Villages EXPLORE THE VALLEY’S

Ribble Valley is a valley to enjoy in all seasons. It’s pretty as a picture villages are our hidden gems. From delightful Downham at the foot of Pendle Hill, to charming flower filled Chipping, Ribchester with its Roman museum and Dunsop Bridge, the official centre of the United Kingdom, each has its own distinctive history and character. But don’t just take our word for it - come and explore them.

BOLTON-BYBOWLAND

After walking the three-mile village trail which also passes through some of the Forest of Bowland’s finest parkland, a welcome awaits at the Coach and Horses, a country inn offering great food and luxurious accommodation. For splendid bed and breakfast with fantastic dinner options, Middle Flass is on the outskirts of the village, while Stone Mouse Cottage and Harrop

Fold Cottages are located in the nearby hamlet of Harrop. Historic delights include the remains of a 13th century market cross and stocks and the 13th century St Peter and St Paul church with its unusual memorial.

Take time too to discover Holden Clough, just a few minutes’ drive away. This awardwinning plant nursery is an inspiration.

Bashall Eaves And Bashall Town

Right in the heart of rural Ribble Valley Bashall Town is home to Browsholme Hall, a Grade I listed historic house open for events, tours and weddings. The Red Pump Inn is a luxury country inn with bed and breakfast, yurt and shepherds hut accommodation. It also has a unique giant yurt for wedding parties. Please don’t be deceived by the Town tag - Bashall is a village!

Downham

Downham’s attractive cottages, stream and absence of overhead wires, aerials and signage make it a soughtafter location for film and TV companies. Often described as the most beautiful village in Lancashire, a visitor information display at the village car park provides details of local walks and places to visit. Greendale View Kitchen on the outskirts of the village offers delightful meals, home baked organic bread and bed and breakfast accommodation and is popular with walkers and cyclists. The Downham estate, commanding outstanding views of Pendle Hill, has been in the Assheton family since 1588.

Mitton

For a tiny hamlet Mitton has an outstanding visitor offer. With a welcoming open fire in winter and a riverbank terrace garden with seating in summer, plus an outstanding menu and drinks selection the Aspinall Arms is enduringly popular. The fine mediaeval All Hallows church is also not to be missed. Nearby Mitton Hall is a 14th century country house hotel offering luxurious accommodation. It is one of the Valley’s leading wedding venues with elegant interiors, a brasserie, a bar and outstanding views. The Three Fishes restaurant is also in Mitton, here, you will discover a true garden to fork experience and even tour the vegetable garden where much of their fresh produce is grown.

If you are looking for the latest luxury in self-catering, then look no further than Bowland Retreat Lodges offering exclusive accommodation with panoramic views across Ribble Valley to Pendle Hill.

Sawley

The remains of Sawley Abbey, a Cistercian Abbey founded in 1148, nestles against a beautiful backdrop of hills. This ancient site is free to visit. Afterwards enjoy refreshments at the nearby award-winning riverside pub the Spread Eagle Inn. Its unique and versatile function room is popular for weddings and a range of events.

Waddington

This picture postcard village at the foot of Waddington Fell boasts three fabulous pubs, an historic church and a much-admired riverside garden open to the public. Comfortable accommodation and food can be found at the Waddington Arms or the Lower Buck, both located in the heart of the village .

The annual Duck race Is an event not to miss.

Seek out Melt, a specialist producer of handmade fine fragrance candles. Located on Twitter Lane at Backridge, Melt offers much to delight in, including skincare and perfume ranges.

Worston

This village is an ideal base for walks to Pendle and on to Downham. Families, walkers and cyclists are welcome at the Calf’s Head which offers a relaxed eating and dining experience, an open fire, a popular Sunday carvery, and 12 characterful en-suite rooms add to its year-round appeal, while sweeping views of Pendle can be enjoyed from its large and charming garden. Chestnut Cottage also offers a very comfortable self-catering choice in the village centre.

On the outskirts of the village Angram Green caravan park Is the ultimate scenic getaway destination set beneath the awesome Pendle hill with views across to the Yorkshire Dales.

West Bradford

Mahatma Gandhi stayed here during his tour of Lancashire cotton mills in 1931 and was another convert to the delights of the Valley, commenting on its beauty.

Nearly a century on you can stay at the Three Rivers Caravan Park. Set in a 22-acre ancient woodland its café offers home cooking with light bites, local produce and crafted sweet treats. The Grade II listed 3 Millstones pub located in the village’s centre is a favourite with diners too.

Sabden

Sabden is a walkers’ paradise, criss-crossed by public footpaths, with direct access to the famous Pendle Hill and commanding panoramic views across Ribble Valley. It boasts shops, a café, bowling green, ski slope and children’s playground.

Nearby the Higher Trapp Country House Hotel, nestled in 36 acres of magnificent terraced gardens welcomes visitors to dine or to stay in its luxury bedrooms.

Cobden View Holiday Cottage is a great choice for selfcatering in a village also renowned for its links with social reformer and campaigner Richard Cobden, who pioneered calico printing in its mills.

Dunsop Bridge

You’ll find Dunsop Bridge at “the centre of the kingdom”. Located on part of the Queen’s Duchy of Lancaster estate this UK landmark village offers delightful walks, a super playground and refreshments. The much-loved Puddleducks has long been a popular choice for walkers, families and cyclists seeking food and drink, while the village green is beloved by all age groups. St Hubert’s Church, a small Catholic church designed by Edward Pugin, reputedly built from the winnings of the racehorse Kettledrum at the 1861 Derby is a short walk from the village centre.

Slaidburn

From its source high in the Bowland hills the river Hodder continues its journey south passing through the handsome 'caught in time' village of Slaidburn which is hidden by neighbouring hills. Look out for the 300-year-old village school, historic church, village shop and the delightful stone cottages. Here you will find the Riverbank Tearooms and the adjacent riverside meadow is always a great choice for picnics. The Hark to Bounty pub and the wildflower filled Coronation Meadows are also well worth a visit. Diary date: Slaidburn hosts an annual weekend Steam Fair.

Chipping

This picturesque Bowland village with pubs and cafés and a farm shop offers a warm welcome to visitors. The village shop Brabin’s is believed to be the longest continuing trading shop in the country and has, during its 350-year history, had roles ranging from baker to butcher. Visitors appreciate the village’s charm and tranquility, plus its abundance of flower power. It has won Britain in Bloom recognition.

The gardens at Gibbon Bridge Hotel are the perfect place for afternoon tea whilst just along the road, is the home of Leagram organic cheese where you can watch cheesemaking and of course buy some local flavours to taste.

On the outskirts of the village, you will find the famous Wild Boar Park, a family attraction well worth a visit.

Dates for the diary: Chipping Steam Fair and Chipping Agricultural Show.

Nearby Thornley boasts Little Town cafe and farm shop, another great place to experience local produce.

Chatburn

The village of Chatburn is another tasty surprise, home to the award-winning Roy Porter’s Butchers, as celebrated on BBC Radio 2 by DJ Chris Evans for its outstanding pork pies. Just over the road you will also discover the most delicious homemade ice cream at Hudson’s, a popular local business that has been running for over 100 years. Enjoying stunning views across the rest of Bowland. A pretty amenity area and a riverside walk make Chatburn an attractive place to visit.

Whitewell

Many journey to this tiny hamlet to enjoy the splendid experience of visiting the Inn at Whitewell on the Duchy of Lancaster estate. Once a small manor house the earliest parts of the property date back to the 1300s when it was home to the Keeper of the King’s Forest of Bowland. Set above the River Hodder this 18th century former coaching inn overlooks open countryside and fells.

The venue, with its wood panelling, fireplaces and antique furniture offers bar meals or more formal dining. Many of the bedrooms have fireplaces, exposed beams and Victorian cabinet baths and some have four posters and riverside views.