Shopping in Burnley
Burnley Town Centre
There is no doubt that Britain’s favourite leisure activity is shopping; a little bit of retail therapy seems to make people feel good and a visit to Burnley is ideal for the dedicated shopper looking for that special something to make their day.
Our attractively landscaped pedestrianised town centre has glass covered walkways and atriums which house many of the major high street brands you would expect to see; Next, Marks and Spencer, Boots, TJ Hughes and many other top names line the streets. There is also an excellent choice of specialist shops from galleries and florists to boutiques and gift shops where you can buy beautiful paintings, designer glassware, or exclusive jewellery. For something different, the contemporary art on show at Mid-Pennine Gallery on Yorke Street often has striking and unusual exhibits which are available for purchase or which can be commissioned from the artists.
At key shopping times and holidays look out for the different events and entertainment taking place - Punch and Judy, fairground rides, musicians and street entertainers will keep the whole family amused, and the Christmas Lights switch on is always a spectacular occasion.
Burnley town centre has a growing variety of venues for people looking to have an early morning cuppa or lunchtime drink, somewhere to wind down after work or to simply take a breather from all the retail therapy! A recent explosion of modern trendy coffee shops and pavement cafes all offering a varied day time menu in comfortable and cosmopolitan surroundings means that you will be spoilt for choice – should it be a cappuccino or a cup of earl grey?
Padiham Town Centre
For hundreds of years Padiham was a market town where produce from Pendleside was bought and sold; today you will find independent retailers, top class café’s, coffee shops and restaurants located along the winding high street.
Green grocers, butchers and bakers selling fresh local produce sit alongside gift, interior design and bridal shops; and if you want lunch or just a cup of tea then award winning coffee shops such as the Fat Giraffe - recently awarded the top quality assurance award by the Lancashire and Blackpool Tourist Board – offer you a chance to relax and enjoy the ambience of this quaint market town.
For more retail therapy see our markets and mill shops page.
Fairtrade
Burnley and Padiham have officially been recognised as Fairtrade towns and actively promote Fairtrade products at many of the shops, café’s and restaurants in the area. Fairtrade clothing, as well as tea, coffee, chocolate, fruit, cereal bars, even wines and beers are available for you to purchase at many of the retail outlets in the town centres, from larger stores such as Marks and Spencer, Asda, Sainsburys and Tesco to smaller family run outlets.
Cafes and restaurants serving Fairtrade products can be found on the food and drink pages and more information about Fairtrade is available at www.fairtrade.org.uk.
In the movie The Lord of the Rings the part of Gandalf the Grey - the legendary wizard is played by Burnley born Sir Ian McKellan.