Why Bygone Times is the Perfect Lancashire Day Out in 2026 | Bygone Times

Whether you’re an experienced collector, antiques obsessive or just looking for a unique experience in Lancashire, Bygone Times is so much more than just a traditional antiques centre. Based in a historic 17^th century cotton mill, Bygone Times is a living time capsule that transports visitors through history.

Steeped in character and with every floor telling a story, there’s no better refuge from the Winter chill that our 85,000 square foot facility, with something for everyone.

2026 is the perfect time to visit – here’s six reasons why Bygone Times is the ultimate Lancastrian day out for locals and tourists alike!

The Cotton Café

With six floors to discover and trawl through, shopping for antiques, vintage, collectables and retro items is thirsty, hungry work! The Cotton Cafe is the heart of the mill, offering a warm, tasty and cosy Lancastrian welcome! From deliciously homemade meals to sweet treats, hot coffee and beverages, The Cotton Café is a wonderful communal hub for friends, family and acquaintances to meet, chat and spend time together.

A Journey Through the War Museum

Bygone Times honours its heritage with an in-house war museum, featuring an incredible collection of authentic medals, uniforms and relics, all from within a recreated WWII vintage air raid shelter. Providing an immersive, educational history lesson for visitors of all ages, the War Museum is a tribute to British and Commonwealth service men and women, diving into the conflicts of WWI, WWII and beyond.

The Bygone Times War Museum is open from 9.30am-5pm, everyday!

See the Soviet T-34 Tank

Come face-to-face with the beast from the east.

Offering a glimpse into history, the Soviet T-34 Tank played an instrumental role in the Soviet Union’s victory over the Germans during the Battle of Stalingrad, which was an integral moment where the allied forces turned the tables during WWII.

Complete with a 76.2mm tank gun, wide tracks, thick metallic armour and the Soviet Hammer & Sickle, the T-34 Tank offers a rare, up-close look of historic engineering, and is a perfect photo opportunity that we’re confident no other North-West destination can offer!

Supporting Small Local Businesses

Bygone Times is home to over 500 independent stallholders, comprised of local businesses and entrepreneurs that are offering something unique. Helping the Lancastrian economy thrive, Bygone Times offers an affordable space for local entrepreneurs and collectors – every purchase made at Bygone Times helps a small business owner continue their passion and dream.

Shop Crafts

Rather than sourcing mass-produced items from traditional supermarkets, Bygone Times’ local artisans offer a range of supplies from jewellery and bespoke candles to textile arts, upcycled décor and card-making supplies to get creative.

Whether you’re making a personalised gift for loved ones or supporting a local creative community, Bygone Times embrace personalisation and the creative spirit!

Cheap, Unique Furniture for Modern Homes

Say goodbye to the boring flat-pack furniture that looks the same as everyone else’s. Bygone Times is the home of various leading Lancashire-based antique and vintage furniture suppliers, and we’ve recently expanded the Bygone 6 area to accommodate a greater range of gems.

If you’re hunting for a mid-century Ercol chair or a Victorian dressing table, Bygone Times offer high-quality, solid furniture items at prices that often trump the high-street.