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Stocks Reservoir is the largest fishery in the North West of England. It was created in the early 1930s by flooding the village of Dale Head and adjacent farmland to provide drinking water for the Fylde. Situated the head of the Hodder Valley in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Stocks has a wild and unspoiled quality. Click picture to go to web site. | |
Inn at Whitewell Forest of Bowland Clitheroe Lancashire BB7 3AT
Spoil yourself rotten at this spectacular country-house inn where relaxed informality rules OVERVIEW An art gallery, a wine merchant you can even get a bed here. This is one of the loveliest places to stay in England and a slightly irreverent spirit flows throughout. Youre encouraged to scruff up your room, come down late for breakfast, and dance on the tables at night (well, nearly). All who come fall under its spell, and when the Good Hotel Guide waxed lyrical about the place, The Times sent a reporter up to find out if it deserved such praise. The answer was emphatic. The Good Hotel Guide had got it quite wrong; the Inn at Whitewell was far better than theyd suggested!
It is all the work of one man. Richard, the Bowman of Bowland (he counts an Agincourt archer as an ancestor) is a quietly eccentric Englishman (MCC tie, half-moon glasses, mischievous smile). His laissez-faire style is the hallmark of his empire and his son, Charlie, is a chip off the old block. The interior is magical, part country-house, part country inn. Walk around and you glimpse fishing rods hanging from the ceiling, the odd bit of vintage luggage lying in a corner. There are stripped wooden floors, roaring fires, deep sofas to take the strain. The hotel, once home to the Keeper of the Kings Forest, dates back to the 14th century and shooting parties still drop in for a drink. It is set in imperious landscape, with the River Hodder passing directly behind (the kitchen once fell into it). Hills rise, the odd trout jumps in the river. If you are looking for affordable luxury in the country, youve found it. ROOMS Bedrooms are fabulous. Take your pick from a four-poster bed, modern art, peat fires, plush fabrics, a small archipelago of rugs, deep cast-iron baths and the Victorian equivalent of a power shower. They are warm, fun, romantic, indulging. Rooms at the back have views over parkland to hills. Those at the front are a little smaller, but equally delightful. The suite is down a track in a converted barn. It is bigger still, but rooms in the house are closer to the fun. All have CD players, some also have videos. Most incredible is the price. Many hoteliers would charge twice as much, but that is not the Bowman way. You should expect something special here laid-back luxury in spades. EATING In ancient times markets were held in the courtyard and passing merchants would stop to refuel before heading north and risking the bandits. The Hodder Valley was once the grazing ground of deer, all of which were destined for the pot. They still are; the menus here focus on traditional English recipes with lots of roast game, fresh fish and local cheeses. There are menus for bar and restaurant and the place is easy-going enough for you to choose spontaneously where youd like to eat. In summer, you can eat in the garden. The hotel owns eight miles of river; catch something and theyll cook it for your supper. The restaurant has long, dreamy views across open country, so bring your binoculars and spy on the wildlife. The hotel doubles as a vintners, so expect the best wines. ACTIVITIES Head to Sabden for antiques. The Yorkshire Dales or the Lake District are good day trips. Stay local and walk, fish or cycle (you can fish from the hotel grounds, borrow bikes and picnic lunches can be made). The Forest of Bowland is nearby, as are Neolithic cave dwellings which date to 1000 BC. Clitheroe Castle is also worth a peek FEATURES Phone TV CD Video/DVD Restaurant Bar Garden Bicycles Available Disabled Access Wedding License No Smoking Room Pets by Arrangement Parking Available ACTIVITIES Cycling Fishing Hiking / Walking
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| 'Welcome to Eaves Hall Country Hotel- where going away is like coming home' Come and stay at this Georgian Style Manor nestled quietly in the heart or rural Lancashire. This country hotel has everything you need for a relaxing break and a chance to explore this beautiful part of the country. Rich in traditional northern values, you'll enjoy the friendly welcome from the House Manager, be shown to your room with porter service for your luggage and you can take a tour of the property with expert knowledge of local history and attractions. You don't even have to step outside the grounds of Eaves Hall to be entertained - try a spot of bowls on the first class bowling green, try your hand at a friendly game of pitch 'n' putt or for the more energetic play a game of tennis, you can even take advantage of the exclusive stretch of the River Ribble for salmon and trout fishing! Revel in the beautiful grounds and superb views! Eaves Hall Country Hotel Eaves Hall Lane West Bradford Clitheroe Lancashire BB7 3JG
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Information Britain Making the most of Britain... Only the most beautiful places to stay around the UK have been chosen for this site - one of the longest running travel web sites in Britain. We have personally selected the highest quality Hotels, B&B's, Inns, Country Houses and Self catering to ensure that your stay will be memorable and matched them with attractions so gloriously diverse so as to appeal to the most inquistive of minds. Over 1000 castles, museums, historic houses, cathedrals, zoos, crafts, etc are gloriously featured within these pages. Information Britain holds all you could ever need to plan a trip to or within the British Isles. Click picture to go to web site to see more. | |
Sat on the banks of the River Ribble, in the heart of the Ribble Valley, The Spread Eagle, Sawley offers unrivalled views from every table and a dining experience of the highest quality. | | |  |