It boasts a charming babbling brook, immaculate public gardens, historic landmarks with a rich history and one of UK’s ‘Top 50 Gastropubs’.
Parul Sharma GAU audience writer
09:04, 03 Feb 2026Updated 15:34, 05 Feb 2026
This village has endeared itself to the hearts of many(Image: James Maloney/Lancs Live)
A lesser-known Lancashire village positioned on the northern bank of the River Ribble offers the perfect tranquil escape for those seeking to surround themselves with nature and deep countryside heritage.
Just two miles north-west of Clitheroe in the beautiful Ribble Valley, this delightful village boasts everything – a trickling stream, panoramic views of imposing fells, historical sites, three highly-rated traditional pubs, cobblestone streets and captivating pathways, plus a mesmerising riverside garden that has earned the village numerous prestigious awards throughout the years.
Nestled within the Forest of Bowland – designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) since 1964 – strolling through this wonderful corner of the world whilst enjoying scenic vistas of striking fells, it’s easy to understand why this village has captured the affection of countless visitors.
(Image: Lancs Live/Jude Tolson)
Waddington village in Lancashire derives its name from the 8th-century Anglo-Saxon chieftain, Wadda, who was involved in the murder of Northumbrian King Ethelred – just one small glimpse into this charming hamlet’s extensive and intricate past.
Having secured the prestigious accolade of ‘Best Kept Village in Lancashire’ on multiple occasions, Waddington’s Coronation/Jubilee Gardens deserves recognition as the driving force behind this distinguished achievement, reports Lancs Live.
The public garden’s impressive sundial and vibrant flower displays are truly remarkable, and positioned alongside the Waddington Brook, it serves as a highly-regarded attraction within the attractive village.
Established in 1953 to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation, the crowning glory of this award-winning garden is the rustic bridge that was put in place in 2002.
Contributing to the village’s appeal and distinctive character, certain properties in the village benefit from having the Waddington Brook literally on their doorstep, with the captivating stream running directly past their front entrances.
The village boasts numerous significant historical landmarks including the 15th-century Anglican St Helen’s Church, the Waddington Methodist Church, a magnificent 17th-century manor house known as Waddow Hall, and Almshouses that were initially built in the 1700s to provide accommodation for widows of local dalesmen and farmers.
St Helen’s Church in Waddington is a major attraction(Image: James Maloney/Lancs Live)
These almshouses were demolished and rebuilt beside the village green in the late 19th-century.
However, there’s more to Waddington’s story. The village has another notable distinction. Waddington Hall is renowned for sheltering King Henry VI for 12 months whilst he was evading his Yorkist adversaries, before his betrayal and capture in 1465.
The village was also the location of a 1990 ‘TV experiment’ which saw the now-defunct TV channel establish a studio in the village hall, broadcasting ‘hyper-local’ programmes centred on local stories from the premises for an hour each evening.
Consequently, Waddington Village TV became enormously popular at the time. The closest railway station to Waddington can be found in Clitheroe, whilst the nearest bus stop is situated in Whalley. The village also benefits from excellent road connections.
Trio of top-rated pubs
Lower Buck pub in the village of Waddington(Image: James Maloney/Lancs Live)
Waddington is blessed with three exceptional pubs – beloved by both residents and tourists.
This picture-perfect village nestled at the base of Waddington Fell houses the acclaimed Higher Buck, a pub which secured a spot on Estrella Damm’s ‘Top 50 Gastropubs in the UK’ list in 2022.
Its outdoor seating area proves an irresistible draw for travellers, with guests finding it impossible not to enjoy a pint when the weather’s fine. Combined with the exceptional cuisine on offer, it creates an unmissable culinary destination.
Rounding off the trio are the Lower Buck Inn and the Waddington Arms, both delivering mouth-watering food that pairs perfectly with a satisfying pint. Situated right at the village centre, these two venues also provide lodging for visitors.
The Lower Buck traces its history to 1760 and takes pride in being a ‘traditionally traditional’ establishment, whilst the Waddington Arms offers a touch more sophistication – operating as a four-star hotel with an impressive 4.4 out of 5 rating on Tripadvisor.
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