Last weekend I took some much needed ‘me’ time, a few hours away from home and demanding children. It was bliss. I like to try to get together with my cousin Lisa regularly. She’s more like a sister to me so I feel it’s important that our relationship doesn’t get neglected by the busy lives we both lead. Lisa suggested we visit Bygone Times.

Bygone Times is an antiques and collectables centre based in Chorley, Lancashire. It’s a unique shopping experience where you can find everything from vintage clothing and furniture to collectable memorabilia. There is also a Titanic exhibition and war museum included in the entry price.

One of the most wonderful things about growing up together is that we share so many lovely memories of our grandparents. Our Nan’s house was like an aladdin’s cave, full of ornaments and other shiny wonders. We love nothing more than to reminisce about the time we spent there. Lisa had been to Bygone Times before and told me it was just like being back at our Nan’s house.

We spent hours walking around, there was so much to look at it was like a sensory overload. I thought of it like a huge warehouse full of memories and knick-knacks of bygone days. It was so nice to lose ourselves in memories of our childhood’s.

If books are your thing then this place would be heaven for you. There were cases and cases of books and magazines from yesteryear.

We almost forgot about lunch we were that immersed in the nostalgia of it all. There’s a lovely cafe on site where we stopped for a Pannini and some delicious chips.

The centre is also said to be haunted and we certainly felt some chills on parts of our walk around. They host ghost nights regularly if you brave enough to partake.

On one of the floors there is a penny arcade with vintage penny push and slot machines.

My favourite part was one of the  lower floors full of vintage car parts and beautiful antique furniture and clothes. I found a rail full of vintage wedding dresses. I was amazed at how beautiful they were and how much love and attention must have gone in to making them. I wondered where those brides were now and if they are still married to their true loves.

We came across so many things that our Nan had in her display cabinets, shelves and on her  fire place. From brass ornaments to the Bossons Head’s that she proudly displayed on the wall. It’s been over twenty years since she passed but I miss her terribly. Seeing all these things brought her to life again for me if only for a little while.

Everything at the centre is for sale and I couldn’t believe how reasonably priced most of it is. You can even telephone some of the unit holders to haggle for a lower price.

We had such a lovely time and I’m sure we will go back time and time again for lots more trips down memory lane together.