Ribble Valley Retreat

The Ribble Valley is known as a foodie hotspot far and wide, with Holmes Mill (15 minutes' drive) arguably being its most impressive addition. Here you can sample home-brewed beers, the finest local dishes and luxury ice creams all under the same roof – there's even a cinema thrown in for good measure. After treating yourself for an indulgent meal out, drinks and maybe a movie, you might want a change of pace. To get some exercise in, you can walk along any of the several footpaths that can be accessed straight from site. For a particularly scenic walk, head instead to the Tolkien Trail (15 minutes), a gorgeously green wander that inspired the author who created Middle Earth. If you've got kids to keep entertained you're also in luck, as this area has plenty of attractions designed with families in mind. All sorts of outdoor pursuits and animal encounters can be experienced just down the road at Mrs Dowsons Farm Park (10 minutes), while the ever-popular Bowland Wild Boar Park (30 minutes) and the educational The Bee Centre (30 minutes) are within easy driving distance too.