Search results
People also ask
What is the forest of Bowland?
What is the forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty?
What is Bowland national landscape?
Where is Bowland?
Why is Bowland AONB important?
Why is Bowland called the Royal Forest of Bowland?
The Forest of Bowland was designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in 1964. The AONB also includes a detached part known as the Forest of Pendle separated from the main part by the Ribble Valley, and anciently a royal forest with its own separate history.
Discover Bowland and explore 803 sq km of rural Lancashire and Yorkshire. The Forest of Bowland was designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1964 and provides some of the most peaceful and remote walking, riding and cycling in the country.
The Forest of Bowland is one of 46 National Landscapes across Britain and covers 803 square kilometres (312 square miles) of overwhelmingly rural landscapes in Lancashire and Yorkshire.
- Whalley Abbey
- Sawley Abbey
- Browsholme Hall
- Stonyhurst College
- Clitheroe Castle
- Trough of Bowland
- Gisburn Forest
- Beacon Fell Country Park
- Bowland Knotts
- Pendle Hill Walk
Although technically located just outside of the Forest of Bowland in the historic village of Whalley, the ruins of Whalley Abbey are often included in a Forest of Bowland itinerary. The 13th century Cistercian abbey is now an English Heritage site. Unfortunately, under the order of King Henry VIII in the 16th century, many monastic buildings acros...
Although not as impressive as Whalley Abbey, Sawley Abbey is another monastic building worth visiting. Located in the town of Sawley, the ruins of Sawley Abbey date back to the12th century. After the monastery was dissolved in the 16th century, similar to Whalley Abbey, the building suffered from a period of revolt and disrepair. The site is now ma...
Located near the charming village of Chipping, you’ll find Browsholme Hall and Tithe Barn. It’s a Grade I heritage-listed Tudor Hall, dating back to 1507. The estate features a lovely garden, tea rooms and also hosts events such as weddings. Unfortunately, Browsholme Hall is usually only open to the public a couple of days during the week. So, visi...
Stonyhurst College is located in Hurst Green. It’s an esteemed boarding school and a very elegant building. It’s well-known thatJ. R. R. Tolkien spent much of his time there, whilst visiting his son. In fact, Tolkien’s name appears countless times in the college’s visitor book. He even taught a few lessons, all whilst writing and working on his acc...
Wedged in between the main designated area of the Forest of Bowland and Pendle, you’ll find the historical town of Clitheroe. Admittedly, the modernisation of the town has slightly taken away from the charm and feel of the place. But, the Clitheroe Castle Museum is certainly still worth exploring. Similar to Whalley and Sawley Abbey, the 12th centu...
The Trough of Bowland is a glorious valley and high pass featuring gorgeous countryside. Once described as ‘the Switzerland of England‘, the Trough of Bowland runs between Dunsop Bridge and Marshaw near Abbeystead. Many visitors enjoy the scenic drive or cycle along Trough Road, which meanders through the valley. Otherwise, we recommend doing the T...
Gisburn Forest is the largest forest in Lancashire. It’s a roughly 12.5 square kilometre (4 square mile) public forest that was largely created by the UK government’s Forestry Commission in the late 1940s. Featuring stunning woodland, Gisburn Forest offers a serene natural landscape, whilst having epicMTB trails (mountain bike trails) and picturesq...
The Beacon Fell Country Park has been running since 1970 and is currently managed by the Lancashire County Council. The country park is only around one square kilometre (0.45 square miles); but, it’s filled to the brim with woodland, moorland and farmland. Located in the mesmerising Ribble Valley, theBeacon Fell Country Park has numerous walking tr...
TheBowland Knotts is a lesser-knownrocky outcrop that acts as a decent vantage point in the northeast part of the Forest of Bowland. From the roadside, the rocky outcrop is only a short 700 metre walk away. Personally, Beck and I visited the Bowland Knotts for sunrise. It was an amazing experience and one that we highly recommend. Read more: Bowlan...
You can’t visit the Forest of Bowland and not do the well-known Pendle Hill Walk. After all, it’s one of the best walks in Lancashire. At 557 metres above sea level, you’ll enjoy phenomenal 360° views from the summit. There are many different Pendle Hill Walk route options. But, the most popular route option is the Pendle Hill Walk from Barley. Rea...
The Forest of Bowland offers some of the most beautiful and remote walking and cycling in the country, from the grandeur and isolation of the moorland hills to the undulating lowlands with their distinctive pattern of settlements, woodland cloughs and river valleys.
Oct 10, 2024 · The Forest of Bowland is truly Lancashire’s best-kept secret – a place where nature’s beauty, rich history, and warm local culture come together to create an unforgettable experience. From the rugged fells to the charming villages, every corner of this AONB has a story to tell and a wonder to reveal.
The Forest of Bowland National Landscape covers 312 square miles of rural Lancashire and adjacent Yorkshire. From Hurst Green in the south to Wennington in the North, the Forest of Bowland is dotted with charming stone villages, some of which date as far back as pre-historic times.
