'Breathtaking' UK village with secret pub tunnels and beer garden

Lancashire is blessed with an abundance of stunning landscapes, from the quaint towns and villages scattered across our picturesque countryside to the captivating coastal areas. While the region is fortunate to be surrounded by such natural splendour, it's still a rare occurrence for a location or vista to truly leave you speechless. Yet, that's precisely what awaits you in the village of Sawley.

Tucked away in the Ribble Valley and encircled by the undulating hills of the Forest of Bowland, Sawley is nothing short of breathtaking. It's a small village, complete with a pub, village hall, play area, and the remnants of a medieval Cistercian monastery - quite typical, really. But who needs bustling shops, bars, and restaurants when the views and countryside speak volumes?

The rolling hills enveloping the village can be admired from all corners of Sawley, along with the River Ribble that meanders through it, reports Lancs Live.

From the vantage point of the river bridge, you're treated to panoramic views stretching as far as the eye can see. The smattering of properties and buildings that punctuate the landscape serve as a reminder that this village has remained largely untouched and unspoiled over the years.

Adding to its charm is the palpable sense of history, embodied by the imposing ruins of the monastery dating back to 1147. Although much of it was dismantled to construct the village many centuries ago, the ruins continue to stand tall, meticulously preserved by experts dedicated to retaining as much of their original character and historical significance as possible.

The monastery, established in January 1147 by William de Percy and inhabited by monks from Newminster Abbey in Northumberland, wasn't a profitable enterprise but remained at its location until 1536.

Adding to the village's historical tapestry is a medieval archway, now repurposed as an entrance to a field next to the ruins which were once sprawling across the road. Not far away stands the former school of Sawley, currently serving the community as a village hall that hosts regular events, along with a quaint play area for local children.

For those who enjoy outdoor activities, the village offers numerous walking and cycling paths perfect for soaking up the beautiful surroundings.

And should you feel peckish or parched during your visit, Sawley's sole pub, the Spread Eagle Inn, sits at its core welcoming visitors with hospitality. The inn boasts three delightful beer gardens, offering splendid views and making it an especially sought-out destination.

Carol Freedman, who has helmed the General Manager role at the pub for over a year, shared: "We're in the Trough of Bowland so people come from all the villages.

"Everyone knows everyone, so people from Sawley will meet people from Bolton-by-Bowland for a drink, so it's quite a nice vibe and a nice atmosphere.

"We get people travelling as well, because we have a hotel as well so people stay."

The hotel boasts 11 rooms, five of which are dog-friendly. "Indeed, the pub is a haven for dog owners, even offering a dedicated menu for our four-legged friends, featuring favourites like fish and chips."

On a sunny day, especially a bank holiday, you can't move for people," Carol added. "The river beer garden is full, the courtyard's full, over the road is full. It gets the sun all day and there's about four hotel rooms that we have with that view."

The village isn't the only entity steeped in history; the pub itself has a rich past, having first opened its doors in 1675 as a coaching inn, serving the community for centuries. Intriguingly, there's also a tunnel leading from the pub to the monastery, although it remains unexplored to this day.