Villages around the Ribble Valley

LONGRIDGE

The market town of Longridge commands a view of the whole of the Fylde Plain. From the top of Longridge Fells it is possible to see the Ribble Valley, the Welsh Mountains, the Isle of Man, Ingleborough and the Loud Valley. Cromwell and his army passed this way on their way to the battle of Preston. Longridge is the shopping and social centre of the local farming district and has an interesting mixture of shops and antique galleries, which attract customers from all over the region. Set in glorious countryside this is understandably a popular starting point for country walks and cycle rides.

Once famous for stone quarrying, Longridge supplied the stone for Lancaster Town Hall and the docks at Liverpool. Stone used to be carried by a railway, which was operated literally by horsepower. The horses had to pull the wagons uphill from Preston to Longridge but were then able to ride back on the downhill return journey. The first houses in Britain to be purchased with Building Society Mortgages are to be found in Longridge, the row of stone cottages make up the town's Club Row. Longridge has a popular sports centre, which is open to visitors and has facilities for a range of activities including weight training, squash and badminton. 

MELLOR

Situated on a high ridge overlooking the low-lying area of the Fylde. Mellor Moor was the site of a Roman encampment, an outpost of the one at Ribchester. St. Mary's church was built 1829 and is of particular interest and possesses a very fine peal of Guildford Chimes. The internal woodwork is of English oak and the very valuable chancel and organ screens are beautiful examples of woodcarving. The stained glass windows on the south side of the church are early 19th century Flemish art.

MITTON

The tiny hamlet of Mitton is situated on a limestone rise above th River Ribble, near to its junction with the River Hodder. The 13th Century church of All Hallows features the Shireburn Chapel. Major renovation work has recently been completed and the interior of the church is well worth a look. The local hostelry, The Three Fishes , has also been renovated and is now a popular place to sample local fare. Some of the stones mounted over the door are reputed to have been salvaged from Whalley Abbey.

NEWTON IN BOWLAND

The journey to this attractive spot over Waddington Fell provides views of breathtaking beauty. John Bright the Quaker spent two years of his early life here in the heart of the Hodder Valley. The Friends Meeting House dates from 1767. 

RIBCHESTER

This ancient riverside village is built on the site of the Roman fort of Bremetennacum. Estimated to have covered six acres of ground, a large portion of the remains lie under the old church and churchyard. The Roman Museum  has recently been extended, and provides interesting displays about Roman life in the area. Many artifacts from this time are on show, including copies of a highly detailed Roman Helmet found in Ribchester by a small boy in 1797. The original is now in the British Museum. (Ribchester is one of our most popular villages and consequently can be congested on some Sundays in summer. We recommend choosing a different day to visit this attractive village).