Waddington Village  

Incredibly, Henry VI dwelled within Waddington Hall for twelve months before being betrayed to the Yorkists in 1465. Though Henry VI managed to escape down a secret panel and staircase, he was later captured at Brungerley Bridge on the outskirts of Clitheroe. Waddington is also well-known for its beautiful walks (see www.mapmywalk.com/gb/waddington-eng/) village stocks, a rippling brook, award-winning Coronation Gardens and three Churches. The picturesque village has earned itself the award for ‘best-kept village in Lancashire’ on many occasions. 

The Forest of Bowland and the Bowland Hills 

The Bowland Hills start at the very edge of the village and travel towards the Forest of Bowland which has been classified as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty since 1964, due to its unique and captivating countryside. Take a leisurely drive or try something a little more energetic such as rambling, horse riding or cycling. Enjoy many antiquated villages to explore and discover along the way and spot diverse species of wildlife. 

Clitheroe Castle & Museum  

Castle Hill, Castle Street, Clitheroe, Lancashire, BB7 1BA  

Dominating the horizon of the historic market town of Clitheroe stands Clitheroe Castle, which has been standing tall and proud for over 800 years. The Museum within the Castle has fine galleries to broaden the imagination of the past 350 million years of history and the public who once dwelled within its borders. There are many fun activities for children too, such as competition hunts, costumes of all kinds, explore back-packs, craft activities and much more. Enjoy stepping into the past and learning new and intriguing knowledge, which has shaped the world we know today.  

Within the town why not try Artwalk Clitheroe, taking in six galleries, see www.facebook.com/artwalkevent or visit Byrne’s Wine Cellars on King Street or Cowman’s Famous Sausage Shop on Castle Street, amongst many other quaint independent shops. Edisford Bridge and the river are a lovely spot to walk and relax.

Gisburn Forest and Stocks Reservoir

Gisburn Forest and Stocks Reservoir offer a variety of different activities, from walking, cycling, Gisburn Forest Hub, café, horse riding, orienteering, wild fishing, kite flying and picnics. For cycling and walking, there are different trails for you to choose from at  :

www.gisburnbiketrails.com and www.forestry.gov.uk/gisburn   

Pendle Hill 

Famous for its links with the witch trials of 1612, Pendle Hill is truly magical. Rising 557 metres (1,827 ft) above sea level and ancient hunting grounds, that once were the dwelling place of wolves and wild boar. Today, it rewards walkers with magnificent views across the Ribble Valley from the Lancashire coast to Yorkshire. Famously, George Fox climbed Pendle Hill in 1652 and had a vision of ‘great people to be gathered’ waiting for him and this was the beginning of the Quaker movement.  

With grateful thanks to Lee Mansfield of Photo Pilot for the kind loan of the photographs on this page.