All timings denote typical journey time by car, unless specified otherwise.
Once a small manor house, the earliest parts of the Inn at Whitewell date back to the 1300s, when it was home to Walter Urswick, keeper of the King’s Forest of Bowland.
The inn is owned and maintained by the Bowman family, Charles Bowman is the third generation of Bowman to become involved with the inn’s evolution. His father Richard, the former Lancashire cricketer and brewer, was largely responsible for the restoration of the existing building.
Residents are welcome to fish for salmon, brown/sea trout and grayling, according to season, on the inn’s seven-mile stretch of the river. The surrounding countryside can also be explored on foot, bike or horseback; hampers and picnic lunches can be provided for guests planning a day’s outing. The Inn at Whitewell has a stunning private dining room that is also on the riverside, although it is rather pretentiously named the Orangery it is more a tribute to the views and food than horticultural endeavours.
Bowland Forest Vintners is a fully independent wine merchant, autonomous from any large wholesaler or producer and free to buy from any winemaker in the world. The shop is to be found in the reception of the Inn at Whitewell and is biased towards smaller producers whose wines are quality driven and invariably from single vineyards.
Jamie Cadman has been the head chef at The Inn at Whitewell for eighteen years and he has a hugely loyal and enthusiastic following. Jamie insists upon using only locally sourced ingredients “cooked simply to let the quality shine through”.
These ingredients include seasonal grouse from Lancashire Moor, pheasant and partridge from Dunsop shoot, Bowland beef and Lonk lamb from Burholme Farm all of which can be easily seen from the Inn’s windows.
Al Fresco
Standing on the banks of the River Hodder, The Inn at Whitewell has spectacular scenery right on its doorstep. From the terrace, views of the sparkling river and vast, rolling landscapes are the perfect accompaniment to the wholesome, delicious foods bursting with local and seasonal produce.
The Inn at Whitewell has twenty six individually furnished rooms, some with antique baths, open fires and balconies – all with their very own unique charm.
Dogs are welcome and can enjoy all public areas apart from the restaurant.
The glorious Lancashire countryside is perfectly located for fishing and shooting. The Inn at Whitewell is nestled on the banks of the River Hodder and has 7 miles of river and 14 pools for you to explore, where sea-trout, salmon and trout are in abundance. Half an hour away you will also find the fantastic Wyreside Lakes Fishery which holds reguakar fishing courses. The Inn is also perfectly situated next to some of the finest shoots in the country and at the foot of some spectacular grouse moors.
Just a 25 minute drive from The Inn at Whitewell is Towneley Hall, which was the family home of the Towneley’s for nearly five centuries. Today, their stories are brought to life by re-enactors and visitors can experience the hustle and bustle of the Victorian kitchen, stroll along the long gallery past bedrooms dating back to the 16th Century and imagine the glamourous parties held in the regency rooms.
Also close by is Samlesbury Hall, one of the most stunning stately homes of Lancashire. A fabulous half-timbered black and white medieval house dating back to the 12th Century, complete with cosy coffee lounge, ice cream parlour, farm animals and a beautiful antique collection. With exciting events being held throughout the year, this is a fantastic family day out.
Or, why not explore the intriguing and dark history behind Lancaster Castle, with tales of persecution and punishment, it is a historical place of interest and interaction for visitors of all ages. The castle dates back almost 1000 years and has been described by English Heritage as a place of ‘international importance’. Nearby Skipton Castle also gives excellent tours of their splendid gardens and woods.
Golf is available at a discounted price when staying at the inn at Clitheroe Golf Club, only 10 minutes away.
Recommended Local Attractions
Retail Therapy
All timings denote typical journey time by car, unless specified otherwise.
Forest of Bowland,
Near Clitheroe, BB7 3AT
01200 448 222
reception@innatwhitewell.com
All guest rooms are dog friendly at no charge. Dogs welcome in all public areas apart from the dining room. Water bowls provided around the building and gardens. Walks recommended on arrival.