The Ribble Valley has several claims to fame. It was in the national headlines when it was revealed that the Queen would like to retire to the Ribble Valley (in 'Elizabeth', the Queen's biography, by Sarah Bradford). Ordnance Survey has declared the village of Dunsop Bridge to be the official 'centre of the kingdom'.

 

In 1992 the famous explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes unveiled the 100,000th payphone, located by British Telecom on the riverside green in the village. The payphone's plaque actually confirms its national grid reference as S.D. 6377 5655 the United Kingdom centre. It is fortunate that Dunsop Bridge is one of the most attractive parts of the kingdom, a fitting setting for such an important location.

The scenery is so breathtaking that it has often been said to be J.R.R. Tolkien's inspiration for the setting of the Shire in his book 'Lord of the Rings'. Tolkien wrote most of his book in the Ribble Valley after having visited Stonyhurst College. Many of the local walks bear names that made it into his books and a drive around the countryside takes in many places with an uncanny resemblance to the home of the Hobbits.
 
The Ribble Valley has a wide selection of first class accommodation, restaurants and shops, with a reputation for high quality service, good value for money and a very friendly welcome. Our quiet country lanes make exploration by car a real pleasure and with country inns, market towns and historic sites in abundance, you can take your time to enjoy many an excursion.