Slaidburn - Local Info
Sleepy villages where time seems to stand still, abundant bird and wildlife, miles of quiet lanes, moorland, wild uplands and peaceful valley pasture - the Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) has it all.
Local Attractions
Slaidburn Village – enjoy a drink and meal at the Hark to Bounty Pub www.harktobounty.co.uk with its old courtroom above. Visit St. Andrew’s Church and the brand new Slaidburn Village Hall opened in May 2007 (www.slaidburnvillagehall.com). Go back in time and take a stroll around the streets of this lovely estate village in the early morning or evening for a magical experience, or just sit and enjoy the atmosphere on the green at the Riverbank Tearooms (www.riverbanktearooms.co.uk). Lots more detail on the village and the surrounding area on the village hall website above
Clitheroe Castle (7 miles) – a Norman Castle with commanding views over the picturesque town. Adjacent museum relating to Clitheroe and the Ribble Valley
Browsholme Hall (5 miles) - dating back to the 13th Century this is the oldest surviving family home in Lancashire. Ancestral home of the Parker Family who celebrated their 500th Anniversary in 2007. www.browsholme.co.uk
Stonyhurst College (8 miles) – One of the largest buildings in the North West, this magnificent 16th Century manor house is home to a famous Catholic co-educational independent boarding and day school. Tours include dormitories, library, chapels, school rooms and historical apartments. Extensive gardens also open. Tea and gift shop with ample parking. www.stonyhurst.ac.uk for background and virtual tour. Tel. Miss F Ahearne on 01254 826345 for visiting times
Whalley Abbey (9 miles) – 14th Century Cistercian Abbey ruins set in beautiful countryside beside the River Calder, with mini woodland trail and riverside path. Within the ancient walls you get a real sense of stillness and the passing of time. Exhibition centre, gift shop and coffee shop (lunches, teas and homemade cakes a speciality) Tel. 01254 828400
Settle-Carlisle Railway (9 miles) – Take a trip on one of the most dramatic railway lines in England. Notable points being market town of Settle, Ribblehead Viaduct, the Yorkshire 3 Peaks (Ingleborough, Pen-y-Ghent and Whernside) and maybe as a final destination and lunch stop, the beautiful market town of Appleby. Special train times, guided walks and tourist information www.dalesrail.com or download regular timetables via www.northernrail.org
Ingleborough Cave (www.ingleboroughcave.co.uk) The Ingleton Waterfalls Walk passing through wonderful ancient Oak woodland and a series of gorges and waterfalls (www.ingletonwaterfallswalk.co.uk) and Gaping Ghyll (one of the most famous caves in Britain, high on the flanks of Ingleborough Hill where the stream falls 110m to the bottom), are all within 15 miles of Slaidburn
A little further afield…
Bancroft Mill Engine (Barnoldswick, 15 miles) – working cotton mill steam engine built by the aptly named James Nutter. Buy a towel woven on their loom. For steaming dates and links to other related sites in the area visit www.bancroftmill.org.uk
Yorkshire Dales Mining Museum (Earby, 17 miles) – village museum largely focusing on the evolution of lead mining in the Dales area. Tea room and full disabled facilities. Open: Wed/Sat/Sun 11am-5pm (March – October) plus Bank Hols. Visit www.yorkshiredalesminingmuseum.com
Queen Street Textile Museum (Burnley, 15 miles) – experience the thrill of steam and the deafening sounds of real working looms at Lancashire’s last 19th century steam powered mill. You’ll soon discover why weavers learned to lip read! Relax in a great tea room afterwards. Details www.lancashire.gov.uk/education/museums/queen/
Embsay & Bolton Steam Railway (Skipton, 19 miles) – always a favourite with the children. Regular “Thomas” and “themed” events. www.embsayboltonabbeyrailway.org.uk
Skipton Castle (18 miles) – one of the most complete medieval castles in England despite enduring a three-year siege in the Civil War. Less bloody today as visitors enjoy the tranquil tea room in the grounds www.skiptoncastle.co.uk
Bolton Abbey (25 miles) – take the steam train from Embsay or park at the Abbey for wonderful walks and picnics by the mighty River Wharfe. See the bluebells of Strid Wood and explore the Gorge and Lovers Leap. And then there is the Cavendish Tea Rooms. www.boltonabbey.com
Gawthorpe Hall (13 Miles) – a wonderful Elizabethan gem set amongst tranquil grounds in the heart of Lancashire. www.lancsmuseums.gov.uk
ACTIVITIES & EVENTS
Bowland Festival - Year long programme of events downloadable as pdf document via www.forestofbowland.com
Bowland Cycle Hire (Higher Hayfield, Slaidburn) – Hire a bike and explore the miles of quiet lanes around Slaidburn or the many off-road trails around Stocks Reservoir. Tel. 01200 446670. Cycle route maps available from YHA Slaidburn.
Public transport in the Slaidburn area – Bowland Transit bus no.B10 serves Clitheroe-Slaidburn-Settle route. (Can also take couple of bicycles). Timetable and details www.dalesbus.org/B10.html Summer Saturday and Sunday service links Settle with Malham.
What’s on in the Forest of Bowland…? - visit the Forest of Bowland website for monthly calendar of events www.forestofbowland.com
Walking – miles of routes to suit all abilities and needs. Suggested walk maps available from YHA Slaidburn or check out the Ribble Valley Borough Council web site. Click here
Other activities in the area - Ribble Valley web site has a section devoted to tourism with things to do and see www.ribblevalley.gov.uk
Pendle Walking Festival 2010 – the annual Walking Festival this year takes place between Sat 4th and Sun 12th September . Walks to suit individuals, families and all ages and abilities. This has now become the UK's premier Walking Festival... download the full programme as pdf document by CLICKING HERE
What’s On in Pendle and Lancashire …? – Visit www.visitpendle.com for details of all events, suggested walks and places of interest. For Lancashire in general see www.visitlancashire.com and click 'What's On'.
Read YHA Slaidburn's Access Statement