How to spend a day in Longridge according to a local

MORNING

I’d start the day with breakfast and a coffee in one of Longridge’s independent cafés. Binny & the Bean, The Old Station Café and Emmerson’s Café are all favourites of mine, and each has its own atmosphere. Whether you’re after a full breakfast or just a flat white before a day of exploring, you’ll find somewhere that suits.

After that, I’d spend some time browsing the independent shops that make Longridge so special. The main street, Berry Lane, is packed with local businesses. One of my first stops would be The Next Chapter, our lovely independent bookshop in a converted church.

You’ll also find Heritage Interiors for home inspiration, Cloud 9 for gifts and fashion, Berry Antiques for hidden treasures and G. Rowles Butchers for some of the area’s finest local produce. Make sure you pop into The Bloom Room to say hi too.

If you have a little more time, it’s worth taking the short drive out to Little Town Farm Shop. As well as farm shop, it has a popular tearoom serving homemade food and a plant centre where you can pick up everything from seasonal bedding plants to gifts for the garden.

AFTERNOON

For lunch, I’d head back into town and settle in at Longridge Canteen or one of our welcoming pubs. Longridge has a great food scene for a town of its size, and there’s something for every occasion, whether you want a quick bite or a leisurely lunch.

Get ideas for great places to visit in the latest edition of Lancashire Life magazine

Read interviews with fascinating people in the latest edition of Lancashire Life magazine 

The afternoon is perfect for seeing a little more of the area. We’re incredibly lucky to be surrounded by beautiful countryside, and one place I’d always recommend is a walk, or cycle, around Longridge Fell. If you’re lucky, on a very clear day, you can see out to the Welsh mountains and the Isle of Man from the top. Nearby Beacon Fell Country Park is another favourite, with woodland trails, open moorland and plenty of opportunities to spot local wildlife. Both are only a short distance from the town.

Or, if you’re anything like me, you might simply spend the afternoon dipping in and out of the shops, stopping for another coffee and enjoying the friendly atmosphere that makes Longridge such a lovely place to live.

The Derby Arms. (Image: Supplied)

EVENING

As evening arrives, Longridge has a really sociable feel. For dinner, one of my top recommendations would be Hilltop Brasserie , which serves excellent food in a relaxed setting and is always a great choice for a special meal. If you’re after a traditional country pub atmosphere, the Derby Arms is another excellent option just a few minutes outside Longridge.

Afterwards, I’d head to Fullaloves Wines for a glass of wine and a catch-up with friends. It’s one of those places that always feels welcoming and has become a real part of the town’s social scene.

If cocktails are more your thing, Mrs Sippy is a must-visit. It opened in 2024 and has quickly built a reputation for its handcrafted cocktails, weekend events and lively atmosphere.

My personal favourite is a Hugo Spritz, especially on a sunny evening when you can sit on the little terrace outside.

SENSE OF PLACE

A TOWN BUILT ON STONE

Longridge’s story is closely tied to sandstone quarrying. The town’s distinctive golden stone was quarried locally and used in many notable buildings across Lancashire, leaving a lasting legacy that can still be seen throughout the townscape today.

A HILLTOP WITH A VIEW

The town takes its name from its elevated position on a long ridge overlooking the Ribble Valley. From many points around Longridge, visitors can enjoy sweeping views across the surrounding countryside, making it one of Lancashire’s most scenic market towns.

HOME TO A WORLD FIRST

One of Longridge’s most remarkable historic landmarks is Club Row. Built between 1774 and 1804 for local mill workers, it is believed to be the oldest surviving row of building society homes anywhere in the world, making it a site of international significance.

FROM RAILWAY TO COMMUNITY HUB

Longridge Railway Station opened in 1840, connecting the town with Preston and neighbouring villages for more than a century. After closing in the 1960s, the station building was lovingly restored and today serves as a thriving community hub, home to the Longridge Heritage Centre, meeting spaces and a popular café..

Longridge House. (Image: Kirsty Thompson)

MAKE A WEEKEND OF IT

If you’re tempted to stay longer than a day, I’d recommend Longridge House, a stylish, newly renovated country house-style hotel just a few minutes from the town centre. It’s set in beautiful grounds and is a great base for exploring the area. The restaurant is well worth a visit too, and if the sun’s out, you’ll often find locals popping in for a drink and making the most of the gardens.

LOCAL EVENTS

LONGRIDGE FIELD DAY

This much-loved community celebration takes place in the town each June to mark the start of summer. It features a colourful parade, live entertainment, family activities and a fantastic atmosphere attracting visitors from across the county who to come to experience Longridge’s strong community spirit.

@longridgefieldday

GOOSNARGH & LONGRIDGE AGRICULTURAL SHOW

Typically held in July, the Longridge Agricultural Show is another highlight of the local calendar, celebrating the area’s rich farming heritage and rural traditions. The event brings together livestock competitions, local food and drink producers, trade exhibitors and a range of family-friendly entertainment.

glashow.org