Pretty village perfect for winter walks and country pubs close to major city

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Ribchester Arms in the ancient Roman village of Ribchester, which is nestled in the beautiful Ribble Valley (Image: James Maloney/Lancs Live)
Ribchester Arms in the ancient Roman village of Ribchester, which is nestled in the beautiful Ribble Valley (Image: James Maloney/Lancs Live)

There is nothing better than getting out for a crisp winter’s day walk around a beautiful picture postcard English village - rounded off with a visit to a cosy traditional pub.

With pretty cottages and a picturesque location by the River Ribble, Ribchester is a lovely spot for a relaxed stroll. The village also boasts two cosy country pubs, where you can warm up and relax with a hearty meal and a drink after a walk outside. Nestled at the foot of Longridge Fell on the banks of the River Ribble in Lancashire, the ancient village of Ribchester makes for a perfect seasonal escape.

The village is located a stone’s throw away from the Forest of Bowland, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and just over an hour’s drive from Greater Manchester. People have lived in the area since the Bronze age and Ribchester was also the site of the Roman fort Bremetennacum, the remains of which can still be seen today. The village also became a centre for cotton weaving in the 17th and 18th centuries, the Manchester Evening News reports.

On Blackburn Road you’ll find the Ribchester Arms, a beautiful inn which serves up classic pub food along with a range of cask ales and ciders, craft beers and continental lagers. It’s received excellent reviews from visitors on Tripadvisor, with one describing it as an “absolute gem.”

Pretty village perfect for winter walks and country pubs close to major city qhidqkikxiqztinvGlorious views out across the River Ribble from Ribchester (James Maloney/Lancs Live)

In one review a visitor wrote: “A lovely village pub - highly recommended. Took a trip down to Ribchester for an impromptu lunch and were not disappointed… The pub itself was immaculate and had a traditional feel to it throughout. A great place to visit for breakfast, lunch or evening meal and the village setting is really lovely. Well worth a drive out.”

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In the heart of the village is The White Bull Hotel, which has recently been taken over by new management. It’s only a short walk away from the remains of Ribchester’s Roman Baths.

Pretty village perfect for winter walks and country pubs close to major cityThe village has a long history with evidence of Bronze Age beginnings (James Maloney/Lancs Live)

The White Bull Hotel has also received glowing reviews and has been described as a “lovely country pub”. One review reads: “Food was amazing. The food was gorgeous and the plates were huge. Service was fab too and a lovely place. We’ll definitely be going again.”

Whichever pub you choose, both offer a warm and welcoming atmosphere. After tucking into some hearty pub grub, you can round off your visit to Ribchester with another relaxed wander around the village - after all, you'll want to work up an appetite for all those Christmas chocolates waiting for you at home.

Liv Clarke

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