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This grand hall in Burnley, Lancashire, is a historic house set in 445 acres of parkland with a museum and art gallery, set to reopen to the public after its short winter break

Nestled in the Burnley countryside, this stunning Hall is a haven for history enthusiasts and art lovers, boasting over 445 acres of surrounding land to wander.

Set amidst vast expanses of picturesque parkland, Towneley Hall has long been a cherished destination for family outings, with its expansive grounds and myriad attractions. The estate now comprises a museum and art gallery, housed within the continually evolving grand structure.

It’s thought that the construction of the magnificent hall commenced in 1380, but it has undergone numerous transformations over the centuries to achieve its current appearance. When Richard Towneley spearheaded renovations in the 17th century, the building underwent its most significant changes, resulting in the existing layout – complete with a central hall and wings.

Additional work was carried out later in the 18th century, contributing to its unique architectural features. The site was bought by Burnley Council in 1902 and has since seen further modifications before opening its doors as a public museum in 1903, supported by restoration grants.

Fondly referred to by some as ‘the jewel in Burnley’s crown’, Towneley Hall now serves as a hub for all things art and education, attracting visitors with its exhibits and a rotating roster of events. All told, it houses an impressive and diverse collection of approximately 30,000 objects.

One section showcases rooms brimming with 17th-century furnishings from the area, offering glimpses into how people once lived through captivating artefacts. The collection boasts over 300 pieces including tables, cabinets, chairs and clocks, many crafted by local craftsmen of that period.

Another wing of the museum houses an impressive art collection featuring oil paintings, book illustrations, sculptures and watercolours by celebrated artists. Works by John William Waterhouse, Margaret Deborah Cooksley and Joseph Mallord William Turner can be found here, alongside pieces from other regional artists.

The beautifully maintained parklands outside offer an array of woodland trails, formal gardens and a children’s play area, plus a golf course. Throughout the grounds are numerous historical points of interest, and it stands as the largest and only dog-friendly park in Burnley, according to its website.

Though closed during winter months, it’s due to reopen on February 14 for visitors to discover at an affordable cost. Adult tickets are currently priced at £5.50, whilst entry remains free for under-17s and students.

One visitor shared their thoughts on TripAdvisor: “Lovely house and grounds with some really interesting exhibits. Staff are very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about sharing information about the hall and its history.”

Another visitor said: “First visit to Towneley Hall. The grounds and hall were absolutely stunning. The guides in the room were amazing, they had so much knowledge about the hall and pointed out things we may have missed. We were also able to talk to them about wider issues about restoration and the importance of preserving history.”

The forest features the spectacular Cascades Walk boardwalk along the river, with visitors comparing the scenic beauty to the Canadian wilderness

Tucked away in the heart of Wales, one remarkable forest brimming with thousands of pine and spruce trees has left visitors so spellbound they struggle to believe they’re still in the UK. Boasting around 15 square miles of stunning scenery and rich wildlife, Hafren Forest possesses an enchanting quality, where you can wander beneath the leafy canopy on various trails that encounter streams and waterfalls en route.

Situated just a brief drive from the Welsh town of Llanidloes, this makes an ideal spot for winter rambles, witnessing the seasonal transformation up close.

One of the forest’s crown jewels is the Cascades Walk, a scenic half-mile boardwalk that meanders alongside the River Severn. When TikTok explorers going by @tomharbourne stumbled upon the forest, they hailed it as “the best boardwalk in the country.”

The adventurers, who have a knack for uncovering hidden gems across the UK, ventured to Hafren Forest. They posted a TikTok clip, simply titled “This is not Canada” featuring the boardwalk stroll, bordered by flowing water and tree-lined paths on both sides.

They continue: “This walk showcases some of the most amazing scenery Wales has to offer and the views you get on this stunning walk immediately will have your thoughts drifting away to pine forests of Canada or Alaska.”

The Cascades Walk offers a breathtaking viewpoint with cascading waterfalls, providing the ideal spot to take a breather and soak up the splendour of nature.

The boardwalk is easily navigable and even includes ramps for wheelchair users and mobility scooters, ensuring it’s a welcoming spot for everyone.

You’ll also find the Source of the Severn Trail within the forest, leading intrepid explorers to the river’s origin on the slopes of Pumlumon, the loftiest peak in the Cambrian Mountains.

This hour-long trail takes visitors along the river, through a vibrant wildflower meadow, before crossing a footbridge where the River Severn roars down a gully to create the renowned Severn-Break-its-Neck waterfall.

The forest itself was established in the 1930s by the Forestry Commission, with the river’s source located on the slopes of Pumlumon (Plynlimon), the tallest mountain in mid-Wales. It’s also a paradise for wildlife lovers.

It’s home to an array of rare bird species, such as buzzards, goshawks, red kites, and merlins.

Plus, almost all of the UK’s native freshwater fish species inhabit its waters, making it a hotspot for biodiversity.

Forest walks can range from a quick 30-minute stroll to a more challenging 4.5-hour hike, with terrain varying from a man-made boardwalk to loose stone and steep inclines, depending on your chosen route.

With picnic areas conveniently situated near the car park and at the end of the boardwalk, it’s the perfect place to pause and appreciate the otherworldly beauty of the surroundings.

The forest is a perfect spot for families, couples, and large groups, offering ample room for all to roam and relish.

Whether you’re after a tranquil escape or a fun-filled family day out, Hafren Forest has got you covered.

What’s more, entry won’t cost you a penny, making it a wallet-friendly choice for nature enthusiasts keen to soak up the breathtaking Welsh scenery without splashing the cash.

Whether it’s the picturesque vistas, the abundant wildlife, or the serene trails that catch your eye, Hafren Forest is an essential stop-off for anyone touring Wales.