Picturesque village with cosy thatched cottages, duck pond and traditional pub | UK | Travel
Wrea Green may be a small village, but it boasts the biggest village green in Lancashire that also includes a large duck pond known to locals as ‘The Dub’.Photo by James Maloney/LancsLive (Image: James Maloney/Lancs Live)
A charming village situated in the heart of Lancashire stands as a true hidden treasure, boasting verdant landscapes, period architecture, inviting cottages and an outstanding pub – all poised to captivate those who venture within its countryside borders.
Near the well-loved seaside town of Lytham St Annes, this stunning village in rural Fylde is regarded as a highly sought-after residential area, thanks to its peaceful environment, striking buildings, superb transport links and a prize-winning village green.
Packed with fascinating glimpses into heritage and the past, this charming settlement isn’t your typical Lancashire village (though which ones truly are?).
About two miles west of Kirkham, this West Lancashire community overflows with vibrancy, personality, and a wealth of history, reports Lancs Live.
Charming white thatched-roof dwellings enhance its appeal, whilst the renowned village green and the cherished duck pond (indeed – there are numerous adorable ducks residing in this village) serve as prime attractions.
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With around 2,000 locals, Wrea Green is an essential destination for those seeking to discover exceptional villages across the UK. Despite its position at a bustling Lancashire crossroads geographically, this settlement has preserved its countryside character.
Interesting tidbit: In 1897, the village of Wrea Green experienced a ‘plague of sparrows’, prompting the Parish Council to offer a halfpenny for every sparrow, sparrow egg or rat’s tail brought in by residents. Enhancing its already vibrant cultural tapestry, Wrea Green has maintained a twinning arrangement with the small French village of Saint-Bris-le-Vineux in the Burgundy region for several years.
A Twinning Charter was formally signed between the two communities in November 2005, with a delegation of Wrea Green residents making the journey to St Bris to cement the official partnership.
In the years that followed, numerous delegations from both villages have exchanged visits and “formed many new friendships”, according to Wrea Green’s official website.
It’s the largest village green in all of Lancashire (Image: James Maloney/Lancs Live)
The magnificent village green
Whilst it might appear somewhat unusual that the centrepiece of an entire village is its green – essentially a stretch of verdant grass at the village’s core – one must witness Wrea Green’s expanse of turf firsthand to grasp the enthusiasm surrounding it.
The village green serves as the literal heartbeat of this compact Lancashire settlement, and it is genuinely advertisement-worthy and award-winning in its excellence.
Indeed, it has garnered numerous awards – playing a pivotal role in this rural Wyre village securing the ‘Lancashire Best Kept Village’ award an impressive 15 times since 1959.
For over a century, the village green has consistently served as the venue for the cricket club’s practice sessions and home matches, whilst also hosting numerous well-attended fairs and social gatherings that characterise Wrea Green’s thriving community spirit.
Among the intriguing (and somewhat unusual) bylaws that remain in effect for the village green are: ‘no person shall beat or shake carpets or rugs on the village green’, ‘no person shall drive or wheel any cart, truck or other vehicle onto the village green’, ‘no person shall hold a public meeting, religions or political’, ‘no person shall light a fire’, and ‘no person shall dig, cut or remove any sods’.
The duck pond is a beloved attraction in the village (Image: James Maloney/Lancs Live)
The beloved duck pond
Wrea Green’s treasured duck pond is effectively an expansive body of water situated on the village green, locally referred to as The Dub, a name thought to originate from the term ‘daub’ – the clay-based material applied to woven wooden hurdles for constructing walls.
As expected, a healthy and flourishing population of ducks inhabits the pond, affectionately nourished by residents and tourists throughout the year. Visit for peaceful moments of serenity surrounded by nature and you certainly won’t be disappointed.
The village has an iconic pub loved by locals (Image: James Maloney/Lancs Live)
Things to do in Wrea Green
Additional points of interest in Wrea Green include the Grade II Listed, family-friendly St Nicholas Church. This Anglican parish church remains active, hosting regular weekly services for the local community.
It’s also an exceptionally sought-after wedding location, and a single glance reveals precisely why. A delightful row of thatched-roof cottages directly across from the church enhances the locale’s enchanting countryside character.
Visitors to Wrea Green shouldn’t overlook The Grapes, a beloved village pub positioned right at the green’s edge, offering an ideal setting for enjoying a drink and a meal. This 19th-century establishment was previously known as The Letters Inn and The Dumplings Inn.
One glowing Tripadvisor review reads: “A fabulous pub and restaurant. Delightful setting right on the green, and the interior is a delight. Food reasonably priced, good vegetarian options. Wines excellent.”
Among Wrea Green’s other notable attractions is Club Day, essentially a grand village festival featuring a fancy-dress parade, a travelling fair, plus special stalls and activities hosted on the green.
