Leyland: an unwavering community
The spirit of Leyland stems from its traditions and community values.
A former industry town built on bus and truck manufacturing, Leyland has a community that itself could have been forged in steel.
Traditional venues like Leyland Market and Worden Park still act as the social hub of the town, with traders at the heart of the market's network.
Vendors like 'the Plant Stall' have been an active part of Leyland and other Lancashire markets for over 40 years, with the family run business passing through the generations but still maintaining their roots (no pun intended).
The town is steeped in history beyond the budding market.
Cornerstones of the community are named to reflect Leyland's manufacturing roots. The British Commercial Vehicle Museum is the obvious example, but the local Wetherspoons - The Leyland Lion - is named after a double-decker bus manufactured in the town.
Leyland is automotive royalty in the UK. Leyland Motors evolved into British Leyland after taking ownership of a variety of companies including Rover and Leyland Trucks - the latter of which still operates today.
With such a strong foundation, it's important to progress towards the future... and Leyland has done.
Leyland is home to Runshaw College - the sixth highest performing college in the UK - welcoming students from all over the North West due to the quality of education on offer.
The town's prime location in South Ribble and connectivity via the M6 and A roads make it an accessible college for East and West Lancashire students, as well as those from Southport and Greater Manchester towns like Wigan and Bolton.
Runshaw students have the pleasure of Worden Park just across the road, which is the perfect place for a stroll all year round.
The newly reopened Folly Coffee House and Café is the centre piece of the expansive park, so you can grab a coffee one your way to or from the walk in the woodlands or down to the river.
Eateries like Fat Sam's Bar and Grill and Med3 are earning Leyland an enviable reputation,thanks to their iconic menus and drink offerings.
Fat Sam's earned its notoriety during the Covid-19 pandemic by introducing takeaway cocktails, which became the talk of the town!
Med3 have rapidly become one of Lancashire's foody hotspots due to their authentic, Mediterranean tapas and paella dishes that have really got tongues wagging.
If this blog has inspired your next trip to Leyland, let us know on Facebook and Instagram by tagging @discoversouthribble on your South Ribble pictures and posts.