Downham

Nestling under the bulk of Pendle Hill this is one of the loveliest villages in Lancashire, quiet and unspoiled with a gurgling brook running past the village green and stone-built cottages.

The church tower is a splendid example of 15th century architecture. Successive generations of the Assheton family have lived at Downham Hall since 1558; the present squire is Lord Clitheroe of Downham.

A large stone by the entrance to Downham Hall is said to mark the final resting place of two legionnaires who died on the Roman road during trouble with the Brigantes.

The village sits within the Forest of Bowland National Landscape and is completely unspoilt, with no overhead wires, satellite dishes, roadside signage and TV aerials. For this reason it is popular as a filming location for scenes in a traditional village setting, and was used as a location for the famous film Whistle Down the Wind and more recently, the popular BBC drama Born and Bred. It also has associations with Old Mother Demdike and other infamous Lancashire witches. Discover it for yourself with a stay at The Assheton Arms.