There is nothing better than getting out for a crisp winter’s day walk around a beautiful picture postcard English village – rounded off with a visit to a cosy traditional pub.
With pretty cottages and a picturesque location by the River Ribble, Ribchester is an adorable place for an educational stroll. The village also has two cosy country pubs, where you can warm up and enjoy a hearty meal and drink after a walk in the fresh air. Located at the foot of Longridge Fell, on the banks of the River Ribble in Lancashire, the old village of Ribchester is the ultimate seasonal getaway.
The village is located a stone’s throw away from the Forest of Bowland, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and just over an hour’s drive from Greater Manchester. People have lived in the area since the Bronze age and Ribchester was also the site of the Roman fort Bremetennacum, the remains of which can still be seen today. The village also became a centre for cotton weaving in the 17th and 18th centuries, the Manchester Evening News reports.
On Blackburn Road you’ll find the Ribchester Arms, a beautiful inn which serves up classic pub food along with a range of cask ales and ciders, craft beers and continental lagers. It’s received excellent reviews from visitors on Tripadvisor, with one describing it as an “absolute gem.”
In one review, an actor who made a stopover wrote: “An adorable village pub, highly recommended. We went to Ribchester for an impromptu lunch and were not disappointed. . . The pub itself was immaculate and had a classic vibe throughout. A wonderful position to stop in for breakfast, lunch or dinner and the setting of the village is really adorable. Definitely worth a stop at.
In the centre of the village is the White Bull Hotel, recently acquired by new management. It is just a short walk from the remains of the Ribchester Roman Baths.
The White Bull Hotel has also garnered rave reviews and has been described as a “charming country pub”. One review reads, “The food is amazing. The food is adorable and the plates were huge. The service is also fabulous and it’s an adorable place. We will definitely be back.
No matter which pub you choose, it will always offer a warm and welcoming atmosphere. After enjoying a fancy pub meal, you can end your stopover in Ribchester with another pleasant walk through the village; After all, you need to whet your appetite for all those Christmas chocolates waiting for you at home.
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