Between Blackpool And Leeds Is A Quaint Town With Local Shops, Scenic Trails, And Historic Charm

Sitting between the communities of Blackpool and Leeds, England, is Bacup, a historic milling town with a renewed focus on the outdoors and unique shopping experiences. Sitting about 40 miles to the east of Leeds, home to the international Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA), Bacup is a small historic community. However, the town blends its history with independent businesses and views of the rolling English countryside that encircles it.

The U.K. is full of things that surprise American tourists, such as shopping habits, for example. Bacup's Union Street is known as the main shopping district for everyday needs, but on Wednesdays and Saturdays the bustling Bacup Market takes over the town. Fresh fruit vendors, fishmongers, and bakeries provide plenty of food options throughout the day. Shoppers searching for unique gifts can browse a number of fabric, clothing, and gift store vendors. 

But Bacup visitors don't have to wait for market days to enjoy a unique shopping experience. The town is home to independently owned boutiques, including Thelma's Ladies Wear, which specializes in women's fashion. Nearby, Chickabooboo sells women's clothing and accessories in a range of sizes. These local shops reflect Bacup's history as a cotton mill town. Thanks to its location near several waterways and the country's rail network, Bacup flourished with the start of the Industrial Revolution.

Of course, Bacup isn't the only charming English town between Blackpool and Leeds. Today, as the second largest town in the Rossendale Valley, it is most remembered for its milling past. Throughout the Industrial Revolution and through the Victorian era, Bacup thrived as one of the county of Lancashire's most important manufacturing towns, focusing on quarrying, shoe production, and cotton spinning, according to the Bacup Business Association.

That history has earned Bacup the reputation as the best-preserved cotton town in England. With many of those original mill buildings still standing, the city has focused on new funding efforts to help restore them. While the milling boom may have evaporated in the 20th century, Bacup has evolved into a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Green spaces like Stubbylee Park provide recreational areas, and a number of walking trails near the town provide ample opportunities for exploring the English countryside. 

While much shorter than England's first National Trail, Bacup is the northern gateway to the Irwell Sculpture Trail, a popular multi-use pathway that stretches for 33 miles. Along the route, more than 70 sculptures are displayed, mixing rolling landscapes with fitness and culture. For the more adventurous, there is the Lee Quarry Mountain Bike Trail. This collection of mountain bike trails utilizes two former quarries and provides pathways for advanced and beginner bikers.

While Bacup is a small, rural English town, it goes big every summer when it hosts the world Gravy Wrestling Championship. The name adequately describes the event. But for the curious, the annual charity event puts wrestlers in literal vats of Lancashire gravy. Wrestlers are judged on their outfits, comedic talents, and entertainment value. Between rounds, the local fire brigade hoses off competitors while spectators enjoy food, beer stalls, and family-friendly attractions.

When gravy isn't involved, Bacup has an active live music scene, especially within its bars and pubs. The Crown Inn is known for its regular live music events and its friendly staff. The pub is also known for its themed events around holidays and its popular quiz nights. For those looking to mix food with outdoor fun, there's the Rose 'N' Bowl. The area's oldest carvery is, as its name implies, home to a large bowling green. Here, locals and visitors can enjoy the popular British sport of lawn bowling.

Whether you are in town to explore the English countryside or to watch (or participate) in the annual Gravy Wrestling Championship, there are plenty of places to stay while in Bacup. Several vacation rental properties provide easy access to the downtown area. Just a few miles away are cottage rentals, hotels, and motels, ensuring there are accommodations for nearly every budget.