Worston

A village seemingly far removed from the nearby A59. Worston is a peaceful place with one street and a welcoming hostelry and many links to the past. A pre-historic burial ground was found on Worsaw Hill. In 1778, workmen widening the road to Chatburn found 1,000 Roman silver Denarii. Fragments of the ancient Sawley Abbey were incorporated into the building of Worston Hall. In a small meadow behind the main street are the remains of a bullring, where the stone and bronze ring to which the bull was tethered can still be found.

Places Nearby:

The Calf’s Head

Wiswell

A small village on the edge of Whalley and home to another popular inn, Wiswell is said to have taken its name from Old Molly’s Well, later known as the wise woman’s well. The first record of Wiswell is in a charter of 1193, in the reign of Richard the First. The village’s most famous resident was the last Abbot of Whalley, John Paslew, who came to a sticky end in 1537 for providing help to participants in the Pilgrimage of Grace, a northern protest against the policies of Henry VIII.

Places Nearby:

The Freemasons Country Inn

Whitewell

Known locally as ‘Little Switzerland’, where the river Hodder winds its way along the wooded valley. A church, an inn and a few cottages grace this very attractive spot. Cave dwellers lived here around 1000 BC and Middle Bronze Age relics were found in the ‘Fairy Holes’ cave a few years ago. Roman remains have also been found in the area and a long straight roman road over the valley is still partly in use. The manor, now known as the “The Inn at Whitewell“, used to be the location for a thriving market, which was held on the forecourt. The Inn, situated on the banks of the River Hodder, has the rights to six miles of the river’s best fishing.

Places Nearby:

The Inn at Whitewell

Waddington

A regular winner of Lancashire’s Best Kept Village Award, this pretty Village with a babbling brook and coronation gardens perches on the outskirts of Clitheroe. Waddington is a conservation area and a great place to explore and discover heritage features like St Helen’s Church, an attractive Victorian rebuild.

Waddington has a number of great places to eat, and beautiful walks to enjoy. The Waddington Arms is a local favourite for dining and has great accommodation should you wish to extend your stay. Close by you will find ‘Melt’ where scented candles and reed diff users have been made since December 2000. Melt has a range of luxury candles on display together with luxury home fragrances and organic body, skincare and perfumery products. There is an exquisite range of gift s for sale, and browsing is an enjoyable sensory experience.

The 17th century Waddow Hall, on the edge of Waddington, is in the ownership of GirlGuiding UK and set in 178 acres of admirable lush land, overlooking the River Ribble. The hall is open to the public for special events, and its restaurant is becoming well known for good quality local food. There is an extensive range of outdoor activities available here under the supervision of qualified instructors, including climbing and canoeing.

Special Places:

Waddow Hall
Coronation Gardens
Melt – handmade candles and other products

Special Dates:

Middle Earth Beer & Music Festival
15 – 17 July 2018 at Waddow Hall

Tosside

Tosside Community Hall

On the edge of the Forest of Bowland, half in Lancashire and half in Yorkshire, Tosside may be some way from the main visitor centre, but is nevertheless well worth a visit. The Gisburn Forest features cycle trails and good footpaths to suit every ability. United Utilities have recently opened a footpath circling the Stocks Reservoir. There is ample car parking provided for visitors. St Bartholomew’s church dates back to 1694 and features a 17th Century octagonal font made of stone from the Forest of Bowland and a Jacobean pulpit dated 1701.

Discover Bolton-by-Bowland, Ribble Valley in the heart of the Forest of Bowland. A downloadable leaflet.

Places Nearby:

Crowtrees Park

Slaidburn

Since the early 19th century, the village of Slaidburn has remained untouched and is a serene and peaceful place. Hidden away by the Bowland fells, the village contains many stone cottages, set in a blissful location close to the banks of the River Hodder.

Located close to Gisburn Forest, you will find that Slaidburn is a great place to enjoy an adventurous walk and explore the beautiful Ribble Valley countryside. This is a beautiful stretch of the river to explore and Stocks reservoir in Gisburn Forest is also close by. There is an excellent network of quiet roads here, with plenty of opportunities for cycling.

Special Places:

Riverside Picnic Area

Special Dates:

Slaidburn Steam Fair – 9 and 10 June 2018

Sawley

Nestled deep within the Forest of Bowland, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is the picturesque village of Sawley. It is here that you will find the remains of a Cistercian abbey, founded in 1148, set close to the River Ribble and overlooking a beautiful backdrop of dramatic hills.

The award-winning Spread Eagle at Sawley is a 17th Century grade II listed country inn, brimming with character and serving delicious food. The Spread Eagle also provides seven luxury bedrooms and a function room, hosting weddings and many other events. A true jewel in the crown of the Ribble Valley!

Special Places:

The Spread Eagle -m a traditional country inn
Sawley Abbey – a 17th Century former Cistercian abbey

Special Dates:

Beat-Herder Festival – 13 – 15 July 2018
Spread Eagle – various events through the year including film club and dog walks

Sabden

Sabden is another beautiful village nestled under Pendle Hill, and is the perfect place to begin your exploration of this stunning landscape. Pendle is steeped in history and legends and is renowned for its connections to the trials of the witches in the 1600s and also as the place where George Fox, a leading Quaker preacher, climbed Pendle Hill and realised he had a message for the world: “I saw the Lancashire sea; and there atop of the hill I was moved to sound the day of the Lord; and the Lord let me see atop of the hill in what places He had a great people to be gathered.” this vison lead to the formation of the worldwide Quaker movement.

Close to Sabden, you will find the Higher Trapp Country House Hotel, nestled in 36 acres of magnificent terraced gardens and panoramic views across the Lancashire countryside.

The Higher Trapp offers a warm welcome to visitors whether calling for afternoon tea, dinner or even staying over in one of the luxury bedrooms.

Special Places:

Nick of Pendle – panoramic views of Bowland, the Dales and the Lancashire coast
Higher Trapp Hotel – for a warm welcome and great hospitality
Trapp Forge – a traditional forge with exclusive handmade gifts

Special Dates:

Higher trapp Hotel – hosts a programme of entertainment and events

Ribchester

The village of Ribchester is a significant Roman site, having been the location of a Roman Cavalry fort called Brematennacum. The famous Ribchester Hoard was discovered back in 1796 by a 13year old boy whilst digging in his garden. He came across an unusual collection of items, one being a bronze cavalry parade helmet. This very helmet is currently in the British museum, but the museum in Ribchester has a fantastic replica. The museum also has a 3D interactive visualisation of the fort and settlement as it would have been around 241 BC. There are various remnants of the Roman era and at certain times of the year you can observe and even participate in archaeological digs.

Award-winning Potters Barn is a local cafe situated in the very heart of Ribchester, offering a wonderfully warm and welcoming atmosphere. The cafe offers an excellent home cooked menu, also suitable for a range of special dietary requirements. Pottery painting can also be enjoyed here, for those of all ages! Alongside all of this is a gift shop, filled with unique presents and lovely home ideas.

Special Places:

Roman Museum
St Wilfrid’s Church – centre of Roman Fort

Special Dates:

Ribchester Roman Festival – 7 July
Royal Lancashire Show – 22-22 July

Mitton

Situated on a limestone rise above the River Ribble, the tiny hamlet of Mitton is home to some of the most popular restaurants in the area. To name a few, the Aspinall Arms is the perfect stop off for cyclists, walkers and anglers, serving delicious food and drink, whilst looking across at the medieval All Hallows Church, perched on the hill above. With a beautiful open fire inside and terraced and landscaped gardens outside, the Aspinall is the perfect place to relax and unwind, offering a sizeable menu including a good choice for children too.

Here you will also find the famous ‘Three Fishes restaurant’, where you will enjoy a delicious array of traditional specialities, British classics and the produce of local food heroes, the extraordinary artisan suppliers of this region. The menu is created by Nigel Haworth, Chef Patron of nearby Northcote and there is a line-up of the best cask ales, ciders and guest beers, plus fine wines chosen by the award-winning Craig Bancroft.

Mitton Hall is a beautiful country house hotel that can be found in Mitton, offering luxury accommodation, it is also the perfect wedding venue, with beautiful surroundings, incredible architecture and elegant interiors. A delightful brasserie and bar serves dishes with freshly sourced ingredients, decedent afternoon teas, and a fine selection of cocktails.

Places Nearby:

All Hallows Church – fascinating medieval church, open every day
Riverside walks – along the Ribble

Mellor

Situated on a high ridge overlooking the low-lying area of the Fylde. Mellor Moor was the site of a Roman encampment, an outpost of the one at Ribchester. St. Mary’s Church was built 1829 and is of particular interest and possesses a very fine peal of Guildford Chimes. The internal woodwork is of English oak and the very valuable chancel and organ screens are beautiful examples of woodcarving. The stained glass windows on the south side of the church are early 19th century Flemish art.

Places Nearby:

Millstone
Stanley House

Hurst Green

This village marks the very start of the famous Tolkien Trail walk, where author J.R.R. Tolkien was inspired by the local landscape and went on to create the ‘Lord of the Rings’ and ‘The Hobbit.’

This trail starts and finishes at the Shireburn Arms, a beautiful and dog-friendly country pub standing in the heart of Hurst Green, which provides a warm welcome and a delightful hearty Lancashire meal awaiting you on your return. Whilst discovering the Tolkien Trail, you will walk in the footsteps of J.R.R. Tolkien and also pass the magnificent Stonyhurst College and the stunning Cromwell’s bridge along the way.

Special Places:

The Shireburn Arms Hotel – for welcome hospitality
Stonyhurst College – events and tours
The Tolkien Trail – fascinating circular walk
Cromwell’s Bridge – ancient bridge and landmark

Grindleton

Perched on a hillside, commanding extensive views of the picturesque Ribble Valley, stands Grindleton. With the River Ribble in its sights it’s only a short trip out of Clitheroe. This small rural community once relied heavily on weaving and spinning. Set amidst rolling pastures the church of St. Ambrose once served a population of hand-weavers; it retains its neat Georgian tower (1805). Though the rest was re-designed by Paley circa 1897. Christianity has flourished here from the days of Sawley Abbey and one of the 17th century curates founded the ‘Grindletonians’ – forerunners of the Quakers. Notice the superb engraved window by David Peace and the attractively painted organ pipes.

To commemorate the Millennium, the village created its own Grindleton Heritage Trail. The walk takes approx. 1 hour and maps can be obtained from Clitheroe Visitor Information Centre.

Places Nearby:

Gisburn

Gisburn Church

On the verge of the Lancashire and Yorkshire borderline you’ll find a unique village that straddles the A59 between Clitheroe and Skipton. This is Gisburn, where a walk along the cobblestones of the wide main street will take you towards the historic Parish Church. Gaze in amazement at the stunning original Norman stained glass windows facing North and South and its beautiful arch.

Many a deal has been made the well renowned Auction Mart, and one of Gisburn’s busiest times is when it’s market day.

Visit the stunning Gisburn Forest, the largest forest in Lancashire and now home to one of the country’s premier mountain biking trails.

Did you know? – Guy of Gisburn of Robin Hood fame was said to have come from here and The White Bull public house is so named because until 1857 Gisburn Park contained a herd of white hornless wild cattle, descendants of cattle which once roamed the area. This particular herd was said to have been brought to Gisburn after the dissolution of the Abbey at Whalley.

Places Nearby:

Stirk House Hotel
Park House Boutique Bed & Breakfast
La Locanda Restaurant
Gisburn Forest

Dunsop Bridge

There are numerous places that claim to be located at the very centre of the United Kingdom but, according to the Ordnance Survey, the official centre of the Kingdom is in the parish of Dunsop Bridge just a short walk from the village centre.

Dunsop Bridge is the perfect place for those who love to explore local landmarks and admire the breath-taking views this stunning place has to offer.

Open every day for visitors, St Hubert’s Church is a small but magnificent church which was built to the design of Edward Pugin, from, it is believed, the winnings of the racehorse Kettledrum in the Derby 1861. A particular treat through the summer months are the home-made teas in the village hall served by local volunteers with the proceeds going to the church fund.

Puddleducks is a much-loved local cafe located in this quaint village, offering a delicious menu of homemade English classics, including corn beef, hotpot and cheese and onion pie, which go perfectly with one of their tasty homemade cakes.

Glenda, who runs Puddleducks with her partner Tony, said that her favourite tale since being a member of the Puddleducks team was, ‘when Larry Lamb and TV celebrity Maureen Lipman visited and were filming a production outside the cafe.’ She also added: ‘Dunsop Bridge is a truly lovely place to live, filled with lovely people’, and ‘the Telegraph Travel Editor said it’s certainly worth calling in Puddleducks for one of the bacon butties!’

Special Places:

Puddleducks Cafe
Trough of Bowland Scenic Drive
St Hubert’s Church

Chipping

Ancient cobbled streets and attractive 17th century buildings, Chipping village is filled with character and has won many Best Kept Village competitions over the years.

Located on the south-western edge of the Forest of Bowland, Chipping offers warm and friendly country pubs and restaurants, such as Gibbon Bridge, which is also a hotel, offering luxurious rooms and a beautiful wedding venue. Janet Simpson from Gibbon Bridge says, ‘I want you to feel at home here too and for you to be able to relax and enjoy our gardens, the fabulous scenery and our locally sourced food.’ She added that ‘my team and I will do our utmost to ensure your stay with us is one not to be forgotten!’

Chipping is very much the home of Lancashire Cheese, with the well known Leagram Organic Cheese and Procters Cheddar to name but a few local products.