The gorgeous village an hour from Greater Manchester you need to visit this Christmas

Our region is full of beautiful villages where you'll come across fairytale cottages, charming churches and cosy pubs. Even in the depths of winter these places can still be just as stunning as they are in the summer months.

In fact when covered with a dusting of snow or a heavy frost, a chocolate box village can be transformed into a Christmas card-worthy scene. One Lancashire village is especially magical at Christmas time, and actually feels like you’re stepping back in time as there’s not a road sign, satellite dish or TV aerial in sight.

Perched on the edge of the Forest of Bowland, Downham is surrounded by beautiful rolling countryside, with distant hills visible between its picturesque cottages. The reason why there’s no signs of modern life in the Lancashire village is that it’s been owned by the same family for over 500 years.

Since the mid-15th century the Assheton family have owned the village, manor house and estate. The family has lived at the hall since 1558 and the village’s pub is even named after the family - the Assheton Arms.

The traditional pub has everything you would expect, from cosy fireplaces to hearty meals, offering a ‘refined’ take on pub classics. The dog-friendly establishment offers accommodation across 12 rooms, where you can wake up to breathtaking views of the Lancashire countryside.

Even if you don’t plan to stay, Downham is a lovely spot for a relaxing stroll. Take a walk around the village and it can feel like a film set, and over the years dozens of dramas have been filmed there thanks to its historic charm. Scenes from 1961 crime thriller Whistle Down the Wind starring Alan Bates and Hayley Mills were filmed there. While BBC drama Born and Bred was also shot on location in Downham.