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Exploring Ribble Valley

Where can you make your own exciting journey to the centre of the Kingdom?

In Ribble Valley, where the pretty village of Dunsop Bridge has officially been declared the very centre of the United Kingdom. 'The Journey Through the Centre of the Kingdom' 46-mile waymarked walk is certainly the most adventurous route to take, beginning at the Norman Clitheroe Castle in the historic market town of Clitheroe, passing a ruined Cistercian Abbey in Whalley, medieval churches, and the homes of two historic traitors to the Crown, all set in one of the most unspoilt Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty - the Forest of Bowland.

Made up of quaint, well-preserved villages, scattered amongst a stunning and picturesque landscape of woodland and moorland filled with fascinating wildlife, Ribble Valley truly is a place worth discovering.

Boasting quiet country lanes, tumbling hills and meandering rivers, Ribble Valley is the perfect rural retreat. Whether exploring by foot, bike, horseback or simply taking a leisurely drive you are promised some unforgettable scenic views from the dramatic hills and fells.

Dominating Ribble Valley is the infamous Pendle Hill. See the mist lifting over it as you enter the valley, it sets the scene and entices visitors to explore the mysterious history of its famous Pendle witches and their executions.

Independent, specialist boutiques line the little village streets. Take a step back in time and visit the market town of Clitheroe stopping at Byrnes famous award winning wine store and sample wines from around the world. Step back to the future and visit the many designer clothes boutiques in Whalley and Longridge.

With so much on offer Ribble Valley has attracted its fair amount of media attention over the years and has many a claim to fame, the Queen has even been quoted as saying she wishes to retire to the Forest of Bowland, which forms the majority of the district.

Food lovers will not be disappointed, local produce is definitely the emphasis, sample homemade ice cream from Mrs Dowson's Diary, or cheese from Leagram Organic Farm, all washed down with a pint of Bowland Real Ale, getting the chance not to just taste the food but see where its comes from and how its made. Launched this year is the Ribble Valley Food Trail, why not pick up a copy and see what delicious delights you can uncover.

Variety is one Ribble Valley's strong points, offering tearooms to fine dining, campsites to luxurious cottages and fishing to off road mountain biking, the area has something to suit everyone. Whatever your reason for visiting beautiful Ribble Valley you are always assured a warm and friendly Lancashire welcome.

Towns and Villages in Ribble Valley:

• Clitheroe
• Dunsop Bridge
• Downham
• Bashall Eaves
• Chipping
• Hurst Green
• Ribchester
• Longridge
• Newton in Bowland
• Bolton-by-Bowland
• Slaidburn
• Bashall Eaves
• Chaigley
• Whalley
• Sabden
• Clayton le Moors
• Mitton
• Gisburn
• Grindleton
• Mellor
• Sawley
• Worston
• Tosside
• Whitewell
• Worston

More information . . .

• Ribble Valley Accommodation
• Things to do in the Ribble Valley
• Places to eat and drink in the Ribble Valley
• What's on in the Ribble Valley
• Pennine Lancashire
  

Highlights in the Ribble Valley:

• Forest of Bowland
• Stonyhurst College
• Ribchester Roman Museum
• Clitheroe Castle
• Bowland Wild Boar Park
• Browsholme Hall
• Bashall Barn
• Inn at Whitewell
• Three Fishes
• Northcote Manor

Did you know....
that in the biography by Sarah Bradford,
Queen Elizabeth II has expressed a desire to retire to this region of rural Lancashire.