Green Accredited

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.

Laythams Holiday Lets Retreat

The Lakehouse Retreat

Discover luxury off-grid accommodation in the heart of the Forest of Bowland wilderness. 

Nestled down it’s own a private lane, The Lakehouse Retreat offers a serene escape with its own private lake and woodland to explore, complete with hot tub, sauna and log burner facilities. Perfect for any occasion from family gatherings, to wedding accommodation or a tranquil getaway, it sleeps up to 7 guests.

The Longhouse

Ideal for large groups or individual rentals, The Longhouse is divided into three distinct accommodations:

The Hayloft: A romantic retreat for two, featuring panoramic views and a cozy wood burner.

The Farmhouse: Sleeps up to 8 guests, with a games room and a wood burner for a warm, inviting stay.

The Cottage: A charming accommodation that sleeps up to 5 guests, featuring a cozy living room and wood burner.

Amenities and Features:

– Dog-friendly accommodations

– Family-friendly with cots and highchairs available

– Hot tub and sauna facilities (Lakehouse Retreat)

– Wood burners in all properties for a cozy atmosphere

-Well-equipped kitchens

-BBQ’s and outside dinning areas to enjoy the stunning views.

Activities and Surroundings:

Set on 120 acres, Laythams Holiday Lets Retreat is perfect for walkers, cyclists, bird watchers and animals lovers alike. The local area boasts numerous excellent pubs and restaurants, providing a variety of dining options. With a wide range of activities nearby, it’s the perfect base to explore everything the Forest of Bowland has to offer!

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.

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.