• Language
    Language

To build your own Itinerary, click Add to Excursion to add an item to your Itinerary basket.

Already saved an Itinerary?

Brockholes Nature Reserve

Type:Nature Reserve

Off junction 31 of the M6, Preston New Road, Samlesbury, Preston, Lancashire, PR5 0AG

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1579 reviews1579 reviews

Tel: 01772 872 000

Add Brockholes Nature Reserve to your Itinerary

Check availability for Brockholes Nature Reserve (opens in a new window)

Brockholes Nature Reserve

Whether it’s on the iconic floating isitor village or on the 250 acre nature reserve, Brockholes is full of nature moments just waiting for you to find.  Located just off the M6, Brockholes is perfect for a family day out.

Explore the flagship, Lancashire Wildlife Trust nature reserve and you’ll see the wide variety of wildlife on offer.  You can take a walk along the River Ribble, explore the ancient woodland and amble around the lakes while spotting a huge array of wildlife all year round. 

There’s hides, paths and viewing points that have been specifically designed to allow you to get closer to nature and wildlife without disturbing it.

Brockholes Nature Reserve is home to two eating establishments, Kestrel Kitchen and Peckish.  Kestrel Kitchen provides an indoor seating area for you to relax and recharge.  Or if you prefer dining al fresco, Peckish, which is dedicated to Lancashire street food, provides an outdoor seating area for you to enjoy your refreshments with some truly spectacular views.

The spectacular floating visitor village plays host to an interactive welcome centre, a shop and the Guild Wheel cycle path which runs right through the nature reserve.  So why not hop on your bike and pop down for a pit stop?  There are plenty of bike racks and a huge car park for visitors from further afield.

Brockholes is owned and managed by the Lancashire Wildlife Trust.   No direct government funding is recieved and each time you visit you’re helping to support vital conservation work on the reserve.  Thank you for supporting your local wildlife trust.

Parking charge applies unless otherwise stated at £5.00 all day.

Brockholes is a dog free zone. 

Book Tickets

Prices

Ticket TypeTicket Tariff
Free AdmissionFree

Car parking charges:

£5 all day parking.

These charges apply to all cars and minibuses every day, all day. Coaches are free.

Opening Times

Winter (1 Nov 2024 - 31 Mar 2025)
DayTimes
Monday - Sunday10:00 - 16:00*
Summer (1 Apr 2025 - 31 Oct 2025)
DayTimes
Monday - Sunday10:00 - 17:00*

* The gates to the reserve are open from 6:00 - 21:00 April to October and 6:00 - 19:00 November to March.

Dates and times marked with a '*' are provisional and may be subject to change

Events

Friday, 8th November 2024 - Sunday, 8th December 2024

Santa's Post Box at BrockholesCome and write your letter to Santa at Brockholes before heading off on a winter walk to Santa's Post Box! Make sure that you find the secret North Pole Stamp on route or your letter won't make it to Lapland! Once you've posted your letter, join us for a warming hot chocolate by the fire in our…
more info

Saturday, 23rd November 2024 - Sunday, 24th November 2024

Artisan Market at BrockholesJoin a weekend of wonderful artisan markets at Brockholes.
more info

Saturday, 23rd November 2024 - Sunday, 15th December 2024

Thursday, 19th December 2024 - Sunday, 22nd December 2024

Santa by the Lake at BrockholesMeet Santa in his workshop, set against the backdrop of the beautiful Meadow Lake.
more info

Friday, 29th November 2024 - Friday, 29th November 2024

Friday, 6th December 2024 - Friday, 6th December 2024

Friday, 13th December 2024 - Friday, 13th December 2024

Brockholes Winter FayreStep into a winter wonderland filled with Christmas lights, artisan markets, delicious food and drink stalls, and even a chance to meet Santa himself.
more info

Saturday, 30th November 2024 - Sunday, 1st December 2024

Friday, 6th December 2024 - Sunday, 8th December 2024

Friday, 13th December 2024 - Sunday, 15th December 2024

Christmas Artisan Markets at BrockholesThese markets are a brilliant opportunity to enjoy local businesses, treat yourself or a loved one, and experience a wonderful day out.
more info

Saturday, 30th November 2024 - Saturday, 21st December 2024

Breakfast with Santa at BrockholesJoin a very special breakfast with Santa event to add that extra bit of magic to your child’s Christmas this year.
more info

Saturday, 30th November 2024 - Saturday, 21st December 2024

Supper with Santa at BrockholesJoin supper with Santa.  Delight in a charming festive meal, meet Santa Claus and create magical memories and holiday cheer.
more info

Thursday, 19th December 2024 - Thursday, 19th December 2024

Thursday, 16th January 2025 - Thursday, 16th January 2025

Thursday, 20th February 2025 - Thursday, 20th February 2025

Thursday, 20th March 2025 - Thursday, 20th March 2025

Skies and Pies with the StarsmithSkies and Pies with the StarsmithJoin an exciting talk by local astro photographer, Lee Hunt.
more info

Gradings

  • VAQAS VB Attraction
VAQAS VB Attraction

Awards

  • Green AwardsGreen Tourism Business Scheme (Gold) Green Tourism Business Scheme (Gold) 2014
  • Sub-Regional AwardsPartner of Visit Lancashire Partner of Visit Lancashire 2018
  • Sub-Regional AwardsMarketing Campaign of the Year Marketing Campaign of the Year 2011
  • Sub-Regional AwardsConference/Meeting Venue Award Conference/Meeting Venue Award 2013
  • Sub-Regional AwardsLancashire Tourism Awards Finalist 2017 - Large Visitor Attraction Award Lancashire Tourism Awards Finalist 2017 - Large Visitor Attraction Award 2017
  • Sub-Regional AwardsLancashire Tourism Awards Finalist 2018 - Large Visitor Attraction Award Lancashire Tourism Awards Finalist 2018 - Large Visitor Attraction Award 2018

Directions

Road Directions

From Preston: At the roundabout of the M6 J31and A59 go straight over under the motorway signed A59 to Blackburn. Stay in the left hand lane. Just before the traffic lights, take the FIRST exit signed 'Brockholes Nature Reserve' heading north over the river (adjacent to the off-ramp slip road). Follow this road left, round doubling back and under the slip road bridge to the site entrance. From M6 North bound: As you come off the motorway get in the middle lane. At the roundabout turn right, signed A59 to Blackburn. Stay in the left hand lane. Just before the traffic lights, take the FIRST exit signed 'Brockholes Nature Reserve' heading north over the river (adjacent to the off-ramp slip road). Follow this road left, round doubling back and under the slip road bridge to the site entrance. From Samlesbury and south-bound off the M6: From Samlesbury - At the roundabout of the M6 J31and A59 you need to go all the way round the double roundabout as if you where going to head back along the A59 towards Samlesbury. As you come round the roundabout past the Tickle Trout Service Station stay in the left hand lane. Just before the traffic lights, take the FIRST exit signed 'Brockholes Nature Reserve' heading north over the river (adjacent to the off-ramp slip road). Follow this road left, round doubling back and under the slip road bridge to the site entrance. From M6 southbound: As you come off the motorway turn right at the roundabout towards Preston. Stay in the right hand lane and continue around the roundabout, As you come round the roundabout past the Tickle Trout Service Station stay in the left hand lane. Just before the traffic lights, take the FIRST exit signed 'Brockholes Nature Reserve' heading north over the river (adjacent to the off-ramp slip road). Follow this road left, round doubling back and under the slip road bridge to the site entrance.

Public Transport Directions

Bus: Take the No. 59 Bus from Preston Bus station. Alight the bus at the Tickled Trout Hotel. From the bus stop walk towards the bridge where traffic is easier to see, cross over and turn LEFT to the end of the bridge. There is a farm road to the right, follow this short road to a metal gate, passing a sign for Brockholes Wood. Cross over the style at the side of the gate. Follow the metal fence on your right to the next gate and at the left side of the gate there is a gap onto a rough roadway. Remain on this roadway to the end the boundary is marked by another metal gate. To the right of the gate there is a style marked Ribblesway go over the style and turn left and you will see the next style to cross. Keep to the right and follow the wooden fence under the motorway bridges, and as the road bends you will see the entrance to Brockholes. This walk is not suitable for pushchairs or anyone that cannot climb a style. During the walk there is a possibility of seeing several species of birds and insects due to the close proximity of the river and the woods. By train: The nearest railway station to Brockholes is Preston.

Facilities

Other

  • Toilets

Catering

  • Café
  • Picnics available

Children & Infants

  • Baby Bottle and Food Warming Facilities Available

Establishment Features

  • Conference Facilities

Parking & Transport

  • Car Parking
  • On site parking
  • Parking (charge)

Payment Methods

  • MasterCard accepted
  • Switch accepted
  • Visa accepted

Provider Preferences

  • In town/city centre

Specialist Features

  • Aim to Attract Conferences & Business meetings

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating:

4 of 5 stars
    • Excellent
      733
    • Very Good
      459
    • Average
      187
    • Poor
      101
    • Terrible
      99

    Recent Reviews:

      Follow Us

      Video

      • The Building of Brockholes Floating Visitor Village

      What's Nearby

      What's Nearby

      What's Nearby

      1. Grange Park

        Grange Park became Preston's first Green Flag Park during 2002-03. The Green Flag Award…

        0.93 miles away
      2. Preston Cemetery Ground

        This site contains burials from both World Wars, some from nearby Fulwood Barracks. 

        1.49 miles away
      3. The Alpaca Walking Experience

        Meet and greet the beautiful alpacas or take them for a private walk on this working…

        2.12 miles away
      1. PrestonWall Climbing Centre

        Creating a community hub for those seeking fun, challenges and an incredible social…

        2.13 miles away
      2. Samlesbury Hall

        Built in 1325 Samlesbury Hall is steeped in fascinating history, retaining its original…

        2.3 miles away
      3. Lancashire Infantry Museum

        The largest regimental military heritage collection in the North of England tells the 300…

        2.38 miles away
      4. Wacky World

        Wacky World is Preston's first inflatable park boasts a massive 20,000 sqf of space, jam…

        2.41 miles away
      5. Preston North End Football Club

        Preston North End are the city's football team located approximately a mile from the city…

        2.46 miles away
      6. Preston BMX Track

        Preston BMX track on London Road offers competition standard BMX facilities. The track is…

        2.49 miles away
      7. Fired 4 U

        The Fired 4 U pottery painting studio welcomes everyone - families, friends and…

        2.76 miles away
      8. Moor Park

        Preston's largest open space with 4 bowling greens, space for 4 cricket matches played on…

        2.82 miles away
      9. Level Preston

        Situated in the heart of Preston, Level is the largest entertainment complex in the city,…

        2.9 miles away
      10. The Guild Lounge

        Preston’s new premiere entertainment venue.

        2.91 miles away
      11. Preston Market

        Preston Market offers fantastic choice with the Indoor and Outdoor Markets and the ever…

        3.01 miles away
      12. Harris Museum, Art Gallery & Library

        A great day out for all the family, the Harris Museum, Art Gallery & Library is a…

        3.05 miles away
      13. Withy Grove Park

        The park currently has areas of woodland, meadow and a children’s playground. Bamber…

        3.2 miles away
      Previous Next

      Related

      Mere Sands Wood Nature Reserve Mere Sands Wood Nature Reserve, RuffordNestled amongst the peaceful agricultural landscape of Rufford, Mere Sands Wood is a true wildlife haven. We're thrilled to finally have the opportunity to offer new visitor facilities; just what such a wonderful and well-loved nature reserve deserves.

      Brockholes, PrestonImagine taking your wedding vows floating on water, surrounded by panoramic lake views. Hidden within a nature reserve and featuring a unique floating design, Brockholes offers a truly memorable setting for your wedding.

      Brockholes, PrestonThe natural place to do business. Brockholes is an award-winning, floating Lancashire conference venue set in the heart of our beautiful nature reserve. Our stunning Meadow Lake Suite floats on the lake, within a cluster of eco-buildings that nestle amongst the reeds.

      Heysham Nature Reserve, HeyshamStep onto Heysham Nature Reserve during spring and summer and the birdsong is almost deafening.

      Sign up for e-newsletter

      Don't Miss

      Don't Miss

      Don't Miss

      Don't Miss

      Don't Miss