A village in Lancashire has been named one of the best places to visit in the UK this spring – and it’s not hard to see why.
The picturesque little village of Downham has been owned by the same family for centuries, and has no road signs, no aerials, no overhead phone lines. It really is totally unspoiled.
The Assheton family, who reside at Downham Hall, has ensure the village and surrounding farms remain as a preserved, unspoilt community.
And that’s caught plenty of attention over the years, with the village used as a setting for TV and films over the years thanks to its historic charm.
After you’re done wandering, you can grab a scoop of local ice cream, or a pint in the 18th century Assheton Arms gastropub nearby.
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The village has just been named one of the top places to visit in the UK this spring in a new guide released by LNER.
They said Downham feels like ‘a step away from the everyday’.
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The listing says: “If you’re looking for somewhere that feels a step away from the everyday, Downham is a good place to start.
“Family-owned for generations, the village has kept things simple, no road signs, no aerials, just open views and a quiet sense of history.
“Set within the Forest of Bowland, it’s easy to see why it’s been used as a backdrop for films and TV over the years, including Whistle Down the Wind and The Secret of Crickley Hall.
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“Grab a scoop of local Lancashire ice cream from the village shop and head to the banks of Downham Brook, a perfect spot to sit and listen to the water as the village wakes up for spring.
“Finish your trip at the award-winning Assheton Arms; this 18th-century gastropub sits at the highest point of the village, serving up seasonal plates alongside tranquil countryside vistas that make the modern world feel miles away.”
David Flesher, Commercial Director atLNER, said: “At this time of year, many people are looking for a chance to make the most of longer days and see more of the country as it’s changing with the season.
“Across the UK, some of the best scenery sits beyond the larger towns and cities, in villages that offer a different pace and new experiences. Travelling by rail is one of the best ways to reach these places and enjoy the journey along the way.
“This research highlights destinations that showcase the variety of landscapes across the country, encouraging people to step outside their usual routine and see more of what’s on their doorstep, and further afield.”
Just as they did for the rumoured dates, the experts at SeatPick have gone on to analyse the average cost of accommodation in Manchester on the now-confirmed concert nights in June 2027 to see how much out-of-town fans may have to part with.
It was revealed that hotel prices have surged by 659% on Oasis’ opening night at the Etihad Stadium on 4 June 2027, while on the first weekend (5 and 6 June) of tour dates, they’ve soared by up to 462% and are, on average, 98% higher than a weekday price.
Overall, the analysis uncovered that 12 June has the most expensive average two-star hotel cost at £253, while the highest average five-star hotel is £409 for the night on 19 June.
“Our analysis uncovered an enormous markup for local accommodation on nights that Oasis is rumoured to perform in Manchester,” explained Gilad Zilberman, who is the CEO at ticket platform SeatPick.
“Being aware of these accommodation costs and additional expenses can help fans plan and avoid being caught off guard by inflated prices on concert nights.
“To find the best deals on hotels, concertgoers should scan budget chains in the city or look slightly outside of the centre in hotspots served by local bus routes or regional trains, such as Salford and Trafford.
“Booking early might also be beneficial for fans dedicated to seeing the band perform.
“You can opt for free cancellation options, in case rumoured dates change, or you’re no longer able to attend.”
Featured Image – Joshua Halling (Supplied)
Travel & Tourism
Drinks prices revealed as Manchester Airport’s first-ever Wetherspoons pub opens inside T2
Emily Sergeant
It’s official… Manchester Airport’s first-ever JD Wetherspoon pub has officially opened its doors inside Terminal 2.
The 300-seater pub – which welcomed its first customers earlier this week – is named The Belle Vue after Manchester’s historic showground.
Throughout the pub, you’ll spot design features that nod to the city’s sporting heritage – including vintage event posters and memorabilia, a ‘locker wall’ hosting trophies and other sporting exhibits, and a cricket-themed design in the carpets and bar panels.
Creating around 150 jobs in the process, The Belle Vue is the final planned new eatery to open in the airport’s redeveloped Terminal 2, marking one of the final steps in the super-terminal’s decade-long, £1.5bn transformation.
Manchester Airport’s first-ever Wetherspoons pub has opened inside Terminal 2 / Credit: Supplied
According to the MEN, pints are priced from £6.20 for Carling and Coors lager, £6.45 for Budweiser, £6.60 for Guinness, and £6.70 for Poretti and 1664 Biere.
Prosecco is £9.20 for 175ml glass and £37.10 for the full bottle, while spirts and mixers are £6.80 for singles and £10.20 for doubles.
There’s also the classic Wetherspoons tea and coffee machines, where you can refill as many times as you like for just £3.60.
“It’s a proud moment to see the final new retail unit opening in our new-look Terminal 2,” commented Richard Jackson, who is the Retail Director at Manchester Airport.
“To be rounding off this 10-year programme by adding such an iconic name as Wetherspoon to the terminal is particularly special and we know that it will prove extremely popular with passengers. We think they’ll love the nods to Manchester’s heritage in the décor and design – and of course the name.”
Daisy Jackson -
2nd April 2026 
