Published Wednesday 26 August 2026 at 13:37
There’s so much to discover about Darwen – from its hugely popular events and much-loved market to its fantastic selection of independent businesses, great places to eat and drink, its parks and sprawling moors and, of course, the iconic Jubilee Tower.
And now it’s even easier to discover it all, with the launch of a brand-new Discover Darwen website, Facebook page and Instagram account.
www.discoverdarwen.co.uk brings together everything people need to know about the town in one handy place, with guides to what’s on, where’s good to go for food, best places to shop, ideas for family days out and so much more.
From the upcoming Darwen Festival of Fun to the date for Darwen Live 2027 – and, dare we say it, the Darwen Christmas Lights Switch On – head over to the website to find out what’s happening in Darwen right throughout the year, with plenty of events and activities that are free to enjoy.
With easy access from major towns and cities across the North West, for visitors or anyone who’s new to the town, there’s also a useful interactive map, a list of free parking, help on places to stay and a section exploring Darwen’s rich history.
And there’s even a dedicated ‘Dog-friendly Darwen’ guide for four-legged friends and their owners!
The new website builds on the success of the Darwen Town Centre offer and, thanks to support from the Government’s Pride in Place programme, has now been re-launched and widened to celebrate the whole town and surrounding villages too.
There’s information about Darwen Market, local businesses and the investment taking place across the town, including the new Darwen Community Fund, which is also being delivered through Pride in Place.
And there’s plenty to discover on the town’s social media channels too.
Follow Discover Darwen on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news, events and features, as well as Shop Darwen – celebrating the very best of Darwen’s businesses, with the chance to win £50 of vouchers every single month.
Councillor Phil Riley, Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council and Vice Chair of the Darwen Pride in Place Board, said:
Discover Darwen marks an exciting new chapter for the town – a town that is much-loved by its residents and visitors too.
Thanks to Pride in Place funding, we’ve been able to create this brand-new website that celebrates the people, businesses and communities that make Darwen so special.
While continuing to champion the town centre, Discover Darwen tells the story of the whole town, giving people a place to find out more about what’s on, where to go and what to see.
There really is so much to discover about Darwen and this is a fantastic place to start!
The website covers everything from what’s on at Darwen Library Theatre to more about Darwen Library and the Leisure Centre, including the Total Splash Out that has been so popular this summer.
There’s also a spotlight on the town’s sporting offer, from Darwen Football Club and Darwen Cricket Club to Junction4 Skatepark, a training ground for Team GB athletes.
And the website will also be a hub for all the latest developments in the town centre, including the multi-million-pound investment for Darwen Market and Darwen Library and Library Theatre.
MP for Rossendale and Darwen, Andy MacNae added:
Darwen is seeing real investment at the moment through the Government’s Town Deal and Pride in Place funding, which the Council and I managed to secure for the area.
This new website brings it together in one place. Darreners can find out what is on and keep up with the latest on Pride in Place. It is good for businesses too, giving them somewhere to promote what they offer and reach new customers.
Residents have been clear they want more done to support the town centre. This is one small part of delivering on that.
Have a look at the new website and see what is happening across Darwen.
Local business owner and proud Darrener Liz Sutton, owner of Sutton’s Butchers – one of the many businesses to be featured on the site said:
Darwen has so much to offer, from fantastic independent businesses and community groups to great events and hidden gems that many people don’t know about.
Discover Darwen brings all of that together in one place.
It’s brilliant to see this investment to help support the future of the town, as it’s something that can help generate pride, encourage people to explore more of what Darwen has to offer and support local businesses.
To find out more, head over to www.discoverdarwen.co.uk and follow Discover Darwen on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates, events and features.
You can also sign up for the Discover Darwen newsletter on the new website.
And if you’ve got a suggestion for something that should be included, the team would love to hear from you. Visit the Get in Touch page for contact details: Discover Darwen – Get in Touch