You don’t have to travel far from Manchester to immerse yourself in stunning countryside. Just an hour’s drive away lies the Forest of Bowland, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty featuring impressive fells, deep valleys and moorland.
Located at the southern end of the Forest of Bowland in the Ribble Valley is the picturesque village of Chipping. Dating back at least 1,000 years, the village is a conservation area full of historical features and has won several best-kept village competitions over the years.
If you take a stroll around Chipping you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped back in time. There are dozens of stone-built cottages, many of which date back to the 1600 and 1700s.
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The village is reputedly home to the longest-running commercial property in the UK, which was first opened as a shop in the 1660s by a wool merchant. It has been continuously used since and today it is occupied by the Chipping Craft Centre.
St Bartholomew’s Church is another historic gem nestled among Chipping’s buildings. The 13th century church is Grade II* listed, while the church yard contains a yew tree, said to be over 100 years old.
After having a wander around the tidy rows of cottages, a visit to one of the village’s historic pubs is a must. The Sun Inn is supposedly haunted by the ghost of Lizzie Dean, a barmaid who reputedly hung herself in the attic of the pub after she saw her husband marrying another woman in the 1830s.
Or if you’d rather avoid a ghostly encounter, then head to the Tillotsons Arms - also known as Tillys Freehouse - instead. It's a cosy pub serving up hearty food best enjoyed after a country walk.
Chipping has some of the most stunning Lancashire countryside on its doorstep and there’s plenty to see and do nearby. Just a mile away is Bowland Forest Gliding Club, providing an unforgettable way to experience the area.
For a family day out Bowland Wild Boar Park is guaranteed to keep kids entertained. The park has a huge range of animals on site including ostriches, llamas, meerkats and goats. There’s opportunities to pet and feed some of the animals, while the site also offers mini tractor and trailer rides, which kids will love.
The Forest of Bowland is known for its beautiful landscape and a great way to explore it is on foot. There are several walking trails near to Chipping and the village is also near to Longridge Fell and Parlick Fell, which both boast breath-taking views from their summits.
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