Earby Cottages with Hot Tubs

Get More From Your Earby Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

Earby sits in a fantastic spot for exploring both Lancashire and Yorkshire. The town itself has the Earby Mines Museum (4/5 on TripAdvisor) which tells the story of local lead mining. It's open Saturdays 2-4pm and entry is free, though donations help keep this volunteer-run attraction going.

Just 10 minutes away is Thornton Hall Farm Country Park (BB18 6LZ). It scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor and offers animal feeding, tractor rides and a great café. Open 10am-4pm daily except Mondays (except school holidays when it's open 7 days).

The Leeds-Liverpool Canal runs through nearby Salterforth and provides flat, easy walking routes. I recommend the 3-mile stretch to Foulridge Wharf where you'll find the Café Cargo (4/5 on TripAdvisor) - their homemade scones are fantastic after a morning walk!

Skipton Castle (BD23 1AW) is just 20 minutes drive away. This 900-year-old fortress scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor and remains one of the best-preserved medieval castles in England. Open daily 10am-5pm, adults £9.50, children £6.

Pet Friendly

Many Earby cottages welcome dogs and the area is perfect for four-legged visitors. The surrounding countryside offers endless walking opportunities where dogs can run free. The Pennine Way passes right through Earby, giving access to miles of trails.

The White Lion pub in Earby (BB18 6QF) welcomes dogs in the bar area and even offers water bowls and treats. They serve good pub grub too - their Sunday roasts are particularly good.

Thornton Hall Farm Country Park allows dogs on leads throughout most areas. They can't go in the animal handling areas for obvious reasons, but it's still a great family day out without leaving your dog behind.

If you're heading to the coast, Morecambe Bay is about 45 minutes away and has several dog-friendly beaches. Between May and September, dogs must be kept on leads on the main beach, but there are unrestricted areas year-round.

Top 3 attractions you have to see in Earby

The Earby Hostel and Heritage Centre (BB18 6LF) tops my list. This Grade II listed building was once home to suffragette Katharine Bruce Glasier and now houses fascinating exhibits on local history. The volunteer guides really know their stuff and bring Earby's past to life. Open Saturdays 2-4pm and by appointment. One visitor commented: "A hidden gem with fascinating insights into local life through the centuries."

Pendle Hill (BB12 9JX) is just 15 minutes drive away and offers spectacular walking and views. At 557m high, it's a proper hill but not too challenging for most walkers. The connection to the 1612 witch trials adds a fascinating historical dimension. On clear days, you can see as far as Blackpool Tower! A recent visitor noted: "The climb is worth every step - the views are incredible and there's something magical about this landscape."

The Leeds-Liverpool Canal at Salterforth (BB18 5TZ) provides a peaceful walking route with beautiful scenery. The Anchor Inn sits right on the canal and serves excellent food. Their beer garden is perfect for summer evenings - you can watch narrowboats pass while enjoying a pint. The flat towpath is ideal for all abilities. As one TripAdvisor reviewer put it: "A lovely peaceful walk with interesting locks and bridges along the way."

Is Earby a good base for exploring the Yorkshire Dales?

Yes! Earby sits right on the Lancashire-Yorkshire border, making it perfect for exploring the Dales. Malham Cove is just 30 minutes away, while Bolton Abbey is about 35 minutes. You get more affordable accommodation than staying in the Dales themselves, plus the hot tub is welcome after a day's hiking!

When is the best time to visit Earby?

Spring and summer offer the best walking weather, but autumn brings spectacular colours to the surrounding hills. The Earby Feast is held annually in August with a parade and activities. Winter can be beautiful too - nothing beats returning to your hot tub cottage when it's frosty outside.

Are there good restaurants in Earby?

For a small town, Earby has decent options. The Old Stone Trough (BB18 6JJ) serves excellent traditional food. Earby Fish & Chips is consistently rated as one of the best in the area. For something different, try Lakshmi Indian restaurant which gets strong local reviews.

Can I get around without a car?

It's possible but limiting. Earby has bus connections to Skipton and Burnley. The nearest train station is Colne (4 miles). For exploring the Dales and Forest of Bowland properly, a car is recommended. Many cottages offer private parking.

What's the weather like in Earby?

Being in the north of England, Earby experiences all four seasons distinctly. Summer temperatures average 15-20°C, while winter can drop to 0-5°C. The area gets its fair share of rain throughout the year - but that's what keeps the countryside so green!

Is there good shopping nearby?

Earby itself has basic shops including a Co-op. For proper shopping, head to Skipton (20 mins) which has a great high street and famous market on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Boundary Mill in Colne (15 mins) offers discount designer shopping.

1. Visit Pendle Official Tourism Site
2. Yorkshire Dales National Park
3. Leeds-Liverpool Canal Information