A charming Lancashire village consisting of just one road and boasting a highly-rated country restaurant offers an excellent destination for your next family or friends’ outing.

This distinctive linear village lies next to the renowned Pendle Hill, which provides a breathtaking backdrop to this peaceful hamlet.

Located in the Ribble Valley district, and positioned to the east of the bustling market town of Clitheroe, this small village presents an ideal location for a peaceful retreat surrounded by natural beauty.

Its solitary thoroughfare runs through the settlement before continuing towards the village of Downham as a single-track lane.

Whilst the conservation village of Worston may not enjoy widespread recognition, it provides visitors with ample opportunities for a fulfilling day’s excursion.

A tranquil location, removed from urban hustle and bustle, Worston possesses a fascinating and layered past. Back in 1778, labourers widening the village road to Chatburn discovered 1,000 Roman coins (Denarii) in this modest settlement. There’s even a prehistoric burial site located on Worsaw Hill, reports Lancs Live.

Positioned near the village, Worsaw Hill is a Bronze Age burial mound displaying subtle earthworks at its peak, potentially indicating the ancient vestiges of a long-vanished settlement.

A cave situated near the hill’s base enhances its intrigue, whilst the rocky outcrops and lower inclines of Worsaw Hill prove excellent for fossil hunting.

This tranquil single-lane village boasts numerous connections to history, featuring three Grade II Listed structures including the 17th-century Crow Hill Cottage, 19th-century Worston Old Hall, and the Wall surrounding Worston Old Hall.

Indeed, Worston Old Hall contains remnants of the historic Sawley Abbey built into its very framework.

Beyond the village’s solitary main thoroughfare, the remarkably well-preserved remnants of an ancient bull ring survive, tucked away in the centre of a small field.

The stone and bronze ring where the bull would have been secured during the bull-baiting period can still be discovered undamaged on the village green.

The bull ring is thought to have been the focal point of all village activity in bygone times.

After the bull-baiting era had ended, it’s reported that anyone seeking confrontation would approach the bronze ring and give it a vigorous rattle to provoke any man into combat on the village green.

Charming countryside restaurant worth a visit

At the centre of the tranquil village of Worston sits a treasured country restaurant and public house, adored by locals and tourists alike.

The Calf’s Head stands as a highly-regarded venue in Worston, earning a 4.1 rating out of 5 on Tripadvisor. It’s also the village’s sole dining and drinking establishment.

Offering stunning vistas of Pendle Hill, Calf’s Head serves authentic ales and an excellent wine selection, alongside a comprehensive menu of freshly prepared dishes celebrating regional ingredients. Its expansive well-tended grounds and outdoor dining space provides guests with an opportunity to savour al fresco meals whilst soaking up the breathtaking vistas of the Lancashire countryside.

The cuisine at Calf’s Head has received tremendous praise from visitors, with one guest writing on Tripadvisor: “We were holidaying in the area and decided to try the Calf’s Head for an evening meal.

“We were not disappointed, the food was plentiful and tasty and it was so good to see some traditional meals on the menu. I loved the homely atmosphere in the restaurant, it was a dark November evening when we visited and it felt very cosy. We will return when we’re next in the area.”

Another review of the establishment reads: “Just had the most amazing afternoon tea in celebration of family birthdays. Soup to start, unlimited tea, varied sandwiches, delicious cakes and scones with jam and cream.

“The staff were friendly, the views were stunning and we loved every part of it. Amazing value at £22.50 per person. Thank you so much.”

Meanwhile, yet another happy customer shares: “We stayed for two nights, having both breakfast and evening meal both days. Delicious food and great service on each occasion, despite the fact they were incredibly busy on Sunday. (Judging by the food, I’m not surprised – our lamb burgers with goat’s cheese and caramelised onions were superb, as was the lasagne.)

“The setting is perfect – in a lovely walled garden by a stream, in a pretty little village. Add in a comfy bed, tea and coffee-making facilities and piping hot water; we couldn’t have asked for more. Thank you!”.