The countryside 'paradise' an hour from Greater Manchester where tourism is booming

Described as an 'unspoiled corner of England,' Ribble Valley is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with much to admire. And with parts of the idyllic countryside only just over an hour away from Greater Manchester, it's an ideal choice for those looking to explore 'paradise' within easy reach.

Tourism is booming there. Preparations are under-way for the Clitheroe Food Festival in August, which kicks starts a new week of smaller events across the Ribble Valley. Elsewhere, a new musical film shot in Clitheroe has just been released, highlighting the Ribble Valley to huge audiences.

Food is already seen as one of the district's key selling-points. And being a location for film and TV productions could become another.

Tourism, hospitality and indoor and outdoor leisure form key parts of the Ribble Valley economy. Restaurants, pubs, hotels and wedding venues, shops and markets, camping, holiday lodges, cycling and hiking are just some of the attractions.

Striking a balance between niche and mass tourism, and promoting the Ribble Valley's strengths and distinctiveness to different visitors are topics of discussion in different forums across the district, from Clitheroe to the Forest of Bowland. Ribble Valley Borough Council and Ribble Valley Tourism Association are some of the key larger organisations involved in developing the visitor economy

But other networks are arising too with a particular focus on sustainable tourism and environmental issues. In some ways, these groups perhaps share a similar ethos to the Eden Project plans for Morecambe.

Across the UK, many tourist events were halted and restricted during the Covid pandemic. But things have moved on. People are on the move and tourism-linked organisations and