Best Hotels in The Forest of Bowland

Lancaster Barn

Amounting to 803 sq km of rural Lancashire and Yorkshire, the Forest of Bowland is at once an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and an undiscovered gem. The rolling hills, ancient woodlands and charming villages are the perfect draw for outdoor enthusiasts, with lots of hiking, birdwatching, and cycling to be had.

If a weekend of that sounds up your street, the Forest of Bowland boasts a variety of excellent hotels and inns, from elegant country estates to cosy, historic pubs. Whether you’re seeking a luxurious country house hotel, a cosy B&B or fine dining, discover the best hotels in Forest Bowland as picked by our experts here.

For countryside luxury

Inn at Whitewell

  • A grand, historic country house, Mitton Hall Hotel offers luxurious rooms with breathtaking views of the Ribble Valley. Simply designed interiors are light and airy with statement wallpaper, antique furniture and contemporary bathrooms.
  • The Inn at Whitewell is a riverside inn with individually decorated rooms and stunning views of the countryside. Characterful, full of wonderful antiques, and dogs welcome too.

For foodies

Assheton Arms

  • The award-winning Assheton Arms, Downham is a classic country inn renowned for its outstanding food and offers stylish rooms in a picturesque village setting. Don't miss the glorious seafood platter – smoked salmon, potted shrimps, prawns, peppered mackerel, smoked trout, the lot.
  • The Red Pump Inn, Bashall Eaves is another charming inn, this time with a celebrated steakhouse. Ideal for food lovers who enjoy hearty, expertly cooked meals after a day exploring the countryside.
  • A charming rural inn, The Fleece Inn, Dolphinholme offers stylish yet traditional rooms close to scenic walking trails. Its award-winning restaurant serving iconic British and European food is a great place to refuel after a long day's walking.

For country pub chic

Coach and Horses

  • Formerly a coaching inn, the Spread Eagle, Sawley has good food, cosy rooms and home comforts within its stone walls. Afternoon tea should not be missed.
  • A sophisticated boutique inn, The Coach and Horses, Bolton-by-Bowland is set in the idyllic village of Bolton-by-Bowland. Its pub-food restaurant, in-house brewery and large beer garden create a lively atmosphere.
  • Traditional country pub the Derby Arms, Thornley has simply dressed rooms that are light and airy with modern bathrooms and soft hues. Plus it offers easy access to Bowland’s walking trails and outdoor activities.
  • The Toll House Inn, Lancaster is a historic inn located by Lancaster Castle. Perfect for history enthusiasts looking to stay somewhere with character while being close to the Forest of Bowland.

For romantic getaways

Lancaster Barn

  • With its industrial-chic design and boutique atmosphere, the 1823 Spinning Block at Holmes Mill, Clitheroe is ideal for couples looking for something unique. It also offers access to all the local walks and plenty of in-house live entertainment too.
  • A lovely Georgian townhouse, The Ashton, Lancaster has chic styling and exceptional attention to detail – making for a luxuirous romantic bolthole.
  • A modern barn conversion, Lancaster Barn, Bay Horse offers chic rooms, and with the Lake District just 30 minutes away, is a good option for a walking holiday with your beau.
  • Park House, Gisburn is a B&B that blends the Georgian elegance of the building with modern luxury. Expect a smart fire-lit lounge and indulgent breakfasts served in the dining room by the ever-warm hosts.

Still not sure?

Best Hotels in The Forest of Bowland

The Inn at Whitewell
The Inn at Whitewell

Lancashire

An antique-filled inn; full of character, on the Duchy of Lancaster Estate in the Forest of Bowland. Fine gardens, fishing available, child friendly and dogs welcome too. Charming.

  • Fishing - 7 mile stretch on the River Hodder available - ghillie on request
  • Great walks - In the forest of Bowland.
  • Traditional
  • Full of character
from $174 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Spread Eagle
Spread Eagle

Lancashire (Sawley)

Riverside pub/restaurant in a great position in the Ribble Valley, with a small number of bright, stylish rooms. Popular with locals and walkers. Great food and views.

  • Great walks - On the edge of the Yorkshire Dales.
  • Views - Glorious views of the Pendle Hills.
  • Restaurant
  • Lively
from $108 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
The Cartford Inn
The Cartford Inn

Lancashire (Lancashire)

A riverside inn near a historic toll bridge with a laid-back yet refined vibe. The décor mixes quirky art with rustic charm, boutique bedrooms, and lush greenhouses for an all-weather dining experience. With a farm shop, deli, and art gallery, it makes a stylish getaway in a lovely location.

  • Local exploring - indulge in a bespoke 'Foodie' Getaway Tour, sampling Lancashire's finest with expert-led stops at top local suppliers and spots
  • Foodies - Savour creative twists on classic dishes at this riverside inn, complete with a farm shop and deli to discover local flavours
  • Artworks - Explore a unique art gallery showcasing local talent and vibrant pieces, perfect for sparking inspiration during your stay
  • Total relaxation - Unwind in cosy, boutique-style rooms or dine in one of the five greenhouses, surrounded by riverside tranquillity
from $317 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Assheton Arms
Assheton Arms

Lancashire (Downham)

The Assheton Arms is located in the rural village of Downham and boasts smart boutique accommodation with spacious bathrooms, all with a rustic chic vibe including some original beams. You'll love the cuisine - especially the delectable seafood dishes!

  • Restaurant - Serving pub classics alongside a constantly changing specials menu
  • Great walks - Assheton Arms is surrounded by a number of superb walking trails
  • Sights nearby - Wander around Clitheroe Castle or Skipton Castle
  • Romantic
from $165 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Derby Arms
Derby Arms

Lancashire (Lancashire)

A traditional country pub set in beautiful walking country. Simply dressed rooms are light and airy with modern bathrooms and soft hues. The restaurant, specialising in seafood, serves exemplary pub fare. Warm service and an idyllic location makes this the perfect weekend getaway.

  • Country Escape - A cosy pub surrounded by excellent walking country and serving fantastic hearty food.
  • Great walks - Enjoy some of the most remote walks in the English countryside.
  • Full of character
  • Restaurant
from $121 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
The Coach and Horses , Lancashire
The Coach and Horses , Lancashire

Lancashire (Bolton by Bowland)

Sophisticated boutique inn set in idyllic village of Bolton-by-Bowland in the heart of English countryside. Its pub-food restaurant, in-house brewery and large beer garden create a lively atmosphere. Spacious and individually designed en-suite bedrooms give this country retreat a stylish touch.

  • Country Escape - Located in a quaint village surrounded by the beautiful countryside of Ribble Valley
  • Chic - Slick bedroom interiors of thick carpets, velvet curtains and a copper-clad bathtub
  • Value chic - Good price for high-level comfort and stylish decor
  • Boutique
from $127 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Eagle and Child
Eagle and Child

Lancashire (Ramsbottom)

Stylish, comfortable and quaint inn located in bustling market town of Ramsbottom. Boasting a multi-award winning pub, large home-grown allotment and an atmospheric bar, this is a 'must-visit' for foodies. Also perfect for nature-lovers seeking beautiful walks and hikes in surrounding hills.

  • Value chic - Superb accommodation with prices from as little as £75 per night including breakfast!
  • Great walks - Nearby Holcombe Hill provides guests with a great hiking area
  • Restaurant - Award-winning restaurant serves pub classics with a twist
  • Back to Nature - Climb beautiful Holcombe Hill to reach Peel Tower
from $95 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
The Red Pump Inn
The Red Pump Inn

Lancashire (Bashall Eaves)

A luxury B&B with a renowned steak restaurant. Eight cosy and colourful rooms as well as exciting glamping yurts. Original flagstone floors and oak beams plus a roaring fire in the bar combines to create an idyllic English Inn experience. Spectacular views and hiking opportunities at hand.

  • Country Escape - Situated amid the stunning scenery of the Forest of Bowland, with spectacular views and walking on the doorstep
  • Traditional - The rooms have been decorated in an elegant french style with period French pieces aplenty
  • Views - Glorious views over the surrounding countryside
  • Full of character - Original oak beams and flagstone floors.
from $114 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
The Fleece Inn
The Fleece Inn

Lancashire (Bayhorse)

Renovated 18th-century coaching inn with an award-winning restaurant serving iconic British and European food. Each room is fitted with an en-suite and free wifi. Fireplaces and original oak beams throughout. Ideal for a country-escape and walkers drawn to the Yorkshire Dales and Forest of Bowland.

  • Great walks - Both the Yorkshire Dales and the Forest of Bowland are a 30-minute drive away.
  • Restaurant - Award-winning restaurant with a menu of both British and European cuisine.
  • Sights nearby - The iconic Lancaster Castle is a short drive away.
  • Full of character
from $114 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
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Written by John Ovans

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