Nelson offers several distinct reasons to visit: a traditional covered market, Marsden Park above the town, and activities centred on swimming, athletics and culture. This lets you plan your visit around specific interests rather than focusing on just one type of leisure activity.

Market and Getting Around

Nelson is home to a traditional covered market. Trading hours may vary, so if you want to visit the market specifically, check the current times in advance. This makes it easier to work a visit to the market into your plans without assuming fixed opening hours.

Another point of reference is Nelson’s bus and rail interchange, which opened in late 2008. The market and transport interchange represent different aspects of the town: its traditional market and the connection between bus and rail services.

Water and Athletics

Pendle Wavelengths has a very tall water slide and a wave machine. There is also interactive water play in the shallow, beach-style pool area. The attractions offer different experiences: the slide, waves and water play give you different ways to choose water activities to suit your interests.

The Seedhill Athletics and Fitness Centre in Nelson is Pendle Leisure Trust’s main outdoor sports facility and the centre of athletics in Pendle. Its athletics track is a six-lane, 400 m, fully floodlit synthetic track that meets county standards. Non-members can also use the track by paying on arrival. This makes it quite different from the water activities: the focus here is athletics and a track with clearly specified features.

Marsden Park and Its Activities

Marsden Park lies above Nelson and brings together several outdoor options: walking paths, a café, tennis courts and a play area. It also offers impressive views and a golf course. The range of activities gives you different reasons to consider the park, whether you are interested in walks, sport or spending time in green surroundings.

The Vicky Witch Trail is in Victoria Park. It adds a themed trail to the range of options. Along with the walking paths at Marsden Park, it shows that parks can have different focuses; this does not imply that there is a link between the two parks.

Art, Culture and Relaxation

A 12 m weaver’s shuttle forms a focal point in Nelson. The work was created by local artist Philippe Handford. The ACE Centre is a multi-purpose venue with a cinema, theatre and bistro. As the programme may change, it is advisable to check the operator’s information before visiting.

Inside Spa offers a range of thermal experiences combining warmth, moisture, light and fragrance. This offers a different focus from cinema, theatre or outdoor activities. When planning your trip, you may therefore want to consider whether culture, exercise, water or relaxation should shape your stay.

Planning Your Stay

The options described vary considerably. You do not need to give them all equal weight; you can tailor your choices to your interests. This makes the overview of specific activities a useful starting point for planning your trip.

Discover more destinations: Barrowford, Ellel, Heysham, Carnforth, Bolton by Bowland, Burscough, Penwortham, Broughton

For the wider travel overview: Lancashire.