The Ribble Valley is known for its rolling countryside, historical sites and the high-quality, local food on offer. After spending the night at The Coach & Horses in Ribble Valley. I experienced all of this, and more!
I love using my accommodation as a way to see areas I might not have thought to visit before and that’s exactly what The Coach & Horses Ribble Valley provided for me. I used The Coach & Horses, which is a traditional Coaching Inn, as my base for my 2 day Ribble Valley trip.
It was my first time in the area and definitely not my last. Here are all of the things to do in the Ribble Valley I found!
I really enjoyed my stay and would recommend it to you if you are looking for quintessentially English accommodation in the middle of rolling countryside with unique bedrooms and an award winning restaurant.
The Coach & Horses Ribble Valley Review
About
The Coach & Horses is a traditional Coaching Inn with 7 bedrooms, a restaurant and bar which has been completely redeveloped, refurbished and redesigned in the last few years.
The restaurant and bar areas downstairs are open to the public as well as to hotel guests so if you can’t book a room, I suggest you still book a table for a meal in their award winning restaurant as you won’t be disappointed by the amazing menu and food served.
I loved the warm and cosy feeling The Coach & Horses had as I walked in, especially on a chilly winters day.
I also loved so many of the small touches that were in the rooms and in the restaurant which really give a boutique and personal fee.
The staff at The Coach & Horses were nothing but friendly and hospitable and they really made me enjoy my stay even more.
Location
The Coach & Horses is located in the small, quaint and quiet village of Bolton by Bowland within the Forest of Bowland.
When looking for Ribble Valley accommodation, you may be drawn to bigger towns such as Clitheroe or Whalley but it really doesn’t take long to drive along the country lanes to beautiful villages like Bolton by Bowland, and by staying here you are bound to relax you much more and it will make your trip to the Ribble Valley much more special and memorable.
Bedrooms
The Coach & Horses has 7 bedrooms and what a delight these are! These are not your usual hotel bedrooms in a restaurant!
Just like the whole property they have been recently refurbished and have been designed in 7 unique and quirky ways.
I love that each room has its own name. I was in ‘Mouse’ which is perfect for myself but also for families as there is a cute mezzanine area with 2 beds for children as well as the double bed in the main room.
All the bedrooms are ensuite but some of them have an open-plan style bathrooms and two rooms have a bathtub in the room!
View the different rooms here!
As far as small touches go, I loved the fresh milk and fresh cookie alongside the tea and coffee maker. Seeing Bolton Brown toiletries in a bathroom is always a delight. And I loved the extra things in the room like a window seat with extra cushions.
Bar & Restaurant
Let’s say that I’m still dreaming of the 3 course meal I enjoyed at The Coach & Horses, especially the Blue Cheese Soufflé I had to start!
Both the bar and restaurant areas have been decorated in quite a typical English countryside pub style with wooden furniture, black and white photos, and candle stick holders making them cosy and comfortable.
From this, you might expect typical pub food here too, but this is not the case!
Although some traditional pub meals are served, they’re served slightly differently alongside meals you probably wouldn’t expect in a village pub and are definitely to an Ala Carte standard.
The menu at The Coach & Horses is varied and they use local, seasonal ingredients where possible which I definitely noticed and appreciated.
As I stayed overnight I got to enjoy a lovely breakfast and apart from a small cereal and juice bar there is no buffet breakfast here! Everything is cooked to order.
In the bar, you’ll find their 4 Mice Ales which are brewed on site in the 4 Mice Brewery using English hops and Bolton-by-Bowland well water!
Things To Do Near Bolton By Bowland
There are many things to do in the Ribble Valley and in the forest of Bowland including bike riding, pretty villages, walks and historical sites.
Places near The Coach & Horses and near Bolton By Bowland I recommend you visit are:
Holden Clough Nurseries – This is a garden centre but certainly not your normal garden centre and is worth a visit even if you have no need to buy any plants because of its beauty. Be sure to check out the 2 cafes onsite too!
Sawley Abbey – Pass by the remains of a Cistercian abbey founded in 1148 with Pendle Hill in the background.
Clitheroe Castle – Take a visit to the town of Clitheroe and stop by the Castle to take in 800 years of history.
Pendle Hill – Fancy a hike? Climb Pendle Hill, the most iconic hill in the area which can be seen from all around. Here’s my guide on how to climb Pendle Hill!
I hope you found my review of The Coach & Horses Ribble Valley helpful and decide to stay there too!
I was invited as a guest to The Coach & Horses Ribble Valley to write this review but all thoughts and opinions are my own.