the RIBBLE VALLEY

The lodge is only a short walk from the heart of the picturesque little town of Longridge in the Ribble Valley countryside, where you can find many wonderful cafes for coffee, breakfasts, and afternoon tea’s as well as a collection of wonderful pubs, micro pubs, eateries and award winning restaurants. Furthermore, there is a huge variety of small independent shops, take away restaurants and boutiques along the main high street and just a short drive away there are also some quality supermarkets, such as Sainsbury’s, Booths, and Aldi. 

This area of beautiful English country side is an ideal base to explore the many beautiful parks, nature reserves and local historic areas of interest, not to mention being a short drive from both Beacon Fell and the Lake District. Ideal for walkers, cyclists, nature enthusiast, and bird watchers not to mention the many local fisheries and  playing golf at the Longridge Golf Club.

Additionally, the quaint market town of Longridge commands a view of the whole of the Fylde Plain. From the top of Longridge Fell, which is the most southerly fell in England, it is possible to see the Welsh Mountains, the Isle of Man, Ingleborough and the Loud Valley. It is the shopping and social centre of the local farming district and has an interesting mixture of shops and antique galleries, which attract customers from all over the region. There is also a wonderful weekly market at the town hall with local produce and homemade goods and being set in glorious countryside this is understandably a popular starting point for country walks and cycle rides.

FOR NATURE AND HIKING ENTHUSIASTS

The Pennines -  a mountain range, which are often referred to as the "backbone of England", as they separate North West England from Yorkshire and North East England.  With nearly 600 miles of footpaths and bridleways with extremely challenging and easy routes for every kind of walking, such as themed routes with a focus on heritage, nature and landscape, and guided walks with experienced leaders who know the area and main points of interest.

Beacon Fell Nature Park -  just a 15-minute drive to 271 acres of woodland, moorland and farmland. The Beacon Fell summit offers spectacular views of the Forest of Bowland, Morecambe Bay, and on a clear day it is even possible to see the Isle of Man. There is an abundance of wildlife along with as many as 11 species of dragonflies and damselflies around the ponds during the summer months. The many trails such as the woodland trail, the sculpture trail and the fellside trail all offer unique views and experiences.

Fair Snape Fell and Parlick Circular - Explore this 9.3-km loop trail near Longridge. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 3 hours 6 minutes to complete. This trail is great for birding, and hiking and the best times to visit this trail are March through October. 

Parlick Fell – located in the Forrest of Bowland where experienced hikers & paragliding enthusiasts frequent this grassy hillside with scenic views of the countryside. 

The Trough of Bowland - is a valley and high pass reaching 986 feet above sea level of outstanding natural beauty with stunning circular walking and cycling road routes. 

Braeden Pony Trekking – a very professionally run stable suitable for everyone whether you are a skilled rider or a beginner. Located in the beautiful, scenic shadow of Beacon Fell, offering a wide variety of treks, accompanied by an experienced rider with local knowledge.

Longridge Golf Club - located 5 minutes from the lodge and welcoming to visitors offering a challenging 18 hole course to suit golfers of all abilities, with golf buggy hire if desired and wonderful restaurant and bar areas to continue taking in the stunning views over the Ribble Valley, Forest of Bowland and Fylde coast.

The Dog Inn – lovely idyllic historic inn just a 5-minute walk from the lodge offers roaring log fires in winter, heavenly sun-baked terraces in summer and delicious pub grub all year round, commanding views over the Ribble Valley and surrounding Pennine Hills at the rear. 

The Inn at Whitewell Restauant - near Clitheroe and is well known for its delicious local ales and wines and delightful menu.

The Sun Inn – located in Chipping and is known for its cosy atmosphere, fire stoned pizza, home baked food, and friendly staff. 

The Plough - located in the heart of Grimsargh village is well-loved local for its warm welcome with a proper pint, with up to five real ales kept on tap all year round. But it’s the fantastic food that keeps the regulars coming back, cooked to perfection using locally sourced ingredients, offering traditional pub grub, from fish pie to sausage and mash. But, given the name of the inn, we recommend the signature Ploughman’s Lunch, finished off with locally sourced Longridge ice cream.

The Roman town of Ribchester - has many popular attractions, including the Ribchester Roman Museum, Stydd Gardens with its beautiful plants and delightful café and tea room. Beautiful St Wilfrid's Church and The Ribchester Arms Restaurant offering amazing hospitality and home cooked food.

Samlesbury Hall - one of the most beautiful Grade 1 medieval historic manor homes of Lancashire. A haven for history lovers, where the past meets the present for a fantastic family day out. Take a guided tour, attend one of the many organized events or functions, theatre productions, exhibitions and much more and then relax in the restaurant to enjoy the wonderful food and beverages in the most idyllic settings.

Grimsagh Wetlands – a wildlife haven made up of three decommissioned reservoirs. The Mere, The Island Lake and The Fen, which span nearly 30 acres providing homes for a stunning range of wildlife and plants such as dragonflies, birds, hares, bees and butterflies as well as orchids and poppies and many more variaties of local wildlife and flowers. The nature reserve is open all year round with guided tours throughout the year, including Boxing Day walks,  spring wildflower guided tours and summer BioBlitz events.