Yarrow Valley Country Park Review For Families

We recently spent a sunny weekend at Yarrow Valley Country Park in Chorley – and what a hidden gem it is! We were meeting family who were on a family holiday and making their way to the Lake District. This was a perfect plot on the route to meet. We made the trip over the Pennines, and fortunately, Yarrow Valley Country Park was worth the visit.

With free parking, beautiful walks, waterfalls, a lake, cycling routes, and a great play area, it’s perfect for families like ours looking for an easy, affordable outdoor adventure. On this particular trip we didn’t take our bikes as we were meeting family, but we plan another trip soon to sample the Bike routes.

Where is Yarrow Valley Country Park Located?

Yarrow Valley Country Park is located just outside the town of Chorley in Lancashire. It’s easily accessible from the M6 and M61 motorways, making it a great day out if you’re in the North West area. Below is the specific address for the visitor centre. 

Address:
Yarrow Valley Visitor Centre
Birkacre Road
Chorley
PR7 3QL

History of Yarrow Valley Country Park

The park sits on land that was once home to a thriving industrial community during the 19th century. Over the years, the area has been transformed from former mill workings into a beautiful 700-acre countryside park, complete with nature reserves, woodlands, wetlands, and meadows. It’s now managed by Chorley Council and serves as a brilliant example of how industrial land can be rewilded for families and wildlife to enjoy.

We have several Collieries in our particular area, which are a fantastic example of rewilding. This is a great example in the North West. They also bring tourism to local areas and recreational activities for those who live close by. At the time of visiting, there was an Orienteering meet up which is just one example of this.

What is there to do for Families?

Honestly, there’s so much to do here that we barely scratched the surface on our first visit! We were visiting family with a small child, so we were limited in our exploration. For the basis of this article, I’ve researched all the activities available at Yarrow Valley. 

Walks and Nature Trails

There are well-signposted trails that take you through woodlands, around lakes, and along the river. We did a gentle loop that took about an hour, perfect for little legs.

Highlights:

• The Big Waterfall (near the Birkacre Lodge) – stunning and worth the small detour!
• Birkacre Weir – another beautiful water feature.
• Wildlife spotting – lots of birds, butterflies, and even the odd frog if you look carefully.
  

Cycling Routes

Although we didn’t take our bikes this time, we scoped it out for next time. The park has a mix of cycle-friendly trails, mainly flat and wide, which are perfect for families with younger children.

Cycle Route Highlights:

• River Yarrow Trail – A relatively flat trail that follows the river, great for a relaxed family ride.
• Birkacre Loop – Shorter but with enough scenery to keep it interesting.
• For older kids and confident riders, the Chorley Loop connects Yarrow Valley with wider Lancashire cycle routes, but that’s more suited to teens and adults.

We’ll definitely be bringing the bikes next time as both children are keen cyclists and the routes look fantastic. 

Play Area

The playground near the visitor centre was a big hit with both kids.

Play Area Features:

• Plenty of benches nearby for a quick breather.
• Swings, slides, and climbing frames.
• A fantastic rope climbing structure..
• An awesome slide built into the hillside.

Facilities

Yarrow Valley Country Park is very well set up for families:

• Cafe: There’s a lovely café at the Visitor Centre. We brought a picnic but treated ourselves to ice creams from here afterwards. The cafe sells hot drinks, cakes, sandwiches, and kid-friendly options.
  
• Toilets and Baby Changing: Accessible toilets, with baby changing facilities available. Not the cleanest toilets at the time of visiting but perfectly usable.
  
• Shop: A small gift shop inside the Visitor Centre sells nature books, toys, and local crafts.
  
• Picnic Areas: Plenty of open grassy areas and picnic benches by the visitor centre and along the trails.

Would you recommend it?

Absolutely!

We loved how varied and accessible everything was. Free parking makes it even better – it feels like such a treat to have a whole day of adventure without the need to actually spend anything (other than petrol and a scoop of ice cream!)

Both the kids really enjoyed the park and have mentioned returning with our bikes. It’s a brilliant park for mixed-age siblings, with enough to keep both younger and older children entertained.

We’ll definitely be back soon with our bikes!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a café?

Yes! There’s a cosy café next to the Visitor Centre. We packed a picnic but treated ourselves to ice cream afterwards – a perfect way to finish a sunny day.

What was your favourite part?

The waterfall trails were stunning. Matilda said the waterfall was her favourite part, and Barney’s highlight was the playground.

Is it suitable for dog walkers?

Definitely. We saw lots of families with dogs. It’s very dog-friendly, with plenty of open spaces, riverside walks, and dog bins provided throughout.

How much is it?

Entry to Yarrow Valley Country Park is completely free, and parking is free too – huge bonus for families!

Are there bike trails?

Yes, there are several cycle-friendly paths within the park. Most are flat and wide, making them ideal for family bike rides. For those looking for a longer adventure, the park connects to bigger routes around Chorley, too.

Pros & Cons

Park enjoyment rating

Last Updated on April 28, 2025 by Ryan