Blackburn also caters well for the naturalist with Witton Country Park having a visitors centre, a tea shop, a collection of native animals and an impressive network of footpaths. Blackburn also has started to make full use of its canal corridor and the fact that Ewood Park is one of the most impressive grounds in the Nationwide League Division 1 also attracts thousands of visitors to the area. Blackburn is well known for its shopping and, in particular, the indoor market, which is one of the largest in the North West. Lancashire specialties such as black pudding and delicious crumbly cheese can be bought here. Among the permanent displays is the award-winning South Asian Gallery which creates a picture of the culture in which Blackburn's Asian community have their roots.
Visitors can also view a re-created village house from the Gujarat style.
The history of Blackburn and Darwen is traced in the Local History Gallery through displays which feature the story of the town from prehistoric times to the present day. The Gallery also holds collections of international significance most of which were collected by Blackburn rope manufacturer Edward Hart. His remarkable personal collections of beautiful illuminated manuscripts, rare printed books and coins are displayed alongside the largest collection of Orthodox icons outside London and the Museum's most popular exhibit the Egyptian Mummy. Blackburn s treasures can be viewed free of charge at the museum in Museum Street - Tuesdays to Fridays, noon to 4.45pm, and Saturdays, 9.45am to 4.45pm. Just round the corner in Exchange Street is the Lewis Textile Museum given to the town by local textile manufacturer T B Lewis.