Ales And Tales Of Lancashire
- Duration: 5 days
- Board Basis: Half Board
- Tour Ref: D2TCRO9360
Holiday Summary
- Travel Type: Coach
5 days
Ales and Tales of Lancashire | Short Break 2027
Join us on an immersive journey through the heart of Lancashire’s Ribble Valley, where history lives in every stone, ancient forest, and mist-shrouded peak.
Uncover the dark history, atmospheric landscapes, and haunting legends of England’s most famous witch trials and discover some of the ghostly tales of the areas storied past.
INCLUSIONS
- 4 night’s dinner, bed & breakfast
- Full day guided tour of the Ribble Valley
- Lunch at the Calf’s Head Inn
- Skipton canal boat cruise
- Visit to Skipton
- Visit to Clitheroe
- Pendle Witches County guided tour
- Excursion to Samlesbury Hall with guided tour
PLEASE NOTE: Price is per person and based on two people sharing a twin/double room. Single room supplements and upgrades are not included.
Itinerary
Itinerary
Day 1: We arrive at our beautiful hotel, set in 17 acres of parkland, in time for dinner.
Day 2: Discover the countryside charm and rich heritage of the Ribble Valley on our full day guided tour of this breathtaking area. Enjoy a short walking tour through ancient Whalley with its huge Victorian viaduct and 14th Century abbey. Visit picturesque Downham, a timeless beautifully preserved village favoured by Queen Victoria and stop for a light lunch at the famous Calf’s Head in the hamlet of Worston. Our day continues through the peaceful Hodder Valley and the historic Duchy of Lancaster estate, part of the private domain of the Monarch.
Day 3: After breakfast, we travel to delightful Skipton where we embark on a leisurely 1-hour return canal cruise along the beautiful Leeds Liverpool Canal. Enjoy free time after the voyage to explore the pretty town, with its unique and individual shops, picturesque quay and canal towpaths.
This afternoon, we make our way to Clitheroe, the Ribble Valley’s bustling market town. The most recognisable landmark is its Norman Castle surrounded by a fabulous park. Sitting proudly on top of its limestone outcrop the Castle has dominated the towns skyline for over 800 years and the grounds are free to explore. A visit to the town’s market with its fresh, locally sourced produce, is a must. The town also offers a wonderful mix of traditional independent retailers and high street names
Day 4: Today we step back in time and discover the dark and torrid tales of the Pendle witches. Our expert historian takes us back in time to 1612 to one of the most famous witch trials in English history, where 12 local villagers were accused of witchcraft and murder. Delving beneath the myth and folklore, walk in the footsteps of the accused and discover the human stories of superstition, power and survival in Jacobean England. Afterwards, we visit Samlesbury Hall, a beautiful half-timbered medieval house with a turbulent and dramatic history and now considered one of the most haunted locations in Britain. Our knowledgeable guide brings the history of the house to life with turbulent tales of ghosts, hauntings and witchcraft.
Day 5: After a delicious Lancashire breakfast, we make our way home.
Mercure Dunkenhalgh Hotel & Spa, Blackburn
Skipton Canal Cruise
pendle witch trial
Back to topAccommodation
Mercure Dunkenhalgh Hotel & Spa, Blackburn
Originally a 700 year old country manor house, the Mercure Dunkenhalgh Hotel & Spa has been sensitively converted in to a delightful 4 star hotel. Retaining many original features in the public areas including an impressive Gothic staircase in the entrance hall. All rooms are en-suite with TV, tea & coffee making facilities, a hairdryer and free Wi-Fi. Leisure facilities include an indoor swimming pool, gym and spa.
Please note due to the historic nature of the building, rooms are split across several wings which can have external access, steps to the rooms and may be some distance from the public areas. There is a lift at the hotel.