The UK has some of the finest countryside in the world and a prime example of this comes between Lancashire and Yorkshire in the Forest of Bowland. Honoured as an area of natural beauty a little more than 50 years ago and frequently labelled the “Switzerland of England” for its unique and stunning landscapes, the Forest of Bowland is the perfect place in which to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Rent holiday accommodation for a few days to give yourself time to explore and get to know the place.
View holiday cottages in the Forest of Bowland
Covering 312 square miles of serene northern countryside, keen ramblers, adventurous cyclists and wildlife enthusiasts will love this vast and picturesque area of England. The ideal location to explore their favourite pastime! Excitingly, the Forest of Bowland was also key inspiration for the Lord of the Rings books and movies. It’s no hidden secret that its famous author J.R.R Tolkien loved the lush landscapes in Lancashire and he allegedly wrote about Bilbo Baggins and his adventures at various times of the year, whilst staying at Stonyhurst College in the Ribble Valley. Film lovers and eager walkers will therefore relish the Tolkien Trail, a relaxing 5 and a half-mile walk that follows in the footsteps of the author and passes through Tolkien’s favourite haunt, The Shireburn Arms, a historic and dog friendly 17th century public house. Book good quality pet-friendly holiday cottages in the Forest of Bowland area.
A romantic getaway on the wild side
Looking for a romantic retreat? The Forest of Bowland can again cater for lovers of all ages. An extremely popular activity in Winter for couples is to pitch up with a picnic and an optional bottle of prosecco and view the forest’s night skies in all their glory. Well known for being some of the darkest skies in Britain, it’s the perfect place to see shining constellations like Pegasus and Orion. Summer is also a prime time to see these sensational night skies as in August, you may also get to see shooting stars spectacles like the Perseids meteor shower. Who knows ladies…there may also be an extra special proposal in the offering!
You can’t escape to the Forest of Bowland without a cycling trip to the sensational Pendle Hill. Starting from local popular village Barley, which was also runner up in the Lancashire Best Village Competition 10 years ago, a tough yet exhilarating 15-mile bike ride up to the Forest of Bowland’s second highest point and most iconic landmark provides the most stunning of views of the whole of Lancashire on the clearest of days. Whilst on top of the hill, why not cast your mind back to the 17th century when Pendle Hill was rumoured to be home to a group of 17th century witches? A popular attraction in nearby Aitken Wood and the perfect way to finish off your day, you can discover more about the rumoured bewitching in the area on The Pendle Sculpture Trail. Work with friends and family in unearthing ten ceramic plaques, each one representing each of the Pendle witches who were supposedly brutally hanged almost 400 years ago. Open 7 days a week and 12 months of the year, this educational trail is a must for those wanting the fright of their lives!
See the Forest of Bowland on horseback
The Forest of Bowland is a superb area for pony trekking or horse riding. Enjoy a gentle canter through this area of outstanding natural beauty and take in all the views. There are three riding centres in the Forest of Bowland that cater for beginners through to experienced riders. How about horse riding as an outdoor activity during your holiday in the Forest of Bowland?
The finest Lancashire food on holiday
Lancashire food is more than just cheese and hot pot. That’s certainly apparent at Bowland Food Hall in Clitheroe. Showcasing the finest food in the whole of the North West, this fresh produce paradise transports its goods from reputable local suppliers like All About Pies in Accrington, Bowland Forest Eggs in Clitheroe and The Butcher Brothers in Preston among other established tradesmen. If you’re wanting to look elsewhere for your Lancashire treats, the Forest of Bowland consists of some of the finest restaurants and country pubs in the whole of the UK. One of its shining lights is The Inn At Whitewell which is well known to the general public for its 2010 appearance on BBC 2’s The Trip starring high profile celebrities Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon. An old fashioned rural public house with 23 luxurious bedrooms and boasting simply spectacular views of its idyllic surroundings, this countryside hideaway with renowned Head Chef Jamie Cadman at its helm has received rave reviews for its locally caught meats like seasonal grouse, pheasant and partridge. A tantalising treat when washed down with one of its local cask conditioned ales.
Unique in its location as it is with its picturesque landscapes of Lancashire and Yorkshire, the Forest of Bowland somehow still remains one of the country’s finely kept secrets, even though people have been living in its neighbouring towns for more than 3,000 years.
With so much to do and see for the whole family throughout the width and breadth of this expansive area, what fun filled activity in the woods will you choose to do first?