LOCAL INFORMATION
Ribblesdale Park is situated amongst an area which has a vast array of amenities available to suit every taste. As part of your new lifestyle, why not experience the real charm of the beautiful Ribble Valley, a national secret. Visit local caves, art galleries, pubs, castles, spas, golf courses or take on the famous Pendle Hill.
The following information has been collated to assist you in getting around some of the highlights:
WELCOME TO THE RIBBLE VALLEY...
...a rural haven of beautiful moor land, contented sheep and spectacular scenery.
It is this landscape that provided inspiration for J.R.R. Tolkien’s ‘Lord of the Rings.’ A 5.5 mile route around the village of Hurst Green traces his footsteps in what is a blueprint for his ‘Middle Earth’ map.
Despite Tolkien's homage, the Ribble Valley's timeless rural beauty remains one of England's best-kept secrets.
Picture postcard villages like Downham are often used as a backdrop for movies and television dramas. While the Forest of Bowland, which forms a large part of the Ribble Valley, is one of the largest Areas of Outstanding National Beauty in the country.
Pendle Hill, one of the areas unmistakable landmarks, looks down upon Ribblesdale Park. It was here in 1652 that George Fox had his vision that led to the foundation of the Quaker religion. However, the hill is probably better known for its connection to the legend of the Lancashire Witches (some of whom are buried at Gisburn Church).
Further afield are the breathtaking Yorkshire Dales, the Lancashire coast and the numerous walks through the Pennines. The northwest is a region of great icons from the stunning 21st Century Imperial War Museum North (designed buy the same architect who is rebuilding the World Trade Centre in New York City) to the 2000 year old Hadrian’s Wall Heritage Site; from the unparalleled beauty of The Lake District National Park, to the brilliant Blackpool; from the Tate Liverpool to John Ruskin’s admired Lune Valley; from the scenic Settle – Carlisle Railway to Andy Goldsworthy’s outdoor sculptures at Grizedale Forest Park.
Sixteen great lakes, England’s five highest mountains, the homes of William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter, hundreds of miles of unspoilt countryside, haunted historic buildings, hidden valleys and tiny hamlets are what sit on your doorstep at Ribblesdale Park.
GREAT DAYS OUT
Pendle Hill
Walk up the Nick of Pendle from Downham village and then reward yourself with a huge lunch at the Assheton Arms.
Ingleton
White Scar Caves – an underground world including the UKs largest cave.
The Waterfalls Walk – woodland gorges and waterfalls.
Ingleborough – walk one of the famous 3 peaks (2372 feet).
The Settle – Carlisle Railway.
Hawes
Stunning market town which is home to Wensleydale Cheese, Dales Countryside Museum, endless craft shops, pubs, workshops, cafes and local tradesmen. Plus walks into 6 major dales. Was awarded 1998 ‘Best Day Trip Out’.
Stump Cross Caverns
01756 752 780
One of the UK’s most extensive collection of caves in the heart of Niderdale.
Kilnsey Trout Farm
Stunning location in Wharfedale by the famous Kilnsey Crag. Fishing, animals, walking, pony trekking and a great café / restaurant.
Malham
Malham is a small village in the Pennines at the southern base of the Yorkshire Dales. The main attractions are the stunning scenery of Malham Cove and Gordale Scar both of which are within walking distance from the village.
Bowland Wild Boar Farm
01995 62554
Fantastic for younger kids. All sorts to do an learn about life on a farm and wild boar. Highly recommended.
Bolton Abbey
80 miles of walks within this magical Yorkshire Estate along the River Wharfe. Also check out Hesketh Farm, endless cafes and restaurants and the Estate shops.
The Coniston Hotel
01756 748080
Fun day out with activites ranging from Shooting, 4 x 4 Driving, fly fishing, falconry, archery and horse riding, tuition available. www.theconistonhotel.com
The Settle to Carlisle Railway
The most scenic rail journey in the UK.
Ingleton Waterfall Walk & White Scar Caves
A great day out for everyone
ACTIVITIES IN AND AROUND THE RIBBLE VALLEY
WALKING
Click here to view walking routes in and around the Forest of Bowland.
SPORTS
CYCLING
Ribblesdale Park
Private cycle path take you through Gisburn Park Estates to the village of Gisburn
Bowland by Bike
Ambitious route through districts of Lancaster, Wyre, Ribble Valley, and Pendle
Gisburn Forest
Cycle network of 16km through the largest forest in Lancashire.
Lancashire Cycleway – north and south circular route which met in the historic town of Whalley.
Pennine Cycleway North
150 mile path through ‘England’s last wilderness’ – beginning in Cumbria’s Appleby and ending at Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage Site.
HEALTH CLUB / SPA / TENNIS / SQUASH / SWIMMING
Tao Spa, Hicks
01200 426887
Lee Carter, Clitheroe
01200 424475
Hicks Health & Fitness Club
01200 426887
Stirk House Hotel, Gisburn
01200 445099
Sandy Lands Sports Centre
01756 795003
GOLF
Royal Skipton Golf Club
01756 795657
Clitheroe Golf Club
01200 422618
Pleasington Golf Club
01254 202177
Towneley Golf Club
01282 438473
Whalley Golf Cub
01254 822236
FISHING
Pendle View Fisheries, A59, Nr Clitheroe
01200 822208
Bradshaw Fisheries, Bolton, Bradshaw
01200 307197
Stocks Fly Fisheries, Slaidburn, Nr Clitheroe
01200 446602
The Coniston Hotel, Skipton
01756 748080
CLAY PIGEON SHOOTING/4x4 DRIVING
The Coniston Hotel
01200 748080
HERITAGE
Browsholme Hall, nr Clitheroe
01254 826719
Historic home of the Parker family, ring for date of opening.
Clitheroe Castle and Museum – 12th Century
01200 424635
Brings to life the history and geology of the Ribble Valley
Gawthorpe Hall, Padiham
01282 77100
A Jacobean manor house renovated in the 19th century by Sir Charles Barry. Features fine wood and plasterwork and houses the Rachel Kay-shuttleworth collection of needlework and textiles.
Hoghton Tower, Hoghton, nr Preston
01254 852986
Historic 16th century house stands majestically on its hill overlooking the west of Lancashire. In 1617 King James the first knighted a loin of beef here, hence the term “sirloin” also where William Shakespeare started his working life. Gardens plus frequent events.
Helmshore Textile Museum, Nr Rossendale
01706 226459
18th Century water powered woollen fulling mill. Colleciton of early textile machines in working order and a museum of Lancashire’s textile industry.
Ribchester Roman Museum
01254 878261
This village was built on the roman site of Bremetennacum. Lancashire’s only specialist Roman museum.
Samlesbury Hall, Samlesbury, nr Blackburn
01254 812010
An ancient manor house, one the home of the Southworth family. Built in 1325 by Gilbert de Southworth, the hall is an impressive black and white timbered building. The hall is set in attractive gardens whicha re home to the “Bowmen of Samlesbury”. There is a regular programme of events and extensive displays of antiques and collecotr items, all of which are for sale.
Stonyhurst College, Hurst Green, Clitheroe
01254 826345
Magnificent 16th century manor house, home to a famous Catholic co-educational independent school. Guide tours available.
Whalley Abbey - Founded 1296
01254 828400
Cistercian Abbey ruins set in beautiful gardens and woodland. Coffee shop, gift shop and exhibition centre
Sawley Abbey - Founded 1147
Home to Cisternian monks for almost four hundred years until it was dissolved in 1536. The monks joined protestors in the Pilgrimage of Grace, a rebellion against the Dissolution of many of the North’s Catholic monasteries. Two monks from Sawley were arrested and executed on the order of Henry VIII and the Abbey was dismantled.
BIKES FOR HIRE
Take a ride into the heart of Bowland, up and over the Fells, or a gentler route around the rolling countryside of the Ribble and Hodder Valleys. You'll be rewarded with quiet country lanes, pretty villages and stunning views all around you of the famous Bowland Fells.
We believe cycling should be fun so don't worry, a modern bicycle with multi gears is very easy to use, and our clear route sheets will get you safely back again. If you prefer you can just saddle up and do your own thing. Your bike will be available at Ribblesdale Park so you can ride straight out into beautiful countryside.
Please note, bike hire is subject to availability. For more information, download the pdf leaflet here.
ART GALLERIES / ARCHITECTURE
- Salts Mill, Saltaire 01274 531185 A great day out in a converted mill. Inspired by David Hockney. Shops, galleries, restaurants etc.
- Platform Gallery, Clitheroe 01200 443071
- The Imperial War Museum of the North, Manchester 0161 836 4000 Built by Daniel Leibkand who is the architect for the new World Trade Centre in New York. Spectacular.
- Haworth Gallery, Accrington 01254 233782
- Blackburn Museum & Gallery 01254 667130
- Tate Liverpool 0151 7027400
SHOPPING
Boundary Mill Stores, Colne
01282 865229
One of Pendle’s most popular visitor attractions selling a range of top brands at discounted prices. Have lunch at one of their restuarants. I recommend the fish and chippy called Bannys.
Bashall Barn Farm Shop, Bashall Town
01200 428964
Selection of local produce , coffee shop and resident artist.
Byrnes Wine Shop, Clitheroe
01200 423152
Family owned business, excellent selection of wines worth a visit, meader through the enormous cellar, very well stocked.
Roy Porters Butchers, Chatburn
01200 450948
Excellent organic butcher, will need to queue very popular, try their homemade pies – delicious.
Cowmans Sausage Shop, Clitheroe
01200 423842
High quality butcher, homemade sausages many traditional flavours and some quite whacky new ones.
Cheesie Tchaikovsky, Clitheroe
01200 428366
Wonderful selection of cheeses, sandwiches, soups, pates and general yummy stuff.
Clitheroe Market Town
Booths, Tesco, Sainsburys and high street shops
Settle Market Town
Booths and a variety of touristy shops.
Skipton Market Town
Tesco, Morrisons and good selection of high street shops
Harrogate
Beautiful town with an excellent selection of high quality shops with the famous & original Betty’s Tea Room.
Kirby Lonsdale & Kendal
Both towns have a varied selection of good quality shops, cafes & restaurants
BOOK ONLINE HERE...
BOOKING RULES
Long breaks:
Sat to Sat (7 Nights)
Short breaks:
Mon to Fri (4 Nights)
Fri to Mon (3 Nights)
If your ideal dates dont match or your choice of accommodation appears unavailable please call reception on: 01200 445 227 and we will try to assist you.
