Idyllic market town with ‘finest house and garden’ you can visit for free | UK | Travel
It’s brimming with culture, history, and natural beauty (Image: Rory Lushman)
A beloved market town in Lancashire boasts the ‘finest house and garden’ in the ceremonial county – and admission won’t cost you a penny.
Lancashire’s hidden treasure, the town of Accrington, is packed with culture, natural beauty, and history, guaranteeing there’s something for all who venture there.
Encircled by stunning countryside and featuring a thriving market at the town centre’s core, visitors will find no shortage of activities when discovering this delightful mill town.
One attraction that stands out as essential viewing in Accrington is an art gallery housing the spectacular Tiffany Glass Collection.
The Haworth Art Gallery and Museum is the destination for art and history enthusiasts, and it’s also where you’ll find ‘Lancashire’s finest house and garden’ according to Visit Lancashire, reports Lancs Live.
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It’s being hailed a ‘must visit attraction’ by travellers (Image: undefined)
Originally named Hollins Hill, Haworth Art Gallery and Museum was first constructed for siblings William and Anne Haworth and has been carefully ‘designed in the Arts and Crafts style’.
Bequeathed by the brother and sister to serve as a museum, art gallery and public park for Accrington’s residents, this historically important building welcomes visitors throughout the year, entirely free of charge.
Filled with elaborate details and stunning features, every corner of this building has been ‘inspired by nature and made with a love of materials and craftsmanship’.
In its current guise, the property’s historic stables and coach house have been transformed into Artists’ Studios which provide a base for numerous skilled artisans who operate from these spaces and offer their work for sale on the gallery-museum’s prestigious premises.
Extending over nine acres of parkland, the heritage site provides refuge in its rose garden, room to relax on sweeping lawns, or chances to discover the woodland encircling this residence-turned-art-venue.
Guests can also enjoy an authentic culinary experience in the property’s licensed Gallery Kitchen located in Haworth’s original Arts and Crafts dining chamber.
It’s home to the magnificent Tiffany Glass Art Collection (Image: undefined)
However, arguably, the centrepiece of the Haworth Art Gallery and Museum is its spectacular Tiffany Collection.
This assemblage of beautiful American glassware was presented to the town by Accrington-born Joseph Briggs, who, following an apprenticeship as an engraver, relocated to New York aged merely 17.
Joseph dedicated roughly 40 years at Tiffany, commencing his professional life as an errand boy before eventually advancing to become managing director of the internationally celebrated company.
This glassware assemblage, produced by the legendary designer Louis Comfort Tiffany, was dispatched by Joseph to Accrington in 1933. The celebrated pieces continue on permanent public display throughout four themed chambers within the art gallery.
One Tripadvisor review of the art gallery cum museum reads: “Beautiful art gallery with a wonderful collection of tiffany glass. The surrounding gardens are very pretty. Had a fantastic lunch in the cafe.”
Meanwhile, another delighted guest said: “Most interesting place which still has the feel of a large family home in the Arts and Crafts style with superb Tiffany exhibits and other items of interest. Excellent tea room and gift shop with pleasant gardens . We will definitely come again.”
Key information for visitors
Entry to the Haworth Art Gallery and Museum in Accrington, including the on-site gallery car park, is entirely free. Throughout 2026, the venue welcomes guests from January 1 to December 20, Wednesday to Sunday between 12pm and 4.30pm.
The Victorian Market Hall in Accrington is a major highlight of the town (Image: undefined)
The Gallery Kitchen operates during identical days and dates, though opening hours differ marginally, serving from 11.30am until 4.30pm. Final admission to the property is at 4pm and the facility remains shut during Christmas and New Year.
Accrington’s popular attractions
Tourists wishing to discover more of Accrington should venture to Oswaldtwistle Mills, another essential stop amongst the town’s highlights. This historical cotton mill played a crucial role throughout the Industrial Revolution and marked the birthplace of the spinning Jenny.
Accrington features numerous outstanding recreational areas, including Oak Hill Park and Memorial Park situated in Great Harwood.
Enthusiasts of history and architecture shouldn’t miss the Victorian Market Hall during their stay – a trading hub that welcomed its first customers in 1869 and remains the community’s beating heart – plus the Town Hall, a favoured venue for nuptials and celebrations.
This delightful market town also boasts yearly celebrations including the Soapbox Challenge and The Accrington Food Festival, offering visitors a delectable glimpse into regional traditions and culinary delights.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, art aficionado, or someone seeking to immerse yourself in natural beauty and local charm, Accrington provides abundant attractions to please every preference, allowing guests to discover this town’s enchantment firsthand.
