The beautiful village is perfect for a serene getaway for those looking to immerse themselves in nature and rich rural history – and it’s been named one of the county’s ‘best kept’.
This village has endeared itself to the hearts of many(Image: James Maloney/Lancs Live)
A hidden gem of a Lancashire village nestled on the northern shores of the River Ribble offers the perfect tranquil escape for anyone seeking to lose themselves in nature and centuries of countryside heritage.
Located a mere two miles north-west of Clitheroe in the breathtaking Ribble Valley, this picturesque village boasts everything you could wish for – a trickling stream, sweeping views of imposing fells, heritage sites, three highly-rated traditional pubs, cobblestone lanes and winding pathways, plus a captivating riverside garden that has earned the village numerous accolades through the years.
Set within the Forest of Bowland – designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in 1964 – strolling through this enchanting corner of the countryside whilst soaking up scenic vistas of striking fells, it’s easy to understand why this village has captured the affection of countless visitors.
The Lancashire village of Waddington derives its name from Wadda, an 8th-century Anglo-Saxon chieftain linked to the assassination of Northumbrian King Ethelred – just one glimpse into this charming settlement’s fascinating and layered past.
Having secured the prestigious ‘Best Kept Village in Lancashire’ award on multiple occasions, Waddington’s Coronation/Jubilee Gardens deserves much of the credit for this distinguished recognition, reports Lancs Live.
The public garden’s stunning sundial and vibrant floral displays are truly spectacular, and positioned alongside Waddington Brook, it serves as one of the village’s most popular attractions.
Created in 1953 to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation, the crowning glory of this award-winning garden is the rustic bridge erected in 2002.
Contributing to the village’s appeal and distinctive character, several properties benefit from having the Waddington Brook literally on their doorstep, with the picturesque stream running directly past their front doors.
The village boasts numerous significant historical landmarks including the 15th-century Anglican St Helen’s Church, Waddington Methodist Church, a magnificent 17th-century manor house known as Waddow Hall, and Almshouses initially built during the 1700s to accommodate widows of local dalesmen and farmers.
These almshouses were demolished and rebuilt beside the village green in the late 19th-century.
However, there’s more to Waddington’s story. The village has another notable distinction – Waddington Hall is renowned for sheltering King Henry VI for 12 months whilst he evaded his Yorkist adversaries, before his betrayal and capture in 1465.
The village also became the location for a 1990 ‘TV experiment’ when the now-defunct television channel established a studio in the village hall, broadcasting ‘hyper-local’ programmes featuring local stories from the venue for an hour each evening.
Consequently, Waddington Village TV proved enormously popular at the time. The closest train station to Waddington is located in Clitheroe, whilst the nearest bus station can be found in Whalley. The village is also readily accessible by road.
Trio of top-rated pubs
Waddington is also home to three highly-rated pubs – firm favourites amongst both locals and tourists.
The picturesque village nestled at the base of Waddington Fell houses the award-winning Higher Buck, a pub which appeared on Estrella Damm’s ‘Top 50 Gastropubs in the UK’ list in 2022.
Its outdoor seating area proves irresistible to travellers, with visitors unable to pass up enjoying a pint when the weather’s fine. Combine that with the exceptional food served at the establishment and you’ve discovered an unmissable culinary paradise.
Rounding off the trio are the Lower Buck Inn and the Waddington Arms, both offering delicious meals that pair perfectly with a satisfying pint. Situated right in the village centre, these two venues also provide accommodation for visitors.
The Lower Buck dates back to 1760 and takes pride in being a ‘traditionally traditional’ establishment, whilst the Waddington Arms is somewhat more sophisticated – and functions as a four-star hotel with an impressive 4.4 out of 5 rating on Tripadvisor.
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