The Place To Be
As a small town with lots of independent outlets, Penwortham is definitely becoming the place to be, writes Tracy Hargreaves. Photography: Paul Currie
I drive through Penwortham on a regular basis and it’s always great to see the town doing so well. Whilst some areas seem to struggle to attract new business, there always seems to be a new addition on the high street.
Despite Penwortham being just across the River Ribble from Preston, it has everything you would need without having to venture into the city centre. For those looking for a shopping experience with a difference, it has a plethora of independent shops which sell everything you could want in a small town. Fireplaces and opticians, gift shops and beauty salons, dress shops and food stores, being just a few. There’s now even a hot yoga studio, which I’ve tried out a couple of times and is always extremely busy and well worth a visit.
You can’t go wrong if you want a drink or to eat out. Choose from home cooked pub food or a snack in a café to a choice of Mediterranean cuisine and of course throw in the odd wine bar or two and you will be spoilt for choice.
If you want to get away for a bit of peace and quiet, then Hurst Grange Park is the perfect place to go. The park has retained a prestigious Green Flag Award every year since 2003 and is the largest park in Penwortham, located between Hill Road and Cop Lane. It has traditional parkland with a playground, sports pitch and a trim trail through the woodlands, as well as wildflower meadows and five ponds.
The town’s infrastructure provides easy access both into Preston city centre and further afield up to Lancaster and the Lake District and it’s fast becoming a sort after place to live. Not only due to its transport links and bustling shops, but several of its educational establishments have a good reputation, making it an ideal base for families.
It is also benefitting from investment. A multi-million pound proposal for building a new bridge over the River Ribble has been submitted and Lancashire County Council is asking the government for £250million to create a new crossing over the river. A new bridge has been on the cards for a while as it would allow direct access to the western side of the city from Penwortham. The county council has also confirmed it has submitted an application for the government’s new £2.3billion housing infrastructure fund.
Penwortham is not short on entertainment. Each year Penwortham Live is held, which is a live music and arts festival taking place in venues all across the town. The event has grown from strength to strength and is now a popular attraction for both visitors outside of the town as well as locals to enjoy. The town council also hosts its own annual Christmas market and for those who want a more leisurely pace of life there’s Penwortham Golf Club.
Penwortham is in a great location and really has a lot to offer. Shops, eating out and plenty of events and leisure activities to keep you occupied. So if you haven’t visited before, pop into Penwortham.
