Blackburn with Darwen

Blackburn with Darwen is a unitary district in Lancashire in North West England, centred on the towns of Blackburn and Darwen. The River Darwen runs through both towns and the borough includes stretches of the West Pennine Moors to the east and south. The area grew in the 19th century around cotton mills and engineering workshops; many former mill buildings remain and are used for housing, offices and light industry. Ewood Park, home ground of Blackburn Rovers, sits close to the town centre and marks a long local association with professional football.

Witton Country Park occupies a former estate on the edge of Blackburn and provides woodland, trails and a walled garden. On higher ground above Darwen, Jubilee Tower (Darwen Tower) crowns Beacon Hill and is a familiar point on walk routes across the moorland. Local transport includes rail services linking the borough to Preston and Manchester, serving commuters and visitors. The council area combines urban neighbourhoods, river corridors and open moorland, and retains a visible industrial heritage alongside contemporary community facilities.