The Halo
An 18m steel sound sculpture, illuminated blue at night, offering a unique visual and auditory experience in Lancashire.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
See it light up!
The Halo
Best Time
See it light up!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An 18m steel sound sculpture, illuminated blue at night, offering a unique visual and auditory experience in Lancashire.
"It's only a short walk to and around it... Walked round until dusk to see the lights on, must look amazing when it's fully dark."
🚗 Limited Parking
Parking is scarce on the single-track road. Arrive early or consider parking further away and walking.
💡 Research History
Look up the history online before you go; the onsite board is less informative.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Illuminated Halo
The sculpture itself
Witness the 18m steel artwork glow blue after dark, a truly mesmerizing spectacle.
Panoramic Views
Surrounding landscape
Enjoy breathtaking vistas of the Lancashire countryside from the sculpture's location.
The Sound Sculpture Aspect
The Halo sculpture
Experience how the wind interacts with the sculpture, creating unique sounds.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Understanding the Artwork
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Limited Parking
Parking is scarce on the single-track road. Arrive early or consider parking further away and walking.
💡 Research History
Look up the history online before you go; the onsite board is less informative.
👢 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The ground can be wet and muddy, especially in autumn/winter. Waterproof boots are recommended.
📸 Capture Reflections
Muddy puddles can create beautiful reflections, especially after rain.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Limited Parking
Parking is scarce on the single-track road. Arrive early or consider parking further away and walking.
💡 Research History
Look up the history online before you go; the onsite board is less informative.
👢 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The ground can be wet and muddy, especially in autumn/winter. Waterproof boots are recommended.
📸 Capture Reflections
Muddy puddles can create beautiful reflections, especially after rain.
🌬️ Listen to the Wind
The sculpture is designed to create sound with the wind; take a moment to appreciate this unique feature.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find The Halo to be an impressive steel sculpture, particularly when illuminated at night, offering great views of the surrounding countryside. However, some feel it's a bit isolated with limited attractions beyond the artwork itself, and parking can be a challenge.
"It's only a short walk to and around it. It has a board that tells you about it but you are better looking online first about the history of it.
The road to get to it is single track so you have to wish nobody is coming towards you.
Parking is limited on the road only.
It is supposed to light up at night but we didn't stay that long or don't want to go back in a hurry"
Jayne Whyatt
"Visited here on our way home from shopping in Rossendale.
Great views, and with only about twenty minutes before sun down we didn't have long to wait until it was lit up. Visiting in November had it's positives and negatives. Positives it lights up early and had lovely views negatives it was wet, cold, and slippy."
Julie M B
"Walked up on the road (parking up there) then through the field - wow impressive! Walked round until dusk to see the lights on, must look amazing when it's fully dark. Great views, the turbine powering the lights spins so fast, smelt like burning, surprised it doesn't fly off! Shame idiots drive near it, though the puddles in the muddy groves make lovely reflections!"
ilona rigo
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Halo is located in Burnley, Lancashire. The road leading to it is single-track, so drive cautiously. Parking is limited to the roadside.
Parking is available but limited to the roadside along the single-track road. It's advisable to arrive early to secure a spot.
Yes, you can walk to The Halo. Some visitors park further away and walk through fields to reach the sculpture.
The road is single-track, which might be challenging for larger vehicles. Drive with care and be mindful of oncoming traffic.
Many visitors park on the road and then walk through a field to reach the sculpture. This offers great views on the approach.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, The Halo is an outdoor public art installation and does not require tickets for entry.
As an outdoor sculpture, The Halo is accessible at all times. However, it is most striking when illuminated at dusk and night.
There is no admission fee to visit The Halo. It's a free public artwork.
Yes, you can visit The Halo at any time. However, seeing it illuminated at dusk or night is a popular experience.
The Halo is designed to be illuminated after dark, powered by a turbine. Visitors have reported seeing it lit up at dusk.
🎫 ✨ Onsite Experience
The main attraction is viewing the impressive steel sculpture, especially when illuminated. You can also enjoy the surrounding countryside views and listen to the sounds it makes in the wind.
The Halo is a monumental sound sculpture constructed from steel, measuring 18 meters in diameter.
Yes, The Halo offers great photographic opportunities, particularly at dusk when it lights up, and with the surrounding landscape. Reflections in puddles can also be striking.
The Halo was installed in 2007 and is a sound sculpture designed to change its song based on wind direction. Researching its history online beforehand is recommended.
There are no specific facilities like restrooms or cafes directly at The Halo. It's a natural site with limited amenities.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Dusk is ideal for capturing The Halo as it begins to illuminate. Nighttime offers a striking blue glow. Consider capturing it with the surrounding landscape during daylight hours too.
For nighttime shots, use a tripod for stability, a longer exposure, and a lower ISO to capture the blue illumination without excessive noise.
Look for reflections in any puddles on the ground, especially after rain. The contrast between the illuminated sculpture and the dark sky or landscape can be very dramatic.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of The Halo and its surroundings. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details or capturing distant views.
Yes, you can walk around The Halo. Be mindful of the terrain, which can be muddy, and maintain a safe distance from the sculpture itself.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Practical tips for families: Wear waterproof shoes as the ground can be muddy. Parking is limited, so consider a stroller that can handle uneven terrain or be prepared to carry younger children. While there are no play facilities, the open space around the sculpture allows for some freedom to explore (safely, of course). The drive to the location itself, on a single-track road, can be an adventure for kids.
📸 Photographers
Key photographic advice: Bring a tripod for low-light conditions to ensure sharp images. Experiment with different angles and focal lengths to capture both the grandeur of the sculpture and its details. Be prepared for the elements; weather can change quickly, so protect your gear. The single-track road and limited parking mean planning your arrival is crucial to maximize your shooting time.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Halo: A Monumental Sound Sculpture
Visitors often describe it as a striking piece, particularly when illuminated in its signature blue hue after dark. The surrounding landscape of Burnley, Lancashire, provides a scenic backdrop, with many appreciating the great views it offers. However, some reviews suggest that beyond its visual and auditory presence, there isn't much else to 'do' at the site, positioning it as a point of interest rather than a destination with extensive activities.
Practical considerations are important for a visit. The access road is single-track, and parking is limited to the roadside, so arriving early is advised. The terrain can also be muddy and wet, especially during certain seasons, making sturdy footwear essential. Despite these minor challenges, the visual impact of The Halo, especially at dusk, is a significant draw for many.
Experiencing The Halo at Night
Reviews suggest that while the illumination is impressive, the experience can be enhanced by understanding the sculpture's purpose. It's not just a static light display; it's a sound sculpture that reacts to the wind. While the visual aspect is dominant at night, the subtle sounds it might produce add another layer to the experience.
Tips for nighttime visits include checking sunset times and arriving with enough daylight to navigate the single-track road and limited parking. Be prepared for potentially cold and wet conditions, as the location is exposed. The reflections in any puddles on the ground can also add a magical quality to nighttime photographs.
Social
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