As part of our Green Traveller's Guide to the Forest of Bowland, Jackie King picks out a selection of characterful hotels, B&Bs, self-catering cottages and campsites in this glorious Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in northwest England.
Whether you’re here for a whole action packed week or just a relaxing mini-break, the Forest of Bowland AONB has a huge variety of eco-friendly accommodations to choose from, suiting all tastes and budgets.
We've put together this list of the best places to stay in the region, so you can find something to suit you, whether it’s a luxurious country hotel, a rustic self-catering cottage or a secluded touring site where you’ll be lulled to sleep by the sounds of the flowing river. All of these accommodations have also received accreditation by the Green Tourism Business Scheme (GTBS) for the important steps they’re taking to conserve their natural environment.
So whether you choose to start the day with a home cooked, locally sourced Bowland breakfast, or leave the car behind to explore the wild moors on foot, you can be sure that you’re helping to preserve this wonderful region for the future.
Google map: shows the location and details of all the places to stay, local food and drink, nearby visitor attractions and activities in our Green Travel Guide to the Forest of Bowland:
Green = Places to stay Blue = Local food & drink Yellow = Attractions Purple = Activities
Places to stay in the Forest of Bowland
The Traddock, Yorkshire Dales, England
A country house hotel surrounded by the breathtaking scenery of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Offering warm welcoming hospitality in a relaxed, homely country house with superb facilites and luxury double rooms. thetraddock.co.uk
The Old Post House Hotel, Lancashire, England
Conveniently located in the centre of the historic market town of Clitheroe, right in the heart of the Ribble Valley, this hotel was in fact a working Post Office until 1928. It has 11 modern rooms with en-suite facilities. Great base for cyclists. the-old-post-house-hotel.lancashireonly.co.uk
The Priory, Lancashire, England
Set in the pretty village of Scorton, this boutique hotel offers stylish accommodation alongside traditional hospitality. The eight en-suite bedrooms have a clean and crisp design but still retain a traditional country feel. Popular restaurant, too. theprioryscorton.co.uk
Mytton Fold Hotel and Golf Course, Lancashire, England
Surrounded by stunning landscaped gardens, the award winning Mytton Fold Hotel and Golf Complex is an oasis of calm. Each of the 43 bedrooms is individually designed with en-suite facilities and internet access as standard. myttonfold.co.uk
Dale House Barn B&B, Forest of Bowland AONB, Lancashire
Dale House Barn and B&B is a small family business in a fantastically remote location within the stunning Forest of Bowland, Lancashire – an area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB). Stay in the camping barn or one of the 2 en-suite b&b rooms. dalehousebarn.co.uk
Cobden Farm, Lancashire, England
This 4* B&B offers the warmest of welcomes with freshly baked scones with butter and jam waiting for you on arrival. It has two comfortable and spacious bedrooms available with gorgeous views over the Sabden Valley. cobdenfarm.co.uk
Broadgate Farm, Lancashire, England
This 4* B&B and caravan site is set in 300 acres of glorious farmland, managed by the Clark family who have been farming here for four generations since 1923. There are two spacious bedrooms available for B&B. broadgatefarm.co.uk
Middle Flass Lodge, Lancashire, England
Beautifully converted in 1996 by owners Joan and Nigel, this former barn and cow byre is now a hotel and restaurant nestled in the tranquil Ribble Valley. As Nigel is a former Head Chef, you can look forward to an extensive breakfast. middleflasslodge.co.uk
The Craigwell Hotel, Lancashire, England
A ten bedroom eco-friendly guesthouse in a wonderful spot overlooking Morecambe Bay with lovely views of the Lake District mountains. Enjoy spectacular sunsets, bird-watching and tasting delicious locally sourced fairtrade food. craigwellhotel.co.uk
Dale House Barn B&B, Forest of Bowland AONB, Lancashire
Dale House Barn and B&B is a small family business in a fantastically remote location within the stunning Forest of Bowland, Lancashire – an area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB). Stay in the camping barn or one of the 2 en-suite b&b rooms. dalehousebarn.co.uk
Malkin Tower Farm Holiday Cottages, Lancashire, England
These two luxury self catering holiday cottages and ‘Piggery’ have been converted from the former Malkin Tower Farm, set in stunning countryside within the Forest of Bowland AONB. Great base for non-car based activities like walking and cycling. malkintowerfarm.co.uk
Cleveley Mere Boutique Lodges, Lancashire, England
These five state-of-the-art retreats are all set on the edge of a vast lake within a glorious 34 acre nature reserve. You could choose to stay in the UK’s first ‘Huf House’ holiday let, as featured on Channel 4’s Grand Designs! cleveleymere.com
Higher Gills Farm, Lancashire, England
These two self-catering holiday apartments, Lower Laithe and Granary, have both been tastefully converted from a 200-year-old stable block on Higher Gills Farm, a working cattle and sheep farm run by the Pilkington family. highergills.co.uk
Height Top Farm, Lancashire, England
Set in a peacefully rural location, these one bedroom self-catering cottages have been lovingly renovated from the existing farmhouse. Look out for a wealth of original features, from the fully working Yorkist range to the log burning stove. heighttopfarm.co.uk
Quernmore Valley Cottages, Lancashire, England
Tucked away on the old Roman road from Lancaster to the Trough of Bowland is Quernmore Valley. You can choose from a traditional, three bedroom cottage with its own spacious garden area and babbling brook, or a modern, newly built cottage. quernmorevalleycottages.com
Lower Gill Holidays, Lancashire, England
This collection of holiday cottages nestles in a pretty, wooded glade at the end of a private road, surrounded by open farmland. The cottages sleep between four and 12, and the farmhouse sleeps up to 12; all furnished to a high standard. lowergill.co.uk
For more information on local food and drink, nearby visitor attractions and activities, see our Green Traveller's Guide to the Forest of Bowland
