History & Heritage
O LA LA! BIG REVEAL STARTS AT CLITHEROE’S NORMAN KEEP
Posted on:
11 September 2026
Ribble Valley
Discover Ribble Valley for a day out centred on wide-open countryside, historic landmarks and a strong sense of place. Clitheroe sits at the heart of it, with Clitheroe Castle a must-see — home to a hands-on museum and one of the smallest Norman Keeps in the country, with views stretching right across the valley. Just a short walk away, Holmes Mill has transformed a former textiles site into one of Lancashire’s most distinctive destinations, bringing together food, drink and heritage under one roof.
Beyond the town, the valley is filled with places that tell the story of the area. From the ruins of Sawley Abbey and the peaceful grounds of Whalley Abbey to the Roman Museum at Ribchester, history is never far away. Browsholme Hall offers a glimpse into Lancashire’s oldest surviving family home, while Pendle Hill provides a well-known backdrop, popular with walkers and closely linked to the Pendle Witch Trials. Alongside it all, you’ll find village pubs, local producers and farm shops that make Ribble Valley just as well known for its food as it is for its scenery.
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Be Inspired
This weekend will be another busy one across Lancashire with plenty of great events filled with fun for you to enjoy.
Another great weekend of fun awaits in Lancashire this week! From celebrating the 1940s to the heritage of one of Lancashire's most famous fishing ports, through to monsters and fire feasts, there is something for everyone
Ribble Valley Businesses
Groups | Wet Weather
Bowland Social at Holmes Mill
Bowland Social is a vibrant social playground, bringing together classic games, great food and drinks, and a lively atmosphere.
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Family Friendly
The Edisford Bridge Country Pub
Traditional country pub nestled in the heart of the Ribble Valley, serving local ales and seasonal a la carte dining.
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Business Directory
Holmes Mill
The beautifully renovated former textiles mill is pretty hard to miss and is home to the fabulous new showcase and tasting parlour for Bowland Brewery the Beer Hall.
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Business Directory
Eight at Gazegill
Bask in the shadow of the iconic Pendle Hill with a range of menus, from brunch, to four-course fine dining set dinner menu.
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TASTE | Wet Weather
Boiler House Bowling
Never been duck pin bowling? It’s exactly like ten pin bowling, except the lanes and balls are smaller, making a strike even harder to achieve.
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Family Friendly | Wet Weather
Spellbinding Wicked-Inspired Party at Leaping Lizards Play Centre
Date: 29th Oct 2026
Expect games, activities, magical moments and lots of photo opportunities as we celebrate in true Oz style.
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Events
Ribchester Roman Bathhouse Open Day - Ribchester Roman Bath House
Date: 19th Sept 2026
The bathhouse was built in c.AD100 for the Roman soldiers stationed at the cavalry fort at Ribchester. The suite of rooms included a cold room, warm and hot rooms, and a sweating room which were used by both the military and civilians....
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Events
One Day Upholstery Workshop - Holden Clough Nurseries
Date: 20th Sept 2026
Many think that older furniture was built better, stronger, and sturdier than they are today, but over time, cushions and covers can rip, fade, or the designs cxan simply become outdated.Join Lynne in this beginner’s upholstery class w...
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Events
Felted Friends Wellbeing Workshop - Holden Clough Nurseries
Date: 24th Sept 2026
Thursday 24th September 2026, 10.00am - 4.00pmThis workshop is part of a series of creative wellbeing workshops organised by the Cauda Equina Champions Charity to help raise awareness of Cauda Equina Syndrome.Unleash your c...
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Arts & Culture
Tenderly: The Life & Times of Nat King Cole at Mellor Brook Community Centre
Date: 26th Sept 2026
Timeless music and captivating stories
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Arts & Culture | History & Heritage
Blacksmithing Course at Carter and Duck Blacksmith
Date: 27th Sept 2026
Blacksmithing experience days.
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Arts & Culture | History & Heritage | TASTE
Explore Lancashire Like King Charles III - A Royal-Inspired Day Out
Follow in the footsteps of the most recent visit to Lancashire by King Charles III on this royal itinerary
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Ribble Valley Routes & Trails
Free things to do | History & Heritage | Outdoors
The Tolkien Trail - in the Footsteps of J.R.R. Tolkien
Duration2 hours 30 mins
Distance5.5 miles
Many areas in the UK claim to have inspired J.R.R Tolkien creation of middle earth but the author certainly spent a lot of his time at Stonyhurst College working on The Lord of the Rings during the Second World War.
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Free things to do | Outdoors
Trough of Bowland Cycling Route
Duration4 hours
Distance34 miles
A 34 mile loop taking you through the beautiful Trough of Bowland and Forest of Bowland National Landscape starting in Garstang
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