Things to do
Ideas for couples, families, walkers and rainy days, all within an easy drive of the cottage.
From spa days and Michelin pubs to steam railways, castles and soft play for a wet afternoon. Trawden is in Lancashire, about an hour from the Yorkshire Dales National Park and close to Brontë Country. Pick a tab, or jump to walks from the door and where to eat.
Michelin-listed gastropub with rooms in a Ribble Valley village
Tucked down a narrow lane in the Ribble Valley, the Freemasons is the place for a proper date night. The Michelin Guide praises its open fire, antique furnishings and bold, inventive modern British cooking. For something unforgettable, ask about the four-seat Chef's Bench right in the heart of the kitchen. Make a night of it and stay over in one of its bedrooms.
award-winning day spa within the Crow Wood resort, set in 100 acres below Pendle Hill
Twenty minutes from the cottage, The Woodland Spa sits in 100 acres of rolling countryside with Pendle Hill on the skyline. Its thermal "Experience" takes you through heat and ice, and unlike many spas you're not limited to two hours: stay as long as you like. Add a treatment or lunch and you have the perfect lazy couples' day. Booking ahead is wise.
spa at The Coniston Hotel Country Estate, on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, centred on a lake
Over the border in Yorkshire, Nàdarra Spa is wrapped in hills and set around a lake on The Coniston estate near Skipton. Think a 15m indoor pool, two outdoor infinity pools, three saunas, private garden bathing and a couples' treatment room. The spa is adults-only (18+), so it's a genuinely peaceful escape, and Skipton is close by for a wander afterwards.
the Brontë family home, now a museum, in the hilltop village of Haworth
Charlotte, Emily and Anne Brontë grew up in this Georgian parsonage, and walking its rooms is genuinely moving. The museum's collection is 'Designated as Outstanding', and there are talks and events through the year. Haworth is only 25 minutes from the cottage, over the moors, and pairs beautifully with Wycoller back home, whose landmarks the sisters wove into Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights.
a rural coaching inn first built in 1725, now a pub, restaurant and rooms
Ten minutes from the cottage, the Alma Inn is a rural coaching inn dating back to 1725, set in the Pendle countryside near Wycoller. It's a relaxed spot for a long lunch or a cosy evening out, with rooms if friends are visiting. Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome in the bar (not the restaurant), so the whole party can come along.
dark skies around the cottage; Gisburn Forest Hub is an official Dark Sky Discovery Site in the Forest of Bowland
Trawden's dark skies mean the south-facing garden is a fine place to start. For the real thing, the Forest of Bowland's skies are among the darkest in England, with Dark Sky Discovery Sites including Gisburn Forest Hub. Winter is best, when nights are longest; in August look for the Perseid meteor shower. Wrap up warm with a blanket and a cup of cocoa.
car-free hamlet and country park with Brontë links, ancient bridges and the ruins of Wycoller Hall
Practically on the cottage's doorstep, Wycoller is one of Lancashire's prettiest country parks. Cars stop at the car parks, so little ones can roam the hamlet safely, cross the old bridges over Wycoller Beck and explore the ruins of Wycoller Hall, linked to Jane Eyre. There are toilets and a picnic area. It's working farmland, so dogs on leads, please.
award-winning, family-run working farm park at Thornton-in-Craven
Twenty minutes away on the Lancashire–Yorkshire border, Thornton Hall is a working farm built for families. Expect animal encounters and a deer park, outdoor play areas and jumping pillows, an indoor soft play centre and a diner, plus a busy calendar of event days. It's open year-round and works rain or shine. Note it's a working farm, so only guide dogs are allowed.
a 900-year-old medieval castle at the top of Skipton's High Street
Over 900 years old and one of England's best-preserved medieval castles, Skipton Castle withstood a three-year Civil War siege. Families follow a self-guided route from the Dungeon to the top of the Watch Tower, with free illustrated tour sheets. Dogs are welcome on a short lead (not in the tearoom or shop). It's cashless and there's no wheelchair access. Book online to save.
award-winning heritage steam railway near Skipton
Ride behind a vintage steam engine in restored Victorian and Edwardian carriages through Yorkshire countryside, or hop off at Holywell Halt for a picnic and watch the trains go by. The railway runs family event days with characters such as Bluey and Hey Duggee, and Polar Express trains in winter. For grown-ups there are cream teas and dining trains too.
30,000-acre estate at the gateway to the Yorkshire Dales, with priory ruins, riverside and woodland
Bolton Abbey is a classic Dales day out: priory ruins, the River Wharfe, Strid Wood and more than 80 miles of footpaths. There are family trails such as the Welly Walk, a Pumpkin Trail in late October and Father Christmas visits in December. Well-behaved dogs are welcome, on leads in Strid Wood and on the Priory Trail. Swimming in the river isn't recommended.
a 70-metre curving limestone cliff in the Yorkshire Dales National Park
Malham Cove is one of the Dales' great sights: a 70-metre curving cliff of white limestone carved by ice and water, where peregrine falcons nest in summer. It's a short walk on good paths from Malham village; older children can climb the 400 stone steps to the "lunar" limestone pavement on top, a Harry Potter filming location. Add Janet's Foss waterfall and Gordale Scar.
museum, 18th-century walled garden, woodland walk and tea room in a historic farmhouse
Just down the road in Barrowford, the Pendle Heritage Centre tells the true story of the Pendle witches and the 1612 trial that shocked the nation. After the museum, wander the 18th-century walled garden and Bluebell Wood, then refuel in the tea room with homemade cakes and Lancashire dishes. It's also the start of the long-distance Pendle Witches Walking Trail. Closed Mondays.
family leisure pool with a 130ft water slide, wave machine and beach-style shallow end
Pendle Wavelengths is the local favourite for family swimming: a twisting 130ft slide, regular wave sessions (listen for the "Jaws" music!) and an interactive waterplay area added in 2025 in the beach-style shallow end. Inflatable sessions run too. For a quieter swim, Pendle Leisure Centre in Colne has a 25m pool and a warm learner pool. Children aged 7 and under must have an adult in the water.
large indoor play centre with café
When the Pennine weather sets in, Giddy Kippers is 15 minutes away. Its extended play frame has big slides, a zip wire, soft football and dedicated areas for toddlers and babies, while the café serves fresh food for children and adults alongside proper coffee and free wifi. It's for children up to 11 (height limit 148cm). You must book online first: no walk-ins.
heritage steam and diesel railway through the Worth Valley, including Haworth and Oakworth (of The Railway Children fame)
Board at Haworth and steam through the Worth Valley on a heritage line full of character. Oakworth station starred in The Railway Children, and a Day Rover ticket includes the railway museums at Ingrow West. Dogs travel free on standard trains (not on seats), which makes it a rare all-in family outing. Combine it with the Brontë Parsonage, also in Haworth.
hands-on children's museum for ages 0–11, right next to Halifax railway station
Eureka! is built for children aged 0 to 11, with hands-on galleries to explore and the station right next door. In term time it opens Tuesday to Sunday (closed Mondays); in school holidays it's open every day. Booking online is recommended, as walk-up tickets depend on space, and paying for your first visit gets you a free Annual Pass with unlimited return visits for 12 months.
6- or 8-mile circular walk starting near the Trawden Arms, via Lumb Spout and Wycoller, optionally over Boulsworth Hill
No car needed: this circular walk starts in Trawden near the Trawden Arms, passes 17th-century farmhouses and the waterfall at Lumb Spout, and follows an old packhorse trail down to Wycoller. Fit walkers can add the summit of Boulsworth Hill. It's sheep country, so keep dogs on leads near livestock, and finish with a well-earned pint back in the village.
the area's iconic hill, plus a woodland trail of witch-themed sculptures in Aitken Wood above Barley
From the village of Barley you can tackle Pendle Hill via the very steep "Big End", or take the gentler walk up to Aitken Wood for the Pendle Sculpture Trail: stone witches, bats, mythical creatures and ten plaques for the Pendle people hanged in 1612. Children love the riddles; dogs love the woods. Download the free trail guide before you go.
canal towpath and reservoir walks around Foulridge Wharf (built 1796) and Lake Burwain
For a flatter leg-stretch, head to Foulridge just beyond Colne. Pendle Canal Walks 3 and 4 follow the Leeds and Liverpool Canal past Foulridge Wharf, built in 1796, the entrance to the Mile Tunnel (watch for the traffic lights) and Lake Burwain, the reservoir that feeds the canal, with views of Pendle Hill. Free downloadable route guides make it easy.
AA Rosette village pub with a farm-to-fork kitchen
Ten minutes from the cottage, the Emmott Arms holds an AA Rosette for its farm-to-fork cooking, built around Lancashire producers. Menus run from lunch and Sunday roasts to a tasting menu, with children's and vegan menus too. Dogs are welcome in certain rooms, so mention your four-legged friend when booking. Ideal after a walk on the Pendle Way.
a big walled field high above the village on Keighley Road, with sweeping views to Pendle Hill
Trawden Recreation Ground is a big field ringed by sturdy drystone walls, with sweeping views to Pendle, and local dog walkers love it. Pendle Council's dog rules place no restrictions on dogs here, and in November 2024 the parish council decided not to add limits on dog numbers or leads. It's walled rather than a secure dog field, so off-lead is best for dogs with good recall. Football pitches are in use from August to May, mostly at weekends: keep dogs clear of matches, and please pick up after your dog.
Trawden's last pub, bought by the village in 2021 after 400+ people bought shares; food, bar and rooms
Trawden made national news when villagers raised half a million pounds to buy their last pub in 2021. Today the Trawden Arms is community-owned, alongside the village shop, library and community centre. The kitchen cooks fresh to order using local suppliers wherever possible. It's a short stroll from the cottage, so nobody has to drive. Follow its Facebook page for events.
a new food hall and modern market in Colne town centre with six independent food and drink operators
Colne Market Hall brings six independent food and drink operators under one roof, with local craft beers, wine and artisan coffee in a relaxed communal setting. Food traders include Boroughs, Panko & Sushi and Agroa, alongside modern market stalls, and a monthly market celebrates local makers and producers. Perfect when everyone in the party fancies something different, and it's open into the evening.
Green Michelin Star farm-to-plate restaurant on the Gazegill Organics farm, looking across to Pendle Hill
At the foot of Pendle Hill, Eight at Gazegill holds a Green Michelin Star and sits on a working organic farm, so much of what's on your plate has travelled zero food miles. Chef patron Doug Crampton cooks heritage beef from the farm's meadows, home-grown vegetables and hedgerow herbs. Families are welcome for brunch and lunch, with an outdoor play area; Friday and Saturday evenings are adults only.
converted textile mill with the Bowland Beer Hall (one of Britain's longest bars), Bowland Brewery and the Bowland Food Hall
Clitheroe's Holmes Mill is a food-and-drink playground. The Bowland Beer Hall's bar stretches an impressive 105ft 4in, pouring ales brewed just metres away at Bowland Brewery alongside guest beers. Bowland Food Hall is café, deli and farm shop in one, ideal for stocking the cottage fridge. Dogs are welcome in the Beer Hall and Mill Yard, but not the Food Hall.
the last surviving 19th-century steam-powered weaving mill in the world, Grade I listed
Queen Street Mill is the world's last surviving 19th-century steam-powered weaving mill, and its weaving shed still holds 308 Lancashire looms. Guides demonstrate the machines, and you can see the mighty steam engine 'Peace' and the coal-fired boilers. It starred in The King's Speech. Under-18s go free. It opens on limited days, mainly March to October, so check before setting off.
award-winning local museum in the castle grounds above Clitheroe
Clitheroe Castle has dominated the town's skyline for 800 years. The award-winning museum below it tells the Ribble Valley's story, from the landscape's formation 350 million years ago to local legends, with touchscreen animations and oral-history points, and children go free. Note the keep itself is currently closed for restoration; the museum and park are unaffected.
Edwardian theatre in the heart of Colne
When the weather turns, Colne's Edwardian Muni Theatre is ten minutes away. Its year-round programme runs from live music and big-name comedians to children's shows, dance nights and local and national theatre, plus National Theatre Live screenings. It's also one of the main stages of the Great British Rhythm & Blues Festival. Check what's on during your stay and book ahead.
award-winning indoor active soft play with laser tag, bumper cars and a climbing wall
For energetic children who need more than a ball pit, award-winning FUNDA LAND at Brierfield packs giant active soft play, UV laser tag, bumper cars, a VALO climbing wall, VR rides and a baby, toddler and sensory space under one roof, with a café for the grown-ups. It's open seven days a week, and play sessions can be booked online before you go.
Every August Bank Holiday, Colne fills with music for the Great British Rhythm & Blues Festival, named UK Blues-Based Festival of the Year and inducted into the UK Blues Hall of Fame in 2026. More than 50 artists from the UK and abroad play the Pendle Hippodrome, the Muni and the Little Theatre, and the Official Fringe spreads music across town. Tens of thousands come, so book early.
Each summer Trawden's Scarecrow and Garden Festival fills the village with home-made scarecrows. Everyone joins in: in 2025 the primary school's pupils built a giant clown and invited festival-goers to stroll through the school garden too. Staying at Spring Cottage, you're right in the middle of it, with no parking to worry about. Check the village's social pages for this year's dates and theme.
Each September the community-owned Trawden Arms throws a three-day music and beer festival, listed by the East Lancashire branch of CAMRA. Expect live music and plenty of beer, a short stroll from the cottage so nobody needs to drive. Dates for next year haven't been announced yet; the pub's Facebook page is the place to watch.
Set against the backdrop of Pendle Hill, Trawden Show is a proper country day out with 34 years behind it. Expect more than 1,300 animals, from rare breeds to heavy horses, plus dog shows, horticulture, dry-stone walling, a fell race, vintage vehicles, 70+ trade stands and 20+ food and drink vendors. Under-sixes go free and dogs are welcome on a lead. You can walk there.
In 1612, twelve people from around Pendle Hill were accused of witchcraft, and ten were executed after the trials at Lancaster. Autumn is the time to explore their story: walk from Barley to Newchurch-in-Pendle and the "witches' grave", find the stone witches on the Sculpture Trail, or start the long-distance Pendle Witches Walking Trail at the Pendle Heritage Centre. Spooky and spectacular.
Opening times, prices and dog policies change, so please check each venue's own website before you go. Drive times are approximate, from Trawden.
Book direct to avoid third-party booking fees
Pick your dates. The total, including the £40 cleaning fee, shows straight away. No booking fees.
More to explore