Our local village of Whalley
The picturesque village of Whalley is thriving with shops, galleries and tea rooms and is also home to Whalley Abbey. This is a large and important Cistercian Abbey dating back to 1296 where visitors can view the protected ancient ruins. Whalley has a rich selection of designer clothing stores lining the streets and many a new visitor seeks out the surprising ‘find’ they’ve been looking for.
Cycling
From Hackings Holiday Park outstanding scenery, picturesque villages, charming tea rooms and a network of quiet lanes are all waiting to be explored and what better way to do it than by bike? Cycling around this area of outstanding natural beauty under your own power, coming across hidden gems around every corner, this truly is a spectacular area for biking enthusiasts of all types and levels.
Fishing
Fancy a lazy day fishing on the River Ribble? The Aspinall Arms at Mitton near Whalley (BB7 9PQ, Tel. 01254 826223) is the place to go and only a couple of miles away. Day Tickets to fish the Environment Agency stretch of the Rivers Ribble & Calder can be obtained exclusively from The Aspinall Arms at Mitton. The Pub is situated approximately 2 miles from the centre of Whalley on the banks of the River Ribble. The Mitton Beat is a mixed fishery on the River Ribble and specific rules apply. The beat is divided into three sections A, B and C. These sections are listed on the day permit and state the limits and methods that may be used within these areas. The 1.5-mile stretch features many fast runs and deep pools. As well as salmon and sea trout the beat offers excellent grayling and brown trout fishing, along with good sport for chub fishing in the winter months. Key Species: salmon, sea trout, grayling, brown trout, chub, and the occasional barbel.
Local countryside
Take an afternoon to explore the stunning countryside and nearby quaint villages, starting at the old Roman town of Ribchester and loosely following the Roman roads that radiate from the old fort. In Ribchester village explore the remains of the Roman Baths and the ramparts of the fort before following the Roman road to the top of Jeffrey Hill which provides stunning views across to the Bowland fells and Hodder Valley. From there a trail descends to the picturesque villages of Chipping and Hurst Green, home to the world famous Stonyhurst College where Arthur Conan Doyle and JRR Tolkein were students. Tolkein wrote much of his Lord of the Rings trilogy whilst visiting the area and the Ribble Valley is allegedly the inspiration for The Shire and Hobbit.
Shopping
For the ladies (and men) who love to shop, the thriving market town of Clitheroe is a shopper’s delight and a dream to those who dislike mass-market produced goods. Avoiding mass commercial development this historic town is adorned with a variety of shops and offers visitors a truly unique atmosphere.
Further afield but only 20 minutes on the train is the City of Preston. Lose yourself in one of the city centre shopping malls, large stores and small independent shops.
Pubs, restaurants and cafe’s
The Dog Inn, Whalley – Tel. 01254 823009
Traditional village inn, offering both excellent hospitality, beer, food and a unique – and often eccentric – community atmosphere. There is always a fine array of real ales to enjoy and up to six to sample. They rotate regularly. They are also included in the ‘Good Beer Guide’ and have an excellent wine list.
Northcote, Langho – Tel. 01254 240555
Northcote has an elegant, stylish and sophisticated dining room with views of the garden and distant hills of the beautiful Ribble Valley – fine dining with a professional but true Northern hospitality.
Mitton Hall, Nr Whalley – Tel. 01254 826544
The Brasserie Menu offers an exceptional showcase of our regions produce. The freshest ingredients, locally sourced wherever possible, are treated with great flair, respect and imagination by Head Chef Pedro Cebrero and his hard-working team which makes Mitton Hall a fabulous fine dining experience. Or if the fancy takes you, they serve afternoon tea too.
The Three Fishes, Mitton – Tel. 01254 826888
The Three Fishes is situated in the tiny picturesque hamlet of Mitton, Near Whalley in the rural haven of the Ribble Valley. Enjoy regional Cask Ales and an award winning wine list. All of this in a wonderfully relaxing environment, with al fresco dining in the summer and crackling logs fires in the winter.
The Inn at Whitewell, Whitewell – Tel. 01200 448222
In the 1300’s The Inn at Whitewell was just a small manor house, lived in by the keepers of the Royal forest. The Royal connection still remains as the Inn forms part of the Duchy of Lancaster Estate. Seasonal grouse from Lancashire Moor, pheasant and partridge from Dunsop shoot, Bowland beef and Lonk lamb from Burholme Farm are staples on the menu, all easily seen from the Inn’s windows.
The Swan Hotel Whalley – Tel. 01254 822195
The Swan Hotel is a vibrant 17th Century four star coaching inn – located at the heart of the thriving village of Whalley in the beautiful Lancashire Ribble Valley. The ideal place to sit back, relax, unwind and enjoy. With a blend of old and new, they provide a relaxed mixture of excellent food, comfortable interiors, good beers and wines in a lovely village location.
The Black Bull, Old Langho – Tel. 01254 248801
As well as a main menu they have a light bite sandwich menu, weekly specials, roasts on Sundays and a children’s menu. Their menu is available to take away, along with outside catering and a full buffet facility. They pride themselves on beers, always having a range of five real ales to choose from and different guest beers in on a weekly basis.
