Things to do in… Ribchester

Ah Ribchester, or as we like to call it; RIBBY RIBBY RIBBY RIBBYYYYY (to the tune of Ruby by the Kaiser Chiefs). This has been one of our favourite places to spend an afternoon since the kids were tiny tots, it’s such a gem of a place with so much to enjoy, even though it’s a tiny village that a lot of people in Lancashire have never even heard of. If that’s you then hear this – get yourself over to Ribchester for a lovely day out.

There’s a big car park just by the playground which is very reasonable and you can pay by card or cash so none of that infuriating downloading of apps and getting so annoyed with them you end up throwing your phone in the river… or is that just me? Anyway, you pay up because it’s cheap and a good facility to have right in the village. Then what to do first?? Across the road to the park, left to Potters Barn, or right for a walk along the bridlepath and through the farm?

Well, we’ve got kids so we usually start at the playground which is very decent and they’re not bored of it after 8 years of going here loads. Next to the playground is a massive field which is perfect for playing ball games, flying kites, having picnics, sunbathing etc etc.

Once you’re done in the playground/field you can turn left out of the gates and walk/scoot/bike down the quiet road (just a few houses and a farm use this part of the road) until you get to a cattle grid on the left, which you can go over and down to the farm, or continue up along a bridlepath (highly recommend pooh sticks at the bridge near the top of the hill. Just don’t get too excited and fall in, the fence isn’t 100% health and safety approved to put it mildly.)

Imagine you’ve done the bridlepath and pooh sticks, then whizz or amble back down the hill, back over the cattle grid and down through the farm. Follow left past the cow sheds, through a courtyard of houses, and back onto a quiet road. This is my favourite, although occasionally disappointing, bit. Feeding the ducks! We like to call them over in our best duck impressions, I think the locals like that too. This is best in the colder months because the ducks are hungry and appreciate our efforts. In summer they are too well fed and rudely turn their beaks up at our meagre offerings. In summer people go kayaking down the river and older kids can often be seen swimming and hanging out on the big rock. Lovely wholesome stuff! (Although obviously I’m not recommending swimming in rivers. Don’t do dangerous things in case you have too much fun. Things to do in Lancashire does not endorse dangerous behaviour, even if we occasionally partake in it.)

If the ducks haven’t swarmed over to you and your duck feast, fear not because there’s loads left to do! Duck ‘em. Walk past the benches along the tarmac path, round the corner and see some steps which take you to *ACTUAL ROMAN RUINS*. How cool is that? There’s the ruins of a Roman bath house right there, just in the open air and asking to be used as a ninja warrior course by kids and adults alike. I’m sure the Romans would approve. Did you know that Chester was meant to be the capital of the UK according to the Romans? If only the capital was in the North West, life would be so much better. Anyway, I digress…. back up a bit to just before we got to the ducks, there’s a Roman museum (more stuff to do!) there. It’s very small and very interesting but check opening times as I have no idea when it’s open.

Back at the ruins, walk through them and through the gate, head up the road then turn left and you’ll see The Black Bull up ahead. If you like a tipple, you’d be best getting the bus as there are multiple drinking establishments in Ribchester. You’ve got the White Bull, The Black Bull, the Ribchester Arms and the social club.

Turn right at the Black Bull corner car park and it will take you back towards the park, but before that you will get to what I would argue is the jewel in the crown of Ribchester – Potter’s Barn. This is the cutest, quirkiest, friendliest café in Lancashire in my humble opinion. There’s a gorgeous, enclosed garden where you can enjoy ice creams/coffees from the ice cream bar, or full, hearty meals from the café – and yes this is another place that serves alcoholic beverages if you’re so inclined. Seating inside is super cosy and welcoming. They sell gifts from local craftspeople as well as old fashioned and fairtrade toys and gifts upstairs. This café is also a pottery painting venue so you can pick something out to show off your artistic talents (or not in my case). They also sell healthy frozen meals, so you don’t even need to cook when you get home! Man I love this place.

And if that’s STILL not enough to fill your day, the enchanting Stydd Gardens is just a 10 minute walk from Potters Barn. There you’ll find another lovely garden, creative independent shops and eatery/drinkeries including a gift shop, ladies clothing and vintage furnishings. The café in the greenhouse makes it feel like you’re eating in a forest, in a very good way.  Then there’s the coffee shop serving incredible cakes and a wine shop where you can sit in and try before you buy (as I said, a bus or taxi might be your best way to Ribchester!).

To top it all off, the village and views are so picturesque, you can spend hours just watching the world go by with no evidence that the A59 is just around the corner. If you do go and visit, be sure to share your photos and thoughts in the Things to do in Lancashire facebook group