The untouched village of Downham, Lancashire is on the edge of the Forest of Bowland and one of the most picturesque locations in the Peak District
A ‘fairytale English village which attracts visitors because of its idyllic charm has remained ‘completely untouched’ by time and is owned by just one family.
It attracts people because of its Christmas card appearance which becomes more romantic when it gets a sprinkling of snow in winter months. Downham can be found in the Lancashire countryside on the edge of the Forest of Bowland and is one of the most picturesque places in the Peak District. So if you visit the village in winter look out for cosy cottages with sparkling lights and festive wreaths. LancsLive reports Downham has pretty buildings and beautiful views and is full of whimsical charm.
What makes it extra special is you won’t see everyday signs of modern life, including road signs, aerials or satellite dishes. The village has remained in the ownership of one family for over 500 years and has managed preserve its historic charm. Its history goes as far back as the mid-15th century when the Assheton family first owned the village, manor house and estate. They have lived at the hall since 1558 and Lord Clitheroe of Downham is the current squire occupying the grand building.
It has traditional coaching inn named after the family called the Assheton Arms. The Grade II-listed pub where you can stay if you are passing, has glorious views of the village and surrounding area. Downham could be mistaken for Downton and there are similarities with the fictional Yorkshire village from the hit period drama. They both have aristocratic families overseeing them and have featured on the big screen. Scenes from 1961 crime thriller Whistle Down the Wind starring Alan Bates and Hayley Mills were filmed there. While BBC drama Born and Bred was also shot on location in Downham.
The village almost feels like a film set with hand-crafted benches and a shelter carved out of a stone wall. I appears so pristine visitors are sometimes reluctant to touch it Locals are friendly, however and often cheerily say hello as they pass. It’s not a purposely showy village and its apparent humility merely adds to its allure as it quietly goes about its beautiful business. A relatively steep lane is the main route through the village with the charming pub and St Leonard’s Church at the summit.
A stone bridge spans Heys Brook and there is a crossroads which is almost ‘busy’ for an area which is peaceful and without the distractions we have come to recognise associated with modern life. Downham will make you smile and think “well, this is nice” and at best, it will take your breath away. Whichever one you fall into, or even in-between, just like sleet, you can’t escape a sprinkle of the village’s magic dust.
