The village of Ribchester is a place where time has stood still (Image: Getty)
Nestled in the Ribble Valley is the village of Ribchester, where it feels as though time has stood still over the centuries.
Dating back to Roman times, when it was known as Brematennacum, Ribchester is full of clues hinting at its ancitent origins, including the remains of the Roman bath house.
Bathhouses were integral to Roman life, serving as social hubs for meeting friends or conducting business deals.
The ruins of this 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.
And for those keen on delving deeper into Ribchester’s ancient past, the village boasts its own Roman museum – the only one dedicated to Roman antiquities in Lancashire.
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The remains of the Roman Bath House in the village of Ribchester (Image: Jason Roberts /Manchester Evening News)
Initially occupying just one room, the museum has expanded over the years 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. However, the village offers more than historical intrigue; it’s also a place of stunning natural beauty, making it ideal for a brisk winter walk.
The quaint streets of the village are adorned with charming cottages and buildings brimming with character, all nestled within the stunning beauty of the Lancashire countryside.
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The village is full of pretty cottages (Image: Jason Roberts /Manchester Evening News)
This is a place where locals greet you with a warm smile, dog walkers engage in friendly chats, and there’s a noticeable absence of long queues of cars. Instead, it offers a peaceful retreat from the daily grind.
No winter stroll would be complete without popping into a pub, and Ribchester boasts three welcoming establishments. The White Bull Hotel, located at the heart of the village, is just a stone’s throw away from the remnants of Ribchester’s Roman Baths.
The Ribchester Arms, situated 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.