History & Heritage
O LA LA! BIG REVEAL STARTS AT CLITHEROE’S NORMAN KEEP
Posted on:
11 September 2026
Clitheroe
Clitheroe is a historic market town at the centre of the Ribble Valley, well placed for exploring the surrounding countryside, including the Forest of Bowland National Landscape. With a wide range of places to stay—from traditional B&Bs to camping and caravan sites—it works well as a base for spending more time in this part of Lancashire. The town itself has deep roots, dating back to Saxon times, with layers of history still visible today.
Overlooking it all is Clitheroe Castle, a 12th-century Norman landmark often described as the smallest of its kind in England. Set within landscaped grounds, it’s home to a museum as well as gardens, walking routes and family-friendly features including a playground and labyrinth. From the castle, routes lead out into the surrounding area, while back in the town centre you’ll find a strong mix of specialist and independent shops, making it a popular place to browse as well as explore.
Find out more Visit Ribble Valley
Be Inspired
This weekend will be another busy one across Lancashire with plenty of great events filled with fun for you to enjoy.
Another great weekend of fun awaits in Lancashire this week! From celebrating the 1940s to the heritage of one of Lancashire's most famous fishing ports, through to monsters and fire feasts, there is something for everyone
Clitheroe Businesses
TASTE | Wet Weather
Boiler House Bowling
Never been duck pin bowling? It’s exactly like ten pin bowling, except the lanes and balls are smaller, making a strike even harder to achieve.
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Business Directory
Holmes Mill
The beautifully renovated former textiles mill is pretty hard to miss and is home to the fabulous new showcase and tasting parlour for Bowland Brewery the Beer Hall.
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Family Friendly
The Edisford Bridge Country Pub
Traditional country pub nestled in the heart of the Ribble Valley, serving local ales and seasonal a la carte dining.
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Groups | Wet Weather
Bowland Social at Holmes Mill
Bowland Social is a vibrant social playground, bringing together classic games, great food and drinks, and a lively atmosphere.
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Business Directory
Eight at Gazegill
Bask in the shadow of the iconic Pendle Hill with a range of menus, from brunch, to four-course fine dining set dinner menu.
Read MoreClitheroe Events
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Family Friendly | Wet Weather
Spellbinding Wicked-Inspired Party at Leaping Lizards Play Centre
Date: 29th Oct 2026
Expect games, activities, magical moments and lots of photo opportunities as we celebrate in true Oz style.
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TASTE
The Nab Lab Spanish Tapas Night
Date: 26th Sept 2026
Enjoy the end of the summer vibes at The Nab Lab with the Spanish Tapas Night.
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History & Heritage
Finds Day with the Portable Antiquities Scheme - Clitheroe Castle Museum
Date: 14th Sept 2026
Did you know that thousands of archaeological objects are discovered every year by people going about their daily lives? Have you found something that might be archaeological? Whether you’re a metal detectorist, fieldwalker, mudlark, or simply som...
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TASTE | Arts & Culture
Mod Music at The Mill
Date: 26th Sept 2026
A day of live music, good food and great vibes.
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TASTE | Arts & Culture
Oktoberfest at Holmes Mill
Date: 3rd Oct 2026
Raise a stein and get ready for a night of Bavarian fun.
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Arts & Culture | History & Heritage
Blacksmithing Course at Carter and Duck Blacksmith
Date: 27th Sept 2026
Blacksmithing experience days.
Read MoreClitheroe Itineraries
Arts & Culture | History & Heritage | TASTE
Explore Lancashire Like King Charles III - A Royal-Inspired Day Out
Follow in the footsteps of the most recent visit to Lancashire by King Charles III on this royal itinerary
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Clitheroe Routes & Trails
Free things to do | History & Heritage | Outdoors
The Tolkien Trail - in the Footsteps of J.R.R. Tolkien
Duration2 hours 30 mins
Distance5.5 miles
Many areas in the UK claim to have inspired J.R.R Tolkien creation of middle earth but the author certainly spent a lot of his time at Stonyhurst College working on The Lord of the Rings during the Second World War.
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