Rawtenstall

Rawtenstall is a a central town of the picturesque Rossendale Valley, in Lancashire, England. It is believed to have been settled in the early medieval period, when the area was still densely wooded. Eventually the area, though deforested, became part of the Forest of Rossendale, a traditional hunting ground of the royal family. 

Rawtenstall is one of a string of very popular tourist destinations of the River irwell, along with Bacup, Haslingden and Ramsbottom. The town has one of the largest indoor markets in Rossendale, and four sculptures of the Irwell Sculpture Trail are located in the town: the Whispering Wall, the Gateway, the Willow Tree and the Bocholt Tree. Visitors are attracted to the area by the numerous historical sites and buildings, the dramatic landscapes and the country walking routes.

Rossendale is also home to the North of England's largest dry ski-slope, "Ski Rossendale", which can be found in Oakenhead, by Whitaker Park, which houses the Rossendale Museum. Whitaker Park is the former house and landscaped grounds of mill owner George Hardman.