Clayton-le-Woods

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Clayton-le-Woods, often shortened to Clayton, is a large village and civil parish in the Borough of Chorley, Lancashire, England. It sits north of Chorley, a few miles from Preston, and close to Leyland and Buckshaw Village. In 2021 the population was about 15,000.

Highlights:
- History and landmarks: Bluebell Woods near Bryning Brook is the site of Clayton Hall, a 17th-century moated house that is now demolished; the moat and nearby fishponds survive as a scheduled monument. St Bede’s Roman Catholic Church opened in 1824 on Preston Road; a copper bell turret with a small spire was added in 1964.
- Geography and nature: Cuerden Valley Park and the River Lostock divide the village; the western part borders Leyland and the eastern part borders Whittle-le-Woods.
- Community and services: There are several primary schools nearby, a library opened in 1985, pubs, a large Asda supermarket, a sports centre and two hotels.
- Transport and connections: The village is served by four bus routes, including Stagecoach 125 Gold and 109, and Route 55 for cycling to Buckshaw Village and Euxton. Major roads include the A6 (Preston Road), B5256, B5254, and nearby junctions on the M6, M61 and M65.
- Areas and nearby places: The village is divided into areas such as Cloverfield and Clayton Green; nearby places include Clayton Brook, Whittle-le-Woods, Brindle and Buckshaw Village. Charcoal burning still occurs in the woods at Cuerden Hall, and there are linen hand-weaving cottages on Sheep Hill Lane.