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A district in Lancashire with borough status, Rossendale /ˈrɒsəndeɪl/ is centred on the River Irwell valley, holding several former mill towns in the industrial North West. Combines modest size urban development with rural villages, Rossendale is north of Bury, Bolton, Rochdale, and Manchester, east of Blackburn, south of Burnley, the more populated town, centred 15 miles (24 km) north of Manchester. Close to the Netherlands border, Rossendale is twinned with the German town of Bocholt.

Refers to the "Chase" of Rossendale or medieval Forest, which, as the modern district, encompassed the same area approximately, the name "Rossendale" may refer geographically to Rossendale Valley. Part of Rossendale and Darwen constituency is Rossendale. Except for Whitworth, which has a council, all of Rossendale is unparished.

Rossendale's population really expanded during the period of the Industrial Revolution, but, during the reign of Henry VIII, a cottage woollen industry and farming developed. In Trafalgar Square, the flagstones were quarried in Rossendale. Ramsbottom United, who play in the Northern Premier League Division One North, is the other semi-pro team from the Rossendale area.

Based (in particular perhaps Bacup) upon Rossendale, The League of Gentlemen, the popular comedy series, is playing upon the areas exaggerations and stereotypes. Folded in 2011, who played their games of home near Rawtenstall at nearby Newchurch, is the area's other non league side, Rossendale United. Member of Parliament for Rossendale and Darwen since 2010 has been Jake Berry MP.

Consisting of the valleys of the River Irwell and its tributaries, which through the moorland cut which of the area is characteristic, and flow from the Pennines to Manchester southwards, Rossendale is part of the Forest of Rossendale. Through the efforts of Chris Aspin, the historian, a textile industry specialist, the history of Rossendale is well documented and Derek Pilkington, whose efforts in Helmshore led to the Higher Mill preservation, now Helmshore Mills Museum.

Intended to attract businesses and visitors into Rossendale are this, coupled with, to regenerate the bus depot and Valley Precinct (both in Rawtenstall), redevelopment plans. In Bacup is Rossendale's traditional theatre.