Dec 18, 2025
Leyland stands as one of Lancashire's most accessible towns, offering residents and visitors a blend of history, green spaces, and year-round entertainment. Located just six miles south of Preston and minutes from Junction 28 of the M6, this South Ribble town provides easy access whether you arrive by car, train, or bus.
Getting around doesn't have to be stressful. Many locals rely on South Ribble Taxis for convenient travel within the area, offering 24/7 service throughout Leyland and neighbouring towns.
One of the town's biggest celebrations happens during summer when the Leyland Festival brings communities together. The event features a spectacular parade through the town centre showcasing heritage vehicles, sports cars, community floats, and live performances. The festivities continue at Worden Park with entertainment for all ages. This free event embraces a "Leyland loud and proud" theme, creating a carnival atmosphere.
Food lovers should mark September in their calendars. A Taste of Leyland returns to Hough Lane on Saturday 20 September from 11am to 5pm, featuring over 40 food and drink traders. From Thai cuisine and paella to burritos and sweet treats, the festival celebrates culinary diversity. Live music stages feature local 'South Ribble Live' artists provided by the Creative Network, whilst children enjoy free biscuit decorating activities and face painting.
Just off Junction 31 of the M6, Samlesbury Hall is packed with nearly 700 years of history. The historic venue hosts multiple events throughout the year. Samlesbury Hall is excited to host its first ever food and drink festival on the 7th & 8th June 2025. The hall also offers guided tours led by costumed interpreters, including tours featuring a Samlesbury Witch or Henry VIII character.
As the hall celebrates its 700th anniversary in 2025, expect special programmes including ghost hunting adventures, Christmas ghost plays running for seven consecutive evenings in December, and literary events.
Worden Park offers more than 60 hectares of meadows, woodlands and playing fields, making it the perfect destination for family days out. The park has held the Green Flag Award since the first flags were awarded in 1997, the only site north of London to have done so.
The Georgian Walled Garden showcases historic features with vegetables, perennials, herbs and flowers. Visitors can purchase produce grown on-site whilst interacting with animals housed in the potting sheds, including tortoises, rabbits, guinea pigs, and chipmunks.
Children love the extensive playground with equipment for toddlers aged 0-6 and juniors aged 7-12. Features include swings, climbing frames, slides, a large sand pit with diggers, sensory equipment with musical chimes, and a cableway. The park also features a maze constructed from over half a mile of hornbeam hedges surrounding a central lime tree.
The Leyland Society of Model Engineers operates the Worden Park Miniature Railway on select Sundays and bank holidays. The railway features two tracks running through the scenic parkland, offering free rides with donations welcome.
The remaining wing of the historic hall houses Worden Arts and Crafts Centre, where local craftspeople create handmade items. Browse studios featuring unique homewares, fashion accessories, and artwork. The on-site café serves homemade cakes, pastries, and freshly brewed coffee within the tranquil walled garden setting.
The museum is housed in the original inspection building of Leyland Motors and has a traditional Northern Light Roof. Here's why it's worth visiting:
The collection celebrates over a century of British truck and bus manufacturing. Spot vintage vans, massive lorries, retro buses, and gleaming red fire engines lovingly restored by volunteers. Follow the footsteps of a Saint and visit our Pope mobile. Made especially for the Saint John Paul II, which transported the Pope during his 1982 visit to England.
Interactive displays let children climb into real truck driver's seats, whilst archive photographs and projected videos trace transport history from horse-drawn carts to modern hybrid vehicles. The museum hosts special weekends throughout the year, including The Autumn Transport Show, British Lorries Day, The Model Transport Show, and The American Road Show.
The museum opens Wednesday-Sunday from 10am-4.30pm, with extended hours during special events. A café and gift shop complete the visitor experience.
Located on King Street, Leyland Market provides a traditional shopping experience. Browse stalls offering fresh produce, clothing, household goods, and local specialities. The market operates multiple days each week, giving residents easy access to affordable goods.
The Market Ale House serves as a favourite micropub, offering local ales and ciders in a friendly atmosphere. The Golden Tap also earns praise for its carefully selected real ales and welcoming environment. Both venues create spaces for conversation without televisions or jukeboxes, focusing on quality drinks and community.
Children burn off energy at this indoor play facility designed for various age groups. Soft play equipment, climbing structures, and interactive areas keep young visitors entertained regardless of weather.
Creative families enjoy pottery painting and craft workshops. Sessions allow both children and adults to express their artistic side whilst creating keepsakes.
Stop by this local treasure for fresh fruit, vegetables, baked goods, and homemade cakes. An attached butcher and fishmonger provide quality meats and seafood. Visitors praise the freshness and friendly service.
Throughout the year, Leyland offers weekly activities:
Northern Trains Limited operates a train from Preston to Leyland every 30 minutes, making day trips convenient. The journey takes 5 minutes. Bus services including routes 109, 111, 113, and 114 connect Leyland to Preston, Bolton, Wigan, and surrounding areas throughout the day.
Leyland train station sits on Station Brow, approximately two miles from Worden Park and within walking distance of the town centre. Bus services are available at the bus stop on Station Brow outside NSI House for destinations towards Preston or the bus stop outside La Corte restaurant for routes toward Bolton/Wigan North Western.
For direct travel without waiting for buses or trains, local taxi services provide reliable transport. South Ribble Taxis operates 24/7 throughout Leyland, Penwortham, Bamber Bridge, and surrounding South Ribble areas. Services include:
The company offers fixed fares with no surge pricing, meaning the quoted price remains the price you pay. Book via phone or WhatsApp for quick response times.
Drivers find Leyland easily accessible from the M6 at Junction 28. Multiple car parks throughout the town centre provide free parking, including facilities at King Street, Sumner Street, Ecroyd Street, and Churchill Way. Worden Park offers free parking at its main entrance off Worden Lane.
Leyland welcomes visitors year-round, though summer brings the most events. September's food festival and June's various celebrations create bustling atmospheres. Winter visitors enjoy quieter park walks and museum visits without crowds.
Leyland's location makes it an excellent base for exploring South Ribble. Cuerden Valley Park lies nearby with over ten miles of paths through varied landscapes. The Longton Brickcroft Nature Reserve offers a 27-acre wetland site perfect for countryside walks.
Preston city centre sits just ten minutes away by train, providing access to Harris Museum, shopping centres, and the Guild Wheel cycling route. Blackpool's seaside attractions are within easy reach for day trips.
Visitors planning overnight stays find several accommodation options in Leyland and neighbouring areas. Penwortham, Bamber Bridge, and Lostock Hall offer bed and breakfasts, guest houses, and hotels within short distances. Preston provides additional hotel chains and budget options.
Many visitors choose to stay in Preston and travel to Leyland for specific events or attractions. South Ribble Taxis can arrange transport between accommodation and activities, making it easy to explore without personal vehicles.
Leyland thrives on community support for local enterprises. Shopping at independent retailers, dining at family-run restaurants, and using local service providers strengthens the town's economy. The Market Ale House, Paul's Farm Shop, and Worden Arts and Crafts Centre exemplify businesses worth supporting.
When planning travel, consider using local taxi services rather than app-based alternatives. Companies like South Ribble Taxis know the area intimately, provide personalised service, and invest in the community they serve.
Worden Park provides accessible pathways throughout most areas, though some woodland trails may challenge wheelchair users. The British Commercial Vehicle Museum offers full wheelchair access and specialised toilet facilities. Public toilets in Worden Park require a 20p charge.
Leyland train station features accessibility assistance available by booking ahead. Most town centre shops and venues accommodate visitors with mobility requirements, though some historic buildings may present challenges.
Leyland combines heritage, nature, and community spirit into an appealing destination. Whether attending festivals, exploring parks, or discovering transport history, visitors find varied experiences within this compact Lancashire town.
The combination of excellent transport links, regular events, and family-friendly attractions makes Leyland suitable for quick visits or full-day excursions. Green spaces provide peaceful retreats, whilst museums and markets offer indoor alternatives during wet weather.
Q: What are the best family activities in Leyland?
Worden Park tops the list with its expansive playground, miniature railway, maze, and walled garden. The British Commercial Vehicle Museum offers interactive exhibits where children climb into vintage vehicles. Jungle World provides indoor play regardless of weather. Families also enjoy attending seasonal festivals, exploring craft studios, and visiting Paul's Farm Shop to see animals and sample fresh produce.
Q: How do I get to Leyland from Preston?
Northern Trains operates services every 30 minutes, taking just 5 minutes. Stagecoach buses 109, 111, 113, and 114 run every 15 minutes, taking approximately 27 minutes. Taxis cover the six-mile journey in about 10 minutes, offering door-to-door convenience when carrying luggage or travelling with groups.
Q: Is Worden Park free to visit?
Yes, Worden Park entrance is completely free year-round. The playground, maze, walled garden, and walking trails require no admission charge. The miniature railway operates on donations rather than set fees. Parking at the park is free, though public toilets charge 20p. Special events occasionally take place with separate ticketing.
Q: When does Leyland Market operate?
Leyland Market on King Street opens multiple days each week throughout the year. Check current opening days before visiting, as schedules occasionally change during holidays. The market offers fresh produce, clothing, household items, and local specialities at affordable prices. Parking is available in nearby town centre car parks.
Q: Are taxis available in Leyland 24/7?
Yes, local taxi services operate around the clock. South Ribble Taxis provides 24/7 service throughout Leyland and surrounding South Ribble areas including Penwortham, Bamber Bridge, and Farington. Book via phone on 01772 610 610 or through WhatsApp for quick response times. Services include airport transfers, station pickups, and local journeys with fixed pricing.
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