Mercure Dunkenhalgh Hotel, Blackburn, Lancashire

The story of Lucette begins with the Petre family. Lucette worked as a governess to the family’s children and she was much-loved by the family. One Christmas, a dashing young officer wooed Lucette and made her believe he loved her and wanted to marry her. His promises were false and Lucette realised that although Dunkenhalgh was not the place for her, she could not go home to France. Towards the end of her life, she was often found wandering around the glades where her lover had left her – and one night, her reason faltered and she threw herself off the bridge down into the water below. Activity around the hotel tends to be heightened around Christmastime as Lucette haunts the scene of her unfortunate love.

Guests at the hotel have reported seeing Lucette in a number of places – and not just at Christmas. Individuals have reported seeing Lucette show up in photographs and one frightened guest saw Lucette sitting on the end of their bed.

There are also a number of reports of ghost sightings in the nearby village of Blacksnape, Blackburn.

Brief History

The Dunkenhalgh hotel first appears in recorded history in 1285, but it was thought to exist for some time before then. In 1332, the estate fell into the hands of the Rishton family, who kept the estate in their family for more than 250 years. It’s thought that the Rishton family extended and enlarged the original house. There are a number of interesting historical features in the house, including an 18th-century staircase. The oak panelling in the Oak Room comes from Hacking Hall in Billington, which is another house belonging to the estate. There are also a number of interesting family portraits located in the Portrait Room.

About

The hotel is a large, 175-room, four-star hotel that is 700 years old. The rooms are all modern, with beautiful furniture, and the public areas of the hotel are all incredibly grand – in-keeping with the way the property looks from the outside. Because the Dunkenhalgh is a spa too, it boasts an indoor heated swimming pool, solarium, as well as a sauna and a Jacuzzi. The hotel can cater to weddings, with facilities for up to 300 guests, as well as meetings and conferences, with 14 meeting rooms that can seat up to 400 business guests.

The hotel also offers a restaurant, named the Cameo, which has recently undergone a facelift. It offers a mixture of international cuisine. There are two bars – the Cameo bar in the restaurant and the Spa Naturel in the spa area of the hotel. 24-hour room service is also available, offering a range of hot and cold snacks and meals. Come to the Dunkenhalgh for a quiet weekend away with your loved one, or for a party with the whole family – you’ll have a fantastic time as there really is something here for every occasion.

Features

En-suite bedrooms
One suite
Three special feature rooms
A number of special access rooms
Six connecting rooms • Wireless internet
Flat-screen television
Tea and coffee making facilities
Ironing facilities
Hairdryer
24-hour room service
Indoor heated swimming pool
Sauna, Jacuzzi and solarium
Restaurant
Close to the M6 and Accrington train station

Things to do

The Dunkenhalgh Hotel and spa is situated in 17 acres of stunning parkland. It’s also ideally positioned to a number of cities, including Manchester and Blackpool, making it perfect for exploring nearby shops and places of interest. There are a number of museums and art galleries nearby, as well as a few tourist attractions including Go Ape and Legoland Discovery

Room Tariff

Single room available from £80.00 per person per night, breakfast included.
Twin room available from £45.00 per person per night, breakfast included.
Double room available from £45.00 per person per night, breakfast included.
Family room available from £45.00 per person per night, breakfast included.
Executive Double room available from £55.00 per person per night, breakfast included.
Large Family Executive room available from £55.00 per person per night, breakfast included.