Darwen Hotell

Hotel information

The Conference Centre at The Astley Bank Hotel is the ideal venue for your business events, having fully equipped meeting rooms designed to cater for the most demanding of conferences. With a capacity of up to 70 people. For special occasions, the 6 acres of grounds provide a beautiful backdrop for memorable photos. Wedding breakfasts can be provided for up to 80 people seated or 120 people in an informal buffet style. The Astley Bank is also available for private and sole use and we are licensed for civil ceremonies for up to 70 people. Whether relaxing in the gardens, enjoying the warm and friendly atmosphere of the house or sampling the finest cuisine around, your stay at the Astley Bank Hotel and Conference Centre will be memorable for all the right reasons.

Food & beverage

The Chef takes great pride in preparing your menu with fresh ingredients selected daily from the markets. Meals are complimented with fine wines, and warm, friendly service. The restaurant seats up to 80 people and there are also smaller private dining rooms for those special occasions. Othello's restaurant takes its name from the magnificent stained glass window on the first floor, which features a scene from the Shakespearean play 'Othello'.

Area information

Located close to the local motorway network, the hotel is set in Darwen, a small market town in Lancashire. Nearby you can find the large city of Blackburn which boasts a number of historic and cultural sites, including the cathedral and the 19th century Town Hall.

Travel information

Astley Bank is ideally situated in the north-west countryside, off the A666, South of Darwen, yet only 2 miles from the motorway network and within easy reach of Manchester Airport. By Car: From the M60: - Exit at junction 15 (east or west bound). - Follow signs for Preston, M61. - Then follow Bolton, A666. - Take the A666. - This is a dual carriage-way at first (St. Peter's Way). At the end of the dual carriage-way, continue on the A666 towards Blackburn. - The road goes through suburbs of Bolton then becomes countryside before dropping into Darwen. - Coming into Darwen, the speed restriction reduces to 30 mph - look out for the Total petrol station on the left. - Shortly after this is the Little Elephant on the right. Directly opposite is Huntington Drive; turn left into here, and immediately left again (a 180 degree turn). - Follow this private drive to the top to Astley Bank. From the end of St Peter's Way to Astley Bank is 8 miles). From the M65: - Exit at junction 4. - At end of the motorway slip road, follow signs for Darwen/Bolton, A666. - Continue for 2 miles through Darwen town centre. - Then, as above.

Quick description

Standing in 6 acres of grounds, this superb 19th century mansion house and its extensive gardens have superbly maintained their original characteristics whilst being updated to offer all modern comforts. Once home to some of Lancashire's leading dignitaries, the Astley Bank Hotel has been transformed from a private mansion house to an exclusive Hotel, Conference Centre and Restaurant. The wood traditional panelling, open-fires and old world feel contribute to its unique character. Awarded the Lancashire Life award for Hotel of the Year, Astley Bank has gained a reputation as one of the premier hotels and conference centres in the North West.

Quick description

Situated at the base of The Pennines, the award-winning Whitehall Hotel is a striking Victorian Mansion set within 3 acres of scenic gardens and woodland. Rooms at The Whitehall offer tea/coffee facilities and TVs. A full English or continental breakfast is also available. The hotel’s contemporary restaurant and bar offers quality food and drink with a Mediterranean influence to all guests. The stylish dining area also comes with a feature fish tank, mood lighting, and an open kitchen. The Whitehall Hotel also provides free parking for all guests and free Wi-Fi in public areas. Just 1.4 miles from Darwen Rail Station, The Whitehall Hotel is also only a 10 minutes’ drive from the nearby Darwen golf course.