Ales and Tales of Lancashire

The stunning countryside and picturesque villages of the Ribble Valley are home to some mysterious residents and this tour explores the haunting and ghostly goings-on in this area of Lancashire. We have enhanced this tour to include lunch on one day.

Ribble Valley Gems Tour • Canal Cruise • 'Pendle Witches' Country • Samlesbury Hall

Day 1 Travel to our hotel in Lancashire, where there’s a welcoming bottle of ale before dinner.

Day 2 A full day guided tour today of the gem that is the Ribble Valley and its award-winning villages, such as Whalley. A short tour on foot here takes in the history of the settlement dating back 2000 years. Visit Downham, popular with Queen Victoria, location of classic film 'Whistle Down the Wind' and BBC series 'Born and Bred', with views of Pendle Hill. Included lunch at the Calf's Head at Worston before venturing to the Duchy of Lancaster estate, owned by the King, meandering through the picturesque Hodder Valley.

Day 3 It's off to the market town of Skipton, with free time and a cruise on the Leeds-Liverpool Canal. With a humorous and interesting commentary, the history of this important throughfare is brought to life. Later, head to the ancient market town of Clitheroe. Bordering the Forest of Bowland and dating back to Saxon times, with an imposing 12th century Norman Castle towering over the town, now home to a museum and 16 acres of landscaped gardens. Clitheroe is well known for its plethora of specialist shops from wines, local sausage, eateries and coffee shops to discover at leisure.

Day 4 Today's excursion explores 'Pendle Witches' country with a guide. Learn about the local women who were branded as witches and put on trial in the 15th century. Afterwards, visit Samlesbury Hall, a beautiful half-timbered medieval house with a turbulent and dramatic history and now one of the most haunted locations in Britain.

Day 5 Homeward journey.

All tours are tailored to your requirements and can be adapted for travel by coach and/or air as you prefer. Occasionally itineraries change. Please see our current brochure or contact us for the latest version.

Tickled Trout Hotel, Preston

Originally a coach house, the hotel has extended and retained some traditional features. It also offers wonderful views over the lovely River Ribble and is ideally placed for touring the regions many attractions.

• 4 star • 98 bedrooms • Lift

• Coach parking

Your tour includes:

• 4 nights half board in Lancashire with:
Porter service
Full English breakfast
3 course dinner with choice and tea/coffee

• Full day Ribble Valley Gems tour

• Soup and sandwich lunch with a glass of local ale

• Cruise on the Leeds–Liverpool Canal

• Guided tour of 'Pendle Witches' Country

• Admission to Samlesbury Hall

For a quotation, or to enquire about this tour, fill in our online form, send us an email or call us on 01432 277666.