutes via M65 (19 miles)
• Manchester – approx. 50 minutes via M66/A56 (28 miles)

Accrington features a range of food and drink venues, from traditional Lancashire pubs and family-run cafés to international restaurants and bakeries. Popular local options include The Arden Inn for live music and real ales, Balti Stan for South Asian cuisine, and Franco’s for Italian dishes. Independent coffee shops and takeaways can be found along Warner Street and in the Victoria market hall.

Nights out in Accrington tend to be relaxed and social, with a handful of lively bars, quiz nights, and a small local club scene. The town hosts regular live music events and themed evenings at several venues, while theatres and cinemas are located in nearby towns for broader entertainment options. For those seeking a quiet evening, the community pubs create a comfortable atmosphere for all ages.

Many families choose Accrington for its combination of affordable housing, good local schools, and plentiful green spaces. The town’s primary and secondary schools are well-rated, and there are ample parks such as Oak Hill and Bullough Park for children to play and explore nature.

Local nurseries and childcare providers are well-regarded, with several established options across the town. The sense of safety is helped by close community ties and active neighbourhood policing. Family-friendly activities, such as children’s playgroups, sports clubs, and arts workshops, contribute to a wholesome environment for raising children.

With generous parks like Bullough Park and the nearby countryside of the Pennines, Accrington is a convenient base for pet owners and dog walkers. The Hyndburn Greenway offers a safe and scenic path for walks, and several smaller open spaces scatter the residential areas.

Local vet practices and pet supply shops are readily available within the town. Many cafes and some public houses are welcoming to well-behaved dogs, and housing in Accrington generally has a pet-friendly attitude, especially in suburban and semi-rural locations.

Accrington is well-served by public transport and road networks, making it accessible for commuters and convenient for residents. The town’s railway station lies on the East Lancashire line, offering direct services to Manchester Victoria, Blackburn, Burnley, and Preston, with most journeys taking under an hour. Local bus services connect neighbourhoods within Accrington and provide frequent links to nearby towns.

Major roads such as the M65 and A56 run close by, ensuring good access to the regional motorway network. Manchester Airport is reachable in around 50 minutes by car or rail.

Key commute times:

• Manchester: approx. 45 minutes by train
• Preston: approx. 35 minutes by car via M65
• Blackburn: approx. 15 minutes by train or car
• Leeds: approx. 1 hour 15 minutes by train (with a change)

Overall, residents benefit from regular and reliable public transport, making Accrington popular with those working in Lancashire and Greater Manchester.

Primary Schools in Accrington:

Accrington houses several well-regarded primary schools. St Anne’s and St Joseph’s RC Primary School (Ofsted: Outstanding, 2017) is noted for its nurturing environment and strong academic record. Peel Park Primary School (Ofsted: Good, 2022) is another popular choice, recognised for its broad curriculum and pastoral care. Sacred Heart RC Primary School and Hyndburn Park Primary also serve the community, each drawing praise from families for their community spirit.

Secondary Schools in Accrington:

Among the top choices, Accrington Academy (Ofsted: Good, 2023) stands out, with a focus on both academic achievement and extracurricular development. Mount Carmel Roman Catholic High School and Hollins Technology College further support the town’s secondary education provision, catering to a range of interests and abilities.

Independent & Specialist Schools:

St Christopher's CE High School and Sixth Form, in particular, is frequently cited as a leading local independent academy, lauded for strong GCSE and A-level performance as well as its inclusive ethos.

Colleges and Further Education:

Accrington and Rossendale College provides a broad spectrum of vocational and academic courses, attracting students from across the borough and further afield. The college is recognised for its modern facilities and partnerships with local employers, making it a strong choice for further education.

Universities:

While Accrington itself does not contain a university, it benefits from proximity to University of Central Lancashire (Preston) and University of Blackburn College, both within commutable distance and accessible by train.