Bygone Times: Lancashire’s Vast Antique and Nostalgia Centre

4.4 (2699)

Explore Lancashire’s largest antique centre in a historic mill, blending vintage treasures, wartime history, and nostalgic charm across five floors.

Bygone Times is a sprawling antique and craft centre housed in a 17th-century converted cotton mill in Eccleston, Chorley. Spanning over 85,000 square feet across five floors, it features more than 500 stalls offering antiques, collectibles, vintage furniture, wartime memorabilia, and homeware. Visitors can explore a war museum, a penny arcade with playable Victorian machines, and a garden centre, all complemented by an in-house café serving local Lancashire fare.

A brief summary to Bygone Times

Grove Mill The Green, Chorley, Eccleston, PR7 5TZ, GB
Click to display
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Duration: 2 to 5 hours
Mid ranged
Indoor
Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Monday 9:30 am-5 pm
Tuesday 9:30 am-5 pm
Wednesday 9:30 am-5 pm
Thursday 9:30 am-5 pm
Friday 9:30 am-5 pm
Saturday 9:30 am-5 pm
Sunday 9:30 am-5 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Bygone Times.

Allow at least 3–4 hours to fully explore all five floors and the war museum.
Visit the penny arcade to play classic Victorian-era machines using real pennies.
Take a break at the café to sample locally sourced Lancashire dishes and refreshments.
Check opening hours as Bygone Times is open daily from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, including weekends.
Explore the garden centre for vintage pottery and affordable plants to complement your home.

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Getting There

Car

Driving to Bygone Times from central Chorley takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes via A674 and B5252. Ample parking is available on-site free of charge, but weekends can be busy, so arriving early is advisable.
Bus

Local bus services connect Chorley town centre to Eccleston village, with journeys taking around 25 to 35 minutes. Services run hourly; check timetables in advance as frequency may reduce on Sundays and public holidays. The stop is a short walk from Bygone Times.
Coach

Coach groups are welcome and can arrange parking in the designated area. Advance booking is recommended to ensure space and group entry, with travel times depending on starting location within Lancashire.
Taxi

Taxis from Chorley centre to Bygone Times take about 15 minutes, with fares typically ranging from £10 to £15. This option offers flexible timing and direct access to the entrance.

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

Restrooms
Drink Options
Food Options
Seating Areas
Information Boards

Bygone Times location weather suitability

Any Weather
Rain / Wet Weather
Mild Temperatures

Discover more about Bygone Times

A Historic Setting for Antique Treasures

Bygone Times is nestled within a beautifully preserved 17th-century cotton mill in the village of Eccleston, Chorley. This historic building provides a unique backdrop for one of Lancashire’s largest antique centres, blending the industrial heritage of the region with a vibrant marketplace atmosphere. The mill’s architecture and history enrich the shopping experience, inviting visitors to step back in time while browsing through a vast array of vintage and antique items.

Extensive Collections Across Five Floors

The centre spans five expansive floors, offering over 85,000 square feet of retail space with more than 500 stalls. These stalls showcase a diverse range of goods including antique furniture, vintage clothing, collectable artwork, jewellery, and homeware. The variety caters to all tastes, from serious collectors to casual browsers seeking nostalgic items or unique décor pieces. The layout encourages leisurely exploration, with each floor presenting different categories and styles.

Immersive Historical Exhibits and Attractions

Beyond shopping, Bygone Times hosts a dedicated war museum featuring relics from World War I and II, including aviation artifacts, military uniforms, medal plaques, and even a recreated WWII trench. This museum offers a poignant insight into British and Commonwealth military history. Additionally, the penny arcade is a highlight, housing classic gaming machines over a century old, which visitors can play using Victorian pennies, adding an interactive and entertaining dimension to the visit.

Garden Centre and Refreshments

The centre also includes a garden centre filled with affordable plants, flowers, garden furniture, and vintage pottery, perfect for gardening enthusiasts. To rest and refuel, visitors can enjoy the in-store café, which serves a selection of locally sourced Lancashire food and beverages. The café provides a welcoming spot to relax amid the bustling shopping environment.

A Destination for All Ages and Interests

Bygone Times appeals to a broad audience, from antique aficionados and history buffs to families and casual visitors. Its blend of retail, history, and entertainment makes it a unique destination in Lancashire. Open seven days a week from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, it welcomes public visitors, trade buyers, and coach groups alike, offering a memorable day out steeped in nostalgia and discovery.

Community and Cultural Significance

Having operated for over 35 years, Bygone Times is embedded in the local culture and economy. It preserves and celebrates Lancashire’s heritage through its historic setting and curated collections, supporting local traders and craftspeople. The centre’s longevity and continued popularity underscore its role as a cherished landmark and cultural hub in the region.