Clitheroe is a historic market town at the centre of the Ribble Valley, well placed for exploring the surrounding countryside, including the Forest of Bowland National Landscape. With a wide range of places to stay—from traditional B&Bs to camping and caravan sites—it works well as a base for spending more time in this part of Lancashire. The town itself has deep roots, dating back to Saxon times, with layers of history still visible today.
Overlooking it all is Clitheroe Castle, a 12th-century Norman landmark often described as the smallest of its kind in England. Set within landscaped grounds, it’s home to a museum as well as gardens, walking routes and family-friendly features including a playground and labyrinth. From the castle, routes lead out into the surrounding area, while back in the town centre you’ll find a strong mix of specialist and independent shops, making it a popular place to browse as well as explore.
Find out more Visit Ribble Valley
Calling all food lovers! We've put together a list of great places to eat across Lancashire that are either completely plant-based or have a fantastic vegan or vegetarian range of meals on their menu
Lancashire is known for its fabulous days out, with so many great attractions, things to do and extraordinary events that provide all the ingredients for a memorable half-term.
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.
Read MoreThe 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.
Read MoreBask in the shadow of the iconic Pendle Hill with a range of menus, from brunch, to four-course fine dining set dinner menu.
Read MoreWith glorious views of the Ribble Valley countryside framed by picture windows that let the light flood in, chandeliers above the dance floor and feature fire places our Abbey Room is the perfect balance of grandeur and modern country charm.
Read MoreBoasting a traditional informal pub atmosphere with some modern tasteful touches, the inn now offers excellent food and seven beautifully appointed and individually furnished bedrooms.
Read MoreTruly one of the most magical wedding venues in the UK. Nestled within 1000-acres of historic Ribble Valley countryside, Gisburne Park Estate is one of Lancashire's finest private estates.
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Date: 28th Jun 2026
Whether you're at the start of your wedding planning or just looking for inspiration, this is the perfect informal way to see what's on offer.
Read MoreDates: 1st Jun 2026 - 30th Jun 2026
Read MoreDates: 1st Jun 2026 - 30th Jun 2026
Read MoreDate: 11th Jul 2026
Join Mountain Croft Felted Fleece for a talk about the history, techniques and materials used in peg looming.
Read MoreDate: 21st Jul 2026
Find out how this new material would have had a radical effect on how people lived their lives.
Read MoreDate: 23rd Jul 2026
Celebrate the Festival of Archaeology 2026 and book your young archaeologists (age 7 years +) onto one of the kid's workshops,
Read MoreFollow in the footsteps of the most recent visit to Lancashire by King Charles III on this royal itinerary
Read MoreDuration2 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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