Gamekeepers & Fishermans Cottage

Gamekeepers Cottage

Gardeners Cottage

Local Information

Ribblesdale Park is situated amongst an area which has a vast array of amenities available to suit every taste. As part of your new lifestyle, why not experience the real charm of the beautiful Ribble Valley, a national secret. Visit local caves, art galleries, pubs, castles, spas, golf courses or take on the famous Pendle Hill.

The following information has been collated to assist you in getting around some of the highlights

Great Days Out

• Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway- enjoy a ride on a steam engine from either Embsay station or Bolton Abbey station- 01756 710614 www.embsayboltonabbeyrailway.org.uk or 01756 795189 for a talking timetable.
• Craven Swimming Pool- well equipped sports centre, Aireville Park, Gargrave Road, Skipton- 01756 792805
• The Mart Theatre- Fantastic variety of plays and performances for all ages-Skipton-01756 709666/01756 791411
• Bronte Parsonage Museum, Haworth- Explore the life of perhaps the most famous literary family, in the beautiful village of Haworth, near Keighley- 01535 642323 www.bronte.info
• Leighton Moss Nature Reserve, Silverdale- RSPB Nature reserve, with lake, hides, nature trails and visitor centre. Excellent day out-01524 701601 www.rspb.org.uk
• Gardenmakers Design & Plant Centre, Wigglesworth- garden centre & cafe-01729 840848
• Model Railway Museum, Southport- a model village with a difference! 01704 214266/01704 538001 www.southportmodelrailwayvillage.co.uk
• Castle Howard, York- 18th century Palace, set between 2 lakes, stunning gardens and parks-01653 648333 email:house@castlehoward.co.uk
• Newby Hall & Gardens, Ripon-breathtaking house and gardens with guided tours available- 0845 450 4068 www.newbyhall.com
• Eureka!, Halifax- Museum for children, lots to see, learn & do!- 01422 330069 www.eureka.org.uk
• National Museum of Photography, Film and Television,Bradford- a thrilling journey through 10 galleries, a giant IMAX screen, 2 cinemas & an inspiring programme of special exhibitions and events- 0870 701 0200 www.nmpft.org.uk
• The York Dungeon, York- discover York's bloody history!-01904 632599 email:yorkdungeon@merlinentertainments.biz
• Monk Park Farm Visitor Centre, Thirsk- lots to see for all ages. Indoor & outdoor viewing and feeding areas-01845 597730 www.monkpark.co.uk
• Jodrell Bank Science Centre, near Macclesfield- Take a journey through our solar system, visit Mars. Visit the environmental discovery centre. Lots to do and discover- 01477 571339 www.jb.man.ac.uk
• Blackpool Model Village, Blackpool- Award winning, enchanting attraction, set in 2.5 acres of beautiful landscaped gardens- 01253 763827 www.blackpoolmodelvillage.com
• Matrix Ten Pin Bowling Centre, Skipton-bowling, bar, cafe, snooker & American pool-01756 701623
• The Pendle Challenge: Walk up the Nick of Pendle from Downham village and then reward yourself with a huge lunch at the Assheton Arms.
• Hot Air Ballon Flights: Glide over the Ribble Valley early morning or evening. 01524 247014
• Ingleton:
  White Scar Caves - an underground world including the UKs largest cave. The Waterfalls Walk - woodland gorges and waterfalls. Ingleborough - walk one of the famous 3 peaks (2372 feet). The Settle - Carlisle Railway.
• Hawes: Stunning market town which is home to Wensleydale Cheese, Dales Countryside Museum, endless craft shops, pubs, workshops, cafes and local tradesmen. Plus walks into 6 major dales. Was awarded 1998 'Best Day Trip Out'.
• Stump Cross Caverns: 01756 752 780 One of the UK's most extensive collection of caves in the heart of Niderdale.
• Kilnsey Trout Farm: Stunning location in Wharfedale by the famous Kilnsey Crag. Fishing, animals, walking, pony trekking and a great café / restaurant.
• Malham:
  Malham is a small village, in the Pennines, at the southern base of the Yorkshire Dales. It's a pretty place, surrounded by limestone dry-stone walls, and with a stream running right through the middle of the village. Mentioned in the Doomsday book as 'Malgun', Malham has been a settlement for at least a thousand years. Traces of Iron age boundaries are still visible today.
  
  One hundred years ago, Malham was a place of mills and mines. Nowadays, hill farms and tourism are the main activities. Malham is one of the most popular villages in the Yorkshire Dales.
  
  The main attractions are the stunning scenery of Malham Cove and Gordale Scar - probably the two most impressive sights in the whole of the Yorkshire Dales - both of which are within easy walking distance of the village. The landscape and natural heritage of Malham has been designated by English Nature as a SSSI - Site of Specific Scientific Interest.
• Spring Wood, Near Whalley- A semi-natural ancient woodland, once owned by the monks of Whalley Abbey. Spring Wood is a popular picnic and walking spot. There are a variety of trails suitable for everyone. Ample parking. Spring Wood is best known for its stunning Bluebells which carpet the ground when in season.
  On the A59 from Clitheroe to Preston turn left at roundabout towards Accrington, Spring Wood is on the left about 1/2 a mile along this road.
• Blackburn Ice Arena, Blackburn- An international standard ice stadium for daily skating, with seating for up to 3000. The home of the Blackburn Hawks Ice Hockey Team. 01254 263063
• Blackpool Tower, The Promenade, Blackpool- The 518ft tower dominates the promenade and houses floor upon floor of amazing adventure including the award winning Tower Circus, entertainment in the spectacular tower ballroom, an aquarium and Jungle Jim’s adventure playground. 01253 62224
• Burnley Mechanics, Arts and Entertainments Centre, Manchester Road, Burnley-A thriving arts and entertainments centre housing a 427 seat theatre, theatre bar, ticket office and meeting rooms. Downstairs is the Mid-Pennine Arts Gallery. 01282 664400 www.burnleymechanics.co.uk
• Gawthorpe Hall, Padiham- A Jacobean manor house renovated in the 19th century by Sir Charles Barry. Features fine wood and plasterwork and houses the Rachel Kay-Shuttleworth collection of needlework and textiles. 01282 77100
• Camelot Theme Park, Charnock Richards- Combines the magic of King Arthur’s daily jousting tournaments and Merlin’s spectacular illusion show with the thrill of white-knuckle rides! 01257 452100 www.camelotthemepark.co.uk
• Hoghton Tower, Hoghton, nr Preston- Historic 16th century house stands majestically on its hill overlooking the west of Lancashire. In 1617 King James 1 knighted a loin of beef here, coining the term ‘sirloin’, also where William Shakespeare started his working life. Gardens plus frequent events. 01254 852986 www.hoghtontower.co.uk
• The Haworth Art Gallery, Manchester Road, Accrington- An Edwardian Tudor house set in 9 acres of park boasts a high quality collection of 19th century oils and watercolours and has the largest collection of Tiffany glass in public hands in Europe, with over 140 glass vases, tiles and mosaics on display. 01254 233782 www.hyndburnbc.gov.uk
• Leighton Moss Bird Reserve, Silverdale- The RSPB bird reserve keeps wildfowl and wading birds in beautiful surroundings. A public hide is available at no charge. 01524 701601 www.rspb.org
• Williamson Park, Tropical Butterfly House and Folly, The Ashton Memorial, Lancaster- Set in 54 acres of landscaped parkland, the Memorial houses an exhibition of the life and times of Lord Ashton. The viewing gallery affords breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and the Old Palm House is home to a variety of  butterflies and an exotic array of plants and flowers. 01524 33318 www.williamsonpark.com
• Boundary Mill Stores, Colne- One of Pendle’s most popular visitor attractions selling a range of top brands at discounted prices. 01282 865229
• Wycollar Country Park- Home of the remains of Wycollar Hll set in the picturesque Country Park of Wycollar, with its beautiful network of paths and home to Wycollar Craft Centre, Tea Rooms and Visitor Centre. 01282 870253 www.wycollarcraftcentre.co.uk
• Marsden Park and Golf Course, Nelson- Attractive open air pool in the park with attractive gardens and conservatory. An 18-hole golf course with outstanding views of Pendle Hill. 01282 661912
• Harris Museum and Art Gallery, Market Square, Preston- Magnificent Greek revival grade 1 listed building, housing collections of fine and decorative art and social history, plus temporary exhibitions programme. Open Monday-Saturday 10-5, Sundays 11-4. 01772 258248
• The National Football Museum, Deepdale Stadium, Preston- Housing the world’s most famous important football collections, including the official FIFA collection and interactive displays. Free admission to all visitors. 01772 711600 www.nationalfootballmuseum.com
• Bashall Barn Farm Shop, Bashall Town, Clitheroe- Selection of local produce, coffee shop and resident artist. 01200 428964
• Farmhouse antiques, Bolton-by-Bowland- Small antiques shop crammed full of interesting furniture, clothing and ornaments. 01200 441457/447294
• Clitheroe Market, Clitheroe- Open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Fruit & Vegetables, cheese, fishmongers, pet supplies, clothing, jewellery. 01200 443012
• Ribchester Roman Museum, Ribchester, nr Clitheroe- Lancashire’s only specialist Roman Museum. Ribchester Village also has plenty to offer: fishing, walks along the river, fine dining. 01254 878261 www.ribchesterromanmuseum.org
• Stonyhurst College, Hurst Green, nr Clitheroe- Magnificent 16th century manor house home to a famous Catholic co-educational independent school. Guided tours available. 01254 826345  www.stonyhurst.ac.uk
• Whalley Abbey, Whalley- 14th century Cistercian Abbey ruins set in beautiful gardens and woodland. Coffee shop, gift shop and exhibition centre. 01254 828400
• Platform Gallery, next to the train station, Clitheroe- A contemporary crafts gallery with a changing programme of exhibitions and workshops. 01200 443071 www.ribblevalley.gov.uk
• Browsholme Hall, near Clitheroe- Historic home of the Parker family. Ring for dates of opening. 01254 826719 www.browsholme.co.uk
• Clitheroe Castle Museum, Clitheroe- Brings to life the history and geology of the Ribble Valley 01200 424635 www.ribblevalley.gov.uk
• Helmshore Textile Museums, Helmshore, near Rossendale- 18th century water powered woollen fulling mill. Collection of early textile machines in working order and a museum of Lancashire’s textile industry. 01706 226459
  www.bringinghistoryalive.co.uk
• East Lancashire Steam Railway- The railway offers an enthralling 23 mile- round trip by steam train from Rossendale, down the Irwell Valley via Bury to Heywood through some of the most picturesque countryside in Lancashire. 01706 244678 www.east-lancs-rly.co.uk
• Samlesbury Hall, Samlesbury, near Blackburn- An ancient manor house, once the home of the Southworth family. Built in 1325 by Gilbert de Southworth, the hall is an impressive black and white timbered building. The hall is set in attractive gardens which are home to the ‘Bowmen of Samlesbury’. There is a regular programme of events and extensive displays of antiques and collector items, all of which are for sale. 01254 812010 www.samlesburyhall.co.uk
• Gisburn Forest and Stocks Resevoir- Lots of different walks and cycling tracks for all abilities. Fishing, café and facilities.
• The Tolkien Trail, Hurst Green, near Clitheroe- A very publicised walk based on public footpaths around the village of Hurst Green. The 5.5 mile route passes through the landscape believed to have inspired J.R.R. Tolkien in the creation of his ‘Middle Earth’ map.

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ACTIVITIES IN AND AROUND THE RIBBLE VALLEY

Walking

• The ‘Tolkien Trail’ – 5 mile route that passes through the landscape that inspired JRR Tolkien in the creation of his ‘Middle Earth’ map.
• The Witches' Trail – retrace the journey of the Lancashire Witches to their hanging.
• The Ribble Way – stunning walks from Ribblesdale Park
• The Pennine Way – from Edale in the Peak District north along the backbone of Britain.
• Journey Through the Centre of the Kingdom – goes through the picturesque village of Dunsop Bridge, officially the centre of the UK.
• Lune Valley Ramble – through countryside immortalised by JMW Turner, Wordsworth and Turner
• Bronte Way – follow in the Bronte’s footsteps from Gawthorpe Hall to the enchanting, hidden hamlet of Wycoller, where they lived.
• Longridge Heritage Trail and Jubilee Walks – sites of local interest and an attractive pack of walks produced in the year of the Queen’s Golden Jubilee
• The Yorkshire Dales – enough said!
• Gisburn Forest / Stocks Reservoir – home to many rare species of wild fowl.

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Cycling

• Ribblesdale Park – private cycle path takes you through Gisburne Park Estate to the village of Gisburn.
• Bowland by Bike – ambitious route through districts of Lancaster, Wyre, Ribble Valley, and Pendle.
• Gisburn Forest – cycle network of 16km through the largest forest in Lancashire.
• Lancashire Cycleway – north and south circular route which meet in the historic town of Whalley.
• Pennine Cycleway North – 150 mile path through ‘England’s last wilderness’ beginning in Cumbria’s Appleby and ending at Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage Site.

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Golf

• Royal Skipton Golf Club.
• Clitheroe Golf Club.
• Pleasington Golf Club.
• Towneley Park Golf Courses.
• Whalley Golf Club.

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Health Club / Spa / Tennis

• Tao 01200 426887
• Lee Carter, Clitheroe : 01200 424 475
• Hicks Health and Fitness Club, Clitheroe. 01200 426 887
• Stirk House Hotel, Gisburn : 01200 445 099
• PSandy Lands Sports Centre 01756 795003

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Fishing

• Pendle View Fisheries, A59, Nr Clitheroe 01200 822208
• Bradshaw Fisheries, Bolton, Bradshaw 01200 307197
• Stocks Fly Fisheries, Slaidburn, Nr Clitheroe 01200 446602
• The Coniston Hotel, Skipton 01756 748080

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Clay Pigeon Shooting/4x4 Driving

• The Coniston Hotel 01200 748080

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Restaurants

• The White Bull, Gisburn 01200 445575 This is your local. Quality pub food. 10 min walk
• The Three Fishes, Mitton 01254 826888 One of the UK's highlights. Concentrates purely on traditional Lancastrian dishes. 20 mins
• The Aspinall Arms, Mitton 01254 826223 Great pub food. 20 mins Northcote Manor, Langho 01254 240555 Award winning.The Ribble Valley's most exclusive restaurant. 20 mins
• Ul Beuch, Gisburn 01200 445303 A little gem. Serves traditional northern Italian food, very cosy. 10 min walk
• The Emporium, Clitheroe 01200 444174 Tonnes of character, great food, in the center of Clitheroe. Great fun. 15 mins
• The Inn at Whitewell 01200 448222 The most famous Inn in the UK. Cross between Fawlty Towers and the Ritz in the spectacular Forest of Bowland. Great day out with wonderful local walks and a lovely drive over there. 25 mins away
• The Angel, Hetton 01756 730263 Unbeatable pub food. A real local hot spot. 20 mins
• Burlington Restaurant, Bolton Abbey 01756 710441 Another national favourite. Part of the Devonshire Estate. Modern yet traditional food and atmosphere. 20mins
• Mitton Hall, Whalley 01254 826544 Good all rounder. 20 mins.
• The Copy Nook, Bolton by Bowland 01200 447205 Another local favourite. 5 mins away in a stunning village.
• The Ashton Arms, Downham 01200 441227 Possibly the most attractive village in the north with superb pub food. (Try the Hot Morecambe Bay Shrimps) 15 mins.

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Heritage

• Castle Haugh – a Norman Ring work.
• Sawley Abbey – founded 1147.
• Whalley Abbey – founded 1296.
• Clitheroe Castle – 12th Century.
• Ribchester – this village was built on the roman site of Bremetennacum..
• Gisburn Church – founded 1135.
• Skipton Castle - Built 1090
• Bolton Abbey - Founded 1154

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Art Galleries / Architecture

• Salts Mill, Saltaire 01274 531185 A great day out in a converted mill. Inspired by David Hockney. Shops, galleries, restaurants etc.
• Platform Gallery, Clitheroe 01200 443071
• The Imperial War Museum of the North, Manchester 0161 836 4000 Built by Daniel Leibkand who is the architect for the new World Trade Centre in New York. Spectacular.
• Haworth Gallery, Accrington 01254 233782
• Blackburn Museum & Gallery 01254 667130
• Tate Liverpool 0151 7027400

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Shopping / Deliveries

• There will be daily deliveries of newspapers and essentials from the village shop (01200 445 213) that can be organised for you.
• The Ribble Valley and it’s many villages enjoy some of the most interesting and varied specialist shops found anywhere.
• The market town of Clitheroe, just eight minutes away from Ribblesdale Park, lies at the heart of the borough and has a reputation for the highest quality shops selling everything you need (includes the famous wine merchant, Byrnes and the legendary Cowmans butchers).