A Reputation Second To None
Just a short drive away is the Ribble Valley, an area synonymous with beautiful scenery, fabulous food and so much more, writes Tedd Walmsley
I’m often asked whether the reputation the Ribble Valley has for food and drink is hype or richly deserved. I can confirm without any hesitation that we do indeed have a cornucopia of amazing eateries.
National press and food and travel journalists including Jay Rayner are frequent visitors and have helped promote an already burgeoning reputation for food and drink. Recently the Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastro Pubs were announced with two of our pubs featuring in the Top 10.
The Ribble Valley has built its reputation by many of the restaurants drawing on its rich larder of local produce and we have a whole host of other award winning cafes and gastro pubs, along with our very own Michelin restaurant – Northcote.
Recent additions for wining and dining include the emergence of a terrific selection of wine and cask ale bars. In Clitheroe itself the fabulous food hall showcases the very finest of Lancashire fare. There are also plenty of new accommodation options popping up to complete a weekend or mid-week break.
We are not just about food though – our market towns of Clitheroe and Longridge boast many local independent shops offering a vast array of diverse products. Neighbouring village Whalley has always had a reputation for high end retail and has a host of great places to eat and drink too. Award winning lifestyle garden centres often with food to match are also to be found dotted across the valley.
The countryside around the towns is second to none. With countless walks, taking in dog friendly and muddy-boot welcoming pubs and cafes and a myriad of local villages steeped in history and waiting to be explored. As summer approaches our historic houses are also well worth a visit but I would advise you to check out their individual websites for opening times, events and even details of accommodation.
Events will of course be more limited this summer, but as lockdown eases, I’m sure many smaller events will happen alongside the amazing Royal Lancashire Show.
Lastly, there is plenty of good old-fashioned fun to entertain the kids, exploring the woods and riverbanks combined with wet day activities. With summer just around the corner come and join us and see what all the fuss is about.
