Clitheroe Cottages with Hot Tubs

Get More From Your Clitheroe Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

Clitheroe packs an impressive amount of sights into a relatively small area. The town's skyline is dominated by Clitheroe Castle (Castle Hill, BB7 1BA, open daily 11am-4pm), which has stood guard over the town for over 800 years and scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor. The museum inside offers fascinating insights into local history.

Holmes Mill (Greenacre Street, BB7 1EB) has been transformed from a former textile mill into a food and drink hub. The Bowland Beer Hall houses one of the longest bars in Britain with 42 hand pulls. It scores an impressive 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor.

Just outside town, Browsholme Hall (BB7 3DE, open Wednesdays May-September) is Lancashire's oldest surviving family home, dating from 1507. This historic house scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor and offers guided tours of its Tudor architecture and beautiful gardens.

The Ribble Valley's stunning landscapes are perfect for walking. I recommend the Tolkien Trail, a 5.5-mile circular walk starting from Hurst Green that explores countryside that inspired J.R.R. Tolkien when writing Lord of the Rings.

Pet Friendly

Clitheroe is brilliant for dog owners. The town's location on the edge of the Forest of Bowland AONB means endless walking routes where dogs can run free. Clitheroe Castle grounds welcome dogs, though they're not permitted in the museum.

After walks, several pubs in town welcome four-legged visitors. The Rose & Crown (Castle Street, BB7 1BA) not only allows dogs but provides water bowls and treats. Similarly, The Brown Cow (Moor Lane, BB7 1BE) is known for its dog-friendly atmosphere.

For supplies, Wellybobs Farm Animal Park (Longsight Road, BB7 9JW) has a pet shop selling quality food and accessories. If your dog needs grooming during your stay, Paws & Claws (King Street, BB7 2EU) offers walk-in nail clipping services.

Most importantly, after muddy walks, you'll appreciate returning to a cottage with outdoor space and that hot tub while your dog dries off!

Top 3 attractions you have to see in Clitheroe

Clitheroe Castle and Museum tops my list. This 12th-century Norman keep offers spectacular views across the Ribble Valley from its hilltop position. The museum (£4.90 adults, £3.80 children) brilliantly tells the story of Clitheroe and the surrounding area through interactive exhibits. The 16-acre castle grounds include Lancashire's first labyrinth and beautiful gardens perfect for picnics.

Bowland Wild Boar Park (Chipping, PR3 2QT, £9.50 adults, £8.50 children) sits 15 minutes from Clitheroe and makes a fantastic day out. Beyond the wild boars, you'll find deer, llamas, meerkats and various farm animals. Kids love the tractor rides and play areas. One visitor recently wrote: "Great place for kids to run around and see animals up close. The lamb feeding was a highlight for our 5-year-old."

Whalley Abbey (Whalley, BB7 9SS) lies just 3 miles from Clitheroe and presents the atmospheric ruins of a 14th-century Cistercian abbey. The grounds are free to explore and the visitor centre explains the abbey's turbulent history. The gardens are particularly beautiful in spring when daffodils carpet the grounds. The tearoom serves excellent scones - I've heard the cheese ones are particularly good!

What's the best time to visit Clitheroe?

Spring and summer offer the best weather for enjoying the countryside and hot tub. Clitheroe Food Festival in August attracts thousands of visitors. However, autumn brings spectacular colours to the Forest of Bowland and winter offers cosy pub experiences after brisk walks.

Do I need a car in Clitheroe?

While Clitheroe has a train station with connections to Manchester, a car is recommended to fully explore the Ribble Valley. Many cottages are in rural locations outside the town centre and the best attractions are spread across the countryside.

Where can I buy groceries in Clitheroe?

Booths supermarket (Station Road, BB7 2JA) is excellent for quality local produce. There's also a Sainsbury's (Moor Lane, BB7 1BE) and a traditional market held on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays selling fresh local produce.

Are there good restaurants in Clitheroe?

Yes! Clitheroe punches above its weight for dining. Cowman's Famous Sausage Shop (Castle Street) offers amazing artisan sausages. Holmes Mill houses Bowland Food Hall and a restaurant. For fine dining, try Northcote in nearby Langho (1 Michelin star).

What should I pack for a hot tub cottage break in Clitheroe?

Bring walking boots, waterproofs (Lancashire weather is unpredictable), swimwear for the hot tub and a torch if staying in a rural location. Binoculars are useful for wildlife spotting in the Forest of Bowland.

Is Clitheroe suitable for children?

Absolutely! Beyond the attractions mentioned, Clitheroe has several playgrounds, including one at the castle. The Ribble Valley is full of family-friendly walks and many cottages offer games and entertainment for rainy days.

1. Visit Ribble Valley Official Tourism Site
2. Forest of Bowland AONB Information
3. Ribble Valley Walking Routes