The Inn at Whitewell

Overview

The Inn at Whitewell Whitewell, Lancashire, BB7 3AT

The personal touch

The glorious Inn at Whitewell, set on the banks of the river Hodder, amid the wild and breathtaking beauty of the Trough of Bowland, is Whitewell – yet, despite its splendid isolation (set your SatNav when leaving the M6), there is much to enjoy when you eventually arrive. The Inn boasts seven miles of fishing rights (four rods), and the rambling premises embrace a thriving wine merchant and shop, plus 23 individually decorated bedrooms; it’s also situated in grand walking and cycling country, with paths and trails radiating from the front door. Owner Charles Bowman and his staff have imbued this ancient stone hostelry with warmth, personality and a pleasing quirkiness – in fact the whole place is wonderfully relaxed, laid-back and mildly eccentric, with a lived-in country-house feel. Expect a hotchpotch of antique furnishings and paintings, blazing log fires, heavy beams and colourful rugs on stone or wood floors throughout the taproom, the library and warren of dining areas. The views across the river valley and surrounding moorland are spectacular from almost every room.

Sticky fingers

Children are most welcome. Smaller portions are available at lunch and dinner, while sofa beds are provided in 10 bedrooms (£35 a night for children 2-12 years); travel cots (up to 2 years) are also available.

Muddy paws

The inn is in the heart of prime shooting and walking country, so dogs are made very welcome in the bar and bedrooms. However, if they get too vocal in bar, owner Charles would like you to act swiftly.

Alfresco

Arrive early on warm sunny days to bag one of the teak tables on the fabulous front terrace. A long lunch or lingering early-evening drink is guaranteed as you soak up the terrific views down the beautiful Hodder Valley.

What’s on?

Fishing, guided walks and tutored wine tastings can be organised.

Add to wishlist Search rates and availability

What’s the Damage?
23 doubles/twins £132 – £233;
Suite £225 – £260

What Else?

All credit cards taken (except Amex)
Alfresco dining
Private riverside dining room
Meeting room for 14
Parking

Gongs
Visit Britain & AA 5 Star Inn; Good Hotel Guide; Hardens; Michelin; Waitrose Good Food Guide

Sleep

The Inn at Whitewell Whitewell, Lancashire, BB7 3AT

Do not disturb

The 23 bedrooms that ramble across the upper floors and adjoining coach house have been individually decorated in classic country-house style as befits this grand old inn. Rooms ooze comfort and good taste, with luxurious Colefax & Fowler fabrics, antique furnishings, fine old prints and paintings, fat lamps, sofas and wing chairs, plus traditional mattresses on tester or four-poster beds, superb stereo systems and retro-style phones. If you’re not feeling pampered enough, seven rooms also have peat fires to make those winter evening a little more cosy, while the big bathrooms boast incredible Victorian bathing machines, thick towels and bathrobes. The best and largest rooms overlook the river and the wild moorland beyond. Visitors who fancy staying longer with friends or family should book The Piggeries, a beautifully restored and delightfully furnished three-bedroomed cottage just a short stroll from the inn.

Creature comforts

Peat fires in seven rooms (£6 charge); Colefax & Fowler fabrics; bathrobes; Victorian cabinet baths.

Gadgets

HD Televisions and DVD; Bose hi-fi systems; Free Wi-Fi throughout.

Pampering

Skinsense Spa Treatments (www.skinsensemassage.com) offer Japanese face massage and holistic beauty and massage treatments, which can be arranged in the rooms or the Piggeries.

What’s for Breakfast?

Ann Forshaw’s creamy natural yoghurt with citrus fruit salad; grilled Norfolk kipper; poached smoked haddock, topped with a local free-range poached egg; full English breakfast – dry-cured Lancashire bacon, Farnsworth pork sausage, free-range local eggs, Bury black pudding, tomato and mushrooms.

Add to wishlist Search rates and availability

What’s the Damage?
23 doubles/twins £132 – £233;
Suite £225 – £260

What Else?

All credit cards taken (except Amex)
Alfresco dining
Private riverside dining room
Meeting room for 14
Parking

Gongs
Visit Britain & AA 5 Star Inn; Good Hotel Guide; Hardens; Michelin; Waitrose Good Food Guide

Eat & Drink

The Inn at Whitewell Whitewell, Lancashire, BB7 3AT

Mastering the menu

Jamie Cadman has headed up the kitchen team for some 17 years and continues to please guests with his competent modern British cooking. His generous, satisfying dishes range from potted crab, traditional fish pie or Cumberland sausages with champ in the bar to seared scallops wrapped in pancetta with pea purée followed by whole roast Goosnargh poussin with sage and onion croquette, bread sauce and gravy from the evening carte in the restaurant – an elegant, yet unpretentious room with white linen napery and candlelight. The local area provides the kitchen with fantastic beef and lamb from Burholme Farm down the road and great game from the Dunsop shoot, while other produce is sourced from around the Ribble Valley. Puddings are ‘sometimes nursery-like’ (according to the menu) – witness plum and lemon curd Bakewell tart with vanilla cream and crème anglaise. Alternatively, round off with a plate of Lancashire cheeses and a glass of Quinta Nova port.

On the menu

Evening carte
Home-cured gravadlax
Homemade black pudding, smoked bacon, fried egg and mustard emulsion
Rump of Bowland lamb, crispy lamb breast, garlic mash and minted pea purée
Roast loin of Cumbrian venison, mushroom pithivier and red wine jus
Vanilla rice pudding with spiced plum compote

Sunday Roasts

Roast Burholme Farm beef with all the trimmings

Foodie Extras

With no shop for miles around, hampers and picnic lunches are available to order – perfect if you wish to head off into hills for all-day walks and bike rides, or fancy a spot of fishing or shooting.

Time to Eat

Lunch: 12 noon – 2pm
Dinner: 7.30pm – 9.30pm (restaurant à la carte evenings only)

Local, local, local

Bowland beef and Lonk lamb – Burholme Farm, Forest of Bowland
Grouse from Lancashire Moor
Pheasant and partridge from Dunsop shoot
Salmon smoked by Giles the fishmonger for 24 hours
Mrs Kirkham’s Lancashire cheese, Preston (www.mrskirkhams.com)
Real ale – Bowland Brewery, Clitheroe (www.bowlandbrewery.com)

Behind the bar

Expect to find up to five ales on hand pump, notably North Country brews from Bowland and Copper Dragon, plus organic ginger beer, lemonade, fruit juices and – most important of all – a superlative list of 200 wines with 16 by the glass. Charles Bowman’s business (Bowland Forest Vintners) is still very much an independent wine merchant, with a bias towards smaller producers and ‘natural’ winemakers who concentrate on quality rather than mass-production. Arranged by style rather than region, the ever-changing list is a delight to explore – and every bottle can be purchased from the shop at reception.

Bar Meals

Pork terrine with homemade piccalilli
Whitewell fish pie
Fish and chips
Char-grilled sirloin of beef
Cheese and onion pie
Honey-spiced ham sandwiches (lunchtime only)

Time at the bar

11am – 11pm

Add to wishlist Search rates and availability

What’s the Damage?
23 doubles/twins £132 – £233;
Suite £225 – £260

What Else?

All credit cards taken (except Amex)
Alfresco dining
Private riverside dining room
Meeting room for 14
Parking

Gongs
Visit Britain & AA 5 Star Inn; Good Hotel Guide; Hardens; Michelin; Waitrose Good Food Guide

Food Trail

Take it back home
Tour the brewery that brewed your favourite pint, visit the shop on the farm that reared your delicious Sunday roast beef, and seek out the roadside stalls selling the local crab and samphire on the inn’s menu, the Food Trail features the local artisan producers and suppliers where you can buy to enjoy at home.

Change of scenery
Looking for a pub for lunch following a country walk, a different venue for dinner, or a good café for coffee, light lunch or afternoon tea, then the best in the area are listed below. If you find a new and exciting eatery in the area that’s worthy of a mention on the Food Trail, then please to do let us know – .

Inn Location - The Inn at Whitewell

Cheesie Tchaikovsky, Castle Street, Clitheroe BB7 2BX

It’s impossible to leave this wonderful shop without an armful of goodies! Owner Jan Curtis is something of an expert and there’s nothing she likes more than to be quizzed on the diverse range of UK and continental artisan-made cheeses in her shop, including great cheese from Rungis market in Paris. Jan is careful to include the best local and British cheeses too, including Shorrock’s Black Beauty, Greenfield’s Tasty, Blackstick’s Blue and Silk, Mrs Kirkham’s and the beautiful new soft cheese from the Pextenement Cheese Company in Todmorden.

Bashall Food Barn, Clitheroe BB7 3LQ

You can easily spend half a day in this impressive, contemporary shop and restaurant - it's impossible to leave without local, home made produce which includes cakes, preserves and ready-meals. Treat yourself to a good lunch in the modern, airy cafe.

Italian Orchard, 96 Whittingham Lane, Broughton PR3 5DB

Family owned for the past 30 years, this vast modern Italian specialises in seafood and offers great al fresco options in the summer.

Leagram Organic Dairy, Chipping PR3 2TQ

Creamy, crumbly, mature and soft Lancashire cheese is made on the farm here, using organic sheep milk from nearby Leagram Estate, and cow's milk comes from suppliers within a 10-mile radius of the dairy. For those partial to cheese with additions, there are many unusual flavoured versions.

D.Byrne & Co Wine Merchants, Clitheroe BB7 2EP

In the family for over 130 years, this fabulous Victorian shop is one of the countries best independent wine merchants. Their selection of wines, stacked floor to ceiling in the labyrinth of rooms is formidable, but they also have a staggering collection of specialist spirits. The Byrnes - great grandsons of the founder - are immensely knowledgeable and completely approachable.

Dewlay Cheesemakers, Garstang PR3 0PA

Founded in 1957 by George Kenyon and still in the same family, award-winning cheesemakers Dewlay are famous for their cheeses made from local Jersey milk. You can buy them from the on-site shop and even watch it being made from the viewing gallery.

J.Atkinson & Co., Lancaster, LA1 1EX

It's worth visiting this fabulous old tea and coffee merchants just for the smell that hits you when you walk in. They've been supplying tea & coffee since 1837 and many of the original artefacts - tea canisters, spice drawers and the magnificent 1930s tea blender - are still in use.

The Freemasons at Wiswell, Clitheroe BB7 9DF

Steven Smith continues his inevitable journey to stardom in this comfortable, stylish, smart country inn in pretty Wiswell. Expect accessible fine dining and a menu that exemplifies the local/seasonal mantra from a kitchen posse who really seem to care; the Herdwick lamb, roast rack and belly, black olive, roast Cevennes onion and Haggis Shepherd's pie nails it. You'll have a truly memorable meal.

Burholme Farm, Whitewell BB7 3AU

Dating back to the 14th century and the oldest farm owned by the Duchy of Lancaster, Burholme has been farmed by Rod Spence and his family for the past 40 years. Idyllically positioned by the Hodder River, Rod specialises in heritage breed Lonk lamb, as well as beef, all of which appears on the menu at the Inn at Whitewell.

Robinson Bros Butchers, Chipping PR3 2QH

Founded in 1906, Robinson Bros Butchers has been selling quality meat from its Chipping shop for four generations. The shop sells its own meat from the family farm, along with locally sourced beef, lamb and pork. They also sell Lancashire cheese, locally grown potatoes and proper Bury black puddings.

Joe Simpsons Farmer, Butcher & Bakery, Cockfield DL13 5AA

In the small village of Cockfield you will find the farm and shop full of local supplies including home baked pies and bread.

Cowmans Famous Sausage Shop, Clitheroe, BB7 2BT

Cowman's has been a butchers for over 100 years and current owner Cliff Cowburn started working there aged 12, before taking over the business from his dad, Ted, in 1982. Cliff creates 76 varieties of award-winning sausages and cooked samples are available on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Out & About

Inn Activities Shopping Places of interest - Filter results using pins

Inn Location - The Inn at Whitewell

Activities

Gliding PR3 2WN

For a taste of real Pennine adventure, try soaring on the thermals high above the stunning landscape of the Forest of Bowland. This exhilarating activity captures the region's varied scenery at its best.

Fishing BB7 3AT

The Forest of Bowland boasts four of the most scenic and picturesque rivers – the Ribble, Hodder, Wyre and Lune – which mainly offer game fish, including salmon, brown trout and sea trout. The upper Hodder has a growing reputation for grayling fishing. For a directory of other places to fish in the region, visit: www.environment-agency.gov.uk

Settle-Carlisle Railway, Settle BD24 9EJ

More like a cleverly designed visitor attraction than a vital lifeline serving countless communities in the wilds of Cumbria and North Yorkshire, the Settle-Carlisle Railway offers a constant, eye-catching backdrop of green fells and moorland. Make a day of it and jump on and off the train at any number of stops en route.

Shopping

The Emporium, Clitheroe BB7 1BE

Expect a few surprises at this former Methodist chapel site, which has been lovingly and painstakingly converted to provide three huge levels for eating, drinking and shopping, or more specifically a coffee shop, wine bar and brasserie, and interior design superstore.

Precious, King Street, Whalley BB7 9SP

This small independent boutique shop is known for handpicked items from many parts of Europe including jewellery, clothing and accessories.

Simpsons, Greenfield Road, Colne BB8 9PF

Bespoke furniture is Simpson's speciality. Founded in 1977, the company employs a large team, including skilled craftsmen, all of whom are based in a striking 18th-century mill.

Dawsons Department Store, King Street, Clitheroe BD7 2EU

A family-owned business at the heart of the Ribble Valley, Dawsons is the leading independent house-ware store in the area. Departments include a cookshop, and there's Moorcroft, Bedeck and Sheridan bed linen and Hartman garden furniture.

Stydd Gardens, Stoneygate Lane, Ribchester PR3 3YN

Stydd Gardens is one of the region’s quirkiest shopping venues – hugely captivating, entertaining, vintage shabby and chic – with a garden nursery with the accent on old-fashioned roses and plants grown on site, and a bespoke wine company among the attractions.

Places to visit

Pendle Heritage Centre, Barrowford BB9 6JQ

The museum explains in great detail the history and origins of local people and where they settled. The museum, tearooms and shops are housed in attractively restored farm buildings overlooking Pendle Water.

Browsholme Hall, Cow Ark, Clitheroe BB7 3DE

Pronounced 'Brusome', the hall is the oldest surviving family home in Lancashire, the ancestral home of the Parker family, who have lived there since it was built in 1507. Together with the gardens it is open to visitors from May to September. Chinese porcelain and antique oak furniture are among many fine items on display.

Bowland Wild Boar Park, Chipping PR3 2QT

Whether it's a picturesque stroll by the river Hodder, tractor rides for the kids, lunch in the cafe or simply to view the wild boar and longhorn cows, this animal park in the Forest of Bowland is a great day out for families.

Glasson LA2 0DB

On the Lancashire coast just south of Lancaster, Glasson is a tiny port crammed with colourful narrow boats, coasters and yachts. Look out for Glasson Smokehouse, noted for its Morecambe Bay potted shrimps and wild Lune salmon. Ruined Cockersand Abbey enhances the scene.

Lancaster LA1 1TH

Close to the Forest of Bowland lies one of Britain's oldest and most fascinating cities. This was Lancashire's former county town and here you can tour its historic streets and quaint riverside quays. The castle and the priory look out over the rooftops and down near the waterfront the very informative Maritime Museum recalls the era of cotton and slavery.

Gawthorpe Hall, Padiham, Burnley BB12 8UA

Sir Charles Barry, who designed the Palace of Westminster, was responsible for the striking interiors of this imposing house outside Burnley. Gawthorpe Hall was once home to the Kay-Shuttleworth family, influential figures in the local textile industry. There are paintings here on loan from the National Portrait Gallery.

Yorkshire Dales Lead Mining Museum, Earby, Barnoldswick BB18 6QF

This visitor attraction offers the chance to view a unique collection of tools, photographs and memorabilia reflecting the mining, dressing and smelting of lead ore. Other items include, of all things, a steel hook and socket worn by a miner who had lost his hand.

Walking

www.forestofbowland.com
Designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in 1964, the rugged grandeur of the Forest of Bowland is a spectacular part of Britain’s Pennine landscape – where steep-sided valleys and tracts of heather-covered grouse moor entice the walker. In addition to gentler routes and family rambles, there are longer walks to try – among them the long-distance Ribble Way and Pendle Way.

Cycling

www.forestry.gov.uk/wmidlands
One of the best destinations for cycling in the Forest of Bowland is Gisburn, in the region’s south-east corner. This is Lancashire’s largest forest and within it you’ll find several graded, colour-coded mountain bike trails. There’s a green route for beginners, while those who like their cycling to be more challenging there is a 8.5km blue route and a 20km red route.

Events

www.forestofbowland.com
The Forest of Bowland is blessed with a great many festivals and events, celebrating and reflecting the cherished traditions and rich heritage of this unique area. There are art events – including ceramic workshops, photography, theatre and creative writing, wildlife meadow walks, and farm visits for families.

Getting there

Location, Location, Location

By Road:
M6 from the south: leave at J31a for Longridge, turn left into Longridge at the Old Oak pub. Stay on this road over the next 3 roundabouts and leave Longridge with the Alston Arms on your left. Continue for 3 miles until you come to a sharp left-hand bend with rusty brown railings where you turn right. After 1 mile, turn left and then right at the next T-junction. Take the next left and stay on this road for 3 miles until you arrive at Whitewell – the Inn is unmistakeable.

M6 from the north: leave at junction 33, turn left towards Garstang and watch for turning on left signposted Abbystead/Trough of Bowland. Follow this road for approximately 15 miles, picking up signs for Whitewell.

By Rail:
The nearest train station is Clitheroe (8 miles). The journey from London Euston takes approximately 3 hours 45 minutes (change at Preston and Bolton).

Address:

Nr Clitheroe, Whitewell, Lancashire, BB7 3AT

Rooms rates & booking

The Inn at Whitewell Whitewell, Lancashire, BB7 3AT

David Hancock says:

Inn Places Perk

The Inn at Whitewell Whitewell, Lancashire, BB7 3AT

The personal touch

Sticky fingers

Muddy paws

Alfresco

What’s on?

The Inn at Whitewell Whitewell, Lancashire, BB7 3AT

Do not disturb

Creature comforts

Gadgets

Pampering

What’s for Breakfast?

The Inn at Whitewell Whitewell, Lancashire, BB7 3AT

Mastering the menu

On the menu

Sunday Roasts

Foodie Extras

Time to Eat

Local, local, local

Behind the bar

Bar Meals

Time at the bar

Inn Location - The Inn at Whitewell

Cheesie Tchaikovsky, Castle Street, Clitheroe BB7 2BX

Bashall Food Barn, Clitheroe BB7 3LQ

Italian Orchard, 96 Whittingham Lane, Broughton PR3 5DB

Leagram Organic Dairy, Chipping PR3 2TQ

D.Byrne & Co Wine Merchants, Clitheroe BB7 2EP

Dewlay Cheesemakers, Garstang PR3 0PA

J.Atkinson & Co., Lancaster, LA1 1EX

The Freemasons at Wiswell, Clitheroe BB7 9DF

Burholme Farm, Whitewell BB7 3AU

Robinson Bros Butchers, Chipping PR3 2QH

Joe Simpsons Farmer, Butcher & Bakery, Cockfield DL13 5AA

Cowmans Famous Sausage Shop, Clitheroe, BB7 2BT

Inn Activities Shopping Places of interest - Filter results using pins

Inn Location - The Inn at Whitewell

Activities

Gliding PR3 2WN

Fishing BB7 3AT

Settle-Carlisle Railway, Settle BD24 9EJ

Shopping

The Emporium, Clitheroe BB7 1BE

Precious, King Street, Whalley BB7 9SP

Simpsons, Greenfield Road, Colne BB8 9PF

Dawsons Department Store, King Street, Clitheroe BD7 2EU

Stydd Gardens, Stoneygate Lane, Ribchester PR3 3YN

Places to visit

Pendle Heritage Centre, Barrowford BB9 6JQ

Browsholme Hall, Cow Ark, Clitheroe BB7 3DE

Bowland Wild Boar Park, Chipping PR3 2QT

Glasson LA2 0DB

Lancaster LA1 1TH

Gawthorpe Hall, Padiham, Burnley BB12 8UA

Yorkshire Dales Lead Mining Museum, Earby, Barnoldswick BB18 6QF

Walking

Cycling

Events

Location, Location, Location

Address:

Closest Inns

Assheton Arms

Downham, Lancashire

The Lister Arms

Malham, North Yorkshire

The Cartford Inn

Little Eccleston, Lancashire

The Plough

Lupton, Cumbria

Would you like to win £100 of gift vouchers?