Thumping good time in Witton Park

Blackburn's Witton Park is a large area of green space in the west of the town and is very popular with families and walkers at the weekend. We used to live literally across the road from the park, and even though we've since moved away it's still only a couple of miles down the road, so it's a regular destination for us if we want some fresh air without pulling our boots on for a long trek.

The park has some decent athletics facilities and football pitches, which are well used by locals, but at weekends most of the park's visitors head for the cafe (which incidentally sells fantastic ice-cream).


There's also a visitor centre, but it's situated round the back of the cafe and consequently never seems to get the same attention, which is a pity because there are some interesting displays about the local wildlife. Nearby is a small collection of animals including four goats, some guinea pigs and Thumper the rabbit. Thumper is certainly an apt name for him as he is absolutely huge!


The goats were also a little dosile, although they did wander over to us briefly before returning to their pen. One of the goats was named Elvis, however he wasn't playing up to his namesake as he wouldn't leave the building.

The visitor centre and animals are looked after by nearby Myerscough College, who offer courses on animal care, horticulture and floristry at the centre.