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Market Walk Chorley

Chorley's premier outdoor shopping centre blending high street brands, independent retailers, and entertainment in a historic market town setting.

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Market Walk is a vibrant outdoor shopping centre in the heart of Chorley town centre, featuring over 30 retail stores combining national brands with independent businesses. The uncovered mall offers fashion, gifts, everyday essentials, and entertainment options including a multiplex cinema and dining venues. With excellent parking facilities, low-cost rates, and proximity to bus and train stations, it serves as a major retail and leisure destination for locals and visitors alike.

A brief summary to Market Walk

  • Management Suite, 37 New Market St, Chorley, PR7 1DE, GB
  • +441257260393
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1.5 to 4 hours
  • Budget
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
  • Monday 9 am-5:30 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-5:30 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-5:30 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-5:30 pm
  • Friday 9 am-5:30 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-5:30 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Visit on Tuesday to experience the full market atmosphere with over 100 outdoor street stalls in addition to the covered market, creating the most vibrant shopping day of the week.
  • Use Friday Street car park for longer visits—it offers 400+ spaces and some periods of free parking, making it the most economical option despite being a short walk away.
  • Check individual store opening times before visiting, as entertainment venues like the cinema operate into the evening while some retailers close earlier, particularly on Sundays.
  • Explore the adjacent Chorley Covered Market and the 1498 food and beverage area for additional dining and shopping options beyond the main centre, creating a more comprehensive day out.
  • Download the Mi-Permit app to pay for parking by phone across all town centre car parks, eliminating the need to carry coins or find payment machines.
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Getting There

  • By Car

    Enter postcode PR7 1DE into your sat nav for the Management Suite on New Market Street. The Flat Iron car park is the most conveniently located, accessible off Union Street directly adjacent to Market Walk. Portland Street and Hollinshead Street car parks are also nearby. All operate on pay-and-display systems with mobile payment via the Mi-Permit app. Parking charges are among the lowest in North West England. For longer stays, Friday Street car park offers 400+ spaces with some free parking periods and is a short walk away. From the M61 motorway, take junction 8 and follow town centre signs.

  • By Bus

    Chorley Interchange bus station is situated directly adjacent to Market Walk with good pedestrian crossings providing immediate access. The centre is well served by buses with direct links from Bolton, Preston, and Blackburn. Journey times vary depending on origin, but most regional services take 30–60 minutes. The bus station is integrated with the town centre, making this the most convenient public transport option.

  • By Train

    Chorley Railway Station is approximately 5–10 minutes' walk from Market Walk. From the station on Chapel Street, head north onto Clifford Street, walk through the interchange, and you'll reach Market Walk. Regular services connect Chorley to Manchester and Blackpool, with journey times of approximately 30–45 minutes from Manchester. The station is well signposted and the route is straightforward.

  • On Foot from Town Centre

    If already in Chorley town centre, Market Walk is centrally located and easily accessible on foot from most areas. The covered market is immediately adjacent, and the town centre is compact and pedestrian-friendly. Walking from the railway station takes approximately 5–10 minutes depending on your starting point within the station complex.

Market Walk location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather

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Discover more about Market Walk

A Modern Shopping Hub with Historic Roots

Market Walk stands as Chorley's principal shopping destination, strategically positioned in the heart of the town centre. The centre underwent significant transformation following its acquisition by Chorley Council in 2013, marking a pivotal moment in the town's retail evolution. The council's vision to create a more vibrant and diverse shopping experience came to fruition with the opening of Reel Cinemas and Escape Entertainment in 2019, establishing Market Walk as a comprehensive leisure and retail destination that extends well beyond traditional shopping.

Diverse Retail and Dining Landscape

The uncovered outdoor parade comprises over 30 shops, carefully curated to balance major high street names with independent retailers. This blend ensures visitors encounter both familiar brands and unique local businesses, creating a shopping experience that caters to diverse tastes and budgets. Fashion retailers sit alongside gift shops, homeware stores, and everyday essentials outlets. The dining and hospitality sector is equally diverse, with options ranging from casual cafés to established restaurants like Luciano's, known for traditional Italian cuisine. Greggs provides quick breakfast and lunch options, while the covered market nearby offers additional food and beverage choices, including the newly developed 1498 communal seating area surrounded by food vendors.

Entertainment and Leisure Beyond Shopping

Market Walk's appeal extends significantly beyond retail. The multiplex cinema provides evening entertainment, while Escape Entertainment offers interactive gaming experiences. These venues operate into the evening hours, transforming the centre into a social destination. The proximity to Chorley's historic covered market—operating since 1498—adds cultural depth, with the outdoor Tuesday street market featuring over 100 stalls selling fresh produce, crafts, and clothing. The second Saturday of each month brings a specialised food and craft market to nearby Fazakerley Street, further enriching the area's commercial and cultural offerings.

Accessibility and Practical Convenience

Market Walk's location ensures exceptional accessibility from multiple transport modes. The Chorley Interchange bus station sits directly adjacent, with pedestrian crossings providing seamless access. Chorley Railway Station is a short walk away via Chapel Street and Clifford Street through the interchange. For drivers, the postcode PR7 1DE provides straightforward navigation. The centre benefits from multiple nearby car parks including the Flat Iron, Portland Street, and Hollinshead Street, all operating on a pay-and-display system with mobile payment via the Mi-Permit app. Friday Street car park offers 400+ spaces for longer stays, with some periods of free parking available. These parking facilities are among the most affordable in North West England, removing financial barriers to visiting.

Atmosphere and Community Character

The outdoor parade design creates an open, accessible atmosphere that encourages leisurely browsing and social interaction. Unlike enclosed shopping malls, the uncovered layout allows natural light and weather exposure, contributing to a more relaxed shopping environment. The integration with Chorley's traditional markets—rooted in medieval commerce—creates a unique blend of contemporary retail with historic market culture. The centre functions as a genuine community hub, welcoming coach trips and group travel with dedicated facilities, reflecting its importance to the broader Lancashire region.

Seasonal and Event Programming

Market Walk hosts seasonal events and activities that enhance its appeal beyond standard shopping. Summer programming has included themed entertainment events, while Christmas periods bring festive decorations and special promotions. The centre's management actively programmes entertainment to maintain visitor interest throughout the year, positioning it as a destination for leisure time rather than purely transactional shopping.

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