A charming village tucked away in the heart of Lancashire’s Forest of Bowland is capturing hearts and securing its place on numerous ‘must-visit’ lists.

To reach this idyllic hamlet, one must traverse the dramatically beautiful Waddington Fell, offering unparalleled views and stunning landscapes that make it a paradise for nature enthusiasts and travel buffs.

Newton-in-Bowland, previously known as Newton-on-Hodder, is a small village nestled in the Ribble Valley district. To the delight of visitors, it’s bisected by the mighty River Hodder.

The village’s crowning glory is undoubtedly The Parker’s Arms – one of Britain’s top-rated gastropubs.

This Grade II Listed pub is a true hidden treasure, serving up delectable modern British cuisine that showcases the finest local and regional produce, reports Lancs Live.

The pub owes its name to the neighbouring Parker family of Browsholme Hall, who served as ‘Bowbearers of the Forest of Bowland’ for the Lords of Bowland over several generations.

A premier attraction for both tourists and locals, The Parker’s Arms describes itself as ‘a derelict abandoned landmark turned beloved national favourite’.

It clinched the coveted Number 1 spot in the ‘UK Top 50 Gastropubs’ list in 2023, and also secured the 12th position in the National Restaurant Awards in the same year.

The establishment’s curried mutton pie clinched a Gold Award at the National British Pie Awards in 2023, and also bagged two top honours at The Great Taste Awards 2023. The pub’s Lancashire Hotpot even earned a feature on BBC World Travel.

Newton, the charming village where the pub is located, boasts other attractions such as Newton Hall, a two-storey house constructed from limestone and sandstone, and Newton Chapel; a congregational chapel established in 1696 and later rebuilt in 1878.

In 2015, the chapel was put on the market and subsequently purchased, leading many to speculate it would be transformed into a residence.

Another point of interest within the village is the Newton Old School, a Grade II Listed building made of sandstone and topped with a slate roof.

Salisbury Hall, an early 18th-century pebbledashed sandstone house, is another Grade II Listed building in this historic village and is considered a must-see in Newton-in-Bowland.

Completing the list of historically significant attractions in Newton is the Old Reading Room within the hamlet. This late 18th century Grade II Listed building once served as a library before undergoing alterations in 1830. In the 1960s, its top storey was removed.

You can visit a National Trust property for free at locations across England, Wales and Northern Ireland with this day pass for you and your family.