With Plumlife building more fantastic new homes in the beautiful Ribble Valley, we thought we’d take a deeper dive into one of the most picturesque parts of Lancashire.
Soaked in history and one of the most desirable locations in the North West, Ribble Valley is made up of four main towns and several smaller villages.
Here’s everything you need to know about the four main towns before you go ahead and visit:
Clitheroe – The home of Jet engines and Norman Keeps
In the winding streets of Clitheroe lie a host of independent shops, bars and exciting eateries and it has everything you could need for a great visit or the perfect place to live.
Steeped in history, exploring Clitheroe could be an adventure for anyone by visiting the likes of:
- The former Norman stronghold is named after the Anglo-Saxon word for “Rocky Hill.”
- Clitheroe Castle has the smallest Norman Keep in Great Britain and is also the site where Sir Frank Whittle’s jet engine was developed and tested.
- Fancy a drink with your history? Visit the town’s famous ‘longest bars in Britain’ at 105ft 4″, situated in Holmes Mill, which also features a food hall, the Bowland Brewery, a cinema, and a bowling alley.
Whalley – A history buff’s dream
Full of heritage and greenery, Whalley has become an iconic place for people who love to enjoy the area they’re in. Some highlights of the area include:
- Whalley’s crowning jewel, its 14th Century Abbey was founded by Cistercian monks after it was moved from Cheshire.
- St Mary’s and All Saints which dates to the 7th Century, and there are several Tudor and Georgian buildings throughout the village as well as some fantastic independent shops, bars and bistros.
- For those who love cricket, Whalley Cricket Club, on Station Road, played host to the first “Roses” match between Lancashire and Yorkshire in 1867. The ground is still there, and the team plays in the North West Cricket League.
- One of the most striking landmarks in the town is the Whalley Arches, a viaduct/railway bridge that was constructed between 1846-1850 and is a listed structure.
Longridge – A unique heritage
Looking for a quaint and charming town with a rich history? Look no further! With its stunning natural resources, including high-quality stone quarries and bustling cotton mills, Longridge has long been a favorite destination for homebuyers looking for a one-of-a-kind place to call home.
- Longridge was famous for the stone taken from its quarries and the cotton spun in its mills.
- The demand for the stone led to the opening of the Preston and Longridge Railway, which transported the stone to Liverpool docks. The stone was also used in the construction of the M55 in the 1970s.
- Although the railway has now gone, the buildings have been used as a heritage centre.
Ribchester – Roman roots
Nestled in the picturesque Lancashire countryside, the charming village of Ribchester offers homebuyers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. With its quaint streets, stunning river views, and historic landmarks, Ribchester is the perfect place to call home for those seeking a slower pace of life.
- Ribchester can trace its roots back to the bronze age and as the site of a major Roman cavalry fort called Bremetennacum. The excavated remains of the fort and the baths are still in the village as well as the museum.
- As with a lot of Lancashire towns, Ribchester has a history in the cotton industry and although the mills are gone, their presence is obvious in the town.
- Beyond its history, Ribchester boasts a thriving community, with quaint local shops, pubs, and restaurants.
- Ribchester is also home to the Royal Lancashire Agricultural Show – a three-day spectacular celebrating the very best of the county’s farming industry.
Now you’ve heard all this, do you fancy living in the Ribble Valley? We have fantastic homes for Shared Ownership sale at Oak Leigh Gardens and The Brooks, both developments in Barrow, and Montague Place in Clitheroe, we continue to provide amazing affordable homes in desirable locations.
