Welcome to Clitheroe

Welcome

From shopping to food and drink, family days out to entertainment and events, Clitheroe always has something to offer. Clitheroe offers a wonderful mix of traditional independent retailers, recognisable high street names and a diverse range of places to eat, drink and browse.

The most instantly recognisable landmark in the town is its Norman castle keep surrounded by a fabulous park. Sitting proudly on top of its limestone outcrop, the castle has dominated Clitheroe’s skyline for over 800 years.

The town is wonderfully situated for convenient access to a huge array of beautiful places to visit, be that the Forest of Bowland, a designated Area of Outstanding of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), The Yorkshire Dales or The Lake District. The town benefits from excellent road and rail travel links and its attractions are largely child-friendly, dog-friendly and accessible for those with mobility issues.

Steeped in History

From at least Norman times, the townspeople of Clitheroe and surrounding areas have gathered in what is now recognisable as the town centre.

What remains of the Norman castle keep and the countless other architectural gems remind us of Clitheroe’s rich and vibrant history.

As late as the early years of the 20th century, market and fair days here would have seen the Market Place, Castle Street, Wellgate and part of King Street thronged with horses, cattle, sheep and pigs together with stalls selling goods of all sorts and, doubtless, the surrounding inns would have done a roaring trade.

This excellent Town Trail Leaflet was compiled by the Clitheroe Civic Society.

Surrounded by Beauty

Clitheroe is blessed by having some of the UK’s most beautiful natural scenery on its doorstep.

Whether it be the Forest of Bowland (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), Pendle Hill (forever synonymous with the ‘Pendle Witches’), the beautiful Hodder Valley, the Yorkshire Dales (and its ‘Three Peaks’) or the world famous Cumbrian Lake District - all are easily accessible from Clitheroe.

Clitheroe and its surrounding hills, valleys, fells and lanes are a haven for walkers, a dream for cyclists and a delight for motorists.

Foodie Heaven

The Ribble Valley is said by some to be the food capital of the north of England, boasting excellent local produce sold across its markets, shops, pubs, cafés and restaurants.

Clitheroe offers an impressive array of options for the lover of fine food and drink.

Clitheroe abounds with suppliers, outlets, eateries, breweries and wine merchants. Events such as the Clitheroe Food Festival, focussed solely on celebrating locally produced food and drink, take place in the town each year.