WELCOME TO THE RIBBLE VALLEY…
Where better to spend your summer than the Ribble Valley with its stunning scenery, rolling green hills, rich history and culinary excellence
The Ribble Valley has long been known as a multi-faceted tourist destination that provides everything from wonderful walks in stunning countryside to a rich history that can be traced back centuries.
In recent years the Valley has become renowned throughout the UK for its gastronomy leading the way when it comes to cooking with fresh, seasonal local produce.
These days that reputation continues to flourish with numerous top class country inns and restaurants. We also have our fair share of celebrated chefs that continue to push the boundaries and lead the way in culinary excellence.
But while Clitheroe has been named as Lancashire’s ‘food town’, there is so much more to the Ribble Valley, which has numerous picturesque villages to visit.
Steeped in history the Valley has a wonderful heritage – award-winning Clitheroe Castle is one of the major landmarks with its fascinating interactive museum and keep that has come to dominate the skyline.
The 14th Century Whalley Abbey is also a major visitor attraction along with the historic village of Ribchester, once the site of a Roman fort and at Sawley, are the remains of a Cistercian Abbey founded in 1148.
While you tour the historic sites in and around the Ribble Valley you can’t fail to notice the beautiful countryside.
If you want to combine history with walking there’s nowhere better – follow in the footsteps of the Pendle Witches beginning at Pendle Hill and trace their journey, learning about the famous witch trials as you go.
Discover the Tolkien Trail, which will take you to the world famous Stonyhurst College where Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was at school and where JRR Tolkien is said to have written part of The Lord of the Rings.
It is understood that the author based part of the book on Hurst Green and the surrounding areas and the Tolkien Trail takes you through this inspirational countryside.
Also in the Ribble Valley lies the Forest of Bowland – a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is the UK’s eleventh largest AONB covering over 300 square miles of rural Lancashire and North Yorkshire.
The majority of Bowland is upland country and fells that are home to a diverse range of birds and wildlife, while the lowland areas feature the Ribble, Wyre, Lune and Hodder valleys.
The area has been recognised nationally for its diverse landscape and rich history – it is a wonderful rural panorama to explore and enjoy.
The towns and villages of the Ribble Valley are full of character – the vibrant market town of Clitheroe has many small independent specialist shops, boutiques and buzzing café bars. If its arts and culture you enjoy, then visit one of the Valley’s many independent galleries or venture further afield to one of the lovely picture postcard villages.
Whatever you decide to do on your visit to the Ribble Valley, whether it’s a walk in the country, a bike ride at Gisburn Forest, a visit to the castle and museum or eating at one of the rural inns that have become renowned for their gastronomic expertise, you will be given a warm and enthusiastic welcome – something else for which the Ribble Valley is renowned!
