Brockholes Nature Reserve
A unique floating visitor village set within a tranquil wetland and woodland nature reserve, teeming with diverse wildlife.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Best light for wildlife
Brockholes Nature Reserve
Best Time
Best light for wildlife
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A unique floating visitor village set within a tranquil wetland and woodland nature reserve, teeming with diverse wildlife.
"A lot of greenery and amazing nature at Brockholes. A chance for you to bask in the nature and atmosphere and see the views."
🚗 Parking Fees
Parking costs £5-£6 for all day. Consider walking from Preston to save money.
☕ Cafe Hours
The main cafe is closed Mon-Wed. Check their website for current opening times.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Floating Visitor Village
On the water
A unique building on a raft, offering a visitor center and cafe with stunning views.
Wildlife Spotting
Throughout the reserve
Home to diverse bird species, deer, and other wildlife. Great for photography.
+2
Walking Trails
Various routes
Well-surfaced paths offering scenic loops through woodlands and wetlands. Family-friendly.
+2Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Parking and Access
Visitor Facilities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Fees
Parking costs £5-£6 for all day. Consider walking from Preston to save money.
☕ Cafe Hours
The main cafe is closed Mon-Wed. Check their website for current opening times.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Well-surfaced paths, but good walking shoes are recommended for exploring.
📸 Bring Your Camera
Excellent opportunities for wildlife photography, especially birds and deer.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Fees
Parking costs £5-£6 for all day. Consider walking from Preston to save money.
☕ Cafe Hours
The main cafe is closed Mon-Wed. Check their website for current opening times.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Well-surfaced paths, but good walking shoes are recommended for exploring.
📸 Bring Your Camera
Excellent opportunities for wildlife photography, especially birds and deer.
👨👩👧 Family Fun
Great for kids with play areas and treasure hunts during holidays.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Brockholes Nature Reserve for its beautiful scenery, diverse wildlife, and unique floating visitor village, making it a lovely spot for walks and family outings. However, some recent changes, including the closure of certain cafes and an increase in parking fees, have led to disappointment for some long-time visitors.
"A lovely place to go visit with family, friends or just yourself. I usually walk all the way to Brockholes from the Preston city centre but even if the walk is long, the scenery makes up for it.
A lot of greenery and amazing nature at Brockholes. A chance for you to bask in the nature and atmosphere and see the views. Definitely a must visit!"
Teiro Araldo
"Had a lovely walk around Brockholes nature reserve. The weather was very pleasant nice sunny autumn day. Topped off with a coffee and ice cream. The car park has gone up to £6 which doesn't seem bad for all day parking but steep if your only there for a couple of hours. This makes people like cyclist park on the roadside so they don't gave to pay. The café is closed Mon, Tue, Wed now. Since we have been going the shop and plant stall have gone. The ice cream cafe has closed. You can get a coffee from the visitors centre out of a flask but the quality is poor and they charge £2.50 a cup. I know it's volunteer led, I know there is a cost to everything but if you don't provide facilities people won't bother going."
Dave Merry
"Visited Brockholes for the first time. It has such a serene atmosphere. The buildings in the video is all on water. Lovely nature reserve and walking, however I stayed by the buildings where there was a lovely souvenir shop, a cafe, some conference rooms and children's play rooms. All day Parking is available for about £6.50 or so which is quite reasonable! I like the area and would recommend it to people if they are nearby."
Amz
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can drive to Brockholes Nature Reserve, which is about a 40-minute drive from Manchester and easily accessible from the M6. Parking is available for a fee. Alternatively, you can enjoy a scenic walk from Preston city centre, which is a popular option for locals. +1
While direct public transport options might be limited, it's a popular day trip from Preston, and walking from the city centre is a viable and scenic option.
There is ample parking available at Brockholes Nature Reserve, with an all-day charge of around £5-£6. Some visitors choose to park on the roadside to avoid the fee.
Yes, the reserve has well-surfaced paths that are generally suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs, making it accessible for families.
Cycling is possible, and some cyclists opt to park on the roadside to avoid the car park fee. The reserve itself offers walking routes rather than dedicated cycle paths.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Brockholes Nature Reserve is free to enter, but there is a charge for parking. Donations are welcomed and appreciated to support the reserve's conservation efforts.
The reserve is generally open daily, but specific facilities like the cafe may have reduced hours or be closed on certain days (e.g., Mon-Wed). It's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
No, advance booking is not typically required for general entry to Brockholes Nature Reserve. However, for special events, it's advisable to check their website for booking information.
Information on specific discounts or concessions is not widely available, but the reserve is free to enter, with the main cost being parking.
Dogs are not allowed in Brockholes Nature Reserve, primarily to protect ground-nesting birds and other wildlife.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The floating village is a unique visitor centre built on a raft in a disused quarry. It houses a cafe, information point, and offers a tranquil base for exploring the reserve.
Brockholes is a haven for wildlife, including various bird species (like kestrels), roe deer, and insects. It's a popular spot for birdwatching and nature photography.
Yes, Brockholes offers several well-surfaced walking trails that are great for families, including those with toddlers and young children, with play areas also available.
Children can enjoy play areas, sand pits, and often participate in treasure hunts or themed events organized by the reserve, especially during holidays.
Absolutely! Brockholes is a fantastic location for photography, with opportunities to capture wildlife, scenic landscapes, and the unique floating visitor centre.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe located within the floating visitor village. However, some previous facilities like an ice cream cafe have closed, and the main cafe has reduced opening hours.
The main dining option is the Kestrel Kitchen in the floating village, offering breakfast and drinks. Coffee is also available from the visitor centre, though quality and price have been noted.
Information on specific dietary options is not readily available, but cafes at nature reserves often provide standard choices. It's best to inquire directly upon arrival.
Yes, Brockholes Nature Reserve is a great place for picnics, with plenty of green space to enjoy your own food.
The cafe is typically closed on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays. It's recommended to check the official Brockholes website for the most current opening hours.
📸 📸 Photography
The floating visitor village offers unique architectural shots. For wildlife, explore the trails to spot birds, deer, and insects. Early mornings and late afternoons provide the best light.
You can photograph a variety of birds, including birds of prey like kestrels, as well as roe deer and various insects.
While specific photography tours aren't widely advertised, the reserve is a popular spot for amateur photographers. Keep an eye on their events page for any special photography-related activities.
The 'golden hours' – early morning and late afternoon – offer the best natural light for photography, enhancing colours and reducing harsh shadows.
Drone usage policies can vary. It's essential to check with Brockholes Nature Reserve directly regarding their regulations on drone operation to ensure compliance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+2Keep an eye out for their special events and treasure hunts, which are often organized during holidays and provide extra fun. The Kestrel Kitchen cafe offers family-friendly options and facilities like high chairs.
+1🚶♀️ Solo Explorers & Walkers
+1Enjoy a quiet coffee at the Kestrel Kitchen or simply find a bench to soak in the natural beauty. It's an ideal spot to reconnect with nature and enjoy some personal time.
📸 Nature Photographers
+1Aim for the 'golden hours' of early morning or late afternoon for the best light. The unique floating visitor village also provides interesting architectural subjects.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Floating Visitor Village
The construction of this floating village was a significant project, transforming a disused industrial site into a vibrant nature reserve. It's a testament to creative environmental development and offers visitors a memorable starting point for their nature escape. The views from the village across the water are particularly stunning.
+1While the floating village is a highlight, it's important to note that some of its associated facilities, like the ice cream cafe, have closed. However, the core visitor centre and cafe remain operational, providing essential services for guests.
Wildlife Encounters and Conservation
Beyond the birds, visitors have reported sightings of roe deer grazing peacefully within the reserve, adding to the magical wildlife encounters. The varied habitats, including woodlands, grasslands, and wetlands, support a rich ecosystem, attracting insects and other small mammals.
+1The Lancashire Wildlife Trust actively manages Brockholes, focusing on conservation efforts such as combating invasive species like Himalayan balsam. These initiatives ensure the long-term health of the ecosystem and provide a sanctuary for wildlife.
Family-Friendly Exploration
+2Beyond the walks, Brockholes provides dedicated play areas, including wooden play structures and sand pits, ensuring that younger visitors have plenty of opportunities for fun and exploration. The reserve also frequently organizes themed events and treasure hunts, particularly during school holidays, which are a hit with families.
+1Parents appreciate the availability of amenities like high chairs and changing facilities in the Kestrel Kitchen cafe, making a day out more convenient. The friendly staff and volunteers also contribute to a welcoming atmosphere for families.
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