Barnoldswick traces its history back to the Vikings when it was an old mill town. Since then it has grown into an industrial hub housing companies such as Rolls Royce and Silentnight. Despite progressing on the industrial bandwagon, this town has maintained its charm preserving much of its space to attractions and activities. Today, the old town center of Barnick including Manchester, Westgate and Town Head is a conservation area where you can find very old buildings and monuments of a historical nature. You can also take day-trips from Barnoldswick vacation homes to the historic Anchor Inn of Salterforth, watch the wildlife of Barnacre, and enjoy live music and dance programs at Colne.

Sitting on the slope of Weets Hill, with Longridge Fell to the west and Barden and Simon's Seat to the east, this town offers many recreation activities such as biking, hiking and cycling in its network of footpaths, lanes and minor roads. The most active spot of this town, Town Square, is flanked by many quaint shops and restaurants. The Town Square also hosts many live entertainment programs throughout the year.

Barnoldswich has a reputation for hosting many festivals and events every year including Town Crier's Competition and Balloons over Barlick in August and Fireworks Night and Christmas Lights Switch On in November. It also hosts continental markets on the Town Square several times a year. Barnoldswich holds popular shopping festival retreats especially for visitors staying in Barnoldswick vacation rentals.