WHY?

Where to start? Clitheroe is famous for its dinky yet delightful castle, perched on a little hill that looks down over the bustling market town. It’s the kind of place where you pop out for milk and end up chatting with the butcher, baker, and candlestick maker. Plus, it’s slap-bang in the Ribble Valley – an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty . No wonder it’s been named as one of the ‘healthiest and happiest place to live’ in the UK. You’ll find walkers, foodies, and Instagrammers alike getting misty-eyed over the sunsets here.

With more independent shops and delis than you can shake a baguette at, Clitheroe is the place for your artisan coffee and sourdough fix, without the big city chaos. It’s all about community vibes, and whether you’re after a morning hike on Pendle Hill or a cheeky gin cocktail (or three), Clitheroe delivers.

EAT

If you’re hungry in Clitheroe, you’ve clearly gone wrong somewhere. Start your day with a good brew at Exchange Coffee Company – the beans are roasted on-site, and the smell alone will make you want to move in. Lunch? Pop into The Emporium, which does a mean line in pizzas, burgers, and deli treats, all served in a gloriously quirky setting – think furniture shop meets restaurant. For dinner, why not spoil yourself at the Michelin-starred Northcote? It’s a short drive away, but trust us, the gourmet experience is worth it. If you prefer something a little more low-key, Holmes Mill has it all: craft beer, a food hall, and its very own gin distillery. Cheers, love.

SHOP

If you’re shopping habits leans towards art, antiques, food and wine, then Clitheroe’s Byrnes Wine Shop is an award-winning shop, with over 1,000 wines to choose from – perfect for stocking up the cellar (or your kitchen cupboard). Cowman’s Famous Sausage Shop is a must-visit (the clue’s in the name), offering over 75 varieties of sausage. Step back in time and discover the charm of Clitheroe’s historic market, a tradition that’s been going strong since the 12th century! Yep, you heard right—this market dates all the way back to the Norman conquest. You’ll find an exciting mix of goods, from fresh local produce and artisan cheeses to handmade crafts and vintage treasures.

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Clitheroe is serious about keeping its locals healthy and happy. You’ve got the Ribble Valley Health Centre for GP services. Roefield, a brand new gym just opened for everything from spin to aerobics in the centre of town. Fancy taking things outdoors? There’s a great community of hikers and wild swimmers who make the most of the stunning Ribble Valley countryside. Who needs a gym when you’ve got Pendle Hill?

COMMUNITY

Clitheroe is all about that warm, fuzzy sense of community. From local markets to town festivals, there’s always something happening. The annual Clitheroe Food Festival draws visitors from all over to sample the best local produce, and the Ribble Valley Jazz Festival brings all the smooth tunes and laid-back vibes you need. Regular farmer’s marketsand craft fairs keep the community spirit alive, and you’ll never be short of a friendly face (or a delicious pie) at one of the town’s many social events.

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

The jewel in Clitheroe’s crown is its castle, which sits at the top of a hill like a slightly smaller Windsor. But if you’re after something a bit wilder, Pendle Hill is just a short drive away. Most famous for its chilling links to the notorious witch trials of 1612, Pendle Hill and its surrounding villages are steeped in history and folklore. This truly bewitchingcorner of Lancashire is as eerie as it is beautiful, with the dramatic landscape setting the scene for some of England’s darkest historical events.

For family fun, check out Bowland Wild Boar Park or head to Edisford River, where the kids can splash about while you sip on a local ale. History buffs will want to make a trip to nearby Samlesbury Hall for ghost tours and Tudor tales – creepy, but in a good way. And don’t miss a visit to the nearby village of Whalley, with its 14th-century abbey ruins and even more great food and drink.

CULTURE

Culture in Clitheroe? Oh yes! The Grand hosts gigs, theatre, and live comedy, bringing big names to this little town. Music lovers should head to and Swan and Royal for live folk sessions and good old Northern hospitality. And let’s not forget the Ribble Valley Music Festival – the ultimate celebration of local talent and live performances. Don’t miss the Festival of Contemporary Arts – a weekend jam-packed with talent from both local and international artists. Whether you’re into edgy installations, live performances, or quirky pop-up exhibitions, there’s something to tickle everyone’s artistic fancy.

AVERAGE HOUSE PRICE

Average price of £250,707, making it an attractive spot for those looking for a slice of the good life in the Ribble Valley. Terraced houses were the top sellers, with an average price of £177,186. Semi-detached homes go for £256,552, while detached properties (think rolling gardens and dreamy views) fetched a cool £404,072. With a mix of period properties and modern builds, there’s something to suit every style and budget.

HOT PROPERTY

NURSERIES

Got little ones? Clitheroe has some fantastic nursery options, including Bright Future Day Nursery, known for its excellent care, and village nursery in Downham Preschool is also graded excellent for all things fun and educational.

SCHOOLS

Clitheroe is packed with top-notch schools, including St Michael & St John’s Primary School, and Clitheroe Royal Grammar School, which regularly scores high in national rankings. The Ribble Valley is also home to some great private options, such as Oakhill School & Nursery in nearby Whalley.

BEST KEPT SECRET

The jet engine was developed in Clitheroe during World War II. A group of engineers from Rover and Rolls Royce met at the Swan & Royal Hotel to put their collective brains together. The former jet engine test beds are now under residential housing.

COMMUTE

Clitheroe is just over 1hr from Manchester, so perfect for city workers who crave the country life. There’s a direct train to Manchester Victoria, and driving takes about the same time. Leeds is about an 1hr 15 mins, making Clitheroe an easy commute for two major Northern cities. 

View the full Top 300 Best Places to Live.