From the dramatic landscapes of the Peak District to the long beaches of the Lancashire coast, there are lots of picturesque places to visit on our doorstep. We might be in the depths of winter yet some locations can look particularly stunning at this time of year.
There’s one village which is full of charm all year round, yet it looks like a Christmas card scene after a heavy frost or a dusting of snow. Downham is a rather unique village nestled in the Lancashire countryside, on the edge of the Forest of Bowland.
Naturally, in the summer it's a beautiful place to be as flower beds burst into colour and the stone buildings bask in golden sunshine. Though if you visit this village in winter and you’ll find cosy cottages decorated with sparkling lights and festive wreaths.
READ MORE:
Our friends at LancsLive reckon Downham is the place to visit at this time of year. With pretty buildings - even the bus stop has a certain charm to it - and beautiful views, Downham is full of magical sights.
What makes Downham extra special is the fact that you won’t see everyday signs of modern life, such as road signs, aerials or satellite dishes. The village has remained in the ownership of one family for over 500 years and it’s managed to preserve its historic charm.
It can traced back to the mid-15th century when the Assheton family first owned the village, manor house and estate. The family has lived at the hall since 1558 and Lord Clitheroe of Downham is the present squire.
Downham’s traditional coaching inn is even named after the family, and while the Assheton Arms is currently closed, it is under new ownership and is set to reopen in February 2023. The Grade II-listed pub has 12 rooms and guests can wake up to glorious views of the village and surrounding area.
A misread Downham could be mistaken for Downton and there are striking similarities and not just in name, with the fictional Yorkshire village (actually filmed in Bampton, Oxfordshire) from the hit period drama. They both have aristocratic families overseeing them and have featured on the big screen.
Scenes from 1961 crime thriller Whistle Down the Wind starring Alan Bates and Hayley Mills were filmed there. While BBC drama Born and Bred was also shot on location in Downham.
In fact Downham almost feels like a film set as it features so many beautiful features, such as the hand-crafted benches and shelter carved out of a stone wall. Some of it appears so pristine you may even be reluctant to touch.
But don't worry, you are most welcome, with residents likely to offer you a hearty hello as they pass by. This is not a purposely showy village and its apparent humility merely adds to its allure as it quietly goes about its beautiful business.
A relatively steep lane is the main vein through the village, with the pub and St Leonard's Church at the summit and the stone bridge over Heys Brook and a crossroads at the base. Downham, at the very least, will make you smile and think "well, this is nice" and at best, it will take your breath away. Whichever one you fall into, or even in-between, just like sleet, you can't escape a sprinkle of Downham's magic dust.
For more of the latest What's On news, click here.
READ NEXT:
- Gorgeous Peak District pub just 50 minutes from Manchester named among UK's best
- The best turkey curry recipe chefs recommend for the leftovers
- The best winter walks with a cosy pub in and around Greater Manchester
- The pretty village which turned down the chance to become part of Greater Manchester
- The best Boxing Day walks to enjoy in Greater Manchester
