- Women only
- Friendship, not dating
- Free to join
- Local guide
- October 19, 2026
Make Friends in Accrington, home of the Haworth Tiffany glass
Over 22% of Accrington’s population are children aged 15 or younger, above the North West share, so young families are part of every street.
34,800+
Accrington built-up area population in Hyndburn, 2021 count (ONS)
22%
of Accrington residents in seven town wards are aged 15 or below; North West: 19% (ONS, 2021)
25%
of Accrington households in the seven wards rent privately, against a regional 19% (ONS 2021)
Accrington's Market Hall reopens in November 2026
Haworth Art Gallery, with its collection of Tiffany glass, opens Wednesday to Sunday afternoons with no entry fee and is a calm place to make friends in Accrington. The Grade II Market Hall is due to reopen in mid-November 2026 after an £11 million refurbishment, and Oak Hill Park on Manchester Road is a 2026 Green Flag winner. Gofrendly is another route for Accrington women.
Accrington questions on meeting people
When does Accrington Market Hall reopen?
Accrington Market Hall, a Grade II building, is closed for an £11 million refurbishment and is due to reopen in mid-November 2026, around the Christmas lights switch-on. Until then traders use temporary cabins on the Town Square, so Accrington shoppers can still browse each week.
What is at the Haworth Art Gallery?
Haworth Art Gallery on Hollins Lane holds a celebrated collection of Tiffany glass and opens Wednesday to Sunday from noon to 4.30pm, with no entry fee. The Gallery Kitchen café makes it an easy Accrington meeting point. It closes after Sunday 20 December 2026 and reopens on Wednesday 13 January 2027.
Which Accrington parks have 2026 Green Flags?
Oak Hill Park on Manchester Road, Peel Park and Milnshaw Park each won a Green Flag award for 2026. Oak Hill covers almost nine hectares and has a large war memorial, so it is a pleasant regular walk for Accrington friends.
Accrington mums: where do new friendships start?
Gofrendly, a women-only friendship app, helps Accrington mums and other women find women nearby and pick a time to meet. A play-park visit to Oak Hill Park or a quiet hour among the Tiffany glass at the Haworth Art Gallery is a gentle start.
Accrington, a Lancashire mill town
Accrington is a Lancashire town in Hyndburn, between Blackburn and Burnley, known for its Victorian Market Hall, its red brick and the moors rising behind it. Across its seven town wards, over 22% of people are children aged 15 or younger and private tenants occupy around a quarter of homes, each above the North West average. Many families here are young and many households rent, so a weekly routine at the same park or library is a good way to start recognising people.
Bringing up young children far from old friends can be lonely. Accrington Library on St James’ Street is open Monday to Saturday with local history sessions, Peel Park and Milnshaw Park are further 2026 Green Flag winners, and Hyndburn Leisure Centre on Henry Street has a pool. While the Market Hall is refurbished, traders work from temporary cabins on the Town Square. Hyndburn parkrun runs at Wilson Sports Village in Clayton-le-Moors. Where to begin:
1
Haworth Art Gallery, with Tiffany glass and the Gallery Kitchen café.
2
Oak Hill Park on Manchester Road, with its war memorial.
3
Accrington Library on St James’ Street, open Monday to Saturday.
4
Hyndburn Leisure Centre on Henry Street, with a pool.
5
Hyndburn parkrun at Wilson Sports Village, Clayton-le-Moors.
LOCAL TIP
An afternoon at the Haworth Art Gallery café is a gentle start.
How to
Accrington: friendship starts with a routine
1
Visit the Haworth Art Gallery with a friend and stay for tea at the Gallery Kitchen.
2
Take the children to Oak Hill Park and talk to other parents.
3
Plan a Market Hall visit with an Accrington woman you meet on Gofrendly once it reopens.
4
Try Hyndburn parkrun at Wilson Sports Village on a Saturday.
Getting back in touch, and starting over in a new city
Accrington guide team
Claudia Gård and Ulrika Lilja, who founded Gofrendly, worked with our editors on the Accrington guide for Hyndburn women raising children, renting a new home or wanting friends nearby.
Friendship looks different at every stage
More guides for women in this area – each with its own local advice.
Friendship looks different at every stage
More guides for women in this area – each with its own local advice.
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