Barnoldswick, affectionately known as “Barlick” by locals, is a picturesque market town that perfectly balances charm, community, and convenience. Situated within the boundaries of the historic West Riding of Yorkshire, it’s a hidden gem with a unique, quiet charm. It comes as little surprise that there’s a growing demand for homes in this area.
The town boasts a variety of independent shops, cafés, and eateries, along with a bustling weekly market. For nature lovers, Barnoldswick is surrounded by stunning landscapes, including the Forest of Bowland and Yorkshire Dales, offering countless opportunities for hiking, cycling, and exploring the great outdoors. Families will also appreciate the well-regarded local schools and plentiful green spaces.
With excellent transport links to Skipton, Leeds, and Manchester, Barnoldswick combines the peace of rural living with easy access to urban hubs. Whether upsizing or settling down, Barnoldswick offers the space, tranquillity, and community to make it your forever home.
A proud winner of the Best British High Street Award, Barnoldswick’s shops and eateries have an independent character, scoring high on service and choice. For your everyday needs, you’ll find supermarkets, pharmacies, and other essential services just a short distance away. Other amenities include a library, medical centre, sports centre and swimming pool, plus several gyms and public parks. Residents can also look forward to local markets and community events that bring the town to life throughout the year.
Stock Beck flows through the heart of the town. Historically, its waters were harnessed to power the town’s mills. Today, walkways and green spaces along its banks make it a favourite spot for a peaceful stroll. Just on the edge of the town is one of the best family attractions around – Thornton Hall Farm, a fantastic day out with hands-on animal encounters, exciting tractor rides, and indoor and outdoor play areas. For those looking to dive deeper into the area’s rich industrial heritage, a visit to Barnoldswick Mill Museum is a must.
Whether you’re after a leisurely stroll with the family or the challenge of a fell walk, Barnoldswick’s outdoor spaces have something for everyone. Winding its way alongside the development, the canal offers a green corridor of leafy waterside pathways. Looking out over a panorama that stretches across Craven and the Yorkshire Dales, Barnoldswick boasts some of the best long-distance views in the area. On a clear day, you can see Ingleborough, Malham Cove and the fells of upper Wharfedale, Ribblesdale and Airedale.
A little closer to home, there are a variety of picturesque parks and scenic walking trails. Victory Park is a favourite among locals, featuring green spaces, a children’s play area, and sports facilities, perfect for family outings. If you want to stretch your legs a little more, the Leeds and Liverpool Canal provides miles of waterside paths with stunning countryside views, while nearby Weets Hill offers a more adventurous hike.
Families will appreciate the excellent selection of local schools. Barnoldswick is served by four primary schools: Gisburn Road, Church School, Coates Lane and St. Joseph’s. Most secondary-age students attend West Craven High School, a technology specialist school situated in Barnoldswick itself. Other options include Ss John Fisher and Thomas More Roman Catholic High School, Park High School in Colne, Ermysted Grammar, and Skipton Girls’ High School.
Nearby Nelson and Colne College is recognised for its diverse course offerings and excellent facilities. For those with further academic aspirations, nearby universities include the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), the University of Leeds, and Lancaster University.
Barnoldswick is proud of its manufacturing traditions. It has a thriving local business scene and is home to notable companies such as Rolls Royce, Silentnight, and Hope Technology. Its strategic location provides significant employment opportunities both locally and in nearby towns and cities, making it a popular choice for professionals seeking a work-life balance.
Bancroft View offers excellent connectivity, making it ideal for commuters and families alike. It is situated 30 miles from Leeds and 50 miles from Lancaster; nearby towns include Skipton, Clitheroe, Burnley and Keighley.
Barnoldswick provides easy access to key road networks and local bus routes between Skipton, Burnley and Clitheroe. The nearest railway station is in neighbouring Skipton, offering links to major cities like Leeds and Manchester. The closest airports are Leeds Bradford and Manchester, around a 28-mile and 50-mile drive away, respectively.
