 Haggate has direct road links with Burnley and Nelson, and is served by local bus services (111 and 112) operated by Burnley Bus Company.The parish of Briercliffe has been present since at least 1235 when the Lordship of Briercliffe, Edmund de Lacy, was granted the Charter of Freewarden, allowing him to use the area for hunting hares, rabbits and foxes.The earliest knowledge of the village dates back to the late 16th century when the Hare and Hounds public house, which took its name from the hunting activity in the region, was established.