Discover Penwortham

 

Penwortham is widely regarded as the starting point of South Ribble, sitting on the southern side of the river Ribble that separates the borough from Preston.

The town and people are intertwined with their city neighbours despite being split by the 75-mile-long river as residents often chose Penwortham as a rural escape from their working life in Preston. 

South Ribble's location is ideal for commuters who work in local cities - and Penwortham is the prime example. 

As a rural town, it used to be a place for families with ties to Preston who wanted a more integrated community lifestyle, but the resurgence of the nightlife and growing number of eateries have broadened the demographic of Penwortham.

Lime Bar is a staple of Penwortham's high street, with people travelling there to enjoy everything from afternoon tea to the live music. 

Innovative restaurants like 1260 Craft and Crust have put Penwortham on the map and are an indication of the town's progression. The Neapolitan restaurant combines craft beer and pizza.

Anyone who played or has a child that plays football in Lancashire will know Penwortham for one thing only: Penwortham holme. Dubbed 'The holme of grassroots football', the low ground to the right of the river is occupied by masses of children, parents, and goals on a Saturday morning, as Lancashire's under-7s and 8s play there between 10am and 12pm.

The town is laden with history. From being named in the Doomsday book as 'Penverdant' to the artefacts and buildings that range from the still-popular Fleece Inn with roots in the Victorian age, to the Howick Cross dating back to Medieval times.

St Mary's Church is one of many iconic buildings that make up the Penwortham landscape dating back to the early 14th century. It sits alongside fellow Victorian buildings like Howick House, Legrows on Manor Lane, and the water tower on Liverpool Road that dates back to the late 18th century. Originally used to provide the town with water, the iconic building is now habitable and serves as a semi-detached house.

The more contemporary buildings in the town are just as integral to the DNA of the area, namely Penwortham Arts Centre: The Venue  and Penwortham Library, which has retained the original lamps from 1936.

Penwortham is one of the most up-and-coming places in Lancashire, with aspirations of growing further across the next decade.