Top Hat Tours

Simon Entwistle specialises in all things Ribble Valley, and here is a list of the many tours he conducts in the area, These range from historical to spooky, but all with an entertaining twist. Whistle Down the Wind walking tour In 1961 British film directors Bryan Forbes and Richard Attenborough made the classic British film in the beautiful picturesque village of Downham. This walking tour takes in the history of this fabulous film by walking from Downham to Worsten, a distance of 2 miles. You will visit all the areas associated with the film and have regular stops to take in each scene. This tour is ideal for walking groups, and also ideal for coach companies. £5 per adult, £2.50 per child, concessions for coach companies. Ribble Valley explorer coach parties This tour starts in Clitheroe with a visit to the famous castle and a look at its history and if requested, a look at the museum. Then a visit the famous sausage shop Cowmans in Clitheroe, and the hugely popular wine shop Byrnes, two award winning shops. From here to rejoin the coach and explore the fabulous Ribble Valley, taking in Stoneyhurst College, Jeffrey Hill and its outstanding views, Then making way through the award winning villages of Chipping, Dunsop Bridge and Slaidburn for afternoon tea. For a full day tour the fee is £120. Pendle Witch tours - 2 hr mini bus tour Visit all the witch villages of Blako, Barley, Newchurch, Roughlee and Colne. Also visit the site of the unearthed cottage found in 2012. The tour takes in the true story of the 1612 trials, surrounded by the hypnotic and seductive Pendle Hill. This tour also visits the heritage centre at Barrowford and the witches galore shop in Newchurch Fee for private tours is £25 per person and concessions for coach companies. This tour is a must for all who find the Pendle Witches story fascinating. Ghost walks Clitheroe and Whalley These tours last 1hr 30mins and visit areas associated wth ghostly goings on. Visit the grave of Pendle Witch magistrate Roger Nowell, and the haunting of the Western Gate House, Ribble Valley highwayman Ned King who came from Colchester, Essex with his friend Dick Turpin. He was shot by the red coats in 1741, we visit the grounds of Whalley Abbey and the ghost of Abbott John Paslew. In Clitheroe, here the stories of beheadings in the Norman Keep, The Ghost Coach of 1874 and the haunted Museum. You can also book a Clitheroe ghost walk with a meal at the fabulous empourium resturant ideal for groups. These tours are ideal for visitors and indeed coach companies again. £5 per adult £2.50 per child. Ghost walks are also available in Blackburn, Colne, Darwen, Accrington and Blackpool. Guided spooky tours of halls Browsholme Hall, Ribble Valley. This hall is situated in the heart of the Ribble Valley and full of famous artifacts, including a human skull that must never see the light of day for fear of bringing the curse to life. Also part of the L31 Zeppelin shot down in 1916. Visit Samlesbury Hall, the most haunted building in Lancashire, A must for those who enjoy a shiver down your back. The white lady is a regular ghostly visitor. Townley Hall, Burnley, where every room in this magnificent building has a story behind it. Heroes, villains and a famous headless ghost of Francis Townley executed in 1746. Simon will conduct each tour. Ribble Valley Inns Visit six ancient inns in the Ribble Valley and listen to a story from each one. This tour is ideal for coach companies and can be conducted in a 40 seater or indeed a mini bus. Visit The Asshetton Arms, Downham for the Pendle Witch story, then visit the Red Pump at Bashall Eaves to listen to Scotland Yard's unsolved murder of 1934. Then make way to Slaidburn and the fabulous 1732 Hark to Bounty and the Court rooms and their horrible histories. From here to the fabulous Inn at Whitewell owned by Queen Elizabeth. This stunning building has many a secret including the Epsom Derby Sting. Then visit the most haunted inn in the county of Lancashire, the 1758 Sun Inn and the hauntings of Lizzie Dean, 1835. Then finally returning to Clitheroe. The tour lasts just under six hours it's a great day out. Ideal for not only tourists but for parties and team building days. Fee is £30 and concessions for coach companies. For more information please visit www.tophattours.co.uk