Beautiful Country Pubs
Transcription
Beautiful Country Pubs
Beautiful Country Pubs Lancashire The Vintage Inns of Lancashire Collection This collection of unique and charming Vintage Inns offers ideal venues from which to explore this complex and fascinating region of England. There are many quaint country villages such as Lymm, where you’ll find The Green Dragon is the perfect base from which to stretch your legs on a canalside walk and work up an appetite for a mouth-watering meal. In addition to Lancashire’s delightful nature parks, leafy woodlands and countryside paths, you’re never far from the wild beauty of the coast that has shaped life here. From The Punch Bowl at Sefton you can strike out to the beach at Crosby and marvel at Antony Gormley’s thought-provoking sculptures; or enjoy the more worldly pleasures at Southport, where you’ll find great hospitality at The Hesketh Arms. If history is your thing, then there are many ancient manor houses from which to choose: perhaps the Renaissance grandeur of Hoghton Tower near The Walton Fox at Bamber Bridge; or history packed Walton Hall near The Stretton Fox. At any time of year there is a variety of entertainment and diversion, from the zoos at Blackpool and Chester to first class city centre shopping, lively museums and art galleries – and nearby there’s always a great British Vintage Inn offering delicious fayre. If the day is cold we’ve got roaring log fires, piping hot dishes, rich red wines and hearty ales to warm your heart, and when the weather is fine we have refreshing drinks and delightful light snacks to put a spring in your step. However you choose to spend your leisure, each Vintage Inn in our collection will offer you a warm welcome and a full menu of British favourites and blackboard specials, fine cask conditioned ales, popular wines – and, of course, surroundings of great charm and character in which to enjoy them. Contents The Punchbowl – Sefton Village The Sandpiper – Ormskirk Stretton Fox – Stretton Fox Cub – Preston Green Dragon – Lymm River Wyre – Blackpool Walton Fox – Bamber Bridge Hesketh Arms – Southport The Woodside – Worsley Hartshead – Ashton The Broughton Inn – Broughton Information Waterside walks Heritage sites National Trust sites Visitor attractions Museums Countryside walks Vintage Inn Collection Lancashire M6 The River Wyre A585 M55 The Broughton Inn Blackpool Irish Sea Preston M65 Fox Cub The Walton Fox Hesketh ArmsA565 A59 Southport A565 M6 M66 M61 The Sandpiper A570 The Woodside M58 The Punchbowl M62 Manchester A57 Liverpool M53 A550 A49 A41 Green Dragon Stretton Fox M56 M60 Hartshead A580 M57 M62 A49 M6 M67 The Punchbowl Lunt Road, Liverpool, L29 7WA Tel. 0151 526 1018 Though it may be sited on the original Grand National Steeplechase course, The Punchbowl at Sefton Village can promise you a rather more leisurely pace for strolls through delightful local nature trails and woodland, and of course delicious food and drink after a day out and about. Thought to be around 200 years old, the pub building may once have been a school house but became a meeting place for a social club known as the , which had its own officers and regalia. This tradition for convivial discourse and keeping good company continues today, which may explain why so many former guests return again and again (the pub is said to be haunted by a number of spirits). The name of Sefton has been associated with the area for over 1,000 years, and is thought to come from the Norse for or . The parish was founded in 1170 though much of the present church, which is well worth a visit, was extensively rebuilt in the 16th century. There is a bowling green by the side of the pub, and there are views of the River Alt. A footpath leads to a nature trail and the beginning of a leisurely walk around the village. The 8km route takes in part of the Trans-Pennine Trail and visits the former site of the Grand National, Jubilee Woods and other attractive spots before returning to The Punchbowl. For a great day out, why not... • Visit Sefton’s beautiful natural coastline and see Anthony Gormley’s stunning ‘Another Place’ in the morning. • Come to The Punchbowl for a cracking lunch. • Stretch your legs with a leisurely walk on the Discover Sefton trail. Sefton has many woodlands, walking routes and areas of natural beauty for those with a taste for adventure. However, if you prefer the challenge of the fairways, there are several good golf courses within three miles of the inn. And, if you wish to venture a little further there’s always tremendous shopping in Liverpool city centre. For details on more attractions around The Punchbowl at Sefton Village and other ideas for days out in the area, visit www.vintageinn.co.uk/thepunchbowlseftonvillage 1 The Sandpiper Holly Farm, Ormskirk Old Road, Bickerstaffe, Ormskirk, L39 0HD Tel. 01695 733666 The Sandpiper is a traditional country pub set in pleasant, rural surroundings and featuring a spacious beer garden in which you can sit back, relax and enjoy great food and the pick of a selection of British beers and wines from around the world. Until recently, the inn was a farmhouse known as Holly Farm, mentioned in the 1891 census, but which has been sympathetically renovated to enhance its rustic charm. It’s the perfect country getaway. And there’s plenty of interest in the area – for the green fingered, there’s a garden centre next to the pub to browse around. The village has a large farming community and a strong Quaker tradition, so a friendly welcome is always guaranteed. However, not all its residents were so upright – the area gained notoriety in the 17th century for the activities of a gang of coiners or counterfeiters. Nearby Skelmersdale is a vibrant town which has many excellent public open spaces, including the 300 acre Beacon Country Park which combines woodland walks and panoramic views. The Tawd Valley Trail, with its woodland, wildlife and meadows is well worth following as it winds its way through the centre of the town. For a great day out, why not... • Strike out for Ormskirk and browse around the market or take in the views from Clieves Hill. • Enjoy a long relaxing lunch at The Sandpiper. • See what Skelmersdale has to offer in the afternoon. A little further on and Ormskirk has the lure of a traditional street market with a dazzling range of stalls to browse. Dating from the 13th century and held each Thursday and Saturday, it is worth a visit just to sample fresh Ormskirk gingerbread. Check out the parish church with both a tower and steeple – the steeple having been made too small to take a bell, the tower had to be added afterwards just for the purpose! For a gentle walk, try Clieves Hill, just outside Ormskirk, part of a line of hills looking west across the Lancashire plain. For details on more attractions around The Sandpiper at Bickerstaffe and other ideas for days out in the area, visit www.vintageinn.co.uk/thesandpiperbickerstaffe 2 Stretton Fox Spark Hall Close, Stretton, Warrington, WA4 4NU Tel. 01925 730693 If you don’t mind sharing your views of glorious countryside with the local ducks, then the delightful Stretton Fox is the perfect gem of a pub in which to enjoy good old fashioned British hospitality. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of town life, and surrounded by the beautiful gardens on the site of Old Sparke House, this sprawling inn has big open-plan dining areas and huge roaring fires when the weather turns inclement. Originally a private residence called Sparke Hall, the building dates back only 100 years or so but what it lacks in age it makes up for in great character and charm, with the ducks from the nearby ponds taking advantage of the windowsills to settle down on. A stroll round this sleepy village will be most rewarding but there are more ambitious routes nearby at historic Walton Hall which has its own connections with good inn-keeping, namely the Greenall family and brewing of fine ales. There’s plenty to see and do within a few miles of The Stretton Fox, in an area that combines the charm of olde world villages and beautiful countryside with the attractions of modern city centres. You’ll find that Warrington itself is becoming a popular destination in its own right for many visitors to the North West. A racing certainty... • Let yourself be charmed by the historic house and gardens at Walton Hall. • Take time out and treat yourself to a long relaxing lunch at The Stretton Fox. • Suitably refreshed, take the afternoon to discover some of Warrington’s hidden treasures. Warrington offers an award winning shopping environment, with modern amenities and entertainments. However, the museum is well worth a visit, offering an abundance of artefacts and art works from around the world. And seek out the Parr Hall and Pyramid Arts Centre based in the cultural quarter of the town. A few miles to the south west of Stretton is another ancient family seat belonging to Lord and Lady Ashbrook, the 2,000 acre Arley estate that has been in the same dynasty for 500 years. For details on more attractions around The Stretton Fox at Stretton and other ideas for days out in the area, visit www.vintageinn.co.uk/thestrettonfoxstretton 3 Fox Cub Bridge House Farm, Liverpool Road, Walmer Bridge, Preston, PR4 5JT Tel. 01772 617841 This traditional country pub is surrounded by little other than open countryside and small rural communities, and in its own right, is the perfect destination for those seeking to get away from the city for a pleasant meal in surroundings of great character. The Fox Cub is accommodated within the walls of the former Bridge House Farm and overlooks a pleasant village green, the perfect setting to enjoy a relaxing glass of wine from the extensive selection on offer. For a great day out, why not... It is an area of rich history with human relics dating from the Iron Age which are now on display in the Harris Museum in Preston, a fabulous Grade I listed neo-classical building packed with artistic and cultural treasures. The Harris is renowned for its collections of fine and decorative art, its exciting contemporary art shows, and the history of Preston and its surrounding area. • Spend your morning visiting Martin Mere under three miles from the pub. There’s more history at Rufford Old Hall, thanks to the generosity of the Hesketh family who handed it over to the National Trust. The young William Shakespeare is said to have performed here, and the hall is packed with objects of interest that bring the Hesketh’s fascinating history to life. • Head up to the Harris Museum and Arts Gallery for an afternoon of interest and entertainment. • On your way back, call in at The Fox Cub for lunch. For those who prefer more active pursuits, there are plenty of walks including miles of picturesque canal towpaths. The River Ribble is connected to both the Leeds and Liverpool Canal and the Lancaster Canal (via the Ribble Link). The historic Douglas Navigation, a canalised section of the River Douglas, running from its confluence with the Ribble is teeming with wildlife. Just a few miles away from the pub is the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust Centre at Martin Mere where there are 50 acres of landscaped waterfowl gardens. Here it’s possible to feed some of the world’s largest bird species straight from your hand. For details on more attractions around The Fox Cub, Walmer Bridge, and other ideas for days out in the area, visit www.vintageinn.co.uk/thefoxcubwalmerbridge 4 Green Dragon 2 Mill Lane, Lymm, WA13 9SB Tel. 01925 758634 Beautiful Lymm has all the quintessential ingredients of an old English village – an ancient market cross, a village pond, peaceful canal walks, and of course a traditional country pub, The Green Dragon. The pub is a typical example of early 19th century entrepreneurship, having been converted from three cottages. A salt works established in the early 20th century ensured steady custom from thirsty labourers for its fine ales. Now, it’s the perfect haven for refreshment while exploring this fascinating area. The village is a mix of great natural beauty and the heritage of our industrial revolution. The most recognisable feature is the village cross mounted on ancient steps, carved from natural red stone and worn with age. Four stone pillars support this distinctive landmark which some believe dates from the 14th century. Lymm Dam Nature Reserve is an area of great tranquillity. Its woodlands and meadows teem with wildlife and the site’s history gives it a unique character. Its leafy environs are a great draw for anglers, walkers and birdwatchers alike. For a great day out, why not... • Enjoy a leisurely stroll around the village and along the Bridgewater Canal. • Pop in at The Green Dragon for some excellent fayre. • Continue an enjoyable day with a visit to Dunham Massey or Arley Hall. And the Bridgewater Canal, just a few minutes from the village centre, is no less picturesque. Begun in 1759 to provide a transport route for coal, it is now a green and peaceful backcloth to village life, punctuated by the leisurely chugging of narrow boats. Apart from the towpaths there are also fine walks to be had along the route of the former London and North Western Railway, laid in 1853. The old track has been converted to a footpath and is now part of the Trans Pennine Trail. And there is plenty to see within just a few miles, with a number of stately homes and nature reserves in the area. For details on more attractions around The Green Dragon, Lymm, and other ideas for days out in the area, visit www.vintageinn.co.uk/thegreendragonlymm 5 River Wyre Breck Road, Poulton-le-Fylde, FY6 7JZ Tel. 01253 893428 High life and low life, smugglers and celebrity actors, The River Wyre at Poulton-le-Fylde has entertained all manner of guests within its spacious walls, and continues to provide the very best mouth-watering British fayre. Built in 1896, the inn was originally The River Wyre Hotel and according to locals has attracted royal patronage – King Edward VII was once seen drinking in company here. In 1941, Barry Barnes and Diana Churchill, two of the biggest stage stars of the day, visited the inn while they were appearing at Blackpool’s Grand Theatre. The inn continues to delight and is a warm beacon of hospitality, with roaring log fires and a friendly welcome. It is close to Skippool Creek which was used as a port and landing post before the development of Fleetwood, and unsurprisingly had a reputation for smuggling. The Skippool History Trail just a mile from the pub offers an easy circular walk of historical interest with fine views of Skippool Creek and the River Wyre estuary. Poulton can boast its own ‘famous five’ antiquities: the market cross is the oldest of the group; the stocks for ne’er-do-wells are at its base; the fish slab for cutting fish on market days; the whipping post for public floggings; and Queen Victoria’s lamp, erected to commemorate her Golden Jubilee in 1887. For a great day out, why not... • Enjoy a leisurely stroll around the village and along Skippool History Trail. • Pop in to The River Wyre for some fine food and refreshment at lunch. • Spend an afternoon on the sands and see what Blackpool has to offer in the evening. The town is close to Blackpool and the bracing Irish Sea coast, and there are miles of sands to walk. At the heart of Blackpool’s Golden Mile is the Sea Life Centre, home to over 40 fascinating displays. One of the oldest attractions is Louis Tussaud’s Waxworks. The resort offers a full programme of events, and there’s entertainment for all ages at Blackpool Tower and Circus. And for those wishing to trip the light fantastic, there’s also the magnificent Tower Ballroom. For details on more attractions around The River Wyre at Poulton-le-Fylde and other ideas for days out in the area, visit www.vintageinn.co.uk/theriverwyrepoultonlefylde 6 Walton Fox Lostock Lane, Bamber Bridge, Preston, PR5 6BZ Tel. 01772 323 364 Quaint and appealing, and overlooking the village pond, The Walton Fox at Bamber Bridge offers a peaceful retreat away from the cares of modern life, for the simple enjoyment of great food and drink, and the pleasure of good company. The pub has its own unique appeal, having evolved from a row of terraced cottages overlooking the village pond. However, though tranquil now, the strategic location by the River Lostock has resulted in many historic battles being fought in the vicinity. In 1648, the Parliamentarian forces of Oliver Cromwell defeated the Duke of Hamilton in a great clash of arms, and in 1943 the little known Battle of Bamber Bridge took place among American soldiers, with shooting resulting in one fatality and several injured men. The area has a distinctive character and is rich in walks and woodlands to be explored at leisure, interesting history to be investigated and more contemporary diversions that will appeal to a wide range of tastes. Just a few miles away from the pub there’s always something of interest taking place at the ever popular Preston Guild Hall, which is host to 300 events per year in the Grand Hall and in its Charter Theatre. For a great day out, why not... • Explore beautiful Cuerden Valley Park or visit the historic Hoghton Tower during the day. • Treat yourself to a hearty early evening meal at The Walton Fox. • Enjoy a show at the Preston Guild Hall. And to the east of Bamber Bridge is the impressive Hoghton Tower, an ancient fortified manor house that has entertained many distinguished royal guests including King James I, William III, George V and Queen Mary. Its hilltop position and long drive imbues it with its own imposing majesty. For those who prefer the great outdoors there is the beautiful Cuerden Valley Park under two miles to the south, with 650 acres of parkland, woodland, meadows, lakes and gardens. The visitor centre is shared with the Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside, providing trail leaflets, and an interactive 3-D map. For details on more attractions around The Walton Fox at Bamber Bridge and other ideas for days out in the area, visit www.vintageinn.co.uk/thewaltonfoxbamberbridge 7 Hesketh Arms Botanic Road, Southport, PR9 7NA Tel. 01704 509548 One of the pleasures of wandering off the beaten path is finding hidden little treasures like The Hesketh Arms at Churchtown, Southport, one of the longest established hostelries in the area, and part of the fabric of an intriguing village history. Previously known as The Black Bull, the inn has been offering a warm welcome to guests since at least the 18th century and overlooks the extensive grounds of Meols Hall, a manor house dating from the early 12th century. Formerly fishermen’s cottages, one of the pub’s most colourful characters was celebrated landlord, William Sutton, known as ‘The Duke’, for his imperious manner, who became famous for The Duke’s Folly, a hotel built on a sandbank but which proved successful nonetheless! The Hesketh Arms, probably renamed by the Duke in deference to the Lords of the Manor, is one of the landmarks on the Churchtown Village Trail, and is the perfect point to start exploring the village’s nooks and crannies. There are a set of well preserved 18th century stocks in St Cuthbert’s Road and the tram houses are worth seeing too. Then there are the beautifully laid out Botanic Gardens, an easy walk away in Bankfield Lane, and offering a seemingly endless range of attractions, including a museum which is home to showman Phineas T. Barnum’s top hat among other exhibits! For a great day out, why not... • Take at least a full morning to savour some of the delights of Southport. • Wander around at your leisure in the beautiful Botanical Gardens at Churchtown. • Round off your day with an excellent evening meal at The Hesketh Arms. Just down the road is Southport, a lively resort with a packed, year round programme of events and a wealth of theatres, cinemas and other entertainment. For those looking for a little retail therapy, it can offer superb high quality designer boutiques and major stores. There are scenic parks and gardens, and a visit to Southport would not be complete without a walk along its famous pier or its miles of golden sands. For details on more attractions around The Hesketh Arms at Churchtown and other ideas for days out in the area, visit www.vintageinn.co.uk/thehesketharmschurchtown 8 The Woodside 501 Ellenbrook Road, Worsley, Manchester, M28 1ES Tel. 0161 702 7246 They know a thing or two about keeping a well stoked fire at The Woodside at Worsley, and come winter or summer, you can be sure of a warm welcome . The pub was built at the end of the 19th century, originally as a private house for use by the managers of the local colliery, its solid build and spacious interior reflects the importance of the post. With 40 listed buildings; and their relationship with the canals and open spaces, it’s no wonder Worsley is a designated conservation area. Though peaceful now, a stroll will uncover many clues to its industrial past. It was for his mines at Worsley that the Duke of Bridgewater built the Bridgewater Canal. On the Green, itself a former industrial complex of boatmakers, wheelwrights and nail-makers, you’ll find a monument to the Duke, fittingly made from the base of a factory chimney. The clock in St Mark’s Church strikes 13; reputedly altered by the Duke in response to his workers’ excuses that they returned late because they could not hear it strike one over the din of activity. If you’re curious about seeing this astonishing canal system, you’re in good company: Royal family members from all over Europe, including King Christian of Denmark and Czar Nicholas of Russia, came to marvel at their ingenuity. When Barton Aqueduct opened in 1761, the sight of barges sailing over a river was considered a world wonder. For a great day out why not... • Treat yourself to some world class shopping in nearby Manchester city centre. • Pop out to Worsley for a delicious, satisfying lunch at The Woodside. • Take the afternoon to investigate the wonders of the canals and the area’s industrial heritage. Even more of an attraction was John Gilbert’s underground canal running from Worsley Delph and connecting the mines to the main waterway. The remains of one of the specially designed boats for the tunnel can be seen near the twin entrances at Worsley Delph. And once you’ve finished in Worsley, nearby Manchester offers a full menu of shopping, entertainment and cultural attractions. For more about The Woodside at Worsley, visit www.vintageinn.co.uk/thewoodsideworsley 9 The Hartshead Mossley Road, Mossley, Ashton-under-Lyne, OL6 9AQ Tel. 01457 835753 This impressive farmhouse-style inn nestles in the rural town of Mossley, east of Oldham and on the edge of the Peak District National Park. The hart of the community... Originally an old stone farmhouse built in the early 1800’s (sympathetically refurbished quite recently) it was named after Hartshead Pike – the monument situated at the beacon point of the area. And guests are afforded surprisingly good views of the cities of Manchester, Oldham and Stockport. • A walk up to Hartshead Pike provides expansive and wide ranging views of the counties of Cheshire, Lancashire, Yorkshire and Derbyshire. There’s been a tower on the hill for centuries and at 940 feet above sea level it has long been a well-known local landmark, but the present tower was built in 1863, the third on the site, because the previous ones collapsed. Mossley is an attractive little town with a good local market and a variety of shops, but before industrialisation it was essentially a woollen cloth manufacturing and farming community – and there is still evidence of this in the shape of the remaining handloom weaver’s cottages. Modern Mossley is surrounded by three good golf courses and also two scenic reservoirs that offer excellent walking, fishing and nature trails. In Ashton-under-Lyne, meanwhile, there’s been a settlement since very early times because of its prominent position on the north bank of the River Tame. And the Setantii Museum in the town hall sums it all up rather succinctly. The exhibitions feature aspects of life in the area from Celtic times and the effects of the Roman, Viking and Norman invasions. A medieval market is depicted, along with life in Tudor times and the English Civil War, plus other displays showing the development of industry and transport, the cotton mills and canals of Victorian times and also 20th century Tameside. • The Pike footpath also links into numerous trails such as the Tameside Trail, Pennine Bridleway and Oldham Way, which are all accessible from the pub. • All roads lead back to The Hartshead, so be sure to join the walkers that rest their weary limbs in front of roaring log fires and refresh and revitalise with our real cask ales and hearty pub fayre. For information about The Hartshead and just some of the many things to see and do in the Mossley area, visit www.vintageinn.co.uk/thehartsheadashtonunderlyne 10 The Broughton Inn 502 Garstang Road, Broughton, Preston, PR3 5HE Tel. 01772 864 288 This elegant, 150 year old pub sits proudly on the corner of one of the main town-centre junctions in historic Broughton, around 3 miles north of Preston. Broughton gives you the best of the old and the new, with roots way back in the Doomsday Book, yet the very modern M6, A6 and M55 just a few minutes drive away. These fantastic road links mean that all sorts of great things are within striking distance. Walkers and cyclists will love Beacon Fell Country Park’s 271 acres of woodland, moorland and farmland. A haven for wildlife, it also has an 873m summit, which gives you spectacular views of the Forrest of Bowland and Morecambe Bay. In fact, on a clear day you can even see the Isle of Man. Art lovers will want to take the short 3-mile trip to Preston’s famous Harris Art Gallery, where you can see work by Samuel Palmer, JMW Turner, Lucian Freud and many more. The pub is also just a few miles from the working steam trains of the Ribble Steam Railway and museum, as well as the Museum of The Queen’s Lancashire Regiment. Housed in one of Preston’s finest nineteenth century listed buildings, it’s a treasure trove of military history and is the largest collection of its kind in the North West. Out and about round Broughton… • Keep your eyes peeled and you might see hares, deer, stoats and weasels in scenic Beacon Fell Country Park. • Step back in time and chug alongside the River Ribble via a swing bridge at the Ribble Steam Railway. • Enjoy one of the North West’s best collections of art, sculpture, ceramics and costume at Preston’s Harris Art Gallery. For details on more attractions around The Broughton Inn at Broughton and other ideas for days out in the area, visit www.vintageinn.co.uk/thebroughtoninnpreston 11