Best attractions and places to see around Rimington include a variety of historical landmarks and natural landscapes. Situated in Lancashire's Ribble Valley, the area offers opportunities for exploring tranquil countryside and significant cultural sites. This region is known for its prominent hills, charming villages, and historical connections. Visitors can discover a range of outdoor activities and historical points of interest.
Last updated: May 22, 2026
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On the narrow grass verge between the road and the footpath in the village of Roughlee stands a memorial to Alice Nutter. Approaching cyclists from a distance might immediately think, "What a lovely statue." But anyone who stops to take a closer look will surely notice the woman's hands bound with a heavy iron chain, as well as the sad expression on her face. Alice Nutter was born around 1560 and, along with several other women, was convicted of witchcraft and executed in 1612.
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She patiently waits here, on the narrow grassy strip between the road and the footpath in the village of Roughlee. From a distance, the slowly approaching hiker might spontaneously think, "What a lovely monument." But up close, the attentive observer will not fail to notice the hands bound with a heavy iron chain, nor the sad expression on this woman's face. Her name is Alice Nutter. She was born around 1560 and in 1612—along with several other women—was convicted of witchcraft and executed.
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Don't forget that it's always windy on top.
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One of the prettiest villages in the Ribble Valley, the village sits between Clitheroe and the Fells towards the Trough of Bowland.
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The village of Waddington is quiet and a beautiful part of the Ribble Valley. Paths and quiet lanes leading out in each direction and access to the Trough of Bowland and Waddington Fell.
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Sabden offers a great stop for an en-route refreshment. I love the White Hart Pub and, during the week it offers incredibly good value lunches. You will also find a post office / convenience store to top up on water if necessary. It also is a typical Lancashire Village. Situated in both the Ribble Valley and the Forest of Bowland AONB. Then history if very rich, starting from the Middle Ages. At that time, the main industry was farming and quarrying. You can still spot some old vaccary walls nearby. But more recently; the water quality in Ribble Valley was ideal for calico printing, and the industry took off in the 18th and 19th centuries. At one point, seven mills in Sabden employed over 2,000 people. Most of the houses were built for the mill employees and the industry continued until 1931. It was also home to cotton spinning and weaving mills. The last one closed in 1964 and is now an antique centre.
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I grew up running around here, the front side with the steps is great for training.
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The area around Rimington is rich in natural beauty. A prominent landmark is Pendle Hill summit trig point, offering excellent views and a challenging hike. You can also explore the wider Ribble Valley, known for its scenic walks, or venture into the Forest of Bowland, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with extensive hiking opportunities. Geological points of interest include the Drumlins, small limestone hills near Rimington.
Yes, Rimington and its surroundings boast several historical and cultural sites. Downham Village is a must-see, known for its unspoiled character and historic feel. You can also visit the Alice Nutter Statue in Roughlee village, commemorating one of the accused in the Pendle Witch trials. Other notable sites include Sawley Abbey, Whalley Abbey, and Clitheroe Castle, one of Lancashire's oldest buildings.
The region offers a variety of outdoor activities. Hiking is popular, especially on Pendle Hill and within the Forest of Bowland. For cycling enthusiasts, there are numerous routes, including those around the Forest of Bowland and Gisburn. You can find detailed cycling routes in the Cycling around Rimington guide. Running trails are also abundant, with options like the challenging route to the Pendle Hill summit trig point, detailed in the Running Trails around Rimington guide.
Absolutely. Many attractions are suitable for families. Downham Village and Sabden Village offer peaceful settings for a family stroll. Gisburn Forest and Stocks provides parks and playgrounds, while Wycoller Country Park is another excellent option for outdoor family fun. The Clarion House is also a welcoming stop for walkers and cyclists, offering refreshments in a historical setting.
Several villages near Rimington offer places to eat and drink. Downham Village has the excellent Assheton Arms pub. In Sabden Village, you'll find a cafe and the White Hart Pub. The Clarion House, near Newchurch in Pendle, operates as a cafe on Sundays, offering hot and cold drinks.
Downham Village is unique because it has been owned by the same family since 1558. This ownership has preserved its historic character, as satellite dishes, overhead cables, and road signs are prohibited, maintaining an unspoiled traditional English village feel. It was also a filming location for 'Whistle Down the Wind'.
For those seeking a challenge, the climb to the Pendle Hill summit trig point is a popular and challenging hike, especially from the Barley side. The wider Forest of Bowland AONB also offers extensive opportunities for more difficult and longer hikes across fells and moorland. You can find specific challenging running routes in the Running Trails around Rimington guide.
The Alice Nutter Statue in Roughlee village commemorates Alice Nutter, one of the accused in the infamous Pendle Witch trials of 1612. The statue serves as a poignant memorial to her and the other individuals who were convicted and executed during that period, highlighting a significant piece of local history.
Beyond the main highlights, consider exploring the surrounding hamlets like Stopper Lane, Howgill, Middop Newby, and Martin Top, which hold historical interest related to Elizabethan-era silver and lead mining. The Black Bull Pub also houses a unique, free-entry transport museum, tracing the history of 20th-century transport.
The Forest of Bowland is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) located near Rimington. It's a high region of grouse moor and fells, crisscrossed with deep, narrow valleys, once a Saxon King's hunting ground. It offers extensive opportunities for hiking, experiencing diverse landscapes, and enjoying the tranquility of nature. It's an ideal spot for those looking for more remote outdoor exploration.
Yes, the area is rich in historical religious and defensive structures. You can visit the ruins of Sawley Abbey, a Cistercian abbey, or explore Whalley Abbey, founded in 1296. For castles, Clitheroe Castle, a Norman keep and museum, is considered one of Lancashire's oldest buildings and is well worth a visit.


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