The local area
If you are tempted to stray from the peace and tranquillity of Throstle Hall Cottage there are many interesting trips out and about.
Surrounded by picturesque villages with ancient churches that are packed with history, you will be in the heart of Pendle Witch country.
The cottage is overlooked by Pendle Hill, the birth place of the Quaker movement when in 1640 George Fox had a vision. There is a Quaker Burial Ground close by and several local meeting places and Quaker reference sites.
If walking and cycling are what you enjoy, there are endless opportunities for both and you can find a few suggestions on our outdoor activities page.
Our closest village is Barley, the most popular start point for climbing Pendle Hill. The village boasts The Pendle Inn run by Joanne and Dave, the wonderful Barley Tea Room – look out for our friends Angie, Mike and co for some delicious freshly cooked food. Barley has a vibrant Village Hall which hosts many events. The Barley Mow restaurant and the Cabin in the Car Park complete the eateries in the village.
Perhaps more famous is the village of Downham, 2 miles down the hill, home to the Assheton Family, where Lord and Lady Clitheroe live in the beautiful Downham Hall. The Post Office also doubles up as a local food and gift shop, and does lovely teas, and fish and chips! The village gained much of its fame because of the ducks – in the summer it is a popular picnic spot, and the ducks become very waddly with all the bread they are fed by visitors. The TV programme Born and Bred has been filmed here over the past few years, turning the Assheton Arms into the Railwayman pub, a war memorial appears and we even have a well on the green!
Around and about are many craft centres, and visitor attractions. For more shopping, castle and museums there are the market towns of Clitheroe and Skipton a short drive away. There is also a heritage centre in Barrowford Pendle Heritage Centre leaflet (PDF 875kb). The famous Boundary Mill Stores are 20 minutes drive away www.boundarymill.co.uk
Railway Enthusiasts
Close by are three working preserved steam railways. Each is run by volunteers dedicated to keeping this historic mode of transport alive, for us all to enjoy. We are also only a short drive from the historic market town of Settle, the start of the wonderful Settle to Carlisle railway journey.
Keighley and Worth Valley railway
Embsay and Bolton Abbey steam railway
East Lancs Railway
Restaurants and Public Houses
Barley, Downham, Worston, Fence, Roughlee, Gisburn, and Barrowford all have restaurants and Public Houses serving good quality food.
Local Services
Banks and cash points - Gisburn, Barnoldswick, Barrowford and Clitheroe.
Doctors at Clitheroe.
Cycle and outdoor equipment shops Clitheroe, Settle. and Skipton.
Public transport – train at Clitheroe, Skipton or Nelson.
Bus service – the local P70/P71 runs hourly from Nelson and Clitheroe and is available at the Crossroads (10 mins walk from Throstle Hall). This links in to major bus and rail services.
Post Office & Public Tel. at Downham, Barrowford Gisburn and Chatburn.
Taxi service available either in Clitheroe or Barrowford.
Local cycle hire available.
Horse riding available locally.