Enchanted village with hidden waterfall and haunted house feels like stepping into the past

A "magical" village in the North of England with a hidden waterfall and haunted house has been described as like "walking back in time", and it’s taken social media by storm.

Staycations have become more popular than ever in the UK, even though the unpredictable weather can put off those dreaming of sunny breaks in Cornwall or Devon.

In some cases, a trip in Britain can even cost more than flying abroad to Spain or Greece once you add up B&B stays and train fares.

But for those willing to put up with a few showers, there are charming English villages that tourists often miss.

Photo © Marathon (cc-by-sa/2.0)

If you don’t mind the cooler weather, this might be just the kind of trip for you. Travel blogger Sandy, based in London, took a trip to Lancashire and was left enchanted.

She explored Downham, a quiet village that feels frozen in time, noting how there were no road signs or TV satellites in sight.

"It is also home to many mystical places such as the eerie Pendle Sculpture Trail, the haunted Samlesbury Hall, and the Harry Potter-style bookshop, Halewood and Sons," she said.

"Another highlight for us was the secret Hatchbrook waterfall, which really wasn’t easy to find," reports Birmingham Live.

The local food scene impressed her too, with hearty pub meals, local ales, and afternoon teas on the menu. She even rounded off her foodie trip at Banny’s Fish and Chips, a unique drive-thru chippy where she enjoyed her meal tucked up in bed.

Photo © Kevin Rushton (cc-by-sa/2.0)

After Sandy’s video went viral, the comments section was full of praise for the hidden gem. One viewer wrote: "A lot of people say Britain is plain but honestly it is so beautiful."

Another added: "Lovely place and lots of cool stuff to see." A local even admitted: "The fact that I live like 45 minutes away and have never been." One person summed it up simply: "Wow, I love it."

For anyone planning a visit, Sandy suggested staying in style at the Mercure Dunkenhalgh Hotel and Spa in Blackburn, with rooms starting at £84.55 per night. For those on a tighter budget, The OYO Hotel Rafay is another option, offering stays from around £50 a night.

Remember - LeaveNoTrace!

As with anywhere outdoors, kindly keep these areas pristine and wild by taking all trash with you. The amount of complaints we have seen since the pandemic is crazy. It's really not that hard to take your rubbish with you!

Litter tends to spread, so if you see any and are able to pick it up and dispose of it outside the hidden gem, it will help keep the area tidy.

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