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Brockholes Nature Reserve

Type:Nature Reserve

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

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1583 reviews1583 reviews

Tel: 01772 872 000

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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, 28th March 2025 - Friday, 28th March 2025

Friday, 4th April 2025 - Friday, 4th April 2025

Nature Tots at BrockholesNature Tots is suitable for ages 15 months – five years.
more info

Saturday, 29th March 2025 - Saturday, 29th March 2025

Saturday, 26th April 2025 - Saturday, 26th April 2025

Saturday, 24th May 2025 - Saturday, 24th May 2025

Introduction to Trees Guided Walk at Brockholes Nature ReserveJoin guided walk leaders for a fascinating insight into the trees at Brockholes.
more info

Thursday, 3rd April 2025 - Thursday, 3rd April 2025

Thursday, 1st May 2025 - Thursday, 1st May 2025

Thursday, 5th June 2025 - Thursday, 5th June 2025

Toddle Together at Brockholes ReserveA one hour walk around the reserve on buggy friendly paths. 
more info

Friday, 4th April 2025 - Friday, 4th April 2025

Thursday, 8th May 2025 - Thursday, 8th May 2025

Friday, 6th June 2025 - Friday, 6th June 2025

Stride Through Nature at Brockholes ReserveJoin a guided walk leader for a Stride through Nature walk, designed with wellbeing and fitness in mind.
more info

Saturday, 5th April 2025 - Monday, 7th April 2025

Friday, 11th April 2025 - Sunday, 13th April 2025

Monday, 26th May 2025 - Monday, 26th May 2025

Wednesday, 28th May 2025 - Wednesday, 28th May 2025

Friday, 30th May 2025 - Friday, 30th May 2025

Spring into Creativity at Brockholes Nature ReserveCelebrate the spring season at Brockholes by creating your very own spring themed craft.
more info

Tuesday, 8th April 2025 - Tuesday, 8th April 2025

Thursday, 28th August 2025 - Thursday, 28th August 2025

Brockholes Family Bat WalkBat Walk Night will start with an introduction to these fascinating creatures before heading out.
more info

Thursday, 10th April 2025 - Thursday, 10th April 2025

Thursday, 4th September 2025 - Thursday, 4th September 2025

Brockholes Adult Only Bat WalkBat Walk Night will start with an introduction to these fascinating creatures before heading out.
more info

Friday, 11th April 2025 - Friday, 11th April 2025

Dinosaur Adventure at Brockholes Nature ReserveJourney into the lost land of the dinosaurs at Brockholes.
more info

Wednesday, 16th April 2025 - Wednesday, 16th April 2025

Signs of Spring Guided Walk at Brockholes Nature ReserveJoin a guided walk leader for a fascinating tour of Brockholes, looking for signs of spring.
more info

Thursday, 17th April 2025 - Thursday, 17th April 2025

Wild Spring Adventure at Brockholes Nature ReservePrick up those bunny ears and get ready to welcome in the spring wildlife at Brockholes Nature Reserve.
more info

Wednesday, 23rd April 2025 - Wednesday, 23rd April 2025

Thursday, 15th May 2025 - Thursday, 15th May 2025

Friday, 27th June 2025 - Friday, 27th June 2025

Lancashire Local History Walk at Brockholes Nature ReserveThere will be tales of the Lancashire Witches and Cromwell's time spent in the area. 
more info

Thursday, 24th April 2025 - Thursday, 24th April 2025

Mad Hatter's Tea Party at Brockholes Nature ReserveThe Mad Hatter is having a tea party at Brockholes this Easter and you are invited. 
more info

Wednesday, 30th April 2025 - Wednesday, 30th April 2025

Friday, 23rd May 2025 - Friday, 23rd May 2025

Friday, 20th June 2025 - Friday, 20th June 2025

A Wildflower Year Guided Walk at Brockholes Nature ReserveJoin a guided walk leader for a fascinating insight into the flora of Brockholes and how it changes over the year. 
more info

Sunday, 11th May 2025 - Sunday, 11th May 2025

Wedding Showcase at Brockholes Nature ReserveExperience Brockholes in its full wedding set up and chat to the team.
more info

Wednesday, 28th May 2025 - Wednesday, 28th May 2025

Reserve Ramble at Brockholes Nature Reserve It’s the perfect chance to ask all your burning conservation questions and discover the wild wonders of Brockholes.
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

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      • The Building of Brockholes Floating Visitor Village

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