A real windswept Pennine moorland experience. Peel Tower stands on Holcombe Hill and its 148 steps can be climbed when the tower is open. ( please check the events section for openings)

The Conservation Area includes the upper valley settlement of Holcombe Village a number of small agricultural hamlets and groups of stone buildings which are all typical of the West Pennine Moor area. The form of Holcombe Village is virtually unique in the area as it provides an example of a pre-industrial settlement almost untouched by recent development. The Conservation Area includes a number of important listed buildings including the landmark building of Peel Tower which dominates the landscape and the northern part of the Borough.

The Conservation Area lies on the east facing slope of Holcombe Hill overlooking the valley of the River Irwell. The area has been settled at least since the early medieval period with a largely agricultural economy, although with some small scale quarrying. The resulting landscape form is one of great aesthetic value.