In and around Burnley

Burnley the place

The borough of Burnley is situated on the western edge of the Pennines, 21 miles north of Manchester. Along with Blackburn, Blackpool and Preston, Burnley is a key business, service and retail centre in Lancashire. To find out more about Burnley as a place to work with study and play, please go to burnley.co.uk.

Burnley is a compact urban area, stretching along the two river valleys of the Brun and Calder, covering 43 square miles (11,072 hectares). It is surrounded by the moorland countryside of the South Pennines to the east, and the Forest of Bowland and the gritstone outcrop of Pendle Hill to the north.

looking across the lake at Thompson Park. Two people look like they have stopped at a bench for a natter and a sandwich as the ducks swim towards them

Burnley’s population at the last census in 2021 was 94,700, and increase of 8.8% compared to the 2011 census when the figure was 87,000.

83% identify as white, 15% as Asian or Asian British.

Connectivity

Lorry in Burnley with the burnley place brand, bright coloured swirls, on it

Burnley’s primary connectivity is through road and rail links, within an approximate one hour travel time to three major airports. Businesses are in easy reach of suppliers and customers both regionally and nationally. Situated around junction 10 of the M65, Burnley has connections south to the M66 and then on to the M62, Manchester, Leeds and Liverpool. Along the M65 to the west are Blackburn, the M6 and Preston, Blackpool, the Lake District and beyond. 

Manchester Road railway station has been redeveloped and a new direct link to Manchester was launched in 2015, with a reduction in journey time to Manchester Victoria to just 52 minutes. Burnley also has direct train services to Preston, Blackburn, Bradford and Leeds and national connections beyond.

Burnley is a compact urban area, stretching along the two river valleys of the Brun and Calder, covering 43 square miles (11,072 hectares). It is surrounded by the moorland countryside of the South Pennines to the east, and the Forest of Bowland and the gritstone outcrop of Pendle Hill to the north.