Darwen is a market town and civil parish located within the Blackburn with Darwen borough of Lancashire, England. The residents of the town are commonly referred to as "Darreners." According to the 2011 census, the population of the town was 28,046.
The town is situated on the River Darwen, which flows from south to north and can be observed in parks within the town centre. It is served by the A666 road, which connects Blackburn to the north and Bolton to the south, eventually joining the A6 near Pendlebury, approximately 18 miles north-west of Manchester.
Administratively, Darwen comprises four wards and maintains its own town council. The area is characterized by its position along the river and its role as a local hub within the Lancashire region.