Pendle is rich in industrial heritage, having been a centre of manufacturing for many years.  The area has supported coal mining, lead mining, weaving, and farming, and many remnants of its history still remain.  Many of its towns are still architecturally recognisable as weaving towns, and you can find examples of industrial buildings scattered through the area.  Junction 12 Outlet Centre is located in a restored mill building, and Barrowford's mill is now a craft centre.  In Barnoldswick and Earby restoration projects have preserved examples of working buildings that are open to the public, while in Brierfield, Colne and Nelson, old mill buildings are still being used for manufacturing purposes.

The Leeds and Liverpool canal and the local railway system are also symbols of the industrial past, and restored areas of both are attracting visitors to look at these examples of Northern England's industrial heritage.