The Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) covers 312 square miles of rural Lancashire and adjacent Yorkshire. From Hurst Green in the south to Wennington in the North, the Forest of Bowland is dotted with charming stone villages, some of which date as far back as pre-historic times.
Outdoor experts at Millets have compiled a list of 14 places throughout the country that offer glorious things to do for no cost, and the Forest of Bowland ranked in ninth place, based on Google and Tripadvisor ratings.
In first place was Embleton Bay in Northumberland, followed by Porth Joke in Cornwall.
Sam Chadwick, blog author and outdoor enthusiast at Millets, said: “Preparation is key when it comes to visiting any area of the UK, especially during the transitional months between Summer and Autumn, where the weather can be unpredictable. Packing waterproof clothing and taking lightweight layers that can be put on or taken off depending on the temperature is a good idea. Walkers should also wear supportive footwear when visiting sites with uneven and muddy terrain. This helps to reduce the risk of injury, or of tripping over uneven footpaths. You must also leave any place you visit exactly as you found it. Take any rubbish and equipment, such as camping chairs or wind breaks, home with you and be respectful of any wildlife and other people around you.”
Take a look at things to do and places to visit in the Forest of Bowland on the pages below - some do incur charges.
5. Browsholme Hall
Browsholme Hall has been the ancestral home of the Parkers, Bowbearers of the Forest of Bowland since the Tudor times. Today it is still the family’s home and visitors are invited to enjoy its magnificent architecture, fabulous interiors and antique furnishings. There's guided tours, a tea room and you can even stay at it's exclusive glamping site. | NW Photo: s
6. Stocks Reservoir
How about visiting Stocks Reservoir? Take in a 11.1km circular walk, or how about some fly-fishing in its 350 acres? Run by the Prince Albert Angling Society (PAAS), it offers bank and boat fishing for stocked and resident rainbow and brown trout, with perch also available via fly fishing. Access is from the Slaidburn to Bentham road, and permits can be purchased via the PAAS website. | NW
7. Visit Chipping
Visit Chipping. Chipping is a picturesque village on the slopes above the River Loud. In Medieval days no fewer than five water mills were sited along Chipping beck. This is a conservation area with stone-built cottages, 17th century school and almshouses endowed by John Brabin, dyer and cloth merchant. The village also has a 13th century church, which was partly re-built in 1505 and in 1706 and again in the nineteenth century. The font has been in use for over 400 years. Chipping has a cheese maker, craft centre and several attractive pubs are to be found in the village centre - with the spirit of Lizzy Dean said to haunt the Sun Inn. | Visit Lancashire
8. Dark skies
Stargazers love the Forest of Bowland. The night skies over Bowland have recently been recognized as some of the darkest in England and granted official status as Dark Sky Discovery Sites. The winter months, when the nights are longer and the skies are darker, tend to be the best time to stargaze, but events like the Perseids meteor shower in mid-August, when observers can see dozens of shooting stars an hour, also make a real celestial spectacle. | Contributed