The Inn at Whitewell named as UK's best place to eat outside

iNews created the list of the best places to drink and dine whilst enjoying a stunning view, and with a plethora of exquisite scenery in East Lancashire, there is a wealth of choice.

The Inn at Whitewell, near Clitheroe, with its “sweeping views across the River Hodder and Hodder Valley”, features on the list.

iNews said: “This 16th-century former coaching inn is situated in an Area of National Beauty (AONB) with sweeping views across the River Hodder and Hodder Valley to the fells of the Forest of Bowland.”

Additionally, Sawday’s, a travel company specialising in promoting unique places to stay in the UK and Europe, celebrated the pub for its “great reputation for food” as well as the fantastic views in the area.

The Inn at Whitewell (Image: Tripadvisor)Sawday’s said: “Everything here is perfect. The inn sits just above the river Hodder, and doors in the bar lead onto a terrace where guests can enjoy five-mile views across parkland to rising fells. Inside, fires roar, newspapers wait, there are beams, sofas, maps and copies of Wisden.

“Bedrooms, some in the Coach House, some in a restored stone barn overlooking the kitchen garden, are exemplary and come with real luxury – many have the marvellous view.

“The inn has a great reputation for food with many of the ingredients locally sourced – head chef Jamie and his team make every plate delicious and memorable, including their famous fish pie.

Outside space at the Inn at Whitewell (Image: Tripadvisor)

“Elsewhere, a wine shop in reception, seven miles of fishing rights, a treatment room for massage and facials, e-bikes to borrow and some of the best walking country outside the door.

“This ancient place is imbued with warmth and a pleasing quirkiness – relaxed, laid-back, with a country-house feel, just lovely.”

And it's not just experts who consider the pub a must-visit, with customers on Tripadvisor rating the business a 4.5/5 from 1,443 reviews.

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One customer said “Always fantastic whether dropping in for lunch or stopping over.

"Second time we’ve stayed over but this time was a real treat staying in room 20 with a balcony overlooking the river and bowland valley.

“Absolutely beautiful. The whole experience. The setting, the location, the accommodation, the food, all fantastic but best of all the staff.

“Amazing so friendly so helpful they really do make this place a five-star experience. The inn at Whitewell gets my highest recommendation and is a must do. Not one bad word to say. Fantastic.”

Another commented: “We stayed for just the one night for my husband’s birthday and everything was top notch.

“Delicious evening meal, and breakfast, lovely room and great service; the tea and coffee and homemade shortbread delivered to our room was a nice and welcome touch on arrival.

"The surrounding countryside is lovely and the views from the dinning room outstanding.”