Things to do in Clitheroe and Pendle Hill

Whizz back to 1612 at the Pendle Heritage Centre, when Pendle – then considered a wild, lawless place – was the focus of a witch trial that rocked the nation. Twelve local people were accused, but were their “crimes” magic or coincidence? Sorcery or speculation? Discover the truth behind the real Pendle Hill witches at this fascinating museum.

Now you’ve heard the stories, it’s time to visit the places where the Pendle witches roamed. Almost 400 years after trials, their farms, church and landmarks still exist – and you’ll discover them all on the self-guided Walking With Witches Trail. It departs from Barley car park, with a choice of two loops (or both if you’re feeling energetic), each around 4 miles (6.4km) long.

It’s all about proper pub grub at The Pendle Inn in Barley, which is tucked away at the foot of Pendle Hill. Think breaded scampi, bangers and mash, and Lancashire cheese and onion pie – served the local way of course, with chips and mushy peas. All of the pies are hand-madeand the Sunday roasts are legendary too. 

For that special spooky souvenir, don’t miss Pendle’s sorcerer-themed Witches Galore gift shop. It’s run by a lovely local couple with endless knowledge of the region, its history and the Pendle Hill witches – as well as a huge array of mystical figurines, talismans and trinkets. 

An old cotton mill built in the 1820s, Holmes Mill in Clitheroe has had a huge glow-up. It’s now home to the stylish Spinning Block Hotel, your recommended hotel for tonight. After checking in, check out the mill’s evening entertainment, too: there’s bowling at the Boiler House, films at the Everyman cinema, and craft beers and fancy cocktails at Bowland Beer Hall. 

Start the day with a woodland walk at Gawthorpe Hall, a spectacular mini fortress with a hidden walled garden. After following its 4.5-mile (7.2km) forest loop, head inside to feast your eyes on its Elizabethan exuberance and buy a new holiday read in its second-hand bookshop. Check what’s on, too: it often hosts expert talks about the Pendle Hill witches.

If walls could talk, Clitheroe Castle would have 800 years of tales to tell – but its museum delves back even further, to the Ribble Valley’s origins, 350-million years ago. One of the top places of interest in Lancashire, it’s all yours to explore: scale the tower’s spiral staircase for lofty views over the countryside and town and follow the quirky “labyrinth” in its rambling gardens. 

Giant bloomer sandwiches, home-made pies, a rainbow of salads: it’s all on the menu at Bowland Food Hall. This market-style setup champions local ingredients and producers (its food miles are mostly in single-figures!), with informal communal tables and a fun, friendly vibe. Come for lunch, but stock up on custard tarts and slabs of fudge cake for later. 

Bowland Food Hall was just the appetiser: Clitheroe has a huge range of delis and food emporiums, so grab your tote bag and get stuck in. D. Byrne & Co. Fine Wines has an enormous underground cellar packed with vintages from all over the world; Cowman’s Famous Sausage Shop sells more than 75 sausage styles; and Exchange Coffee Company specialises in gourmet teas, beans and brews. 

The ancient forest of Aitken Wood feels otherworldly and ethereal, with its bespoke sculptures and carvings setting a witchy, whimsical scene. Follow its Pendle Sculpture Trail to discover one of the most inspiring places of interest in Lancashire, filled with fairies, goblins and unicorns – all in harmony with their wild surroundings. Do you dare sit on the eerie “Magic Chair”?