Heritage Open Day at Burnley

Published: Saturday, 07 August 2021

AN HERITAGE Open Day is being held to celebrate the recent restoration of the Burnley wharf.

The £2.9 million restoration of Burnley’s historic Finsley Gate Wharf on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal at Burnley goes on show to the public on Saturday 28th August with a special open day.

FinsleyGateVisitors invited

The Canal & River Trust invites visitors to step back in time to enjoy canal boat trips, a working forge, free willow weaving and guided tours around the impressive restored stone buildings, once the heart of a thriving boating and trading centre on the waterway.

 Adults and children will be able to drop into the new education room to try willow weaving craft workshops, see a professional blacksmith at work on the restored forge in the old stable block and learn more about the fascinating heritage on a guided tour led by the centre’s sawmill worker.

Main warehouse

The main warehouse has now been converted into the Finsley Gate Restaurant and the Sawmill café bar, and both will be open, serving lunches and light refreshments.

Boat trips will be available along Burnley’s famous Straight Mile embankment, one of the seven wonders of the waterways, followed by a cream tea. Tickets cost £12.50 each and need to be booked in advance. Only 32 places are available.

Sarah De Nurtcheylo, Finsley Gate Community Engagement Officer with the Canal & River Trust, explained:

“For the last 18 months, the Grade II Listed stone buildings have undergone a miraculous transformation into a new community heritage and learning hub, café bar, restaurant, function room, guest house and garden."