Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Borough of Rossendale to Lancaster
Driving from Borough of Rossendale to Lancaster is a picturesque experience, with rolling hills and greenery all around. The journey is approximately 45 miles long and takes almost an hour to complete, but it's worth taking slowly to soak up the beauty of the landscape. The route from Rossendale to Lancaster involves mostly A-roads and one stretch of M6 motorway. Here are five unexpected places to stop on this journey to make it even more memorable.
Halfway Point: Preston, LAN
The halfway point between Rossendale and Lancaster is Preston, located in the middle of the lovely Lancashire countryside. Preston is known as Lancashire's administrative capital and is a favorite destination for those who admire architecture, history, and culture. With its medieval buildings and grand public squares, Preston is a city with plenty of character and charm, offering an array of sights and activities to explore. The City Museum and Art Gallery is a must-visit spot for art enthusiasts. The Harris Museum and Art Gallery is an impressive Grade I listed building that offers a range of visual arts, textile exhibits, and displays of the city's history.
1. Ribchester Roman Museum
Ribchester Roman Museum is situated in the beautiful village of Ribchester, on the banks of the River Ribble. The museum houses a collection of artifacts, inscriptions, and exhibits in the Roman fort. Visitors can walk around the recreated granary, the bathhouse, and barracks and see how the Roman military used to live. The Roman Museum is a great place to learn about the history of the area and the Roman occupation of Britain. Don't miss out on the chance of visiting the on-site reading room, where visitors can research the Roman Fort, Ribchester, and Hadrian's Wall.
Favorite food: Try the locally-produced Lancashire cheese at The Ribble Valley Food Trail.
2. The Trough of Bowland
The Trough of Bowland is a beautiful valley in the heart of Lancashire that offers some of the most spectacular views in the area. The Trough of Bowland is sure to satisfy any nature lover with its stunning landscape and unparalleled beauty. The area boasts of wildlife and truly breathtaking vistas of hills, valleys, and small streams. The Bowland moorlands are separated from the valley by limestone uplands, and the moors are home to some of Lancashire's most rare and beautiful birdlife, such as the hen harrier and short-eared owl.
Favorite food: The Trough of Bowland is famous for producing game meat, so try a game pie at The Inn at Whitewell.
3. Lancaster Castle
Lancaster Castle has stood on its present site for over 1,000 years, with its origins as a Roman fort. It was used as a prison by the British government until 2011 when it finally closed its doors. The castle still has many features preserved from its past incarnation as a prison, and visitors can tour the cells and living quarters of past inmates and learn about their stories. Don't miss the chance to visit Lancaster's Crown Court and watch the administration of justice in action.
Favorite food: Try the traditional Lancashire hotpot at The Sun Café Bistro.
4. Lune Valley
The Lune Valley is a thriving market town that offers seasonal festivals and events throughout the year. This stunning valley is punctuated by rolling hills, babbling brooks, and vibrant wildlife. Lune Valley is the ideal location to hike or walk through one of the many verdant footpaths or to cycle through the numerous lanes of the surrounding countryside. The Lune Valley is also home to Lancaster Golf Club, which is set amongst some of Lancashire's most beautiful scenery.
Favorite food: Taste the smoked haddock mornay at The Fenwick Arms.
5. Morecambe Bay
Morecambe Bay is a great spot for beach lovers, walkers, and bird watchers. This stunning coastal area boasts miles of golden sands and rock pools that are great for exploring, as well as historic seaside towns and villages to explore. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing walk on the promenade, swimming in the sea, or sunbathing on the beach. Bird watchers can watch the ospreys, redshanks, and lapwings at RSPB Leighton Moss. This is also an excellent place to watch the sunsets over the bay.
Favorite food: Try the pickled shrimps at The Midland Hotel.
Conclusion
The journey from Borough of Rossendale to Lancaster is one of the most rewarding drives in Lancashire. The beauty of the countryside baked by medieval traditions and history bestows the landscape with an overall stunning character. The five stops mentioned above are unexpected destinations to make your journey more memorable. From archaeological finds and Roman history to seaside towns and picturesque landscapes, there is always something to see and do on this route. This trip is perfect for everyone who is looking for an exciting adventure while exploring the enchanting Lancashire countryside.