Buckshaw Village sits between Chorley and Leyland on the site of a former munitions factory, and it's grown into one of the largest new developments in the North West since building work began in the early 2000s. With around 4,000 residents, its own railway station, and an award-winning network of cycle paths, it's a practical base whether you live there or you're visiting for the day. If you're after things to do in Buckshaw Village, this guide runs through 15 real options both in the village itself and a short drive away, starting with an indoor play centre that's ideal for wet weekends.

Start With Jungle World Park

Jungle World Park is based in nearby Leyland, a short drive from Buckshaw Village, and it's a solid choice for families with younger children. It's an indoor soft play and party venue with slides, a laser tag arena, football pitches, and a Safari Go-Karting track, with a second site in Blackpool if you're heading further along the coast.

The play areas are split by age, so toddlers get their own enclosed zone away from the taller slides and busier equipment aimed at older kids. The on-site Tiki Café covers food and drinks, so parents can sit down while the children play. There's also an ASD-friendly session every Monday evening, with the lighting and music adjusted for children who find busy spaces difficult. Given how quickly the weather can change in this part of Lancashire, it's worth keeping a reliable indoor option like this in mind before you plan the rest of the day.

Why Buckshaw Village Is a Good Base for a Day Out

Buckshaw Village was built on a 210-acre former brownfield site and now combines new housing with a pedestrianised shopping area, schools, a health centre, and its own sports facilities. It sits close to Chorley, Leyland, and Preston, with direct road links to the M6 and M61, so you can pair a local walk with a trip further out without much travel time. Below are 15 things to do in Buckshaw Village and the surrounding area, grouped by type to help you plan your day.

Family Days Out in and Around Buckshaw Village

1. Jungle World Park, Leyland

Covered above, this is a strong starting point if you have younger children and want an indoor option that isn't weather-dependent. It also runs party packages for birthdays.

2. The Hub, Buckshaw Village

The Hub, on Unity Place in the heart of the village, is a purpose-built community centre with a swimming pool, café, nursery, and hair salon. It's a genuinely local option, useful if you want a swim without travelling out of the village.

3. Tiny Rockers, Buckshaw Village

Tiny Rockers is a musically themed soft play centre based in Buckshaw Village, designed for children aged 0 to 8. It's a smaller-scale option than Jungle World Park, but a handy one if you're staying local and want something for younger children.

4. Buckshaw Hall

Buckshaw Hall is a Grade II listed 17th-century country house within the village, with a history that runs from a private family estate through to use as offices for the ROF Chorley munitions factory. It's now privately owned following restoration work, and while it isn't generally open to the public, it's worth seeing as part of the village's history.

5. Cycle Route 55 and Local Cycle Paths

Buckshaw Village has an award-winning network of cycle paths, including a section of the National Cycle Network's Route 55. It's a straightforward way to see the village and connect to nearby green spaces without needing a car.

Parks and Green Spaces Near Buckshaw Village

6. Cuerden Valley Park

Cuerden Valley Park sits close to Buckshaw Village and covers over 650 acres of woodland, meadows, and parkland, with walking trails, picnic spots, and a café. It also hosts an annual Cuerden Valley Fair with family entertainment, so it's worth checking local listings if you want to combine a walk with an event.

7. Worden Park, Leyland

Worden Park is a Grade II listed park covering around 62 hectares, with a model railway, hedge maze, arts and crafts centre, and a large adventure playground. Entry is free, and it pairs naturally with a Jungle World Park visit since both are in Leyland.

8. Bluebell Woods

Bluebell Woods sits close to Buckshaw Village and is a popular spot for a short walk, particularly in spring when the bluebells are out. It's a quieter, low-key option if you want fresh air without a long drive.

9. Yarrow Valley Country Park

Yarrow Valley Country Park follows the River Yarrow through Chorley, with lakes, small waterfalls, and walking routes suited to families and dog walkers. It's a short drive from Buckshaw Village and a good alternative if Cuerden Valley Park is busy.

History, Culture, and Days Out in Chorley

10. Astley Park and Astley Hall

Astley Hall is a Grade I listed 16th-century house set within Astley Park in Chorley, with period rooms, furniture, and artwork inside. The park itself is free to enter, with a lake, open lawns, and space to walk the dog or let the kids run around.

11. Pets' Corner, Astley Park

Pets' Corner sits within Astley Park and gives younger children a chance to see small animals up close. It's a simple add-on to an Astley Park visit rather than a destination on its own, but it's popular with families all the same.

12. Chorley Market

Chorley Market has run for centuries and mixes indoor stalls with an outdoor market, selling fresh produce, food, and general goods. It's a low-cost outing and a good way to see Chorley beyond the main shopping streets.

13. Chorley Theatre

Chorley Theatre puts on a programme of comedy, music, film screenings, and family performances throughout the year. It's a good option if you want an evening out rather than a daytime activity, and it's well reviewed locally.

14. Brindle Distillery

Brindle Distillery, home to Cuckoo Gin, offers tours and tastings a short drive from Buckshaw Village. It's a solid choice for an adult-focused outing, particularly if you're planning a day that mixes a countryside walk with something more sociable in the afternoon.

15. The Bee Centre

Based in the grounds of Brindle Distillery, The Bee Centre offers beekeeping experiences and courses, along with honey, candles, and beeswax products. It's a genuinely different stop if you've already covered the usual parks and playgrounds, and it works well combined with a visit to the distillery itself.

Quick-Reference: Best Things to Do in Buckshaw Village by Category

• Rainy day with young kids: Jungle World Park, Leyland
• Staying local: The Hub or Tiny Rockers, both in Buckshaw Village
• Free family day out: Astley Park or Worden Park
• Countryside walk: Cuerden Valley Park or Bluebell Woods
• History and culture: Astley Hall or Chorley Theatre
• Something different: The Bee Centre or Brindle Distillery

Planning Your Visit

A few practical points make a day around Buckshaw Village easier to organise:

1. Check opening times before you travel. Smaller attractions like The Bee Centre and Buckshaw Hall have limited public access, so it's worth confirming ahead of a visit.
2. Book indoor play sessions in advance. Venues such as Jungle World Park and Tiny Rockers limit ticket numbers per session, particularly at weekends and during school holidays.
3. Make the most of the cycle paths. Buckshaw Village's Cycle Route 55 connects easily to Cuerden Valley Park and Worden Park, so a bike ride can double as your route between attractions.
4. Pack for changeable weather. Conditions in this part of Lancashire can shift quickly, so a spare layer is worth having even on a dry morning.
5. Combine a walk with an indoor stop. Pairing Cuerden Valley Park or Bluebell Woods with a visit to Jungle World Park or The Hub gives you a fuller day without much extra driving.

Final Thoughts

Buckshaw Village might be a newer community, but its location between Chorley and Leyland means there's plenty to do close by. Start the day at Jungle World Park if you have younger children, add a walk at Cuerden Valley Park or Bluebell Woods, and round it off with a stop at Astley Park or Chorley Market depending on what you fancy. For families searching for things to do in Buckshaw Village on a wet weekend, an indoor centre like Jungle World Park remains one of the more dependable choices, since it works regardless of the forecast.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is there to do in Buckshaw Village with young children? 

Jungle World Park in nearby Leyland is a strong option, with indoor soft play, laser tag, and go-karting. Tiny Rockers, based in the village itself, is a smaller musically themed soft play centre for children up to age 8.

Are there any free things to do near Buckshaw Village? 

Yes. Astley Park and Worden Park are both free to enter, and the walking trails at Cuerden Valley Park and Bluebell Woods don't cost anything either.

What's the best walk near Buckshaw Village for families? 

Cuerden Valley Park is one of the closest options, with easy trails through woodland and meadows plus a café near the entrance. Bluebell Woods is a good, quieter alternative for a shorter walk.

Is there a swimming pool in Buckshaw Village itself? 

Yes. The Hub, located on Unity Place in the heart of the village, has a swimming pool along with a café and other community facilities, so you don't need to travel out of the village for a swim.

Is Jungle World Park in Leyland suitable for toddlers? 

Yes. Jungle World Park has a separate, enclosed area for younger children, away from the taller slides used by older kids. Booking ahead is recommended, especially at weekends.

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