Downham

Offering dramatic views of the ‘Big End’ of Pendle, which towers above the village, Downham is one of the undisputed jewels in the Forest of Bowland’s crown. Under the stewardship of the Estate’s owners, the tied cottages in the village are refreshingly free of 21st century clutter like TV aerials or satellite dishes and the pavements remain cobbled. Aside from the popular village pub and ice cream shop, there is little in the way of tourist trappings, but on a sunny afternoon, tables and chairs appear on the green next to the stream and this rural idyll hums with the happy hubbub of families enjoying the sunshine and children paddling in the brook and feeding the ducks.

Highlights A gentle walk through the fields alongside the beck before returning for a picnic on the green or a glass of something cool and refreshing on the sun terrace outside the Assheton Arms.