A flourishing market town in Lancashire has been crowned one of Britain's 'best places to live' for 2026, and one glimpse within its borders reveals precisely why it's earned such prestigious recognition.

Dubbed a 'must-visit food heaven', this vibrant town boasts an abundance of remarkable attractions - from outstanding food and drink establishments to retail therapy, entertainment, landmarks and festivals, there's something to suit every taste in this thriving Lancashire market town.

Lancashire's renowned Ribble Valley is frequently regarded as northern England's gastronomic capital, showcasing exceptional locally sourced ingredients available throughout its numerous towns, villages, markets, pubs, eateries, and retailers.

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From this extensive selection brimming with culinary treasures, one town stands out with a remarkable range of food and drink venues, even by Ribble Valley's exacting standards.

Clitheroe, teeming with independent suppliers, countless food establishments, celebrated restaurants, breweries, freehouses, and wine specialists, is regularly hailed as a paradise for food and drink lovers in the ceremonial county of Lancashire, reports Lancs Live.

Annual occasions such as the Clitheroe Food Festival - dedicated to championing regional suppliers and produce - further enhance the town's already impressive food and drink scene.

Eight At Gazegill, Freemasons At Wiswell, and The Rum Fox are three eateries listed in the Michelin Guide located just outside Clitheroe's town centre, celebrated for their exceptional cuisine and picturesque settings.

Culinary delights aren't Clitheroe's only claim to fame.

Boasting superb rail and road links, this vibrant market town nestled in Lancashire's beautiful Ribble Valley offers convenient access to the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), the Lake District, and the magnificent Yorkshire Dales.

Its welcoming, family and dog-friendly streets attract visitors in droves, with tourism forming a vital component of the local economy.

Anyone exploring Clitheroe must visit the town's most iconic attraction, Clitheroe Castle, believed to be England's second smallest Norman castle.

This remarkably well-preserved fortress has towered over the town for more than 800 years and remains a significant magnet for tourists.

Clitheroe enjoys the privilege of having some of Britain's most spectacular natural landscapes virtually on its doorstep, from the striking Pendle Hill with its witchcraft heritage, to the glorious Hodder Valley, the Forest of Bowland AONB, the Yorkshire Dales with its 'Three Peaks' challenge, and the globally renowned Cumbrian Lake District.

Nature's finest offerings and outdoor adventures are readily accessible when using Clitheroe as your home base. The surrounding hills, picturesque valleys, striking fells and quaint lanes make the town a paradise for walkers, cyclists and drivers alike, placing it firmly on countless must-visit lists.