The stunning 700-acre parkland is the perfect place for families to explore and burn off some energy in the great outdoors – but many people don’t even know it exists
Yarrow Valley Country Park is a 700-acre parkland with a lake, waterfall, adventure playground, cafe and visitor center.(Image: James Maloney/Lancs Live)
A spectacular family-friendly walking route boasting a concealed waterfall and charming play area lies less than an hour’s drive from Liverpool — yet remains largely undiscovered by many.
When it comes to the weekend and wanting to spend time together as a family, it can be difficult to know what things to do with the kids. If you’re looking for a new place in the great outdoors to explore, look no further than Yarrow Valley Country Park in Chorley.
The area has an impressive 700 acres of parkland, complete with pathways suitable for pushchairs and wheelchair users.
Awarded Green Flag status since 2004, the site provides an ideal setting for families seeking outdoor adventures whilst youngsters expend their boundless energy.
Chorley Council maintains the grounds alongside dedicated volunteers who work to preserve this public space. A spectacular semicircular waterfall within the park allows visitors to approach remarkably close.
The park also features “Yarrow Rocks”, an extensive playground designed to inspire children to test their abilities through measured risk-taking. Equipment includes an oversized rope swing, natural rock climbing wall, embankment slide, basket swing and sandpit
One visitor, posting on TikTok as @outandaboutnorthwest, admitted she was torn about revealing this gem, confessing she considered keeping it secret but ultimately decided the location was “too good not to share”. She revealed the trail had rapidly become amongst her family’s most cherished routes.
The mother explained: “I’m not going to lie, I was really tempted to gatekeep this one but it’s too good not to share. This is Yarrow Valley in Chorley and this northwest walk has quickly become one of our favourites.
“Not only does it have the cutest play area, you can also pick up free guides from the cafe and a cheeky ice cream while you’re there.
“Parking is completely free and the walk to the playground and the way is accessible for all. We really recommend this walk for families and we’ll definitely be back.”
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The family’s fondness for the parkland is shared by many others, as evidenced by the hundreds of five-star reviews on TripAdvisor. One couple, who stumbled upon Yarrow Valley Country Park whilst seeking a location to walk their dog during a business trip, were full of praise.
They enthused: “Absolutely beautiful place. We only live 20 miles away and never knew it existed! We’d been out there for a business meeting and were looking for somewhere to stop to take the dog for a walk on the way back. Could not have found a nicer spot.
“Ample free parking, with a café on the car park site. From there you instantly have access to multiple walks around woodland and around the main lake. There’s a river lower down in the valley on one side, follow that for a gorgeous view of the weir.
“Tracks go off in multiple directions, my wife can’t walk very far unfortunately so we missed a lot of it but will be back as it’s suitable for a mobility scooter.
“Absolutely lovely place, completely free and well worth an hour or two of your time.”
A second reviewer shared: “I grew up round here after being away for long few years now coming back with my kids, it’s changed and for the better. A great little play area my kids loved it, great if you like to go for a walk with nature and loved seeing the waterfall.”
A third visitor commented: “Lovely walk and great for families. We love the walk to the waterfall especially. we go all the time and love walking around the lake seeing the animals.”