If you're driving from Manchester to Lancaster or the Lake District via the M6, you're most likely to pass through a picturesque village that will almost certainly capture your attention. About an hour's drive away from Manchester lies the small Lancashire village of Scorton that is a challenge to pass through without stopping.
Set on the cusp the Forest of Bowland, an area of 'outstanding natural beauty', the historic village was developed around the cotton mill and railway in the nineteenth century, and today it has proved itself to be a popular destination for cyclists, hikers and day-trippers.
Driving or walking through the beautiful village will remind you of the pretty, blissful postcard scene you see on the rotating racks in a gift shop. Even those who didn't plan to stop, pause or take in the views and wholesome atmosphere of the place would find it difficult to resist its pull.
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Scorton is a popular through route for cyclists but it the last opportunity to refuel before they are swallowed up by Lancashire's remote landscape and countryside beyond, says LancsLive.
Back down below, you'll find an interesting village that resembles Dr Who's Tardis. Not because it is full of Daleks and references to time travel, but because on the surface, it appears to be a small place, uneventful place but if you step inside and explore a little deeper, you'll discover so much life, character and things on offer.
For starters, there's the multi-functional family-run The Barn At Scorton, which first opened 20 years and has gradually expanded in that time, with the current main food hall coming six years ago.
You could spend hours there - browsing the gift shop for seasonal trinkets and food, enjoy a meal in the main café area under the renovated barn roof, sit outside in the immaculately landscaped gardens or grab an ice cream from the parlour and head off on a walk. If you can decide which of the 50 or-so flavours to pick, that is.
But the main draw here, is the garden centre at the rear, which you could easily miss from the main road. It was being lovingly cared for by three dedicated gardeners during our visit. Head gardener Debora Preston told us it is "always busy, especially in the summer".
"We get lots of walkers and cyclists coming through and they can't believe what we have on offer here," Debora added. " I've been here years and I love it."
Over the road from The Barn is The Priory tea shop and the adorable Nicky Nook Nibbles coffee truck, which launched at the start of lockdown in 2020 and had remained very since. It's an ideal spot for cyclists to get a caffeine fix, devour a cake or savoury slice and rest before they go on their way.
Incidentally, The Priory doubles up as a bed and breakfast and its main room is available for private functions, including weddings.
Juxtaposed with the more modern and contemporary buildings, Scorton's vintage elegance shines through the terraced stone cottages with pastel-shaded front doors, rainbow-coloured hanging baskets and floral features, perfectly manicured hedges and even planters showing support for the people of Ukraine. Like the most magicifenct bouquet of flowers you've ever received, in a place.
There's a Post Office and corner shop, selling all of the essentials, from toiletries to cooking sauces and down the road, you'll find the generously-equipped children's play area, with a recreation ground including a five-a-side football pitch and tennis courts. If you take the 30-minute circular Scorton Three Churches Walk, which passes the historic Weslyan Chapel, St Peter's and St Mary's/St James', you you may be able to spot some local wildlife.
The expertly-maintained bowling green is in the shadow of St Peter's and its super steeple. Scorton has a flourishing and loyal community, with a village hall its hub, hosting regular events and clubs. And it is heartening to see and feel.
On the outskirts of the village, you'll find a number of caravan parks, campsites and places to stay, including bell tents and glamping at Wyresdale Park, an estate with its own country house, farm and Appelstore Cafe, which is also a hotspot for weddings. Keen anglers can head to the Wyre Parks Fishery, which is made up of three lakes in a peaceful country setting.
On the approach to Scorton from the Preston Lancaster Road, you'll also pass the Daisy Cough Nurseries and the striking Six Arches Bridge.
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