Assheton Arms, Lancashire

Overview

Tucked away down sleepy country lanes, free from street signs, road markings or TV aerials, seek out the beautifully preserved Assheton Arms nestled under Pendle Hill.

Driving into the village is to leave the 21st century behind and the feeling continues as you step into the handsome pub: stone flags, wood floors and beams remain and the feel throughout is rustic chic.

There's no shortage of places to sit with five different rooms including a smart private dining area and a cosy room downstairs with a working range; expect comfortably upholstered chairs, buttoned banquettes and scrubbed wooden tables. As the nights draw in, settle in the charming stone-floored snug in front of the fire - or in warmer months, enjoy the lovely patio with its views across the charming St Leonard's church and down the high street.

Rooms from

Doubles: £80

Good to know

All major credit cards accepted
Parking available
Private and alfreso dining

Scenic and serene
Tucked along sleepy country lanes, this historic country offers plenty of respite from busy modern life.

No car needed
An easy nine minute taxi ride from the nearest station, Assheton Arms is a great choice for those wishing to leave their car at home.

Family favourite
Kids are very welcome and they have their own menu, as well as activity packs and a family cottage.

Rooms

You'll find the 12 bedrooms in two locations close to the inn - either The Old Post Office just below the pub or Ash Cottage just above.

Both buildings have been carefully renovated and the spaces are intriguing with lots of original features thoughtfully retained, including deep window sills, beams and fabulous fireplaces. Whilst your surroundings nod to the past, the rooms couldn't be more modern - think beautiful bed linen, fat mattresses and luxurious textiles and calm, soothing colours.

If you're bringing your canine chum, book a room in Ash Cottage and take advantage of the private, enclosed garden at the back and treat them to a few home-made doggie biscuits.

Restaurant & bar

The fish-focused menu nods to the passion, experience and expertise of the inn's owners and kitchen, regularly serving up devilled crab, salmon and brown shrimp, Goan king prawn curry or hake with smoked salmon potato pancake.

Give the kitchen 24 hours' notice and they'll procure some local oysters and langoustine. It's not all about fish however, the appealing menu has plenty of popular crowd-pleasers on offer as well.

To drink, there'll always be three hand pulls behind the bar - Thwaites Wainwright, Timothy Taylor Landlord and Moorhouses Pride of Pendle are regulars, with Black Sheep and Copper Dragon ringing the changes from time to time. There's a good gin list if that's your poison, and for soft drinkers, Fentimans Ginger Ale is a favourite.

Things to do

For a little injection of history, head to Gawthorpe Hall in Padiham. Sir Charles Barry, who designed London's 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, so it's worth the visit.

The rugged grandeur of the nearby Forest of Bowland is a spectacular part of Britain's Pennine landscape. The forest is characterised by steep-sided valleys and tracts of heather-covered grouse moor. In addition to gentler routes and family rambles, there are several long-distance trails to enjoy - including the Ribble Way and the Pendle Way. For something a little different, try the 9km-Tolkien Trail at Hurst Green, north of Blackburn.