Country Houses of the Ribble Valley

Here is a chance to visit unspoiled England, a landscape south of the much-visited Lake District, which remains as remote as it was two hundred years ago. The Forest of Bowland in the Ribble Valley is designated an area of outstanding Natural Beauty, and boasts stunning landscapes, charming villages, and historic buildings with stunning architectural details, and expansive gardens. All will be explored and illuminated with Nicholas Merchant's trademark wit and erudition.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrive independently at the Gibbon Bridge Hotel from 15.00.
This evening there will be a welcome reception, dinner with wine and introductory talk from Nicholas Merchant.

Day 2: Browsholme Hall, Stonyhurst College, and Great Mitton Church
We start our tour with a visit to Browsholme Hall, set in the forest of Bowland. It was built in 1507 and is the oldest surviving family home in Lancashire, still occupied by the Parker family. We take a guided tour of the historic hall, and have time to explore the landscaped gardens before a light lunch in the cafe. We then drive to nearby Stonyhurst College. Donated to the Jesuits in 1794 when they were expelled from Liège, Stonyhurst is a breath-taking Elizabethan mansion with a rich history dating back to 1200 AD. As well as the architecture and expansive grounds, we explore the college’s historic collections, featuring rare books, manuscripts, and artifacts that reflect its rich Jesuit heritage. Our last visit of the day is to Great Mitton Church. Dating back to the late 13th century, this grade I listed building features gothic architecture, medieval woodwork, and a sundial from 1683. Return to the hotel for dinner. 

Day 3: Lytham Hall and Harris Art Gallery
Lytham Hall is a fine Grade I listed Georgian county house set within 80 acres of historic parkland, where the Clifton family have lived for over 400 years. We enjoy a welcome talk on arrival, followed by a guided tour of the hall to view the Palladian architecture. A light lunch is included in the cafe. The Harris Art Gallery towers over the centre of Preston as a memorial to Victorian philanthropy. The donation of a local lawyer, its architecture is so dramatic as to suggest it has escaped from the Unter den Linden in Berlin. Its contents are no-less proud, including copies of the "Gates of Paradise" designed by Ghiberti for the Duomo in Florence. Paintings are represented by the local "lad" Arthur Devis, renowned for his portraits of local gentry and his resemblance to "Bonny Prince Charlie". Aside from him there are the British Paintings of the 19th century, a bequest by a founder of the museum as well as 20th century paintings including a beautiful portrait of James Gunn's wife in a striking yellow dress. We enjoy a guided tour of the gallery with the curator then return to the hotel. A second talk by Nicholas this evening, followed by dinner.

Day 4: Gawthorpe Textile Collection and Gawthorpe Hall 
Our final day of touring starts at the Gawthorpe Textile Collection, an internationally renowned museum founded by Rachel Kay-Shuttleworth, with a collection of over 30,000 textile and craft items . Located in a redeveloped 19th century cotton mill, the collection includes lace, embroidery, and accessories spanning five centuries. The curator will lead us on a tour of the collection. After time for lunch (own expense) we travel to the Elizabethan country house of Gawthorpe Hall which is managed by the National Trust. Built in the early 17th century by the Shuttleworth family, the hall was extensively rebuilt in the mid-19th century by Sir Charles Barry, the architect of the Houses of Parliament. We view the impressive collection of portraits and textiles, and have time to explore the beautiful gardens. Return to the hotel for approximately 17.15.

NB: Exact order of itinerary may vary according to local conditions and tour managers discretion.

Please note: Post tour extra nights are available at a supplement.

Please note the maximum group size on this tour is 25 passengers.

Tour Grading: This tour has been graded as moderate due to the amount of walking and standing for viewing at each attraction. For further information, please visit the mobility page on our website, or call our team. 

INCLUDED

• Three nights’ bed and breakfast at the four-star Gibbon Bridge Hotel, Clitheroe based on shared occupancy of a twin/double room
• Welcome reception and three-course dinner with wine
• Second and third dinners in the hotel restaurant
• All talks, guided tours and admissions
• Coach touring itinerary
• Nicholas Merchant and tour manager throughout

NOT INCLUDED

• Transport to the hotel is not included
• Holiday insurance
• Double for sole use supplement - from £130
• Extra nights on a bed and breakfast basis
• Meals other than those stated
• Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls etc
• Porterage and gratuities

HOTEL

Gibbon Bridge Hotel, Clitheroe

An award winning four-star country hotel with beautiful gardens set in a peaceful location in the Ribble Valley, well located to reach the places visited on this itinerary. Hotel facilities include restaurant, bar, spa, gardens and comfortable bedrooms with all modern amenities including en-suite bathroom, TV, telephone, free wifi, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities. 

Parking: complimentary

Hotel Website

MORE INFO

Nicholas Merchant
Nicholas has been a lecturer and group leader for tours in the UK and France for Travel Editions for close to 15 years. Prior to Travel Editions, he ran his own book business, worked for Sotheby’s and was the West Yorkshire representative for the National Art Fund. His knowledge, wit and erudition illuminate any visit and his tours are informative, interesting and, above all, entertaining.

Please note that all our UK tours start and finish at the relevant hotel.  

You can normally check in from 3pm onwards but hotels will always be happy to store your luggage if you arrive earlier in the day. 

For full details of how to get to the hotel, directions and the nearest train station, please click on the hotel website or call our office for details. These will also be sent automatically with your confirmation. 

The welcome reception and first evening dinner / talk will commence at about 6pm - full details will be sent with your joining instructions about 10 days prior to the arrival date. 

Recent Reviews

“The Gibbon Hotel was superb and made an excellent base for a holiday filled with fascinating visits to country houses. The itinerary was beautifully organised, and every part of the experience was a pleasure.”
Richard Grant, travelled August 2025

“It was a real treat to enjoy such a well-planned holiday, with an excellent choice of houses to visit and a first-rate hotel. The guides were knowledgeable and added greatly to the enjoyment of each place.”
Ms H, travelled August 2025

“A very rewarding experience, with a comfortable hotel and excellent service throughout. The visits were most enjoyable, and the tour was enhanced by the guidance and charm of our lecturer. A thoroughly memorable trip.”
Mr C, travelled August 2025

“Every part of this holiday was a pleasure, from the carefully chosen houses to the outstanding coach travel. The drivers were superb, and the organisation faultless, making it a journey to treasure.”
Ms J, travelled August 2025

“The whole holiday was full of interest, with Rufford Old Hall and Gawthorpe Hall particular highlights. The combination of historic houses, warm hospitality, and excellent organisation made for a truly enjoyable experience.”
Ms F, travelled August 2025

“The visit to Stonyhurst College was especially memorable, but all the houses offered much to enjoy. The hotel was excellent, and the food was of the highest standard, making the holiday one of the best I have experienced.”
Mr B, travelled August 2025

“This holiday was extremely well organised, with a welcoming hotel and a carefully balanced programme of visits. Each day was full of interest, and the whole experience was both rewarding and relaxing.”
John Morton, travelled August 2025

“The Ribble Valley proved to be a wonderful setting for a holiday of fine food, beautiful houses, and warm hospitality. With excellent organisation and friendly local drivers, it was a most memorable and enjoyable experience.”
Janice Roberts, travelled August 2025