Singing Ringing Tree: Burnley's Wind-Powered Musical Sculpture
Experience Burnley’s iconic wind-powered sculpture that sings haunting melodies while offering stunning panoramic views of the Pennines.
The Singing Ringing Tree is a unique, wind-activated musical sculpture perched on Crown Point hill overlooking Burnley, Lancashire. Crafted from galvanized steel pipes arranged in a twisted tree form, it produces haunting, ever-changing melodies as the wind passes through. Completed in 2006 by architects Mike Tonkin and Anna Liu, it offers panoramic views of the Pennines and stands as a modern landmark blending art, nature, and sound.
A brief summary to Singing Ringing Tree
- Crown Point Rd, Burnley, GB
- +441282421986
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Visit on a windy day to hear the sculpture’s full range of haunting melodies.
- Wear sturdy shoes for the short moorland walk from the free car park.
- Bring a camera to capture panoramic views of Burnley and the Pennine hills.
- Check weather forecasts as the site is exposed and can be windy and chilly.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Car
Drive to Crown Point Road near Burnley, where a free car park is available within walking distance of the sculpture. The journey from Burnley town center typically takes 10-15 minutes. The road is accessible year-round, but parking may be limited on busy days.
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Public Transport
Take a train or bus to Burnley town center. From there, local taxi services can reach Crown Point in about 10 minutes. Public transport directly to the sculpture is limited, so plan accordingly and check schedules in advance.
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Walking
From the nearby car park on Crown Point Road, a roughly 500-meter walk leads to the sculpture. The path crosses moorland terrain with some uneven sections and gentle slopes, requiring suitable footwear and moderate mobility.
Singing Ringing Tree location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Windy Conditions
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Clear Skies
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Singing Ringing Tree
A Sculptural Symphony in Steel
The Singing Ringing Tree is a remarkable musical sculpture made from galvanized steel pipes, designed to harness the natural wind to create haunting melodies. Standing approximately three meters tall, its twisted, layered pipes are arranged to resemble a windswept tree bent by the elements. Each pipe varies in length and diameter, with strategically placed slits that modulate sound, allowing the sculpture to produce a range of discordant yet beautiful chords that change with the wind’s direction and strength.Origins and Architectural Vision
Completed in 2006, the sculpture was designed by award-winning architects Mike Tonkin and Anna Liu as part of the East Lancashire Environmental Arts Network’s initiative to create landmarks that connect urban residents with the surrounding countryside. The site at Crown Point was formerly home to a disused transmission station, which was dismantled to make way for the sculpture. The project was part of a broader regeneration effort for the Lancashire Regional Park, aiming to create visually striking and acoustically engaging public art that also serves as a viewpoint.Setting and Panoramic Views
Perched high above Burnley on Crown Point, the Singing Ringing Tree commands sweeping views of the Pennine hills and the Lancashire countryside. The sculpture’s elevated position makes it visible from miles around, often appearing ethereal in mist or silhouetted against the sky. Visitors can enjoy not only the sculpture’s unique soundscape but also the expansive vistas of rolling moorland and distant landmarks such as Pendle Hill.Interactive Experience and Atmosphere
The Singing Ringing Tree offers an immersive sensory experience. On windy days, the sculpture sings a different tune each time, inviting visitors to linger and listen to its eerie, melodic hum. The sound is both melancholic and mesmerizing, blending natural elements with human creativity. The site’s open moorland setting adds to the atmosphere, with the wind’s presence felt physically and sonically, enhancing the connection between art and environment.Recognition and Cultural Significance
The sculpture has received multiple architectural awards, including the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) National Award in 2007. It is one of four 'panopticons' in Lancashire—landmarks designed to provide panoramic views and cultural enrichment. The name also nods to a cult 1960s/70s BBC children’s TV series, adding a layer of nostalgic intrigue to the modern installation.Visitor Amenities and Accessibility
Visitors can reach the Singing Ringing Tree via a short walk from a nearby free car park on Crown Point Road. The path is roughly 500 meters and takes about five minutes, with some uneven terrain typical of moorland. While public transport options to the immediate vicinity are limited, Burnley is accessible by bus and train, with taxis or walking completing the journey. The site is open year-round and free to visit, making it an accessible cultural highlight for locals and tourists alike.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
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For the view chaser and sunset hunter
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For the social media creator & influencer
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For the kind of experience you’re after
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For how adventurous you want the journey to be
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Location Audience
- Family Friendly
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- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
