Rawtenstall’s High Street Heroes

Rawtenstall is a place Lancashire can be proud of. The rows of stone terraced houses, the old mills and buildings indicating the town’s industrial heritage and the community at its heart, all represent what is best about the county. Attractions like the East Lancashire Railway, located on the fringes of the former industrial town, bring in thousands of tourists during the year. The surrounding countryside is another draw for many.

There is also plenty going on including the Rawtenstall Annual Fair, which was held for the first time this year and organisers are already planning next year’s event. You can also see the Incredible Edible garden in the grounds of the Rossendale Museum at Whitaker Park.

But it is also the busy shopping area, based around Bank Street, which is
one of Rawtenstall’s many highlights. Bank Street is lined with dozens of shops that provide you with everything you need. It’s also a shopping area that has lots of independent businesses rather than chains, identikit stores that can be found in many large towns and cities. In short, it has a charm all of its own.

City dwellers in Manchester are known to venture here in pursuit of an outfit they are unlikely to find on their doorstep. There are several boutiques that would not look out of place in a busy fashion district, selling clothes by luxury brands and top name designers that many people clamour for.

Rawtenstall has managed to retain many of the traditional high street businesses other places have lost. There are also a handful of restaurants, cafes and pubs that attract locals as well as visitors to the area as does the country’s last temperance bar, where you can enjoy a drink of sarsaparilla.

Rawtenstall Market has also gained itself a good reputation over its more than 100 year history. There are plenty of stalls to browse, selling a wide range of good, every Thursday and Saturday in the indoor hall and outdoors.

If you already live in Rawtenstall you already know how lucky you are. But if you’ve never been before, you are in for a treat.

The print version of this article appeared in the October 2011 issue of Lancashire Life 

We can deliver a copy direct to your door – order online here

Members Comments

• Comment by: DenboTaylor 05 September 2011 - 15:27

  Who is the best person to contact with regards to helping with promoting Clogs 'ont Cobbles? A market/street fair being held on Bank Street Rawtenstall in November? http://www.clogsoncobbles.com/

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