North West - Lancashire

Ribble Valley - Journey to The Centre of the Kingdom.
 
Since the refurbishment of its’ historic castle, the launch of the popular food trail, and the innovative interpretation of local witchcraft and ghostly legends, Ribble Valley, has become ‘the place to go’ for group visits.
 
There are so many reasons to enjoy the area, not least the Forest of Bowland, which provides a stunning backdrop for coach travel. Ribble Valley is arguably the major food tourism destination in the north with many establishments making the gourmet headlines. The Ribble Valley Food Trail places some of the area’s best foodie landmarks firmly on the gourmet map and what could be a more enjoyable group visit than meeting local producers, watching food preparation and then sampling local delicacies, such as local cheese or ice cream?
 
Our market towns and picturesque villages are full of character with lots to discover and a journey to the pretty village of Dunsop Bridge will take you through outstanding scenery to the official centre of the kingdom.
 
Unsurprisingly, many writers have been inspired by Ribble Valley’s many treasures. Fans of J.R.R Tolkien’s epic Lord of the Rings should visit Stonyhurst College, near Hurst Green, and the surrounding area believed to be Tolkien’s inspiration for ‘Middle Earth’. The College, which contains an array fascinating artefacts and historic gems, welcomes group visits by appointment.
 
Commanding the centrepiece of this landscape is the spectacular Clitheroe Castle, which is free to visit, with just a modest charge for the fascinating museum which contains interactive exhibitions on the area’s rich heritage. Ribble Valleys' bygone age can also be discovered by groups at Browsholme Hall, Whalley Abbey and Ribchester Roman Museum.
 
Very personal service can be provided for groups by award winning tour guides like Simon Entwistle, whose interpretation of local legends, witchcraft and ghosts is a most memorable experience. Another well know tour guide David Johns brings the landscape to life during his lively tours of the valley.
 
Also providing a welcome for group travellers are the Platform Gallery in Clitheroe, the contemporary gallery for arts and crafts, local markets, Bashall Barn Farm Shop, Carr Hall Home and Garden Centre and Bowland Wild Boar Park in Chipping where the countryside comes to life.
 
Contact Tom Pridmore – tom.pridmore@ribblevalley.gov.uk
Or visit www.ribblevalley.gov.uk or follow us on Twitter