Hidden gem market town is ‘foodie heaven’ and one of the ‘best places to live’ in the UK | UK | Travel
A flourishing market town nestled in Lancashire has earned recognition as amongst the ‘best places to live’ in the UK for 2026, and a single visit reveals precisely why it’s received such prestigious acclaim.
Branded as a ‘must-visit food heaven‘, this vibrant town presents a wealth of extraordinary attractions – spanning highly-rated culinary and beverage establishments to retail therapy, leisure activities, tourist spots and cultural happenings, ensuring there’s plenty to satisfy every taste in this dynamic Lancashire market town.
The renowned Ribble Valley in Lancashire is frequently regarded as northern England’s gastronomic capital, offering superb locally-sourced ingredients available throughout its numerous towns, hamlets, markets, public houses, dining establishments and retail outlets.
Within this impressive collection celebrating countless culinary treasures, one particular town stands out with an exceptional selection of food and beverage choices, remarkable even against Ribble Valley’s high standards.
Clitheroe, teeming with independent suppliers, scores of food establishments, celebrated restaurants, breweries, independent alehouses and wine specialists, is regularly described as a sanctuary for gastronomy and beverage aficionados throughout the ceremonial county of Lancashire, reports Lancs Live.
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The town hosts an annual food festival usually attracting more than 25,000 visitors (Image: Copyright Unknown)
Yearly occasions including the Clitheroe Food Festival – dedicated to showcasing regional suppliers and their wares – further enhance the town’s already impressive culinary and drinking scene.
Eight At Gazegill, Freemasons At Wiswell, and The Rum Fox are three establishments listed in the Michelin Guide, situated just a stone’s throw from Clitheroe’s town centre, celebrated for their exceptional cuisine and picturesque settings.
Things to do in Clitheroe
Culinary delights aren’t the sole attraction Clitheroe has to offer.
Blessed with superb rail and motorway links, this vibrant market town nestled in Lancashire’s picturesque Ribble Valley provides convenient access to the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), the Lake District, and the spectacular Yorkshire Dales.
Its welcoming, family and dog-friendly streets attract visitors in droves, with tourism playing a crucial role in the local economy.
Visitors to Clitheroe ought to explore the town’s most iconic monument, Clitheroe Castle, regarded as England’s second smallest Norman fortress.
Clitheroe provides excellent access to the lap of nature (Image: Getty Images)
This remarkably well-preserved castle has towered over the town’s landscape for more than 800 years and remains a significant attraction for tourists.
Clitheroe is fortunate to have some of Britain’s most magnificent natural landscapes literally on its doorstep, from the striking Pendle Hill with its mysterious witchcraft heritage, the glorious Hodder Valley, the Forest of Bowland AONB, the Yorkshire Dales and its ‘Three Peaks’, to the internationally renowned Cumbrian Lake District.
The finest of nature and outdoor pursuits are within easy reach when using Clitheroe as your base. The hills encircling the town, along with its picturesque valleys, striking fells and quaint lanes, provide an idyllic retreat for walkers, cyclists and drivers alike, securing its place on numerous visitors’ essential travel lists.
