The market town of Leyland, South Ribble, combines a diverse history with a vibrant town surrounded by beautiful South Ribble countryside. The greatest Viking silver treasure trove outside Russia was discovered in the South Ribble district. Back in 1840, workmen were repairing an embankment when they came across the Cuerdale Hoard, the remains of a lead chest containing thousands of Viking, Saxon, Arab and Byzantine coins, dating as far back as 900AD. You can see some of the coins from this priceless discovery at the Harris Museum in Preston. Discover more about the town’s past with a visit to St Andrew’s Parish Church, which was built around 1200 and boasts a stone cross that is believed to date back to Saxon times. Look out for Leyland Cross, the oldest structure in town, can be seen on the way out of town. Get an idea of Leyland’s rich industrial heritage with a visit to the Fox Lane Conservation Area, where handloom weavers once worked in basement workshops. Green fingered visitors shouldn’t miss Worden Park, 150 acres of parkland on the outskirts of Leyland. Within the grounds, which are popular with walkers, are magnificent gardens believed to be designed by William Andrews Nesfield, who was responsible for Kew Gardens. Discover its formal gardens, puzzle garden, romantic waterfall ruin and domed icehouse from the miniature railway.