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Oct 23, 2017 · 10 places in the Forest of Bowland that you should visit. Dunsop Bridge by Philip Sherrington (Image: Archant) There are many reasons why the Forest of Bowland is designated Area of Natural Beauty, we’ve picked our favourite spots that we think you will love too. Hornby Castle by Les Fitton (Image: Archant) Hornby.
- 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...
Here in the Forest of Bowland there are so many things to discover: wild, remote fells and gentle, riverside rambles; fascinating wildlife and intriguing heritage; welcoming villages and mouth watering local produce.
- Go castle hunting in Clitheroe. One of the most popular villages near Preston to visit is also home to one of the many unique castles in Lancashire. The ancient market town of Clitheroe sits just outside of the Forest of Bowland, and dates back to the Anglo-Saxon period.
- Walk around Slaidburn. While visiting Slaidburn may not be at the top of the list of things to do in the Forest of Bowland, it's a charming historic village that is well worth stopping at for a brief walk around it.
- Explore the ruins of Whalley Abbey. Not too far from Clitheroe, nestled between the Forest of Bowland and Pendle hill, is Whalley Abbey. This 13th century ruin was once home to Cistercian monks, who were granted permission by the Pope to move away from Stanlow Abbey because of the relentless flooding they endured there.
- Hike or drive through the Beacon Fell. One area of the Forest of Bowland that you won't want to miss is the Beacon Fell. It's one of the oldest country parks in the country, and is a haven for walkers and hikers.
Discover wonderful wildlife, beautiful country walks and exhilarating bike rides in the beautiful Forest of Bowland in rural Lancashire.
Apr 11, 2022 · Click through and discover some of the very best walking trails that the Forest of Bowland has to offer. Discover fells, reservoirs, waterfalls & more!
The Forest of Bowland National Landscape in the Ribble Valley covers 300 sq miles of rural Lancashire and North Yorkshire and is right on our doorstep. Escape the crowds of popular locations and experience the grandeur and isolation of moorland hills to stunning, shorter riverside walks.
