Travel blogger Sandy ventured to Lancashire and was bowled over by the picturesque village of Downham which she described as sleepy and seemingly “frozen in time”
A “magical” village in the North of England with a secret waterfall and haunted house is like “walking back in time” – and has won over social media users.
In the UK, the hot trend of staycations has hit its peak though our notoriously fickle weather sometimes puts off those dreaming of a sun-drenched week in Cornwall or Devon. Plus, often the costs add up to more than an overseas jaunt to Spain or Greece when considering costly B&Bs and train fares in Britain. Yet for those who shrug off the odd shower or cooler climes, there are enchanting villages tucked away in the English countryside that tourists typically overlook.
If you’re unfazed by the prospect of rain and cooler temperatures then this could be the trip for you. London-based travel blogger Sandy went exploring in Lancashire and returned utterly enchanted. She was captivated by Downham, a sleepy village seemingly suspended in time, with its absence of road signs or TV satellites catching her eye.
“It is also home to many mystical places such as the eerie Pendle Sculpture Trail, the haunted Samlesbury Hall, and the Harry Potter-esque bookshop, Halewood and Sons” she shared. “Another highlight for us was the secret Hatchbrook waterfall which really wasn’t easy to find, reports Birmingham Live.
The gastronomic offerings won Sandy over too, as she waxed lyrical about classic British pub grub, local brews, and indulgent afternoon teas. Sandy wound up her foodie tour at Banny’s Fish and Chips a trailblazing drive-thru fish bar where she savoured tasty treats from the comfort of her bed.
The comments section was abuzz after a viral video, that put a surprisingly local spot on the map, racked up hundreds of views and got people talking about the overlooked beauty of Britain. “A lot of people say Britain is plain but honestly it is so beautiful,” one viewer stated in admiration. Adding to the praise, another user commented: “Lovely place and lots of cool stuff to see.” Joining the chorus, a local shared their surprise: “The fact that I live like 45 minutes away and have never been.” One commenter was simply awestruck, remarking: “Wow, I love it.”
For visitors pondering where to stay, Sandy recommends opting for some luxury at the Mercure Dunkenhalgh Hotel and Spa based in Blackburn, situated conveniently close to these attractions. This plush four-star haven begins accepting guests for rooms starting at £84.55 per night. Bargain hunters might want to look at The OYO Hotel Rafay, which offers stays for approximately £50 a night.
