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Shepherds Hut At Hillcrest, Clitheroe and the Ribble Valley

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Shepherds Hut at Hillcrest is a cosy retreat on a working farm in Lancashire's Ribble Valley. This compact yet cleverly designed space sleeps five guests and features a private hot tub for four with sweeping countryside views. The location puts you right in the heart of the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The working farm setting means you'll wake up to authentic rural life. Animals roam the grounds and rolling fields stretch in every direction.

Inside you'll find one mezzanine bedroom with a double and single bed. The main living area has a sofa bed for two extra guests. The compact kitchen handles basic meal prep whilst the electric woodburner adds warmth. There's one bathroom with shower facilities.

About Shepherds Hut At Hillcrest

Shepherds Hut at Hillcrest is a cosy retreat on a working farm in Lancashire's Ribble Valley. This compact yet cleverly designed space sleeps five guests and features a private hot tub for four with sweeping countryside views. The location puts you right in the heart of the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The working farm setting means you'll wake up to authentic rural life. Animals roam the grounds and rolling fields stretch in every direction.

Inside you'll find one mezzanine bedroom with a double and single bed. The main living area has a sofa bed for two extra guests. The compact kitchen handles basic meal prep whilst the electric woodburner adds warmth. There's one bathroom with shower facilities. Smart TV and Wi-Fi keep you connected and the front garden sitting area is perfect for morning coffee.

Clitheroe Castle Museum sits 5 miles away (12 minutes). Beacon Fell Country Park offers walking trails 6 miles distant (15 minutes). Bowland Wild Boar Park entertains families 8 miles away (18 minutes). Pendle Hill challenges hikers 9 miles distant (20 minutes).

Shepherds Hut at Hillcrest works brilliantly for families wanting farm life and couples after countryside peace. The hot tub and farm setting make this special.

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Need To Know

More Glamping With Hot Tubs You May Like

Local Insights: Shepherds Hut At Hillcrest

Unique information you won't find on booking sites

Clitheroe and the Ribble Valley, Lancashire

Weather & Local Conditions

10°C

Overcast

Updated: 22 Aug 2026, 2:50am

🌡️
9.60°C
Temperature
💨
4 km/h
Wind Speed
💧
85%
Humidity
🧳
Packing Tip: UK weather can turn quickly, so pack layers whatever the forecast. A waterproof and sturdy shoes mean the whole group can head out whatever August throws at you.

What to Expect Through the Year

  • May - September: Warmest, longest days - ideal for long days out, gardens and BBQs
  • October - November: Crisp autumn colour, cosy evenings by the fire, quieter attractions
  • December - February: Perfect for a snug winter escape - great for Christmas and New Year gatherings
  • March - April: Spring blooms, longer evenings returning, wildlife becoming active
🌧️
Rainy Day Tip: A cosy glamping stay comes into its own on wet days - board games, a long lunch and a film beats a cramped hotel any day. Check the tabs here for nearby pubs and attractions with indoor options.

Dark Skies & Stargazing

Shepherds Hut At Hillcrest sits in a location with genuinely dark skies - a real treat for a group, and something you rarely get at home in town.

Bortle Scale Rating

The Bortle scale measures night sky darkness from 1 (darkest) to 9 (brightest urban):

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
🌌
Class 4 - Rural/suburban transition
This location's dark sky rating

What You Can See From the Property

The Milky Way is visible overhead, though light domes may be visible on the horizon towards larger towns.

The Milky Way is visible on clear, moonless nights.

Best Stargazing Conditions

  • New Moon periods: Darkest skies, best Milky Way visibility
  • Winter months: Earlier darkness, crisper skies, Orion constellation prominent
  • After 11pm: Neighbouring lights typically switched off
  • Allow 20 minutes: Let your eyes adjust to darkness before looking up
📱
Pro Tip: Download a stargazing app like "Sky Map" or "Star Walk" before arrival. Mobile signal can be limited, and these apps work offline - a fun activity to share of an evening.

Location & Elevation

218m

(715 feet above sea level)

Shepherds Hut At Hillcrest sits in a peaceful Lancashire setting - space to spread out and the perfect base for a glamping escape.

🏔️
218m
Elevation
📍
Clitheroe and the Ribble Valley
Nearest Village
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Rural
Setting

What the Elevation Means for Your Stay

  • Fresher air: Expect it a touch cooler than coastal areas - bracing walks and restful sleep
  • Clearer air: Less pollution and haze, better views and stargazing
  • Morning mists: Valley fog sometimes forms below, creating magical sunrise views
  • Walking access: Higher starting point means shorter climbs to hilltops and summits
🚗
Driving Note: The roads to Clitheroe and the Ribble Valley are typical Lancashire lanes - narrow in places with passing spots. If the group is arriving in several cars, share the postcode and a meeting point in advance.

Coordinates

Latitude: 53.8906780° N | Longitude: 2.61296° W

Sunrise & Sunset Times

Today's sun times for Clitheroe and the Ribble Valley (Saturday, 22 August 2026):

4:59am

Sunrise

6:27pm

Golden Hour

7:27pm

Sunset

🌅
4:59am
Sunrise
🌇
7:27pm
Sunset
📸
6:27pm
Golden Hour

Planning Your Days by Season

  • Summer (Jun-Aug): Sunset around 9:30-10pm - long days for group walks, days out and late alfresco dinners
  • Autumn (Sep-Nov): Sunset 5-7pm - perfect timing for an after-dinner drink as the stars come out
  • Winter (Dec-Feb): Sunset around 4pm - cosy early evenings by the fire, ideal for stargazing
  • Spring (Mar-May): Sunset 6-9pm - watch the evenings grow longer each day
🌙
Golden Hour: For the best light, plan your group photo or evening walk around golden hour (6:27pm). The warm colours make for lovely holiday photos before you head back in for dinner.

August Daylight

This month in Clitheroe and the Ribble Valley, you have approximately 14.46 hours of daylight. The long summer days mean plenty of time for group adventures before a relaxed evening back at the property.

Practical Essentials

Everything the group needs to know before you arrive at Shepherds Hut At Hillcrest.

Mobile Phone Signal

📱

Signal Strength

Good

Mobile signal is generally good in this area across most networks.

💡
Signal Tip: All major networks should work well here.

Nearest Essentials

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Arrival Tip: Fill up with fuel before you arrive - petrol stations can be sparse in rural Lancashire. With a larger group it's worth doing one big supermarket shop on the way, especially if arriving late.

Family & Fun

Data updated: 22 Aug 2026 | Location: 53.8906780, -2.6129600

Information unique to this location - not available on booking sites

What Guests Love

What do previous guests think about their stay at Shepherds Hut At Hillcrest

Private Hot Tub with Views

The hot tub seats four and overlooks open countryside. Perfect for stargazing after dark whilst soaking in the warm water with farm fields stretching beyond.

Working Farm Setting

Wake up to real farm life with animals nearby. Children love watching the daily routines whilst adults appreciate the authentic rural atmosphere and peaceful surroundings.

Cosy Electric Woodburner

The electric woodburner creates warmth and atmosphere without the hassle of real logs. Settles the space beautifully on cooler evenings whilst you relax after outdoor adventures.

Mezzanine Sleeping Area

The raised sleeping platform adds character and makes clever use of vertical space. The double and single beds up top feel like a proper hideaway.

Forest of Bowland Location

You're right inside the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Miles of walking trails and dramatic Lancashire landscapes start from your door with minimal driving required.

Front Garden Sitting Area

The private outdoor space catches morning sun perfectly. Ideal for breakfast outside or evening drinks before your hot tub session with countryside views all around.

Getting To Shepherds Hut At Hillcrest

Find your way to your perfect countryside retreat

By Car

To reach Shepherds Hut at Hillcrest by car, take the M6 to Junction 32 and follow the A6 north towards Garstang. Turn onto local roads following signs for Barton and the property is accessible via farm track with clear directions provided upon booking.

By Train

For those travelling by rail, the nearest station is Preston, approximately 12 miles away. From there, a taxi journey takes around 25 minutes through Lancashire countryside to reach the farm.

Private off-road parking on farm
Preston station (12 miles)
Accessible from M6 Junction 32

Attractions & More Nearby

Stuff to see & do on your glamping break!

Clitheroe Castle Museum
Distance: 5 miles
BB7 1BA
Bowland Wild Boar Park
Distance: 8 miles
PR3 2QT
Beacon Fell Country Park
Distance: 6 miles
PR3 2NL
Pendle Hill
Distance: 9 miles
BB12 9NE
Forest of Bowland Trails
Distance: 2 miles
PR3 2NP
River Ribble Walk
Distance: 4 miles
PR3 2QB
Booths Supermarket Longridge
Distance: 4 miles
PR3 3SY
Garstang Town Centre
Distance: 6 miles
PR3 1FA
Clitheroe Market
Distance: 5 miles
BB7 2DP
Preston Bus Station
Distance: 12 miles
PR1 2TR
Lancaster City Centre
Distance: 18 miles
LA1 1PN
Garstang Medical Centre
Distance: 6 miles
PR3 1EL
Clitheroe Castle Museum
Distance: 5 miles
BB7 1BA
Bowland Wild Boar Park
Distance: 8 miles
PR3 2QT
Beacon Fell Country Park
Distance: 6 miles
PR3 2NL
Pendle Hill
Distance: 9 miles
BB12 9NE
Forest of Bowland Trails
Distance: 2 miles
PR3 2NP
River Ribble Walk
Distance: 4 miles
PR3 2QB
Booths Supermarket Longridge
Distance: 4 miles
PR3 3SY
Garstang Town Centre
Distance: 6 miles
PR3 1FA
Clitheroe Market
Distance: 5 miles
BB7 2DP
Preston Bus Station
Distance: 12 miles
PR1 2TR
Lancaster City Centre
Distance: 18 miles
LA1 1PN
Garstang Medical Centre
Distance: 6 miles
PR3 1EL

Is Shepherds Hut At Hillcrest Right For You?

Is this hot tub glamping retreat best suited to couples or families? What standout glamping features and private hot tub can you look forward to? And is it a dog-friendly getaway? Discover if this short break is the right for you.

For Families
The working farm setting provides natural entertainment with animals to observe daily. The mezzanine sleeping area feels like an adventure space for children who can handle ladder access safely. The front garden offers safe outdoor play space whilst the hot tub adds water fun for older kids. Nearby Bowland Wild Boar Park and Beacon Fell Country Park provide family days out within short drives.
Glamping Features
The private hot tub for four sits in the front garden with uninterrupted countryside views across working farmland. The electric woodburner provides cosy warmth without wood-chopping hassle whilst the front garden sitting area catches morning sun perfectly. The compact shepherd's hut design maximises space cleverly with mezzanine sleeping and the rural farm location delivers authentic outdoor living. Smart TV and Wi-Fi balance modern comfort with traditional glamping atmosphere.
Pet Friendly
Pets are not allowed at Shepherds Hut at Hillcrest. The working farm setting means animals are already present on site but guests cannot bring their own dogs or other pets. This policy protects farm animals and maintains the property for guests with allergies. Nearby kennels and pet-sitting services in Garstang and Clitheroe can accommodate your animals during your stay if needed.

Dining & Cafes

Taste the local flavours during your stay at Shepherds Hut At Hillcrest

The Stork Inn, Conderhead

Located 3 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: PR3 1YE

Cobbled Corner Café, Garstang

Located 6 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: PR3 1FA

The Assheton Arms, Downham

Located 7 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: BB7 4BJ

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to our most common questions about Shepherds Hut At Hillcrest

Is Shepherds Hut at Hillcrest pet friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property. The working farm setting means animals are already on site but guests cannot bring their own dogs or other pets.
How many guests can sleep at the property?
The shepherd's hut sleeps five people across a mezzanine bedroom with double and single beds plus a sofa bed in the main living area. One bathroom with shower facilities serves all guests.
What's the hot tub setting like?
The private hot tub seats four people and sits in the front garden area with open countryside views. You can use it throughout your stay with farm fields and Forest of Bowland landscapes stretching beyond.
What cooking facilities are available?
The compact kitchen includes basic equipment for simple meal preparation. The space works well for breakfast and light meals though the limited size means you might prefer eating out for main dinners.
Is there parking at the property?
Yes, private off-road parking is included for your vehicle. The farm location means easy access from main roads with no parking stress or additional charges during your stay.
What's included in the booking?
Bed linen and towels come included with your reservation. Wi-Fi keeps you connected and the Smart TV provides entertainment on quieter evenings inside the hut.
What's the mezzanine bedroom like?
The raised sleeping platform holds a double bed and single bed with headroom for adults. Access is via ladder stairs making it less suitable for very young children or guests with mobility concerns.
Can you see farm animals from the hut?
Yes, this is a working farm so animals are nearby throughout your stay. The authentic rural setting means you'll experience real farm life with countryside views from your hot tub and sitting area.

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