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
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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
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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
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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
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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