Chatburn
Chatburn is situated in a hollow between the two ridges, which slope towards the River Ribble just off the A59 Clitheroe to Skipton road on the outskirts of Clitheroe. It is thought that the village derived its name from St Ceatt or Chad. The stately spire of the Parish Church dominates the building, which was erected about 1838. Chatburn used to have a cotton mill but due to the decline in the textile industry this has been demolished. The main industries that remain are the manufacture of cement and road surface materials.
Places Nearby:
Chaigley
Home to the Higher Hodder Bridge, Chaigley is a starting point for many explorations into the stunning Forest of Bowland. The riverside footpath between the lower and higher Hodder bridges is particularly beautiful. Let the kids paddle in the shallow reaches of the river in summer, a honeypot for family picnics and relaxation.
Places Nearby:
Bolton-By-Bowland
Magnificent church of St Peter and Paul and the remains of the 13th Century market cross and stocks are two spots to see in this pretty village.
The Open Gardens Weekend is a highlight of the summer when many interesting gardens within the parish attract visitors from around the area.
Places Nearby:
Bashall Eaves
Beautiful Bashall Eaves sits in the heart of this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, four miles west of Clitheroe town centre.
Standing on the banks of the River Hodder and four miles west of Clitheroe town centre, you will find the picturesque village of Bashall Eaves, at the very heart of this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
When visiting this tiny village, tourism award- winning Browsholme Hall is a ‘must visit’. The hall is a nationally important grade I listed historic house with a pre-eminent collection of antiques, paintings and furniture of museum quality.
Set in beautiful parkland and lush gardens, visitors can walk along paths and through shrubberies by the lake, with breath-taking views of the distant fells. Do check for opening times, as Browsholme is still a family home and only open on certain dates and for special events.
If you are looking for a place to stay here, the Red Pump Inn offers luxury B&B or glamping – with four stunning yurts, complete with king-sized beds, a wood-burning stove, electric lights, sockets and their own en-suite bathrooms. The Red Pump Inn is also a steak restaurant, with plenty of character and a beautiful open fire.
With its very own retail outlet, ice-cream parlour, coffee shop and national award-winning restaurant seating 120 people, Bashall Barn is another place that must be visited when taking a trip to Bashall Eaves. In addition, Bashall Barn is also a unique wedding venue, with a stunning backdrop of the Ribble Valley countryside, perfect for your special day.
Special Places:
Fairy Bridge
Bashall Barn – Shop, restaurant and art gallery
Browsholme Hall – Historic House
Red Pump Inn – Traditional Country Inn
Special Dates:
Browsholme Hall – guided tours, garden and tearoom
Wednesday 2 May – 26 September
Downham
Downham lies at the foot of Pendle Hill, in the southern section of the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and close to the market town of Clitheroe. It is often hailed as the most beautiful village in Lancashire, with unrivalled views absent of overhead wires, satellite dishes, roadside signage and TV aerials. The Assheton family is responsible for the village and surrounding well-managed estate. The manor has been in the family’s ownership since 1558 and has passed through a direct line since 1680.
One of the best ways to experience village life is to attend the Downham Hall Open Gardens, a charity event when the community come together at a place of great beauty normally hidden from public gaze.
One place to call is the Assheton Arms, Winner of a numerous awards, including Lancashire Life Dining Pub of the Year, and Lancashire Pub of the Year. This historic Grade II listed village pub is located in the centre of the conservation area. This traditional country inn, perfect for a drink with friends or a meal out. It has a great atmosphere created by our drinkers and diners, and with exquisite bedrooms should you wish to make more of your visit as there are so many places to explore in this locality.
Greendale café, which commands stunning views across the Ribble Valley towards the Yorkshire Dales, also provides homely and outstanding local hospitality. Particularly popular with walkers and cyclists, it is a great place to rest for a while and enjoy a tasty meal.
Downham has a village car park and visitor information centre where you will find plenty of ideas for local walks and places to visit.
Special Places:
Assheton Arms
Downham Church
Greendale Cafe
Special Dates:
Newton-in-Bowland
The journey to this attractive spot over Waddington Fell provides views of breathtaking beauty. John Bright the Quaker spent two years of his early life here in the heart of the Hodder Valley. The Friends Meeting House dates from 1767.