Colne

Colne is a town and civil parish in Lancashire, England, within the Pendle district. It lies in the Colne Valley at the eastern edge of the Pennine foothills, near Burnley and close to the towns of Nelson and Barrowford. Colne has long served as a market town for the local area and developed into a textile manufacturing center during the Industrial Revolution, drawing on its canal and rail connections to move goods.

Historically, the town grew around weaving and other textile industries, with the Leeds and Liverpool Canal providing transport links and the arrival of railways in the 19th century expanding trade and employment. In the late 20th century, traditional manufacturing declined, and Colne has since diversified, retaining a retail presence and developing service and light industrial sectors. The surrounding countryside and historic town center continue to attract visitors.

Key features and institutions in Colne include a town center with markets and historic buildings, and cultural facilities such as the Muni arts centre, a venue that hosts theatre, cinema, and community events. The parish church of St Bartholomew is among the notable historic buildings in the town. Local green spaces and parks provide recreation for residents and visitors.

Governance is provided by a parish council for Colne, with broader services administered by Pendle Borough Council and Lancashire County Council. The town is accessible by road and, historically, by a network of canals and railways; today some rail heritage services operate in the wider area, reflecting its industrial past.