The village is a place where it really does feel as if time has stood still – with Roman ruins, beautiful countryside and a warm welcome on offer
Lancashire, a region steeped in history, is home to numerous towns and villages with roots that trace back to ancient times. Tucked away in the Ribble Valley, the village of Ribchester is one such place where it feels as though time has stood still.
With its origins dating back to Roman times, the village is filled with hints of its historical past. Ribchester, which translates to ‘the fort beside the Ribble,’ was known as Brematennacum during the Roman era.
One of the key Roman features in the village is the bathhouse, which catered to both the stationed soldiers and local inhabitants. Bathhouses were an integral part of Roman life, serving as social hubs for friends to meet or business deals to be struck.
The ruins of the bathhouse remain remarkably preserved today and are open for public viewing free of charge, and visitors can explore the remnants of the sweating room, warm room, and hot room.
For those keen on delving deeper into Ribchester’s ancient history, the village boasts its own Roman museum – the only one dedicated to Roman antiquities in Lancashire.
Open daily, the museum initially occupied just one room but has since expanded to include nearby buildings, thanks to support from the Heritage Lottery funds, European funding, and other contributions.
In the 17th and 18th centuries, Ribchester emerged as a hub for cotton weaving. But there’s more to Ribchester than its rich history; the village is also a haven of natural beauty, making it the perfect spot for a brisk winter walk.
The quaint streets of the village are adorned with charming cottages and buildings brimming with character, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Lancashire countryside.
It’s the kind of place where locals greet you with a warm smile, and dog walkers are always up for a friendly chat. You won’t find long lines of traffic here; instead, it offers a peaceful retreat from the daily grind.
And what would a winter stroll be without a pit stop at a cosy pub? Ribchester boasts three welcoming establishments. The White Bull Hotel is nestled in the village centre, just a stone’s throw away from the remnants of Ribchester’s Roman Baths.
The Ribchester Arms, located on Blackburn Road, occupies a building originally constructed by the Blackburn Brewing Co. in the early 1900s. Alternatively, you can visit the Black Bull on Church Street.
