Peel Monument

The Monument sits on high ground above Clitheroe, a sturdy Victorian tower built to honour Sir Robert Peel, the 19th-century Prime Minister with Lancashire roots. It's not a massive structure - you'll spot it from miles around, a stone finger pointing skyward across the moorland. The real draw is the walk up to it. From Clitheroe town centre, the footpath climbs steadily through fields with views opening up as you gain height. Most walkers allow an hour for the ascent and descent, though the path itself is straightforward enough for families with kids who don't mind a bit of effort.

Once there, the views across the Ribble Valley towards Pendle Hill are genuinely worth the leg work. On a clear day you can see right across Lancashire. The Monument itself is locked, so you can't climb inside, but the surrounding area is perfect for a picnic or just catching your breath.

History buffs will appreciate the connection to Peel's political legacy - Catholic Emancipation, the Metropolitan Police, all of it - though the monument is really more about the walk and the landscape than any detailed interpretation on site. Bring decent boots if the ground's wet; the field paths can be muddy.

If you're staying at Pendle View Holiday Park or Rossendale Holiday Cottages just down the road, this works as a proper half-day outing. Not somewhere to spend three hours, but a worthwhile detour if you're exploring the Clitheroe area.