Distance from Peaks & Pods: 14 miles
Clitheroe is a wonderful market town in the heart of the Ribble Valley and is a superb place to visit, with an excellent variety of shops, cafes, restaurants and visitor attractions. Go to – www.visitlancashire.com for more information.
- Clitheroe Market – Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays – www.ribblevalley.gov.uk
- Clitheroe Castle – www.visitlancashire.com/things-to-do/clitheroe-castle-and-museum-p7129
- Ribblesdale Swimming Pool – www.ribblevalley.gov.uk
- Holmes Mill (home to Bowland Beer Hall) – a former textiles mill that boasts the UK’s longest bar. The surroundings are unique and the food is delicious. There’s also an Everyman Cinema, cafe, gelateria, gourmet food shop and Bowland Brewery. www.jamesplaces/holmesmill.co.uk
- The Emporium – Half coffee shop, wine bar and brasserie, half interior design store, it’s housed in an old Methodist Chapel and is arranged over three floors. jamesplaces/the-emporium
- Visit the beautiful Holden Clough Nursery in Bolton-by-Bowland. It’s a stylish, award-winning garden nursery and well worth a trip. Visit – www.holdencloughnursery.com
- For art lovers, there’s the Platform Gallery next to Clitheroe Station. www.ribblevalley.gov.uk/platformgallery
- Follow in the footsteps of J.R.R. Tolkien and follow the Tolkien Trail in Hurst Green. Tolkien regularly stayed at Stonyhurst College in the Ribble Valley – www.visitlancashire.com/things-to-do/the-tolkien-trail
- Take a spooky ‘Top Hat Tour’ in Clitheroe or nearby Ribble Valley – visitlancashire/tophattours
Shopping in Clitheroe
There are very many lovely, independent shops in Clitheroe, with a handful of high street shops such as Fat Face, Boots and M&Co.
- D Byrne & Co Wine Shop – This multi-award winning independent fine wine and spirit merchants is legendary. It’s like stepping into another world; this Victorian shop, with its towering shelves groaning with bottles and warren of underground cellars, is a magnet for wine lovers from all over the country. My brother rushes here every time he visits!
- Cowmans Famous Sausage Shop – the shop on Castle Street has been a butcher’s for over 120 years and their vast selection of sausages contain top quality local ingredients. Buy some for the barbie!
- Ken Vary Town and Country Wear – the perfect place to complete your wardrobe for country and outdoor pursuits.
- Gazegill Organics – Organic butcher’s and dairy at Rimmington (near Gisburn)
- Melt – The candle company’s flagship store is at Backridge Barn near Waddington, Clitheroe, and is a lovely destination. Browse and shop at leisure and then eat at the fantastic Bashall Barn nearby. A perfect trip out!