Activities

Alternative Adventure and Outdoor Activities Service

We deliver professionally run outdoor education and outdoor pursuits activities for the widest possible range of groups. Venues used are around the Lancashire, Merseyside and Greater Manchester area. This includes corporate events, management groups, Over 50’s clubs, hen parties, stag parties, adult and junior birthday parties, fun days for family groups, primary schools, junior schools and secondary schools, pupil referral units, special needs organisations, further education and sixth form colleges and youth groups.

Our activities include Rock Climbing, Forest Schools, Open Canoeing, Orienteering, Abseiling, Archery, Gorge Walking, Caving, Mobile Climbing Walls, Problem Solving Exercises, Mountain Biking, Sea Cliff Traversing, Team Building Exercises, Kayak Canoeing, Mountain Walks, Winter Skills, Navigation, Raft Building and more.

We deliver qualification courses from a number of National Governing Bodies.

Bee Creative Designs

Creative courses and crafts inspired by nature in the Forest of Bowland

Make beautiful things in a friendly and relaxed female-led studio on the edge of the Forest of Bowland. We specialise in creative sewing, embroidery, appliqué, fabric printing and more. From dress-making to designing your own tote bag or soft furnishings, sustainable sewing is key. Small class sizes and tea, coffee and cakes are included!

Our mission has always been to bring creativity to as many folk as we can, through different media – whether it’s art or textile based.

All of our courses are currently limited to six people, so you can receive lots of help and guidance.  The cost for each course varies according to the amount of resources you are provided with.

Whilst we’re all more aware of our wellbeing and being more mindful since Covid, learning a new skill and taking part in a creative activity is great flow activity – and good for your brain!

Our dedicated team of experienced tutors are passionate about making things and, most of all, having fun. Over time, we really want to create a vibrant community of creative people who can dip in and dip out of our short and longer courses, get support and inspiration with their own projects, bring friends for a giggle or come alone and make new ones.

We’re also makers who work with local businesses in Bowland to make bespoke locally-sourced, sustainable soft furnishings for hotels, B&Bs and even Shepherd’s Huts!

We don’t really shout about our female-led, safe and friendly environment, but we know sometimes that can be reassuring to know. If you are thinking about joining a course and want to have a look at the environment beforehand, please feel free to get in touch and come and have a cuppa.

We are open to the public for one-day workshops and classes and we offer bespoke creative sessions for small groups. Get in touch for an informal chat about your needs. Open all-year round.

Bentham Golf Course

Bentham Golf Course is a picturesque, family-run 18 hole golf course situated at the foot of the Yorkshire Three Peaks. Previously described as ‘a Diamond of the Dales’, Bentham offers a challenge to golfers of all abilities and visitors are welcome every day of the week.

Bowland and Bay

As the Forest of Bowland’s reputation for artisan food spreads across the country, Katie Wilson at Bowland and Bay is showcasing some of Lancashire’s best artisan food and drink

After 30 years in various tourism and buying roles, the pandemic prompted Katie Wilson to reappraise her life and start her own business.

After 2020 she set her heart on supporting independent artisans in her homeland, developing sustainable micro-adventures, that bring visitors closer than ever before to the latest and finest food around the Forest of Bowland National Landscape.

Bowland and Bay specialises in food tours across the Forest of Bowland and Morecambe Bay – showcasing the very best produce the region has to offer.

From the wheel of her comfortable Mercedes people carrier, Katie takes groups of up to eight on a magical foodie tour of the finest artisans in the region.

Created for food lovers, in the belief that by eating together and sharing stories, visitors have the opportunity to really engage with producers and reconnect with Lancashire’s unique ‘terroir’ on a deeper level.

Katie’s itineraries offer full and half day food tours, each include 7-8 artisan foodie adventures for adults and children over the age of 12 years. Adventures can include cheese and ice cream at the farm, freshly made bakes and comfort classics. Visiting award winning micro-brewers, gin distilleries and inns. There are plenty of opportunities to buy pantry delights along the way.

Strictly for grown-ups are Katie’s weekend Brewery Tours, visiting five breweries, where guests can taste over 15 beers or sample local craft gins, alongside superb street food.

“For me, Lancashire is one of the UK’s hidden gems,” said Katie. “Our food scene is right up there with renowned foodie hotspots like Burgundy in France or Portland in Oregon and a lot of that is down to our climate.

“Lancashire’s climate means we have incredibly lush grass which in turn means our farmers produce great milk which is turned into some of the best cheese in the country.

“The climate also means we can produce great beef, and all the products you associate with that – including, of course, our famous pies!

“We also have the coastline of Morecambe Bay within easy reach, and the unique seafood that this iconic part of the English coastline produces.

“Lancashire really has it all and I think it’s time the county really shouted about its food culture – not just for foodies from the UK – but from all over the world.”

Katie Wilson, Bowland and Bay

Katie runs bespoke tours for larger groups or scheduled tours which couples or individuals can join and meet fellow foodies on the day. There’s such a vast array of options, no two tours are identical and customers can shape their own itinerary to match their tastes, interests and appetites!

“We might visit six or eight artisan producers, ranging from fantastic bakers and pastry chefs, to microbreweries in a barn, a gin distillery high up in the fells or a Michelin-starred restaurant,” said Katie. “One thing you can be sure of however, you won’t go home hungry. This is Lancashire, we do things properly here – there’s no half measures or tiny portions!”

Bowland and Bay Food tours start at £85 per person for a half-day Lancashire Foodie Adventure – including all tastings. For more details, consult our tour schedule.

Contact us direct to discuss your specific needs: 07476 001539 or hello@bowlandandbay.co.uk

Bowland Beer Hall

The Beer Hall is Bowland Brewery’s flagship tasting parlour… and what a flagship it is!

One of the longest bars in Britain – 105ft 4”- is home to 42 hand pulls and hosts a minimum of 24 individual cask beers at any one time. There’s also a bank of bespoke keg beers and lagers too, not to mention an ever-changing selection of ciders. Then there’s the bottled beers and the cans… not quite every beer you can think of, more an expertly curated selection – that changes every week!

The decor and design are decidedly industrial but the ambience and the atmosphere are warm and vibrant. Find a cosy table for two in the Chimney Room or the Engine Room or join friends for a lively evening around one of the long communal tables in true Bavarian Beer Hall style.

There’s a genuine warmth to this great big space that defies description – just come along and sample it for yourself!

But it’s not just about the beer! We also have a great selection of wines, fizz and an increasing range of designer gins along with a comprehensive menu of tasty beer hall tucker.

Featuring small plates and snacks to nibble with a beer, through to crowd-pleasing classics like burgers, hot dogs, pies and salads, there’s something for everyone.

Bowland Food Hall

Bowland Food Hall is the most wonderful showcase for the very best of Lancashire’s food and drink producers. We work with passionate food and drink producers across the northwest, to bring the finest fare to your plate. Most of them are small independent artisan producers who farm or grow in Lancashire. Many deliver their fantastically fresh produce direct to the Food Hall and by shopping local not only will you enjoy simply fabulous produce but you are supporting the local economy too.

Pop in to stock up for your stay, order a picnic for your days out, grab a coffee and cake in the cafe or perhaps even take home a hamper of Lancashire goodies as a memento of your trip… whatever culinary treats you discover we can promise you won’t be disappointed!

Bowland Forest Farm

A beautiful small garden centre located in a rural location. Lovely tearoom serving homemade traditional food, dogs welcome. Easy access for limited mobility. Gift shop and reclamation shop in our onsite barns also gives interesting things for our home and garden.

Bowland Wild Boar Park

Nestling beside the River Hodder in a remote valley beneath the rugged ridgeline of the Bleasdale Fells, Bowland Wild Boar Park maintains a tradition dating back to the middle ages – along with a host of fun activities for the whole family.

The Wild Boar was a fearsome creature which once roamed wild across the ancient Forest of Bowland – inspiring fear and reverence among local foresters in equal measure.

Today, wild boar continue to flourish in the Forest of Bowland, but only within the confines of one of the Forest of Bowland’s most popular – and sustainable – visitor attractions. And as well as nurturing the Forest’s only remaining population of wild boar, the park is home to a whole host of fascinating animals – from owls and deer to ostriches and meerkats.

Located between the pretty farming village of Chipping and the ancient hamlet of Whitewell, the Wild Boar Park lies at the heart of an especially scenic corner of the National Landscape known known as ‘Little Bowland’.

As the name suggests, visitors can expect to get up close and personal with the area’s population of wild boar – and usually a handful of super-cute stripey boarlets – but the park’s other residents are equally engaging – especially for children.

Alongside traditional farm animals like rare breed sheep, goats, pigs, chickens and ducks, visitors can also see native species like red deer and rabbits. In addition, the park has a whole menagerie of altogether more exotic species, ranging from the perennially popular meerkat family, to emus and ostriches, alpacas and llamas. Some of these animals can be hand-fed and petted at certain times of day – check the website for details as timings vary.

The park also has an adventure playground and zipwire, tractor and trailer rides and signposted short wildlife walks suitable for the whole family. And after a busy morning getting to know all manner of furry and feathered friends, why not adjourn to the café for hot and cold snack? There’s indoor and outdoor seating and a separate ice cream parlour for those long hot days of summer.

We also have our Rare Breed meat sales in the shop. Indoor activities come rain or shine in the Barn and Education Centre next to the Playground.*

• Ice Cream Parlour and Café serving homemade food (Take away only)
• Barrel, Tractor and Trailer rides *
• Lamb Feeding, Chick Holding *
• Tank Experience
• See Llamas, Red Deer, Ostriches and lots more!
• Camping pods
• Mobility scooter/Tramper available to book

The park is open weekends and midweek during peak season from 10.30am to 4.30pm and dogs on leads are welcome.

Brackenthwaite Holidays

A unique holiday experience on the edge of The Lake District.

Close to some of the most beautiful spots in England, Brackenthwaite Holidays is a location like no other. Totally unique, our 9-acre oasis is nestled in the heart of the Arnside and Silverdale National Landscape, on the gorgeous Northwest coastline.

With 4 beautiful and fully equipped properties to choose from, find yourself waking up surrounded by nature and with a feeling of endless possibility. With BBQs, wood burners and fire pits to set the outdoor scene, and with rolling hills as your vista, you will have everything you need onsite for a stay like no other. 

We are extremely dog friendly with an enclosed exercise area including balls, toys, and agility set. We also accommodate horses with 5 generous stables in the courtyard setting, plus a riding school area, field enclosures horse R&R plus a washing area should your horse need a quick shower.

There is plenty for everyone here: Silverdale has an amazing beach and Arnside’s cute village centre offers wonderfully picturesque views. If you want to explore the area, you will find superb walking and hiking available, set among some incredible natural beauty.

Slightly further afield you can access The Lake District, the historic City of Lancaster and the medieval market town of Kendal, but if it is relaxation you are after you may simply want to stay onsite and enjoy the comforts of all that is provided for you.

Brickhouse Touring Caravan Site

We are a small, quiet, family run site offering a friendly welcome to those wanting a peaceful break in a stunning location; making it well suited to mature caravanners and quiet families.

We are situated on the edge of Chipping village which is an ideal location for those wanting to explore the beautiful countryside the Ribble Valley has to offer. We have on site – all pitches are hard standing with electric hook up, toilet/ shower block, information cabin, laundry and dog wash.

Chipping village has two pubs (both serving food), a farm shop, Cobbled corner cafe and Brabins shop and tea rooms ( Britains oldest continually trading shop since 1668).

Bridge House Farm Tea Rooms

Bustling café beside the bridge over the River Roeburn at the heart of Wray village that’s popular with locals, cyclists and waters. Excellent coffee and cakes and more substantial meals on an extensive menu prominently featuring local produce.

The stunningly converted natural stone building features solid oak floors and a real wood burning fire. Whether you’re after a coffee and a slice of our tempting selection of cakes or something more substantial from our delicious menu, you’ll always be guaranteed a warm friendly atmosphere and beautiful surroundings.

Indoor and outdoor dining, weather permitting. Legendary sausage rolls!

Browsholme Hall

The Parker family has been associated with the Forest of Bowland for more than five centuries and their family seat of historic Browsholme Hall is the oldest family home in continuous occupation in Lancashire.

Browsholme Hall is a magnificent Grade I listed Tudor Hall, displaying an eclectic collection of museum quality artefacts alongside a recently restored Eighteenth Century Tithe barn.

Set amid 600 acres of picturesque parkland, informal gardens and extensive woodland, Browsholme tells a social story of family and local history spanning some 500 years; its origins within the Forest of Bowland National Landscape and its interaction with the local and regional community.

The Parker family has been associated with the care and custodianship of this pretty corner of the Forest of Bowland for 16 generations and they continue to maintain their obligations to the area and preserve their ancestral legacy with pride.

The hall itself dates back to 1507, and despite numerous updates and alterations over the years, Browsholme boasts one of the finest surviving antiquarian interiors in England, displaying a vast collection of family treasured collected over five centuries ranging from the skull of a martyr thought to have been executed following the pilgrimage of grace, to bronze age swords, Roman glasswork and a comprehensive collection of oil paintings.

The grounds are a wildlife-rich natural oasis, comprising mature woodlands, ornamental lakes and acres of beautifully maintained formal and informal gardens.

Although it is still very much a family home, Browsholme is open to visitors on Tuesdays and Wednesdays during the spring and summer months and also hosts special events, functions and bespoke weddings.

Opening Times

Guided Tours: Every Wednesday until October 26.

Tearoom and gardens: Wednesday 11am – 4pm until December 14.

Accommodation

Accommodation is also available within the estate grounds in a handful of cottages and eco-lodges – contact Browsholme for further details or visit the website.

Carla Gebhard

I’m a watercolour artist and illustrator and I also have a lovely little shop/studio at Wyresdale Park, where I sell my artwork and also hold watercolour workshops.

I specialise in nursery and children’s artwork, inspired by animals, nature and all things whimsical. My aim is to gently inspire and educate children from an early age, to love and to care for the nature around them. Whether it be through my nursery prints, nature activities or children’s books. I strongly believe that little nature lovers, naturally grow into BIG nature lovers, who will then go on to help protect our lovely little planet and all it inhabits.

I like to keep things local to Lancashire – I’m naturally inspired by the wildlife and nature found in and around Wyresdale Park. Which is where my shop/studio is based and where all my paintings come to life. The prints are then printed, mounted and packaged locally in Lancashire, whilst also supporting other local and independent businesses.

I like to make everything eco-friendly (where possible) and I’m also hoping to give back to nature VERY soon by donating a percentage of print sales to planting trees locally in Lancashire through the Wyre Rivers Trust.

WORKSHOPS

Children’s Spring Watercolour Workshop  

11-12pm and 1-2pm (two workshops, 10 children per workshop)

13th February 2025

£12.00 per child

www.carlagebhard.com 

To book please email: hello@carlagebhard.com

I offer private watercolour workshops in my shop, which are available all year round bookable at a time to suit you!

Botanical Watercolour Workshops for Beginners (for two people)

2 hour workshop – time to suit you -available from 11-4pm 

Thursday-Sunday – all year round

Carla Gebhard’s Shop/Studio at Wyresdale Park

£98.00 for two people – all materials included.

www.carlagebhard.com 

To book please email: hello@carlagebhard.com

Cobden View self catering cottage

Cobden View cottage is set in its own grounds with glorious panoramic views of Sabden valley and Pendle Hill in the Forest of Bowland. Through its windows, you can also see sheep and cattle (plus some hens and geese) that graze the hillside fields at Cobden Farm. The well-equipped cottage, with two bedrooms, can sleep up to five people and a baby. There’s a spacious lounge with a log burner, a dining kitchen with plenty of room, a shared four-piece bathroom and a utility room. All have lots of extras aimed at making your stay special.

Well-behaved dogs are more than welcome. The private rear garden has decking area ideally sited for al fresco meals, or just relaxing and enjoying the wonderful scenery. On clear nights, it’s perfect for Dark Skies gazing.

Walk from the door of Cobden View onto public footpaths close by that link with others criss-crossing Sabden valley. The cottage is a mile from Sabden with its two shops, including a Post Office; Sanwitches cafe in the former mill; a beauty salon Ella-Mia; and two pubs. For children, there’s a lovely play park and grass play area next to Sabden Brook where they can paddle. A Sabden Treasure Trail leaflet, produced by the Pendle Hill Landscape project, is a great way to discover the village.

Location-wise, the cottage is not far from Blackpool, Lytham St Annes and Southport seasides (less than an hour’s drive), the Yorkshire Dales and West Pennine Moors (an hour); M65 (10-15 mins); A59 (10 mins).

Dale House Barn Luxury B&B & Cookery Courses

Michelin-trained chef Dominique Ashford has tuned into the slower rhythms of nature after swapping the top end restaurants of London for wild food and foraging in the Forest of Bowland

For a really wild adventure in one of the most remote parts of the Forest of Bowland, Dale House Barn ticks a lot of boxes.

This pretty farmhouse B&B and camping barn is the ideal location for a peaceful rural retreat to recharge the batteries or an action-packed weekend of walking, cycling, foraging and cooking.

Nestling beneath the craggy outcrops of Bowland Knotts, high above the sparkling waters of Stocks Reservoir, Dale House Barn is the perfect base from which to explore Bowland on foot or by bike.

And there’s no need to rough it in this isolated location. Dominique is an experienced chef and her cookery and bread making courses are incredibly popular with guests. As you’d expect, the food is pretty awesome, too and most of Dominique’s guests book in for dinner and her legendary breakfast while staying at Dale House.

Dominique worked primarily as a pastry chef for over 25 years in some of the best kitchens in the UK – including the Roux brothers, Terence Conran’s Le Pont de la Tour, The Houses of Parliament and Aiden Byrne.

Dominique now uses her skills and imagination to devise dishes that include as much wild, seasonal, local and sustainable produce as possible with an aim to have zero waste. 

Partner Andrew is a keen outdoorsman and a local game keeper who provides Dale House with a steady supply of venison, rabbit, wild duck and pigeon. And despite the accent on local game, vegetarians and vegans are well catered for too!

Complemented by foraged herbs, leaves and berries and locally grown vegetables, be it breakfast, afternoon tea or dinner, mealtimes are always a highlight at Dale House.

Dominique hosts a wide range of food and rural skills courses, which all take place in the farmhouse kitchen and a purpose-built professional kitchen.

Each course is limited to maximum of five people with most run as private workshops for family and friends. Guests will chat, cook and eat their way through the day with plenty of opportunity to get involved on a practical level too.

For the more actively inclined, the traffic-free mountain bike trails of Gisburn Forest are a short ride away and a hilly 10k trail run around Stocks Reservoir is easily accessible.

Quiet road cycling routes and miles of wilderness walks start right from the farmhouse gate and if you need a bit of help to negotiate the hilly terrain, Ribble Valley E-bikes can deliver electric bikes direct to the door.

During the autumn and winter months, the Forest of Bowland’s dark skies offer amazing views of the planets and constellations while the onset of spring heralds the arrival of a host of rare visitors, including ospreys, ring ouzel, curlew and sky dancing hen harriers.

Hearty breakfasts with homemade bread, granola and preserves, eggs from our hens and locally sourced bacon and sausages. Packed lunches, hampers and picnics are also available. A perfect location for exploring the Forest of Bowland.

Dale House Camping Barn

Our charming barn is available for groups of up to 14 people. It has two mezzanine sleeping areas, a large double height dining and seating area with a log burning stove. There is a small kitchen, 2 toilets and 2 showers. A private south facing garden affords fantastic views over the meadows towards Stocks reservoir and Gisburn forest.

The barn is also a great space for entertaining or business meetings with a focus on good food and enjoyment of the outdoors. It can be booked for private catered events and meetings.

Falcon Manor

In the heart of historic Settle, Falcon Manor is a glamorous restaurant, hotel and wedding venue that combines classic sophistication with contemporary chic.

Our 16 boutique bedrooms are furnished to the highest standards with traditional touches and sumptuous styling, each and every room at Falcon Manor has a unique personality. From the gorgeously decadent Rafters Suite to our simply sublime doubles and twins, you’ll find it easy to relax in a Falcon Manor room. With goose down duvets, feather-soft pillows and the finest cotton sheets, you’re guaranteed to sleep soundly. And when it comes to food our philosophy is simple. To take the freshest ingredients, prepare them with care and respect and create stunning dishes, packed full of flavour.

Located as we are on the edge of the National Landscape we are ideally located for walking, cycling and mountain biking, all of which are wonderful ways of exploring the local countryside. Discover hidden places using the many routes and trails that criss-cross the area. From a gentle stroll along the banks of the River Ribble to the challenge of the 24 mile Three Peaks walk and everything in between.

Farm on the Fell

Located in the Bowland Fells in Bleasdale, Farm on the Fell is a dairy farm that does dairy differently. They farm as naturally as possible, as they believe farming should work with nature and not against it.

The farm is home to a cow with calf dairy, where the cows get to rear their own calves from birth. The cows only ever eat a natural diet of pasture and forage for their entire lives. They are not fed any grain. Milk from cows fed a 100 per cent pasture diet has higher levels of desirable Omega 3, higher vitamin and mineral levels particularly vitamin A and E, and lower levels of undesirable omega 6
The milk from the cows is gently pasteurised and sold direct from the on farm milk vending machine, which also serves a range of milkshake flavours.

The delicious fresh milk is also used to make artisan gelato in their on farm processing room, which can enjoyed on the farm while taking in the spectacular views of this National Landscape. Customers can also enjoy their favourite flavours at home, with take home tubs available.

Goosnargh Gin

Richard and Rachel Trenchard were quietly building a widely admired brand of artisan gin, distilled and rooted in the landscapes of Bowland – and then the Hairy Bikers dropped in for a quick G&T…

After developing an interest in handcrafted small batch gins, which bordered on an obsession, Richard and Rachel Trenchard decided to use over a decade of amassed knowledge to launch their own artisan spirit brand from an additional outbuilding at their home in the shadow of Beacon Fell.

Being gin obsessives, their approach was meticulous – from botanicals which reflect the local area or promote the rich geography and heritage of Bowland, to the artwork for the label and the distinctive retro bottles, nothing was left to chance.

The end product was – perhaps unsurprisingly – a stand-out gin, which was an immediate hit with gin connoisseurs across Lancashire and beyond, winning a prestigious Gold award at the International Wine and Spirit Competition in 2019.

New bottlings – or ‘chapters’ joined the range – all remaining true to the couple’s core values of distilling an authentic artisan product inspired by – and rooted in – the Forest of Bowland.

Following on from the original Chapter One – Signature Gin, which is distilled with 14 botanicals designed to capture the essence of Bowland, was Chapter Two – Dark Skies – a deeper, more warming gin inspired by the glittering starscapes of Bowland’s velvety black night skies.

Further chapters and seasonal releases followed – including Hay Time – flavoured with summer aromatics sourced in collaboration with local farmer Peter Blackwell whose wildflower meadows are some of the most species-rich in Northern England. Richard and Rachel make a donation to conservation projects in the Forest of Bowland for every bottle of Hay Time gin sold.

Alongside producing award-winning gins, Richard and Rachel opened a gin school, allowing visitors to come along and handcraft their own gin. Their foraging and distilling dates allow visitors to collect and distil with foraged botanical following the guidance of an expert forager on the same day.

And as the nation emerged from the first lockdown, a pair of celebrity foodies dropped in to see what all the fuss was about. Dave Myers and Si King – better known as the Hairy Bikers – spent a day making their own gin for their popular BBC TV series The Hairy Bikers Go North.

Si and Dave clearly enjoyed the experience – and after the programme aired for the first time in September 2021, Richard and Rachel were inundated with bookings from across the country and beyond. In response to the surge in demand for their products and experiences, the couple recently opened a second outlet at Wyresdale Park, near Scorton.

As well as a shop retailing the entire range of gins and associated merchandise, Goosnargh Gin’s new Wyresdale outlet will soon be hosting gin schools and other events. While the new shop is open from Thursday to Sunday from 10am to 4pm, advance booking is essential for gin school. Check the website and social media for updates.

Visitors are always welcome at Goosnargh Gin’s two outlets, but check opening times on the website first. Booking in advance is essential for gin school and foraging courses.

Hartley’s Huts

Nestled in the heart of the Forest of Bowland National Landscape, this glamping pod is ideal for hikers and bikers who want a base more substantial than a tent and less fuss than a hotel. Want privacy with absolutely nobody else around? We can almost guarantee you won’t see a single person while you’re at the pod, so you can sit back and enjoy the stunning panoramic views that stretch for miles over the Dunsop and Ribble Valleys from the hot tub, champagne in hand, with nobody to disturb you. The pod is made out of a solid wood frame and boasts three sides of glass to fully take in the panoramic views.

Height Top Farm Holiday Cottages

Height Top Farm Holiday Cottages are set in beautiful open countryside close to Pendle Hill and in the Forest of Bowland National Landscape. Perfect for those wanting to escape a hectic lifestyle. The cottages were once the original farmhouse and have been restored keeping many original features without compromising comfort. Nearby walking, cycling fishing and golf are some of the activities our guests may choose but you could just as easily chill out and relax.

Higher Gills Farm

If you want a complete escape from the stress and strain of modern life, a holiday at Higher Gills Farm could be just what you need. Situated at the foot of Pendle Hill, Higher Gills Farm offers magnificent panoramic views of the Forest of Bowland, and the Ribble Valley from your accommodation. In the distance can be seen the high moors of the Yorkshire Dales including Ingleborough and Penyghent.

Numerous footpaths run through the farm and onto the moors and nearby villages. If birdwatching is your passion we have our own bird hide and are close to many wildlife hot spots.

Lakewood Cottages

Lakewood Cottages are located on a small farm just outside the village of Galgate, a few miles south of the historic city of Lancaster and also a few miles from the small market town of Garstang.

A more idyllic location would be hard to imagine with the cottages enjoying their own, private lakeside setting (fishing welcome on the lake).

Finished to a high standard the cottages offer good, spacious family accommodation. Less than 200 yards away is one of the most beautiful stretches of Lancaster Canal which along with the lake and surrounding countryside, offers a multitude of pleasant and enjoyable walks. Golf and fishing are also available locally.

These cottages are a wonderful rural retreat, ideally placed for exploring Lancaster, The Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, Forest of Bowland, Fylde Coast and Morecambe Bay.

The converted barn consists of four cottages, Granary (sleeps 2), Mill Cottage (sleeps 4), Stable Cottage (sleeps 4) and Stone Barn (sleeps 6), all four star gold award rated.

Please visit the Lakewood Cottages website for further details.

Laythams Holiday Lets Retreat

For a relaxing getaway to the beautiful Bowland wilderness, or a group celebration, as much as for an incredible range of local exciting activities, Laythams offers four delightful Gold rated luxury accommodations to welcome from 2 to 22 guests; and to suit a range of tastes and pockets. Pets are even welcome in two of the cottages. 

Discrete arrangements ensure safety and social distancing can be maintained in a relaxed non-intrusive manner. A warm welcome awaits amid stunning Bowland scenery.

Little Oakhurst Luxury Glamping

Do you desire a night of peace and quiet? Want to relax under the stars in your very own Luxury yurt with a wood fired hot tub? If you do, then Little Oakhurst is the place for you. From the moment you arrive on the farm, you are made to feel part of the family.

The yurt is tastefully decorated with scrumptious home-made Nana’s cake on arrival and fresh milk from the cows. You can kick off your shoes, light the fire and snuggle under the blankets. Each Yurt has its own luxury bathroom facilities, one with a roll top bath. So, throw open the doors and admire the view!

Moss Wood Caravan Park

Moss Wood Caravan Park is set on the coastal plain just outside the Forest of Bowland, south of the historic city of Lancaster and near Cockerham Sands on Morecambe Bay. We have 31 hard standing pitches to accommodate touring caravans, and 140 holiday homes on the park. We are proud winners of the Lancashire Tourism Award in 2019 for Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism – and have been recognised for our environmental work nationally such as through the David Bellamy Conservation Award Scheme.

As innovators in sustainable tourism, our park is full of greenery and is an oasis for native wildlife – perfect for a peaceful and relaxing country escape. If you want to relax on the park you may enjoy our fishing lake, a stroll down the Woodland Walk, or try out our Nature Trail to spot some of the species that call Moss Wood home. Other amenities on our park include WiFi which allows you to engage with us over social media where we love to see pictures of wildlife you’ve spotted at Moss Wood.

If you want to explore the area, the Forest of Bowland is right on our doorstep and full of wonderful walks and attractions we highly recommend, with businesses who share our eco-friendly ethos. They are even cycling distance if you prefer to leave your car for the day! A little further is Blackpool, Lancaster and the Lake District.

To book go to https://mosswood.co.uk/

NaturesGems Tours

Experienced naturalist and active conservationist Gemma Wren leads small groups on bespoke nature tours of Morecambe Bay and its diverse range of habitats.

Owned and operated by practising environment consultant Gemma Wren, NaturesGems Tours offers immersive wildlife experiences in some of the county’s most nature-rich environments.

Most of Gemma’s tours take place within the Arnside and Silverdale National Landscape or Lake District National Park, exploring coastal, woodland and upland environments and observing the species which live there.

The half-day tours offer a taste of the National Landscape and its wildlife, visiting a number of local nature reserves and established wildlife-watching locations which vary according to the season and which species are likely to be in the area.

The full-day tours offer visitors an opportunity to really immerse themselves in the habitations of Arnside and Silverdale and chalk up an enviable list of rarities, including bittern, hen harrier and osprey, waders, warblers, otters and – in the summer months – rare butterflies and dragonflies and some spectacular orchids on the chalk grasslands of the National Landscape.

Your itinerary could include RSPB Leighton Moss, Foulshaw Moss, Whitbarrow Scar and Gaitbarrows and will involve a walk of around six miles. A picnic lunch of wholesome local produce is provided by local business Baba Ganoush, who use eco-friendly packaging and local ingredients for their tasty vegetarian lunches.

Everyone with an interest in nature is welcome, from beginners to the more experienced, but as they inevitably involve a significant amount of walking in hilly and sometimes rough terrain, they may not be suitable for those with mobility or health issues.

Gemma can also arrange bespoke tours for individuals and small groups and while she can cater for family groups by prior arrangement, the tours aren’t generally suitable for children under 10 years of age.

Most visitors bring their own binoculars or telescopes, but Gemma has a small number of high-quality optics which guests may borrow for the day.

“One of the beauties of the National Landscape is the sheer variety of species you find here in the National Landscape,” said Gemma. “We’re right on the intersection between the northern boundary of many southern species and the southern boundary of northern species and this part of Morecambe Bay has a sort of microclimate where all these species can co-exist.

“This unique environment – along with the huge seasonal changes which sweep across the Bay as the year unfolds – mean that no two trips are quite the same and there are usually one or two surprises along the way.”

Get in touch

Gemma’s website contains more information on NaturesGems tour schedule: www.naturesgemtours.co.uk. Or email Gemma on: naturesgemtours@gmail.com.

Orchard Glamping

Orchard Glamping is the perfect retreat in which to explore the great outdoors. Located on a beautiful patch of land, part of the Richardson’s family farm in Catterall, near Garstang, Preston. The site is run by Rebecca Richardson and her husband Tom, alongside Tom’s grandfather, Ted and his wife Doris. Positioned next to the canal, the river and a small woodland, the site offers a multitude of activities for families and couples who just want to get out and immerse themselves in the countryside.

The site is also close to the Trough of Bowland, an area of outstanding natural beauty. The glamping pod is designed with families and couples in mind and can sleep up to 6 guests. For those who love to explore outside, campers will find the pods cosy but also practical, especially on wet weather days. Wet boots and coats can be stored outside with a warm welcome inside. Decorated in a modern country style you will feel right at home with all the comforts and amenities available in the pod.

All pods have a fully equipped kitchen and bathroom, under floor heating and hot water. All bedding and towels included plus Wi-Fi, television, built in BBQs and firepits. The pod has been hand-built by a local company and is more like a luxury self-contained apartment sure to impress our visiting guests.

To book go to https://orchardglamping.com/contact-booking/

Patty’s Barn

Patty’s Barn is a collection of 4-star self-catering cottages, and two wooden cabins located 10 mins south of the historic city of Lancaster.

Each cottage comes well-equipped with all the essentials and everything you need for the perfect stay. Onsite you’ll find our communal games room, outdoor dining area with BBQ fireplace, nature trail across open fields, ponds, private woodlands with picnic tables, a small gym and private events room, bookable wood-fired hot and cold tub, and unmissable sunsets over the bay.

All the barns are spacious and full of character and original features with plenty of room to rest and relax whilst enjoying the unspoilt natural beauty of the surrounding rural area. 

You’ll find the kitchen fully equipped giving you that home away from home feeling and great for bringing family and friends together around a large table. 

We provide fresh towels, linen and Pure Lakes natural skincare products,operate a high level of cleanliness and are English Tourist Board 4-star rated. 

Additional facilities onsite:

• Communal games room which includes; a pool table, table tennis, air hockey and chill-out sofa area.

• The Out Barn, a covered outdoor dining area with a large BBQ fireplace and decorated with rustic, quirky interiors, fire pits and barrel BBQs for outside your cottage on request also. 

• Wood-fired hot and cold tub which are available to book as an extra service. 

•  A small gym which includes a weight stack, bench, spin bike and cross trainer. 

• Private nature trail, including woodlands, ponds large woodland picnic table and open pastures as well as being located directly on the English Coastal pathway.  

•  We have a private events room which you can hire for parties or retreats. Be sure to check out our sister company, The Rewilding which are located onsite with a calendar of inspiring events, workshops and food and foraging experiences to get involved with during your stay. 

• Two, 3-acre carp fishing lakes with discounts available for those staying with us at Patty’s Barn.

• Swings that look out across the salt marshes and children love to play on.  

•One EV charger is available for guests to charge vehicles at an extra cost

• Paddock and field areas with football and rugby goals for children and families to play in. 

• You might even find yourself jumping out of a plane during your stay with The Black Knights Skydive Centre a stone’s throw away. 

Plus, plenty more nooks and crannies to explore during your stay, this is a great place to stay for families, walkers and cyclists, artists, fishing and bird watching on Morecambe Bay and those looking for a rural retreat and to enjoy some open space and fresh air taking in the epic sunsets across the unique salt marshes of Morecambe Bay.

The Lake District is a short drive, as is a breathtaking stroll through the Trough of Bowland.  A stock of changing landscapes to enjoy for all.  However, you’ll struggle to beat the dramatic sunsets over Morecambe Bay which can be enjoyed right from your window.

Located a short 7 mile drive from the historic city of Lancaster offering great access for Lancaster University, The Lake District, Peak District and other great northern cities like Manchester and Blackpool. Lancaster truly is the “road to nowhere.”

There are many excellent restaurants, pubs and cafes to enjoy. Whether you’re a bird watcher, golfer, all-round expert relaxer or walking enthusiast. We welcome you to indulge in cozy winter nights, bright frosty days or long sunshine coastal walks with a picnic and blanket. Patty’s Barn is ideally located for your break with a wide range of activities within easy reach.

Peaks and Pods

Perfectly positioned on a small dairy farm in North Yorkshire, these five camping pods are in a league of their own. These cedar-clad beauties boast panoramic views, well-appointed terraces, and comfortable double beds. All the pods also have their own private bathrooms (either ensuite or just a short stroll away), but the luxury doesn’t stop there. Four of these beautiful pods even have their own hot tubs. The eco-conscious owners have earned themselves a Green Tourism ‘Gold Award’ for commitment to sustainability.

The pods guarantee a cosy night’s sleep with great insulation, heating and double-glazed doors and windows – this is definitely a few steps up from regular camping. Each one is nestled into its own bank next to a dry stone wall to protect you from the elements and all have their own bespoke wooden patio shelter with festoon lighting.

Inside there is a fully-equipped kitchenette and tasteful crockery, along with an array of utensils, and stowaway wooden tables and chairs. Sleeping up to four (five at a push in the Green Top pods), each has a handmade double bed with a pocket-sprung mattress and sofa bed – ideal for adventurous families. Bedding and towels are provided. Each pod has its own fire bowl that doubles as a barbecue and comes with free kiln-dried wood – just add marshmallows!

Wander round the site and you’ll be happy to discover ‘The Hub’, a fantastic all-weather communal space that comes complete with a wood-fired pizza oven. It’s a great place to relax and socialise.

Ribble Valley E-Bikes

Based in Dunsop Bridge in the heart of the Forest of Bowland, Ribble Valley e-bikes has a fleet of electric bikes available for visitors to hire and explore Bowland straight from the shop.

Our hire shop in the pretty village of Dunsop Bridge is at the heart of the Forest of Bowland and within easy reach of some superb on and off-road routes – and a safe, largely traffic-free bridleway for families to explore.

Within a couple of miles’ riding, you’ll soon discover another benefit of e-bike touring: they make climbing hills a doddle. Both the Forest of Bowland and the Ribble Valley are very hilly, which makes touring on a standard push bike quite a challenge.

If you decide to make a weekend of it, we can arrange delivery e-bikes to your accommodation so you can enjoy a ride direct from the door.

And if you’re looking for the ultimate car-free adventure, we can also arrange two or three-day rentals where we will look after luggage transfer while you cycle from inn to inn.

We will also give you a comprehensive handover and supply a puncture repair outfit, helmets and a full technical back up and recovery service in the unlikely event of breakdowns.

Choose from meandering road rides which incorporate plenty of stops at local points of interest or more challenging off-road routes which get you even closer to nature in some of England’s most breathtaking scenery.

Guided and self-guided tours

We have devised a collection of circular e-bike routes which showcase the best rides and scenery – and local hospitality – in the Forest of Bowland Ribble Valley.

We can provide paper printouts of these routes when you collect your bikes, or alternatively, for more technologically advanced riders, we can supply GPX routes for upload to your smartphone to equip you with ‘cycle satnav’.

For families and larger groups, we can also arrange ‘e-bike safaris’ with an experienced local guide, who will take you to the most amazing beauty spots and viewpoints and provide technical support and advice on getting the most out of your time in the area.

Ribble Valley Holiday Homes

Set in a peaceful location close to the historical village of Ribchester, is a small hamlet of cottages with private hot tubs and spacious, open plan living. Tennis courts, cinema rooms and snooker tables are available in the larger properties, which can accommodate up to sixteen guests with the smaller homes suitable for up to four. Summer relaxation and festive gatherings have been firm favourites since opening in 2016. Over ninety guests can be accommodated in total, making the cottages a popular choice for local wedding venues.

Log burners, comfy sofas and underfloor heating create a homely and inviting atmosphere, perfect for family holidays, celebrations with friends and rural escapes. Ideal for both short and long stays, each of the cottages are well equipped with Smart TVs, Wifi, en-suite bathrooms, king size beds and modern fixtures and fittings. Every home has a unique character, with some stretching over four floors and others providing ground floor, accessible accommodation. One is home to a piano and another a sauna!

There really is no need to leave the tranquillity of your cottage in such a picturesque setting within the Ribble Valley. If you do, friendly local pubs, an old-fashioned, glass house restaurant and rustic wine shed are all within walking distance. It is also a true paradise for cyclists and ramblers alike. The welcoming team are always on hand to ensure your cottage is spotlessly clean, to recommend local activities and to make you stay truly unforgettable.

Riverside Caravan Park

Situated where Lake, Coast and Dale unite, Riverside Caravan Park and cottages offers you the chance to escape from the worries of life and immerse yourself in our rural retreat. Whether you’re looking for a short break or a regular bolt hole, we can offer you a blissful hideaway.

RSPB Leighton Moss

Conveniently located just a 200m walk from Silverdale station, Leighton Moss is one of the RSPB’s most accessible reserves and home to a host of spectacular wildlife, from marsh harriers and ospreys to red deer and otters.

Conveniently located just a 200m walk from Silverdale station, Leighton Moss is one of the RSPB’s most accessible reserves and home to a host of spectacular wildlife, from marsh harriers and ospreys to red deer and otters.

RSPB Leighton Moss was established to protect one of Britain’s rarest and most elusive birds – the bittern – but since its inception in the 1960s, this huge expanse of wetlands and reedbeds has attracted a whole host of wonderful wildlife.

The bittern remains the star of the show – especially in spring, when males can be heard ‘booming’ from deep within the reedbeds from February onwards. This unearthly call is made by the bittern inflating its throat and the sound can carry for around three miles across the reserve.

Other spring migrants begin to arrive from early March, when the first warblers begin singing in the woodland, followed closely by sand martins, swallows and swifts and the majestic osprey – which looks set to breed at Leighton Moss in the next year or two.

And there’s much more to Leighton Moss than birdlife. The marshy wetlands are home to dozens of beautiful wildflowers, which in turn attract a host of insects and pollinators – including some colourful species of moths and butterfly and brightly jewelled damsel and dragon flies.

Remain stealthy as you wander along the footpaths and wooden walkways and you could also catch a glimpse of an otter or a deer in the quieter reaches of the reserve.

And in the winter months, Leighton Moss hosts one of the most enthralling natural spectacles viewable in the UK. As dusk descends over the reserve, tens of thousands of starlings gather in the skies above the reserve, wheeling and swirling back and forth across the setting sun as they prepare to roost in the reedbeds.

These murmurations can last for several minutes as the birds paint mesmerising patterns across the sky before suddenly diving en masse for the shelter of the reedbeds.

Leighton Moss comprises reedbeds, mudflats, coastal marsh and saltwater lagoons, all set against the shores of the nearby Morecambe Bay. The best vantage point to appreciate the different elements of the reserve is from the elevated skytower observation platform just a short walk from the visitor centre.

The RSPB has increased the size of the reedbeds in recent years, adding a further 200 hectares and they need to be extensively cut back in summer and winter to create ideal conditions for bearded tits, otters, bitterns and wintering wildfowl.

The mudflats and saltmarsh around Morecambe Bay support important wintering populations of oystercatchers and knots, as well as breeding redshanks and wintering wildfowl. The inner marshes are grazed by cattle to create suitable conditions for these birds and provide a mix of established trees and new growth throughout the year.

The limestone grassland and woodland surrounding the reserve are home to nationally important plants and insects, including the rare high brown and pearl-bordered fritillary butterflies.

The reserve has seven fully weatherproof birdwatching hides stretching over several miles of footpaths and walkways and the visitor centre has a shop selling bird foods, books and optics and a welcoming café offering hot and cold snacks and drinks, with some outdoor seating available.

The reserve is open year-round and hosts a busy schedule of wildlife events which are open to the public – check the website for details. RSPB Leighton Moss also has a Tramper all-terrain mobility scooter available for visitors for restricted mobility. Call the visitor centre at Leighton Moss on 01524 701601 to book the Tramper in advance.

Shireburn Arms

Located in the picturesque village of Hurst Green, The Shireburn Arms is a 17th Century hostelry offering stunning views, beautiful accommodation and locally produced food. Original architectural features cosy, up to date contemporary fittings and fabrics to create a unique yet homely feel.

You’ll find a relaxed, informal atmosphere in which to enjoy beautifully prepared food. Open fireplaces and cosy corners. A meal at The Shireburn Arms is both comfortingly familiar and yet still a wonderfully special experience.

Our head chef has crafted a menu that pays homage to the region’s produce, as well as his talents, and features local specialities using the freshest ingredients. And, of course, you’ll be wanting something to drink. Our wine list has something to suit every palate and with a well stocked bar featuring a selection of the finest local ales, we’ll make sure you don’t go thirsty.

Dining both inside and outside on our beautiful south-facing terrace & gardens.

Slaidburn Central Stores

An award-winning community hub at the heart of the village, where locals and visitors alike can pick up a whole range of items – from drinks and snacks to take away to household essentials.

Maps and guidebooks also available – along with a range of local produce. Open every day – including Sundays. Hungry cyclists and walkers always welcome!

Slaidburn Youth Hostel

Slaidburn Youth Hostel is one of the oldest YHA hostels in England – welcoming guests to this beautiful Forest of Bowland village for more than 80 years.

In addition it has a comfy lounge with an open fire, ideal for the darker nights. It has its own car park This hostel is very popular with cyclists especially those doing the Lands End to John ‘O’Groats cycle route as a mid-way point.

The self-catering side is well provided with a kitchen that has two cookers, a larder fridge and plenty of cutlery and crockery.

Smelt Mill Outdoor Centre

Smelt Mill provides accommodation for groups in the heart of the Forest of Bowland National Landscape. It is ideally located for outdoor activities such as walking, mountain biking and bird watching.

• Rooms – 5 x 2 beds, 3 x 4 beds and 1 x 6 beds
• Full central heating
• Lounge with log fire
• Professionally equipped kitchen
• A multi-purpose room for activities and dining
• Showers and changing rooms
• Drying room
• Multi-media presentation equipment and satellite TV
• Indoor climbing wall
• Garden area suitable for activities, games BBQ etc
• Camping with toilet and shower area
• Guest WiFi
• Limited Off-road car parking

The Assheton Arms

The Assheton Arms is perched on a hill looking over the picture postcard village of Downham in Lancashire’s beautiful Forest of Bowland. This renowned country inn is open all day every day during the summer months for drinks, light snacks, fine dining and elegant accommodation.

Expect a warm welcome from the friendly staff at this much-loved local institution which has all the features you’d expect from a traditional country inn: flagstone floors, exposed beams, cosy nooks and crannies hearty food and well-kept cask ales.

The extensive menu caters to all tastes – from sandwiches and light snacks to fine dining featuring the very best local Lancashire produce.

The views from the sunny, south-facing terrace across the rooftops of Downham across the verdant pastureland to the imposing outline of Pendle – the most iconic hill in Lancashire. A short, but challenging walk takes you to the summit of this famous hill in around 90 minutes.

And for those who find themselves wanting to linger longer, ‘The Ash’ has 12 elegant and individually styled bedrooms – perfect for an indulgent short break or impromptu night away.

The Coach and Horses

The Coach and Horses is a traditional coaching inn, set in the idyllic village of Bolton by Bowland in the heart of the Ribble Valley.

Newly restored to its original glory, this Grade II listed building includes a cosy bar and elegant restaurant plus an onsite micro brewery.

Let our chef take your taste buds on a journey with new and exciting dishes served alongside pub classics done right. The menu is varied, using ingredients of the season, locally sourced where possible.

We have seven beautifully created bedrooms, each bedroom is unique, decorated in a style befitting a traditional coaching inn.

The Coach and Horses is ideally located for exploration of the Forest of Bowland, Pendle Hill and Gisburn Forest, with miles of public footpaths on it’s doorstep.

The Courtyard Dairy

The finest cheese – delivered to your door. It’s no wonder The Daily Telegraph lists The Courtyard Dairy as one of the Top 10 Cheese Shops in the World. The Courtyard Dairy is a truly special cheese maturer and shop. Housed in a thick-walled, old Yorkshire Dales barn it is a cool and humid shop where cheeses are piled high; perfect for ageing cheese. Owned by Andy and Kathy Swinscoe, who have a background working for some of Europe’s finest cheesemongers and affineurs (from London to Lyon), The Courtyard Dairy’s ethos is to only sell and champion truly special cheese. Only stocking 30 selected cheeses, all the cheese are made very traditionally on farms, most are unpasteurised. They are all hand-selected and chosen at the farm before being aged to perfection, you’ll get to try and sample some truly unique and unheard of cheeses.

The excellence of this shop dedicated to championing and keeping alive farmhouse cheese has not gone unnoticed: winners of multiple awards including: Cheesemonger of the Year (World Cheese Awards 2013), ‘Food Shop of the Year’ (Farm Shop & Deli Awards 2020), BBC Food & Farming Awards. It has already become a renowned destination cheesemongers, as regulars and visitors have the opportunity to sample and purchase some of the finest cheese to be found, and now you can have these very fine cheeses delivered direct to your door.

Cheesemonger of the Year (World Cheese Awards 2013 and Farm Shop & Deli Awards 2020), Food Retailer of the Year 2020

The Emporium

Housed in an imposing former chapel in the heart of town, The Emporium is a unique setting of unique interior design and delicious food. Whether it’s a latte or a lunchtime glass of fizz, this elegant old building has been lavishly converted to create three glorious floors of eating, drinking and shopping. Pop in for a coffee and freshly baked pastries, meet friends for lunch, toast a successful shopping trip with a cheeky afternoon glass of fizz or step out in style for a special celebration dinner.

The Fleece Inn

The Fleece Inn is a traditional country inn, situated in the idyllic and historic village of Dolphinholme, near Lancaster.

With its stylish charm, our traditional English Inn offers a wonderful and relaxing location for you to drink, eat and sleep in the heart of the beautiful, Lancashire countryside.

Being in the extremely privileged location that it is, The Fleece sits right on the doorstep of the Forest of Bowland National Landscape and just 7 miles from the wonderfully historic city of Lancaster centre.

If you choose to venture a little further afield, you could take a scenic drive (just over 20 miles) and immerse yourself in the rolling hills and tranquil valleys of The Yorkshire Dales National Park, or head just 30 minutes north and you’ll be touching the southern edge of Cumbria’s wonderful Lake District.

At The Fleece Inn, you can enjoy some of the finest local produce, cooked to a very high standard by talented Head Chef, Ian Manning and his team. Honest food with a minimum of fuss – alongside always popular pub classics, you’ll find an exciting selection of international themed dishes, as well as a good choice of vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options.

Of course, the bar at The Fleece Inn is well-stocked with top quality, locally brewed beers, as well as a fine selection of wines supplied by award-winning fine wine merchants, D Byrne & Co, Clitheroe. A warm welcome awaits at The Fleece Inn, visit us soon.

Enjoy the wonderful peace and tranquility of the Forest of Bowland wit a stay at The Fleece Inn. All our rooms (9 Classic and 3 Superior) are beautifully furnished, to a very high standard, with thick wool carpets and exposed oak beams, antique furniture and tasteful fabrics. The bathrooms are all exquisitely finished in Lakeland stone, with both bath and walk in shower provided.

The Garden Cottage

Safely nestled in the garden of Fairhurst Cottage, The Garden Cottage offers home from home comfort with all you would need to enjoy a getaway holiday with your pets. Appreciate the peace and quiet, enjoy the garden, listen to the wildlife, look up to the Beacon Fells, relax and reset!

The Gathering Fields

After returning to her childhood home, natural therapist Helen Leece established a centre for wellbeing and renewal high among the hills on the western fringe of the Forest of Bowland.

The Gathering Fields is a rural Retreat centre teaching Yoga, Meditation, Cookery and Wild medicine. The centre can be hired by companies and community groups and hosts a variety of retreats based around wellbeing in nature.

Standing some 140 metres above sea level, Swainshead Hall Farm, enjoys an elevated position offering amazing views of both the fells and the wide sweep of Morecambe Bay, with the hazy outline of the Lakeland Fells peeping over the northern horizon.

It’s a truly enchanting view that’s entirely in keeping with the aura that permeates this magical rural hideaway overlooking the upper Wyre Valley and the Ward Stone – the highest point in the Bowland Fells.

Helen returned to her family home – a working hill farm of some 280 aces – after a varied career which saw her qualify as a holistic therapist and practitioner of Ayurveda – an Indian-based holistic medical system incorporating diet, lifestyle and herbal medicine.

She immediately set about diversifying, converting the outbuildings into cosy bunkhouse accommodation and indoor and outdoor spaces for learning and discovery, which she christened ‘The Gathering Fields.’

“This little community has been a place where people have come together in friendship for centuries and we want to preserve those traditions,” said Helen. “The name the Gathering Fields seems to capture that instinct for like-minded people to share each others’ company in a relaxed and open setting.”

Ideal for extended families or informal friendship groups, community groups and charities, the Gathering Fields offers yoga, Sound relaxation, herbal foraging with a medicinal twist, Flower essence making or simply revelling in the glorious countryside on the doorstep.

Alongside the camping barn – which was once a cowshed – there’s also a paddock to pitch tents and a wonderfully expansive covered outdoor seating area complete with communal firepit to while away the evenings around the campfire.

A recently restored community pub is a shortish hike across the fields, while the ridgeline of surrounding hills can be reached on foot within an hour. The Gathering Fields also makes the perfect base for exploring the quiet roads and wild trails of Bowland on road, mountain or electric bikes.

“We encourage a ‘back to nature’ approach to stays on the farm,” said Helen. “But while it’s deliberately rustic, the camping barn has all mod cons, with hot and cold water, heating, toilets and indoor kitchen and plenty of room to dry out wet clothes and boots.

“Families love the sense of space and safety and seem to settle in and get comfortable in their surroundings very quickly. We know the surrounding area really well and can point guests in the direction of the best places to walk, cycle, explore – and enjoy a pint! We’ll even supply torches if they fancy a night hike.

“We welcome guests to share stories, skills, open fires, music, make friendships and from here we can bring people together to grow a community.”

The Rewilding

For big skies, wide open spaces and the perfect environment for rewilding yourself, head over to the windswept salt marshes of the Lancashire coast, where the Forest of Bowland meets the sea!

After travelling the world with a high-powered job for more than a decade, Lancashire lass Michelle Parry returned to her family farm with a mission to rewild herself and reverse the noise and clutter accumulated through 21^st century culture by reconnecting with nature.

Now, Michelle runs a busy schedule of events, workshops and wellness retreats under the big skies of the Lancashire coast, where the emphasis is firmly on the healing power of place in a very special landscape on the salt marshes of Morecambe Bay in the shadow of the Bowland Fells.

“I consider myself one of the lucky ones who experienced life pre-mobile phones and computers,” says Michelle. “I have a lot of gratitude for my upbringing: running wild, making dens and being free-range and feral is what I always knew. 

“Over the past 10 years I’ve witnessed the increasingly rapid disconnect humans have with the natural world. I’m one of the lucky ones who experienced life pre-mobile phones and computers.

“Today, I find it hard to wrap my head around how much this is impacting our daily lives, our connection with one another, our planet and the devastating impact it is having to our natural world, on our mental wellbeing, creating a broken ‘new normal’ for our future generations.

“Bridging the gap between the countryside and city life is something I’ve become increasingly passionate about. Here at the Rewilding, we’re on a mission to rewild our fellow humans and welcome you all along for the journey.”

One of the centrepieces of Michelle’s mission is the Untamed Supper Club – a series of informal semi al fresco dinners where anyone and everyone is welcome. As you’d expect, the accent here is on wild and foraged foods, served in the rustic surroundings of an old outbarn dressed for a feast.

The raw ingredients are overwhelmingly locally sourced and a ‘hyper-seasonal’ with food miles often in simple minds, but the cooking influences stretch around the world, from the Scandinavia to the Far East.

The dining is communal, with plates and platters passed between guests seated at a long trestle table where the food, wine and conversation flow as naturally as the tide seeping into the creeks on the salt marsh just a few yards away.

“As a farming family, food is very important to us,” said Michelle. “We’re connected to the land around us and understand the hardworking efforts that go into the production of every mouthful. 

“To us, food represents far more than filling an empty space; it’s about the nourishment it gives our bodies in order to thrive and be healthy, the connection it brings when we come together with others. That’s the spirit that underpins our Untamed Suppers.”

Although it’s off the beaten track, The Rewilding is well connected with good public transport links to Lancaster and perfect terrain to explore on foot or by bike.

There are superb coastal walks direct from the farm gate and the excellent cycleways of Lancaster connect seamlessly with the quiet country lanes crossing the coastal floodplains.

The quirky little port of Glasson Dock is just a short ride away, from where a traffic-free cycleway runs along the Lune estuary into Lancaster and beyond to Morecambe, where another cycle route extends around the whole of Morecambe Bay.

For those who want to make a short break of it, combine a stay in the quality accommodation at Patty’s Barn and some foraging on the marsh with a foodie tour of Lancashire and the Forest of Bowland and a visit to the historic old port of Lancaster.

The Traddock

A luxury country house hotel in the pretty village of Austwick on the border between the Forest of Bowland and the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

The Traddock Hotel is a small country house hotel in the village of Austwick on the edge of the Forest of Bowland and the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The hotel offers award winning 5 star comfort and service with top quality cooking, warm hospitality and a relaxing and homely place to rest and recharge. Offering 14 luxurious rooms or suites, all individually decorated in a comfortable and homely style, with modern bathrooms, most with roll-top baths.

Local producers are key to the menus in the three AA Rosette restaurant where head chef Ryan Shilton and the team offer both a brasserie menu and an 11-course tasting menu at supper. As well as two dining rooms, there are a trio of lounges for afternoon tea, a bar and a glorious walled garden to relax in.

The owners strongly believe in minimising their impact on the environment and have ethical and recycling policies that reduce our impact and help the local community, winning Green Tourism Gold Accreditation.

Waddington Arms

Located beside an ancient stone bridge over a babbling brook at the heart of the picture postcard village of Waddington, the Waddington Arms is the hub of this vibrant little community. It’s the perfect place to eat, drink, relax and catch up with friends. Come rain or shine, the ‘Waddy’ is the ideal venue for celebrations large and small. Sit outside in the sunshine on the terrace or beer garden or cosy up inside in front of a roaring wood fire.

Our varied menus are available for lunch and dinner every day and feature everything from light bites to spectacular Sunday roasts with all the trimmings. Six beautiful bedrooms provide a cosy base for exploring the Ribble Valley, Forest of Bowland, Yorkshire Dales and even the Lake District – all of which are within easy reach.

We are dog friendly too!

Wild Fox Distillery

Deep in the heart of the Forest Bowland’s famed ‘Lancashire cheese triangle’, a traditional dairy farming family are ploughing their own furrow by producing a distinctive artisan gin with deep roots in the local landscape

Founded in 2019 as part of a farm diversification scheme, Wild Fox distillery has gone from strength to strength, winning the title of best rural drink business in the 2021 Rural Business Awards.

Established by fourth generation Lancashire farmers Rob and Lizzie Billington, the distillery draws pure, fresh water from its own bore hole and features subtle flavours from wild herbs foraged among the farm’s hedgerows for an authentic ‘farm-to-bottle’ product.

Lizzie’s career in new product development, instilled a real passion for creating new products which kept ‘real produce’ at the heart of each new line.

When the couple decided to diversify, Lizzie started exploring what the farm naturally had growing within the fields and hedgerows and combined with fruits and leaves from the orchard. She then purchased a small table top still and began experimenting. After trialling 47 recipes, they were happy they had a product worth sharing with world. 

The range now extends to four gins plus seasonal specials including Ivy’s Signature Gin, Blushing Vixen and Twelve Bore – a spicy winter warmer flavoured with orange zest and ginger and bottled at a potent 45% proof!

Rob and Lizzie’s family has been associated with dairy farming and cheese making in Lancashire since 1932.

“For as long as I can remember, a G&T was the staple after-work tipple,” said Lizzie. “Once they’d finished the evening milking, mum and dad used to relax with a gin and tonic. It wasn’t trendy and there weren’t hundreds to choose from, it was simply a high-quality spirit enjoyed with tonic, ice and a slice.”

Alongside farming, Rob’s passion for agricultural engineering has come in handy for maintaining Ivy, the 50-litre copper column still which produces their gin.

Ivy now takes pride of place in a purpose-built distillery and café on the farm which nestles in the shadow of the Bowland Fells in the heart of Lancashire’s rich dairy farming pastureland.

The café welcomes visitors to watch Lizzie and colleagues making the gin and enjoy coffee and home-baked cakes – along with the occasional sample of the latest fruits of their labours.

The Wild Fox Distillery and café is open to the public Wednesday – Friday from 10am – 5pm and on Saturdays from 10am – 3pm for coffee, cake, gin tasting and nibbles. To reserve a table, email spirited@wildfoxdistillery.co.uk or call 01995 641136.

For special events and tastings, visit the website: wildfoxdistillery.co.uk or follow Wild Fox on social media.

Why not combine your visit with a walk, developed in partnership with the Forest of Bowland National Landscape:

Wild Fox Distillery to Beacon Fell Circular: www.forestofbowland.com/walking#800625304

Wild Fox Distillery to Brock Bottoms Circular: www.forestofbowland.com/walking#801401612

Wood End Farm and Alpaca Experience

Our family have farmed here for over 100 years. It is a traditional hill farm, with beef and sheep, set in the beauty and tranquility of this unspoilt area in rural Lancashire.

We believe in preserving the best of traditional farming practice and work hard to conserve traditional hedgerows, meadows and dry stone walls. We have a double en-suite room and a twin ensuite room that can be changed to king-size if required. We offer a breakfast of your choice made from the finest local ingredients; free wifi; flat screen TV; tea making facilities; stair lift; off road parking and a beautiful garden.

We can also offer you an ‘alpaca experience’, beauty treatments or fusion therapeutic coaching – please ask for more information when you book. We can accommodate horses with a yard, tack room and field turnout and if you are a keen cyclist, fisherman or walker we have lockable storage, drying facilities and a hose in the yard.

Yealand Old School

Yealand Old School is located in the heart of the Arnside and Silverdale National Landscape which offers visitors an extensive range of footpaths and quiet lanes to explore, rich in wildlife and with stunning views across Morecambe Bay as well as towards the Yorkshire Dales and Lake District National Parks and The Forest of Bowland.

Recent redesign and refurbishment has created versatile self-catering accommodation suitable for groups, individuals and families.