Holiday rentals in Clitheroe

Situated on the banks of the River Ribble, Clitheroe is an ancient market town located in Lancashire County in northwest England. Dating back to Saxon times, the town has several historic sites of interest, including Clitheroe Castle, believed to be the smallest Norman castle in England. Today it houses a museum that is surrounded by 16 acres of beautiful gardens.

Clitheroe is also often used as a base for exploring nearby Pendle Hill as well as the Forest of Bowland, a nationally protected reserve known for its valleys, heather moors, blanket bog, and rare bird species. There are several popular cycle paths and walks, including one to the top of Pendle Hill where you can enjoy views that overlook the sea.

The best time to visit Clitheroe is during the spring and summer, when the days are at their longest and it’s warm enough for picnics, hiking, cycling, and exploring the nearby Forest of Bowland area. June is also when you’re most likely to catch sea trout and salmon, and keen anglers with a permit can enjoy fishing in the nearby River Lune. Autumn can become quite cool in Clitheroe, although this is when the Lancashire area harvests its renowned apples. You’ll find some delicious cider and preserves marketed during this time of year. Winter can be very cold, and it often snows in Clitheroe in December, but this can be a great time for staying indoors and enjoying some hearty fare in the town’s restaurants and pubs.

Clitheroe Castle Museum

Perched above the town, the 800-year-old Clitheroe Castle houses a museum where you’ll learn about the history going back 350 million years. You’ll get some interesting insights about the geology, wildlife, and folklore of Clitheroe via a range of interactive and engaging exhibits. There’s also a garden around the castle where you can have a picnic after your visit.

Cross Hill Nature Reserve

Formerly a working quarry in the 1900s, the Cross Hill Nature Reserve is now an incredibly beautiful sight dominated by orchards, butterflies, woodland, and meadows. It’s a great place for bird spotting, especially in spring, with species like grey wagtails, sand martins, and kingfishers. The unique geology of the area means that it also has an abundance of diverse plant life with herbs and colourful wildflowers.

Gisburn Forest Cycle Trail

The area around Clitheroe is renowned for its walking and biking trails. In the Gisburn Forest, the largest in Lancashire, you’ll find six scenic walking trails, as well as four challenging mountain biking trails.