The lively market town sits in the lap of nature and is packed with incredible things to do for foodies, families and nature lovers alike.
A flourishing market town in Lancashire has been recognised as one of the ‘best places to live’ in the UK for 2026, and stepping within its borders quickly reveals why it has earned such acclaim.
Regarded as a ‘must-visit food heaven’, this vibrant town boasts an array of remarkable attractions – from highly-rated dining and drinking establishments to retail outlets, leisure facilities, tourist attractions and cultural occasions, there’s plenty for all in this busy Lancashire market town which is only 33.6 miles away from Manchester.
Lancashire’s renowned Ribble Valley is frequently regarded as the food capital of northern England, featuring outstanding locally sourced ingredients that are available throughout its numerous towns, villages, markets, public houses, restaurants, and retail establishments.
From this comprehensive selection featuring culinary treasures in abundance, one town stands out with a remarkable range of food and drink establishments, even by Ribble Valley’s high standards.
Clitheroe, brimming with local producers, food establishments in their dozens, acclaimed restaurants, breweries, freehouses, and wine sellers, is frequently described as a paradise for food and drink lovers in the ceremonial county of Lancashire, reports Lancs Live.
Annual occasions such as the Clitheroe Food Festival – dedicated to showcasing local producers and ingredients – further enhance the town’s already plentiful food and drink provision.
Eight At Gazegill, Freemasons At Wiswell, and The Rum Fox are three establishments featured in the Michelin Guide situated just a stone’s throw from Clitheroe’s town centre, celebrated for their exceptional cuisine and picturesque settings.
Things to do in Clitheroe
Culinary delights aren’t the sole attraction Clitheroe has to offer.
Boasting superb rail and road links, this vibrant market town nestled in Lancashire’s picturesque Ribble Valley is ideally positioned for convenient access to the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), the Lake District, alongside the spectacular Yorkshire Dales.
Its welcoming, family and dog-friendly streets attract visitors in droves, with tourism forming a vital component of the town’s economic landscape.
Visitors to Clitheroe ought to head towards the town’s most recognisable landmark, Clitheroe Castle, regarded as the second smallest Norman castle throughout England.
This remarkably well-preserved castle has commanded the town’s skyline for more than 800 years and serves as a significant attraction for tourists.
Clitheroe is fortunate to have some of Britain’s most spectacular natural landscapes practically on its doorstep, from the striking Pendle Hill with its witchcraft heritage, the magnificent Hodder Valley, the Forest of Bowland AONB, the Yorkshire Dales with its ‘Three Peaks’, to the internationally renowned Cumbrian Lake District.
The finest of nature and outdoor pursuits can be readily explored when using Clitheroe as your starting point. The surrounding hills, picturesque valleys, striking fells and quaint lanes of the town provide an idyllic setting for walkers, cyclists and drivers, making it a popular destination on numerous travel itineraries.
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