Greentraveller Guide to the Forest of Bowland
With its rich green valleys, heather-covered moorland and traditional stone farms and villages, the rugged and unspoilt Forest of Bowland is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and considered to be both Yorkshire and Lancashire’s wild and remote heartland.
In this Green Traveller Guide to Holidays in the Forest of Bowland, we've done the hard work for you by uncovering the region’s hidden gems - including the greenest places to stay, from five star hotels to cosy cottages, as well the best restaurants and pubs serving delicious, locally sourced food.
We’ve also included our top pick of attractions and family days out, including beautiful gardens, animal parks, cycling trails and walking paths.The aim is to pluck out those experiences that help you enjoy this wonderful place in a way that brings local economic benefits while conserving the very special landscape.
Photos below (left to right): Cobble Hey; Leagram organic dairy cheese: Forest of Bowland AONB; Forest of Bowland/John Sparks
Browse by section
Browse our selection of green places to stay, from a converted Post Office in the historic market town of Clitheroe, to the UK’s only five star ‘Huf Haus’ by the edge of a private lake.
Make the most of the area’s mouth-watering variety of local produce, whether it’s at a traditional pub, cosy tea room or an award winning restaurant.
The Forest of Bowland AONB has plenty to offer everyone, whether it’s feeding the wildlife, visiting stunning gardens, or exploring an historic hall.
From relaxing riverside walking trails to challenging cycle routes and some top bird watching opportunities - there's plenty to do and see in the Forest of Bowland.
Features
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Nearest national cycle network
A word from the Forest of Bowland AONB
Hetty Byrne, Sustainable Tourism Officer at the Forest of Bowland AONBThe Forest of Bowland AONB, situated in the North West of England, is a unique and captivating part of the countryside. Expanses of sky above dramatic sweeps of open moorland, undulating lowlands with picturesque farms and villages, river valleys and wooded cloughs – all waiting to be explored!
Here in the Forest of Bowland we work closely with tourism organisations, businesses and communities to help protect our beautiful landscape, while at the same time increasing opportunities for visitors to discover and enjoy its special qualities. In 2005 we became the first protected area in England to be awarded the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism in Protected Areas. The Charter is awarded to protected areas that are delivering tourism that is both nature and landscape friendly and which contributes to the economic development of the region. For further information visit www.europarc.org
Many of the tourism businesses in the Forest of Bowland share the commitment of the AONB and are passionate about developing their businesses in an environmentally friendly way. Many are Green Tourism Business Scheme award winners – look out for the green logo! Some of their actions take place behind the scenes but there are also many that you will experience firsthand, such as access to wonderful car-free explorations and wildlife watching opportunities: their local knowledge won't fail to inspire you!
The Greentraveller guide will help you plan your green getaway to Bowland to experience some of the most peaceful and remote walking, riding and cycling in the country. Explore some of the many unique villages steeped in history; while away your time observing some of the rare and enigmatic birds and wildlife; or simply indulge in sampling some of the very best local produce the area has to offer! Make your Bowland your discovery and help to keep it special.
Hetty Byrne
Sustainable Tourism Officer
Forest of Bowland AONB
Did you know?
- The Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) covers 312sq miles of rural Lancashire and North Yorkshire and includes the famous landmark Pendle Hill
- 13% of the AONB has been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest
- The moors are a major breeding ground for upland birds and the major part of the Bowland Fells is designated as a Special Protection Area under the European Birds Directive
- The AONB is sparsely populated with over three-quarters living in villages, and the remainder in loosely-knit hamlets or isolated dwellings in open countryside
Forest of Bowland AONB, England
