Chorley's Flying Arches: Victorian Engineering Marvel
Discover Chorley’s rare Victorian Flying Arches, a unique blend of historic railway engineering and modern heritage preservation.
Chorley’s Flying Arches are a striking set of 16 Victorian flying buttress arches built in 1841 to support the railway cutting walls on the Bolton & Preston line. These Grade II listed structures showcase innovative 19th-century engineering designed to prevent the collapse of clay-retaining walls, blending historic elegance with modern railway safety upgrades. Recently restored and reinstated, they remain a unique heritage landmark near Chorley’s Strawberry Fields.
A brief summary to Chorley's Flying Arches
- Strawberry Fields, Chorley, PR7 1PQ, GB
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the architectural details and surrounding landscape.
- Bring a camera to capture the elegant stone arches and their contrast with modern steel supports.
- Combine your visit with a walk around nearby Strawberry Fields for a peaceful outdoor experience.
- Learn about Victorian railway history beforehand to enrich your appreciation of the site.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Train and Bus Combination
Take a train to Chorley railway station from Manchester or Preston, with journey times ranging from 30 to 50 minutes. From Chorley station, a local bus or a 20-minute walk will bring you close to the Flying Arches near Strawberry Fields. Bus services run approximately every 30 minutes, and a single bus fare costs around £2-£4 GBP.
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Car Travel
Driving from central Chorley to the Flying Arches takes about 10 minutes via local roads. Limited roadside parking is available near Strawberry Fields, but spaces are scarce, so early arrival is recommended. There is no dedicated parking lot at the site.
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Walking from Chorley Town Centre
For the more adventurous, a scenic 3.5 km walk from Chorley town centre to the Flying Arches takes roughly 45 minutes. The route follows quiet roads and footpaths with some gentle inclines, suitable for most walkers but not wheelchair accessible.
Chorley's Flying Arches location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Chorley's Flying Arches
Ingenious Victorian Railway Engineering
The Flying Arches at Chorley, constructed in 1841, are a rare example of Victorian railway innovation. Built as flying buttresses, these 16 stone arches were designed to reinforce the retaining walls of a deep railway cutting on the Bolton & Preston line, which opened in 1843. The engineers feared that the clay soil behind the walls might push them inward, risking collapse onto passing trains. The arches elegantly transfer the lateral pressure from the walls to the ground, preventing structural failure while allowing the railway to remain operational.Historic Preservation and Modern Adaptation
Recognized as Grade II listed structures, the Flying Arches faced potential demolition during recent railway electrification upgrades. However, a collaborative effort between English Heritage and Network Rail ensured their careful removal, documentation, and secure storage. They have since been reinstated slightly higher than their original position to accommodate new electrification equipment. Modern slender steel braces now support each arch, marrying historic aesthetics with contemporary safety standards and allowing the railway to operate efficiently while preserving its heritage.Setting and Local Significance
Located near Strawberry Fields in Chorley (postcode PR7 1PQ), the Flying Arches stand as a distinctive landmark amid the Lancashire landscape. Though not widely known outside the region, they symbolize the industrial ingenuity that shaped northern England's railway network. Their presence enriches the local cultural heritage and offers visitors insight into the engineering challenges and solutions of the early railway era.Visitor Experience and Atmosphere
The arches exude a tranquil and historic ambience, inviting visitors to appreciate their graceful stone craftsmanship and the surrounding rural setting. The site offers a peaceful outdoor environment where history enthusiasts and casual visitors alike can contemplate Victorian engineering in situ. The juxtaposition of the original stone arches with the subtle modern steel supports reflects a dialogue between past and present.Conservation Efforts and Community Value
The restoration project highlights the importance of preserving industrial heritage within active infrastructure. By maintaining the Flying Arches, local authorities and heritage organizations demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding unique historical assets while supporting contemporary transport needs. This balance enhances community pride and educates future generations about the region’s railway legacy.Architectural and Engineering Legacy
Chorley’s Flying Arches stand as an elegant example of flying buttress design adapted for railway engineering rather than ecclesiastical architecture. Their slender stone forms and functional purpose distinguish them as a rare structural solution. The arches continue to inspire appreciation for Victorian creativity and the enduring impact of early railway construction techniques on Britain’s transport history.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Chorley's Flying Arches
0.0 km
Discover Chorley’s rare Victorian Flying Arches, a unique blend of historic railway engineering and modern heritage preservation.
Rivington Pike
8.3 km
Discover the breathtaking views and rich history at Rivington Pike, a perfect hiking destination in Lancashire for nature lovers and adventurers alike.
Rivington Pike Tower
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Historic 18th-century hunting lodge atop Rivington Pike offering panoramic Lancashire views and rich cultural heritage within scenic Lever Park.
Fairy Glen
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Experience the serene beauty of Fairy Glen in Wigan - a natural escape filled with enchanting landscapes and tranquil trails for every adventurer.
Harris Museum, Art Gallery & Library
10.8 km
Explore the rich history and vibrant artistry at the Harris Museum, Art Gallery & Library in Preston, a must-visit cultural hub for every traveler.
Preston Cenotaph
10.9 km
A dignified and beautifully restored memorial in Preston’s Central Park, honoring the city’s fallen soldiers with solemnity and grace.
Wayoh Reservoir
15.4 km
Discover the tranquil beauty of Wayoh Reservoir in Bolton, a perfect retreat for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Sussex Close
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Discover the charm of Wigan through Sussex Close, your essential bus stop to explore local attractions and immerse in the vibrant culture.
Peel Tower
19.9 km
Historic Peel Tower on Holcombe Hill offers panoramic views and a tribute to Sir Robert Peel’s legacy near Bury.
Lumb Viaduct
20.9 km
Discover the historic Victorian Lumb Viaduct, a stunning railway landmark offering scenic walks and cycling across Lancashire’s Rossendale Valley.
Robert Peel Statue
23.8 km
Honouring Bury’s most famous son: the 1851 bronze statue of Sir Robert Peel, twice Prime Minister and founder of the modern police force.
The Sankey Viaduct (Nine Arches)
24.6 km
Discover the stunning Sankey Viaduct in Leigh, a masterpiece of Victorian engineering featuring breathtaking views and rich historical significance.
Taylor Park
26.1 km
Discover the natural beauty and tranquility of Taylor Park in Saint Helens, a perfect destination for relaxation and outdoor fun.
Sussex Avenue
26.6 km
Discover the charm of Bury from Sussex Avenue, your convenient gateway to local attractions and experiences in this historic English town.
Bowland Wild Boar Park
26.7 km
Explore Bowland Wild Boar Park: A delightful animal park in the heart of nature, perfect for family adventures and wildlife encounters.
Unmissable attractions to see
Market Walk
1.8 km
Chorley's premier outdoor shopping centre blending high street brands, independent retailers, and entertainment in a historic market town setting.
Cuerden Valley Park
4.2 km
Explore 650 acres of woodlands, meadows, and heritage gardens in this sustainable Lancashire country park, open year-round for all ages.
Worden Park
4.5 km
Historic estate grounds transformed into a vast family-friendly park with gardens, maze, playground, and miniature railway in Leyland.
The British Commercial Vehicle Museum
4.7 km
Explore Britain’s rich commercial vehicle heritage in Leyland’s historic museum, from vintage trucks to the iconic Pope mobile.
Hatch Brook Waterfall
5.0 km
Discover the tranquil charm of Hatch Brook Waterfall, a hidden natural gem nestled in Lancashire’s scenic woodlands near Chorley.
Alance Bridge
5.8 km
Explore the beauty of Alance Bridge, a historical landmark in Bolton, where culture meets nature in a serene setting.
Bygone Times
6.4 km
Explore Lancashire’s historic cotton mill transformed into a vast antiques centre with 500+ stalls, a war museum, penny arcade, and charming café.
Heskin Hall Shopping Village
6.6 km
Discover Lancashire’s charming Heskin Hall Shopping Village, a unique blend of historic barns, eclectic shops, and cozy cafes for a perfect countryside shopping day.
Made in Leyland - Centurion Tank
7.2 km
Explore the iconic Centurion Tank monument in Leyland, a powerful symbol of British military engineering and industrial heritage.
Go Ape Rivington
7.2 km
Experience thrilling treetop adventures and breathtaking reservoir views at Go Ape Rivington, Lancashire’s premier high ropes course.
Lostock Hall Henge
7.4 km
Explore the tranquil ancient earthworks of Lostock Hall Henge, a prehistoric ceremonial site nestled in Preston's peaceful landscape.
Rivington Terraced Gardens
7.8 km
A magical Edwardian hillside garden of terraces, follies, and lakes, now open to all beneath Rivington Pike.
Liverpool Castle
7.9 km
Discover the history and beauty of Liverpool Castle, a stunning architectural gem nestled in the heart of Bolton, England.
Hoghton Tower
8.2 km
Explore Hoghton Tower, a majestic Tudor manor steeped in royal history, dramatic battles, and stunning panoramic views in Lancashire.
Owl & Bird of Prey Sanctuary
8.4 km
Experience majestic birds of prey up close in a tranquil woodland sanctuary near Preston, with daily flying displays and conservation education.
Essential places to dine
Vardons Restaurant at Shaw Hill
1.6 km
Elegant British dining with scenic golf course views at Shaw Hill’s Regency-style Vardons Restaurant.
Encore Restaurant
1.8 km
Modern British cuisine and vibrant cocktails meet stylish celebrations in the heart of Chorley’s Brewers Print Building.
Charnock Farm Restaurant
3.2 km
Rustic country dining, comfortable motel stays, and charming event spaces nestled in the tranquil Lancashire countryside.
Retreat Adlington
6.5 km
A vibrant grill and cocktail bar in Adlington offering quality steaks, pizzas, and a welcoming atmosphere for all occasions.
The Cherry Tree at Blackrod
8.0 km
A vibrant modern British gastropub in Bolton offering classic dishes, elegant events, and a welcoming atmosphere for all occasions.
Aven Restaurant
10.5 km
Experience Preston’s finest with Aven Restaurant’s award-winning British cuisine, seasonal tasting menus, and warm, elegant ambiance.
Tipsy Chef (Bar & Restaurant)
10.8 km
A vibrant American-inspired bar and restaurant in Preston, famed for inventive dishes and lively cocktails in a buzzing social setting.
Nick's Restaurant
11.2 km
Experience exquisite Modern European cuisine in a lively, cozy setting with attentive service at Nick's Restaurant in Horwich, Bolton.
Juniper Restaurant
11.3 km
Refined dining with impeccable service and exquisite dishes in the heart of Shevington, Wigan.
Lang's Restaurant
11.3 km
Experience contemporary English and international cuisine in a stylish Preston setting with exceptional wines and warm hospitality.
Ewe Restaurant and Bar
13.0 km
Modern British cuisine meets stylish comfort in Bolton’s Ewe Restaurant and Bar, perfect for memorable meals and special occasions.
Fat Olive Restaurant
13.2 km
Experience vibrant Mediterranean and British flavors in a welcoming, lively setting at Wigan’s beloved Fat Olive Restaurant.
The Wheel Restaurant
13.4 km
Experience award-winning, student-prepared cuisine in a warm, welcoming setting at Wigan’s unique Wheel Restaurant.
Gallimore's Fine Restaurant
13.7 km
Contemporary British dining in Wigan’s historic town centre, offering quality menus in a stylish, welcoming setting.
The Italian Orchard
16.5 km
Spacious and stylish Italian dining in Broughton, offering a vast menu and lively atmosphere for families and groups.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
North West Vintage Clothing Company Ltd
6.3 km
Discover timeless vintage fashion treasures in the historic Bygone Times at Eccleston, where every piece tells a story of style and sustainability.
The Mill Shop
6.5 km
A welcoming gift shop in St Catherine’s Park, Lostock Hall, blending community spirit with unique local crafts and charitable support.
Freckle Boutique
6.6 km
Discover unique ladies' fashion and personalized service at Freckle Boutique, a charming shopping gem in Heskin, Chorley.
The Secret Closet
9.1 km
Curated Italian, Danish & Portuguese fashion with a commitment to responsible, sustainable retail.
Crissys Gifts For All Occasions
9.2 km
Explore Crissys Gifts For All Occasions in Blackburn for unique gifts and souvenirs that capture the essence of your visit.
Cedar Farm
10.1 km
Discover Cedar Farm: Lancashire’s charming blend of boutique shopping, gourmet dining, and family-friendly farm fun in a scenic rural setting.
Retrogue Vintage Clothing
10.8 km
Discover unique vintage and designer secondhand fashion treasures in the heart of Preston at Retrogue Vintage Clothing.
KENJI Preston
10.9 km
Discover an eclectic mix of unique gifts and general merchandise from Asia in Preston’s vibrant KENJI store within St George's Shopping Centre.
Mood Gifts & Home
11.6 km
Discover unique gifts and stylish home accessories in a warm, community-focused boutique in Longton, Preston.
Quirky Gifts
20.2 km
Explore Accrington's most charming gift shop for unique, whimsical treasures that capture the spirit of your travels.
Rufford's Country Lifestyle
24.3 km
Discover premium British country wear and footwear at Rufford's, your stylish gateway to authentic country living near Preston.
The FAIR Trade Store
24.7 km
Discover ethically crafted gifts from around the world at The FAIR Trade Store in Southport, where fair trade values meet quality and care.
La Shack Costume Fashion Jewellery and Gifts
26.9 km
Discover unique fashion jewellery and gifts at La Shack in Blackpool, the perfect stop for memorable shopping experiences.
The Hive
27.3 km
Discover unique gifts and warm hospitality at The Hive, Garstang’s beloved local gift shop nestled in a charming historic setting.
Dream
27.3 km
Distinctive gifts in the heart of Lancashire's historic market town.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Shed Chorley
1.7 km
A vibrant micro bar in Chorley offering rustic charm, live music, and signature wine and cheese platters every weekend.
Riley's Taproom and Wine Bar
1.8 km
A stylish and welcoming taproom in Chorley offering craft beers, fine wines, and a cozy atmosphere for relaxed socializing.
The Dressers Arms | Pub & Rooms
3.0 km
Charming countryside pub and cozy rooms offering hearty food, local ales, and warm hospitality in scenic Wheelton, Chorley.
The Rivington
10.0 km
A stylish gastropub in Horwich offering fresh, quality dishes and a welcoming atmosphere for families and friends.
Hogarths
10.7 km
Historic Victorian gin palace in Preston city centre, famed for its vast gin selection, lively sports atmosphere, and vibrant community spirit.
Revolution Preston
10.8 km
A vibrant four-level cocktail bar and restaurant in Preston city centre, perfect for dining, cocktails, and late-night partying.
FORUM BAR & KITCHEN
10.8 km
A stylish bar and kitchen in Preston blending Mediterranean flavors, craft cocktails, and warm hospitality in a vibrant city-center setting.
Baluga Bar & Club
10.8 km
Experience Preston's vibrant nightlife at Baluga Bar & Club, where stylish drinks meet a lively dance floor in the heart of the city.
Hartleys Wine Bar
10.8 km
A vibrant and cosy wine bar in Preston city centre, perfect for unwinding with quality drinks and lively company.
Winedown
10.8 km
Discover Winedown, Preston’s cozy underground wine bar with exceptional wines, artisan cheese boards, and a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Blitz Venue & Nightclub
10.9 km
Experience Preston’s vibrant late-night scene with live DJs, affordable drinks, and an energetic club atmosphere at Blitz Venue & Nightclub.
No. 16 On The Hill
10.9 km
Experience unique cocktails and vibrant social vibes at No. 16 On The Hill, Penwortham’s stylish hotspot for drinks and bottomless brunches.
Guild Ale House
10.9 km
Preston’s first micro pub, Guild Ale House serves exceptional local ales in a cozy, lively setting with a welcoming community vibe.
Plug & Taps
11.0 km
Discover Preston’s craft beer gem at Plug & Taps, a cozy micro pub blending modern vibes with a vibrant community spirit.
Black Horse
11.0 km
Historic Black Horse Pub in Preston offers award-winning real ales, classic charm, and a welcoming atmosphere in the heart of the city.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Park Hall Nightclub
5.4 km
Experience the vibrant energy and nostalgic vibes of Park Hall Nightclub, Chorley’s premier rural nightlife destination.
The Warehouse
10.7 km
Three floors of diverse music and vibrant nightlife in Preston’s welcoming alternative club scene.
Popworld - Preston
10.8 km
Popworld Preston: Where cheesy pop tunes meet vibrant nightlife and unforgettable party vibes in the heart of the city.
Switch Nightclub
11.0 km
Energetic and affordable nightlife hub in Preston, popular with a middle-aged crowd and known for its lively atmosphere.
Pure Nightclub
13.7 km
Experience Wigan’s vibrant nightlife at Pure Nightclub, where energetic beats, stylish vibes, and unforgettable late-night memories come alive every Saturday.
Ibiza Nightclub
13.8 km
Experience Wigan’s vibrant nightlife at Ibiza Nightclub, where music, dance, and unforgettable Saturday nights come alive until dawn.
Level Nightclub
17.1 km
Experience Bolton’s vibrant nightlife at Level Nightclub, where dynamic music, affordable drinks, and lively atmosphere create unforgettable nights.
Underground
20.8 km
Experience classic rave vibes and late-night energy at Underground, Bolton’s intimate clubbing hotspot in Farnworth.
Rendezvous Nightclub & Resteraunt
22.7 km
Vibrant nightclub and restaurant in Whalley offering lively weekend events, diverse music, and friendly service in Ribble Valley’s heart.
Banff
24.7 km
Experience Southport’s vibrant nightlife at Banff, a dynamic nightclub and bar on West Street offering late-night entertainment in the heart of town.
The Redroom Burnley
29.0 km
Experience Burnley’s vibrant nightlife with The Redroom’s lively music, diverse drinks, and late-night party atmosphere in the town centre.
Babylon Retro Bar
31.4 km
Dive into Warrington’s vibrant retro nightlife with classic 80s and 90s tunes at Babylon Retro Bar, your weekend hotspot for music and fun.
Reflex & Babylon
31.4 km
Experience Warrington’s vibrant nightlife at Reflex & Babylon, a lively nightclub and bar blending energetic music with a welcoming atmosphere.
Club underground
32.1 km
Experience Blackpool’s authentic old-school basement club with vibrant music, friendly crowds, and late-night energy on Talbot Road.
The Tache Rock Club
32.1 km
Blackpool’s spirited rock nightclub offering authentic music, friendly vibes, and late-night energy in a casual setting.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Historic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Locally Managed
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
