Welcome to the OWA’s “Travel Like a Local” series, brought to you by the International Expansion Committee, where we share a little bit about the places in the world we call home. Here, we reveal our top tips for truly immersing yourself and experiencing our cities beyond the top landmarks. Whether you’re traveling for work or taking a well-deserved vacation, we hope you find this series useful as you plan your visit. In this month’s edition, I’m excited to show you my town and how to experience Rawtenstall, UK, like a local.
Between the moorlands of Lancashire and the bright city lights of Manchester, sits Rawtenstall, right at the heart of the Rossendale Valley. Once built on the textile and shoe trades (mills and chimneys abound), it’s cobbled streets now house galleries, boutiques and cafes rather than looms.
Getting Around Like a Local
Of course you can get in the car, but Rawtenstall is best experienced on foot. If you’re a walker, you’ll love the surrounding scenery. Head for the hills via the many available pathways to get sweeping views right across the valley. On clear days you can see Manchester’s skyline in the distance.
Whilst in Rawtenstall visit the East Lancashire railway, a lovingly restored heritage line that runs vintage steam and diesel trains through the valley. It’s a nostalgic gem, think 1940s ticket office, signal boxes and platform tearoom. It also connects all the way to nearby town Bury for a full day out.
Dining Like a Local
A’Vucciria brings a slice of Sicily to the Rawtenstall; extremely delicious tapas is the perfect thing after all that walking! Wash it down with a glass of wine or a cocktail at the bar.
A few steps away you’ll find The Stinky Chef. A small deli serving the most amazing variety of artisan sandwiches, cheeses and meats. Be warned, the portions are large, and the clue is in the name. Big flavour, big stink!
Rawtenstall’s thriving outdoor market has plenty of options for food and drink from a wide range of cuisines, and in fine weather it’s a great place to meet people. You can also grab a beer at Northern Whisper and sample their locally brewed ales.
Three Must-Visit Spots
A short walk from the train station sits The Whitaker Museum and Art Gallery, a former Victorian mansion on the edge of Whitaker Park. Built originally for one of the local mill owners it now houses amazing art exhibitions, local historical artefacts, a fabulous gift shop and a large café/bar. The Tiger and Python exhibit is particularly famous; an oil painting by Alexandre Isidore is part of The Louvre, Paris collection and a woodcut by Thomas Bewick also exists. In recent times, it has been photographed by The National Geographic.
No visit is complete without a wander down Bank Street, Rawtenstall’s cobbled high street lined with independent stores and cafes. Sunday best Boutique is a particular local destination for clothing, established over 50 years ago, it’s owner Jan was the first to bring hot pants to the Rossendale Valley!
At the bottom end of Bank Street you’ll find Mr Fitzpatrick’s, the last traditional temperance bar in the UK. Opened in 1899 by Irish immigrants who sold non-alcoholic herbal drinks and cordials. Their traditional cordials are now for sale internationally.
Final Thoughts
What makes Rawtenstall special is the warmth and welcome of its people. It’s proud, creative and full of character, a valley with soul. And if you leave without feeling that, you probably just need another cup of tea… or a brew, as we say here.
