Mercure Blackburn Dunkenhalgh Hotel & Spa
Clayton Le Moors, United Kingdom
Blackburn Road, Clayton Le Moors, United Kingdom,
Original Property Opened in 12th c.
Historic Hotels Worldwide member since 2026
Housed in the beautiful Dunkenhalgh manor, Mercure Blackburn Dunkenhalgh Hotel & Spa is an elegant, historic hotel in the tranquil English countryside. The grand Lancashire estate was built in the 12th century by Roger de Dunkenhalgh and owned by just four families before its conversion to The Dunkenhalgh Hotel in 1946. Technological and architectural changes transformed the early stone structure across the centuries, and guests today will find stone embattlements, Tudor Revival-style archways, and Victorian-era craftsmanship throughout the structure. Mercure Blackburn Dunkenhalgh Hotel & Spa stewards this 700-year heritage of the Dunkenhalgh manor and grounds, greeting its modern-day guests with thoughtful hospitality, elevated dining experiences, and perfectly prepared guestrooms and suites.
Discover
- Discover the embattlements of the Dunkenhalgh manor-house. Renovated in the 17th and 19th centuries to mimic medieval and early modern English architecture, the manor’s stone fortifications were chosen more for style than defense. Octagonal turrets, notches called “crenels” and low porches called “parapets” are all incorporated into the design.
- Discover the portraits from the Walmesley family. Thomas Walmesley, a prominent judge, purchased the residence in 1571. The Portrait Suite displays original paintings of family members who resided in the manor throughout the 1700s.
- See the original features of the heritage-listed estate. Guests can spot the Walmesley coat of arms on the building and find the initials “TW” or “AW” engraved on a fireplace oak mantelpiece.
Explore
- Explore the sweeping parklands that are part of the historic hotel’s grounds. A tree-lined drive greets visitors to the 17-acre estate, where scenic walks and leisurely escapes await.
- Explore the local flora and fauna at the nearby Witton Country Park. The 480-acre park is home to songbirds, pheasants, foxes, and birds of prey. Visitors can find centuries-old Yew Trees native to the region.
- Explore the industrial heritage of nearby towns. The Accrington Market Hall, itself a striking landmark, tells the story of Nori brickworks. Nori bricks from Accrington were used as far away as the Empire State Building. The Helmshore Textile Museums preserve two historic working mills that process cotton and wool.
Experience
- Experience the charming Lancashire sites include Towneley Hall, a historic house and art gallery, and the Whalley Abbey. The working Abbey allows public access to the gardens and ruins of an old monastery.
- Play a round of golf on one of the nearby fairways. The area surrounding Clayton Le Moors is a golfer’s paradise, with over ten courses to choose from.
- Experience the Trough of Bowland, a spectacular remote valley and high mountain pass in Lancashire County. The stunning area is listed as part of the Forest of Bowland National Landscape, and visitors can hike or drive through the landscape of winding routes.
Taste
- Taste delicious dishes with local British ingredients at Cameo Restaurant. Artisanal cheeses, Dunkenhalgh bread, and heritage vegetables grace the menus at the hotel’s premier restaurant.
- Sip on an English draught or take an afternoon tea in historic surroundings at the Cameo Lounge Bar.
- Sample the delicious desserts made with fresh fruit from the region, including apple tart, rhubarb crumbles, and blackcurrant sweet buns.
Featured Offers
Book the Best Available Rate at this property on HistoricHotelsWorldwide.com and receive a complimentary one-year family membership (a $30 value) to the National Trust for Historic Preservation in the United States, a member of the International National Trusts Organisation.
