Tucked away along the river Calder is a charming village bursting with history and surrounded by natural beauty - providing the perfect getaway for any season.The village of Whalley has an interesting heritage and continues to grow with local shops, gardens and places to eat for those keen to have a weekend in the quiet countryside. A number of monuments exist in and around the village as signposts for just how rich the history of the area is, drawing in visitors to learn more about the spectacular heritage.
Adding to this heritage is the eye-catching viaduct which overlooks the village and stands tall amongst the greenery. It was first completed in 1850, with the purpose of carrying the railway lines over the River Calder, and went on to be a landmark for both the local railway and the valley itself. One visitor described it as a "wonderful feat of 19th-century engineering".
Approximately 7 million red bricks were used in the construction of the 48 arches over the River Calder. It's good to see the arches from close up, but a better view is found just a few hundred yards away looking back across the river
Along with it, one of the village's most frequented and impressive attractions to see is the wonderful Whalley Abbey, standing proudly as a former 14th-century Cistercian monastery. During the reign of Henry VIII and the dissolution of the monasteries, the abbey was almost entirely demolished, and a country house was built.The remains are a protected piece of history and act as a reminder of the spectacular architecture that once stood proudly in the village. It was once the wealthiest monastery in the region, and in its place the grounds are trimmed beautifully with garden displays around the original remains.
A beautiful location, and it's so easy to see why it is used as a retreat. The grounds are calm, tranquil and relaxing but are easy to miss, particularly when travelling from Preston. Nevertheless, well worth a visit. Steeped in history, these ruins are set within beautiful gardens. Signposts give away enough information
about the lives of people who used the area many years ago. It's the perfect spot to walk around and is very peaceful and ideal for those wanting a quiet walk/sit down. Whalley boasts a rich culture thanks to its selection of independent restaurants, cafes and shops. It's a great area for shopping around to buy walking gear, boots, handmade footwear and special pieces from local jewellers. As for food, the area isn't short of both traditional and new and exciting flavours, including the top-rated restaurant on Trip Advisor, Eight At Gazegill. Forming part of the Michelin Guide, the eatery has gained quite the reputation for serving locally sourced foods, set within the heart of an organic farm.
Whalley with its intriguing heritage, and several historic attractions to visit as well as the viaduct. In the town's centre stands the 13th century Church of St Mary and All Saints with its fascinating interior and well-preserved Anglo-Saxon crosses in the churchyard and just round the corner the ruins of Whalley Abbey make for a pleasant and atmospheric afternoon's stroll, walking further up towards the viaduct this lane passes through the abbey's eastern gatehouse, There are several cafes, pubs and a great selection of shops to pop into too whilst you're there and on the last Sunday of every month a market is held in the town centre.
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