enchanting

The stunning village is steeped in Roman history with fascinating bath house ruins, an award-winning pub, and a museum packed with ancient Roman artefacts.

There’s a ‘Roman village’ nestled in the heart of rural Lancashire that remains a hidden gem, teeming with historical ruins and delightful attractions.

Boasting a Roman museum, well-preserved remnants of a Roman Bath House, three historic churches, a Millennium Sculpture Garden and artist’s studio, an award-winning pub, a beautiful playground and a plethora of Roman artefacts scattered throughout – it’s safe to say this ancient riverside village offers plenty to explore.

Tucked away in the bend of the River Ribble, this medieval village is situated roughly halfway between Clitheroe and Preston in the ceremonial county of Lancashire. The name Ribchester translates to ‘fort beside the Ribble’, aptly reflecting the village’s rich Roman history.

The Romans referred to Ribchester as Brematennacum, given that the village was constructed on the site of a Roman fort named Bremetennacum Veteranorum.

Spanning approximately six acres, a significant portion of the Roman fort’s remains are currently buried beneath the village’s old church and its churchyard.

It was around the early 70s AD when the first known Roman fort was established in Ribchester, forming part of the network of defensive forts being constructed across northern Britannia during that period, reports Lancs Live.

The renowned Roman Bath House, built around 100 AD, catered to the needs of cavalry soldiers and locals alike until it fell out of use around 225 AD. Today, it remains a significant attraction, along with the Roman Granaries discovered in the village.

Like many other Lancashire villages, Ribchester experienced substantial growth due to the cotton industry in the 17th and 18th centuries, and numerous weavers’ cottages can still be seen scattered throughout this charming hamlet.

Other noteworthy structures in modern-day Ribchester include the 13th-century Church of Saint Wilfrid and the Village Hall, both of which are situated where the fort’s main buildings were believed to have been.

Another major Roman highlight in Ribchester is its esteemed Roman Museum, which was recently expanded and houses several important artefacts from that era.

Numerous archaeological excavations and extensive digs in Ribchester over the years have resulted in the unearthing of thousands of significant Roman artefacts, including coins, pottery, and jewellery.

Award-winning pub minutes away from Roman ruins

Just a hop, skip and a jump away from the Roman ruins is the award-winning pub, The White Bull.

This iconic listed property, built in 1707 and located in Ribchester’s old centre, has won the prestigious Bib Gourmand Award in the Michelin Guide 2008 and received multiple Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards over the years.

It’s located opposite authentic weavers’ cottages and sits within easy reach of multiple Roman sites, the historic church, the River Ribble’s banks, and the Ribble Way walking route. The Roman Bath House is positioned directly beyond the wall of their delightful garden space.

The White Bull in Ribchester is quite possibly one of Britain’s most photographed pubs, thanks to its distinctive ‘White Bull’ wooden sculpture mounted above the ‘Pillared’ frontage.

This characteristic was introduced when the premises functioned as a courtroom complete with a detention cell for local offenders.

The pillars, thought to be of Roman origin and part of ‘The Temple of Minerva’, a worship site during Roman times, were allegedly discovered in the river.

In 2019, The White Bull received an extensive renovation, with the principal objective of preserving all its historic features. Offering classic British cuisine with a modern edge using locally sourced produce, The White Bull has impressed visitors, with one diner saying on Tripadvisor: “Fabulous tasty lunch in front of a roaring fire today. Perfect on a cold frosty day.”

Another satisfied customer said: “It was our first time there but definitely not the last. From the beginning to the finish, it was first class. The welcoming staff, the food and the atmosphere were like a fine dining experience. The food plating and taste was out of this world. Good selection of beers! We will definitely be back again, definitely.”

The famous Christmas film stars Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz, Jack Black and Jude Law

A chocolate box village in England is the setting of a Christmas movie that has become a modern classic. The Holiday is a cherished Christmas story that many enjoy annually during the festive season.

The 2006 movie tells the tale of two women who switch homes for two weeks during winter, allowing them to recover from heartbreak and discover new love. Iris, portrayed by Kate Winslet, escapes her life in England to enjoy a stay in a luxurious California house, while Cameron Diaz’s character moves from Hollywood to a charming, traditionally British cottage.

Although ‘Rosehill Cottage’ was specially constructed for the film and isn’t a real location, its picturesque countryside setting makes it worth visiting around Christmas. Remarkably, you can even visit the same pub where Cameron Diaz’s character had her first real date with Graham, played by Jude Law.

The enchanting village of Shere in Surrey is situated halfway between Guildford and Dorking. Its river filled with ducks, and its historic ambience attracts both tourists and filmmakers, and it was also a filming location for Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason.

Yet, it’s at the corner of Shere Lane that you’ll find the historic 15th-century, Grade II-listed pub where parts of the Christmas movie were shot. The White Horse offers a variety of traditional dishes, such as hearty British steak and ale pies and Sunday roasts, all enjoyed by guests beside cosy fireplaces.

According to a previous Mirror article, a description from the Chef & Brewer Collection read: “Built in 1475, this stunning pub displays traditional features of solid wooden beams and natural stone fireplaces, creating the quintessential cosy pub atmosphere.

“Settle down and enjoy some hearty comfort food. From soul-warming Sunday roasts to perfectly seasoned steaks cooked just the way you like; each dish is crafted with the utmost care and passion. Connect to the free Wi-Fi and browse the well-stocked bar for your favourite local cask ale or quality wine, and don’t forget – we’re dog-friendly, so bring your four-legged pals.”

After visiting The White Horse, tourists might also want to explore the village’s charming tearooms or stop by the 12th-century St James’ Church. It is believed to be the place where Bridget Jones’ parents, played by Jim Broadbent and Gemma Jones, renew their wedding vows in The Edge of Reason.

The wedding celebration spills out of the church into the snowy yard. Bridget and Mark Darcy, portrayed by Colin Firth, follow the parents as they leave through the church’s Lych Gate.

Information from Visit Surrey also adds: “The Church of St James appeared in the Domesday Book. It contains a tiny enclosed cell in which Christine Carpenter, an anchoress (religious recluse) lived. Her only contact with the outside world was through a grid and an aperture through which food was passed.”

To visit Shere, the nearest station is Gomshall, about a five-minute drive away. It typically takes around 20 minutes to walk from Gomshall to Shere, and bus services are also accessible in the vicinity.

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