Village Amenities & Facilities
Discover the public spaces and facilities that make Grindleton a vibrant place to live and visit.
Grindleton Pavilion and Recreation GroundsÂ
Grindleton Pavilion is an outstanding facility which provides a high quality venue for the village and wider community. It hosts regular music performances, community events and activities for people of all ages and interests, and is also available to book for public and private celebrations and events.
The Pavilion has a large hall with spectacular views of Pendle Hill, with direct access to the secure children’s play area. A well stocked bar is available for events together with a high specification audiovisual system.
Across the lobby is a well-equipped kitchen with commercial standard catering facilities, while upstairs is a spacious meeting room with interactive display technology and an area for making hot drinks. The Pavilion also includes changing rooms and shower facilities for home and away sports teams, with a seperate referee’s room.
Outside, the site includes a Multi-Use Games Area, which includes a hard court tennis court.
The facilities are versatile and can be adapted to suit all types of events, both formal and informal, including childrens parties, christenings, family celebrations, corporate events and community gatherings.
Grindleton Pavilion and Recreation Grounds are owned and operated by Grindleton Recreation Ground Charity. The charity was founded in 1972 when villagers purchased the land that is now home to the football pitch and the Pavilion. Over the years there has been continuous improvement to the facilities and In 2012, Grindleton Pavilion was opened as a dedicated community hall.
The cricket field has since been donated to the charity, which is now responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of all the facilities.
The Recreation Ground Charty is run by a a committee of 10 trustees elected annually, and leads various fundraising activities and village events throughout the year, including Bonfire Night, the Horticultural Show, the Christmas Fair and the biannual Galloping Gourmet. Volunteers are always welcome and anyone interested in getting involved can contact the committee at grindletonpavilion@gmail.com.
The Charity Commission page on the Grindleton Recreation Ground Charity (No. 223174) provides an overview, lists the trustees and presents the accounts.
The Pavilion has its own website and Facebook page. Please visit these sites to view the calendar of regular activities and special events, learn more about its facilities and operation, and book the venue.
Grindleton Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School is led by Headteacher Mrs Joanne Abram. The school provides a secure, caring and stimulating environment where children are encouraged to do their best in all areas of their development, underpinned by Christian Gospel values and the motto ‘Grow and Shine in God’s Glory’.
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Courtesy, respect and concern for others are seen as just as important as academic achievement, and staff work hard to create a lively, engaging and purposeful learning environment where every child’s uniqueness is celebrated. As a church school, Grindleton enjoys close links with St Ambrose Church and sees Christian faith as central to daily school life.
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Parents are actively encouraged to be involved, with home and school working in partnership so that children are both happy and successful at school.
Grindleton Primary School
Bowland High School
Bowland High is a local secondary school serving the Ribble Valley, known for its values of Tradition, Care and Challenge.
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The school provides a welcoming atmosphere where each student is nurtured to achieve their very best. It is proud to be part of the Achievement Through Collaboration Trust, fostering a strong sense of community and mutual respect.
Email: enquiries@bowland.atctrust.org.uk
Phone: 01200 441374
For full details, please visit the Bowland High website.
Grindleton Consolidated Charities
Grindleton Consolidated Charities may be able to assist YOU.
Grindleton Consolidated Charities supports the education, including religious education, of people under 25 whose families live in the Parish of Grindleton. Its income is self‑generated, and last year it awarded £1,000 grants to 13 students to help with university costs.
Applications for educational grants for the coming academic year are open until 20 August 2026 and must include course details, length, and the university or college.
The charity can also provide one‑off or short‑term financial help to parish residents in need; all requests should be sent in writing to the Clerk, Mrs Mary‑Ann Renton, for the trustees to consider.
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Churches of the Parish
St Ambrose Church, Grindleton
St Ambrose is a vibrant Church of England parish in the Blackburn Diocese and part of the new Bowland Benefice. The church was opened only months after the Battle of Trafalgar and was dedicated to St Ambrose of Milan in December 1805. This reflects the village's long tradition of beekeeping, which continues today.
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Inside, visitors can enjoy glorious stained glass and a recently refurbished pipe organ built in 1879. The churchyard contains significant war graves and the village war memorial, preserving the history of Grindleton and Sawley.
Holy Communion is held each Sunday, usually at 9:30am. Everyone is very welcome, and tea and coffee are served after worship to give people time to meet and catch up. The Rector is Reverend Grace Gaze, who ministers across the Bowland Benefice.Â
Harrop Chapel
Located just north of Grindleton by Harrop Fold, Harrop Chapel is the Clitheroe area's oldest Methodist-origin building still hosting regular services. The building is well-equipped with a kitchen and facilities, making it ideal for visiting groups seeking a short stay.
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Join us for Sunday worship at 2:00 pm for a refreshing service of song and word, or attend our weekly Bible Study held every Thursday at 7:45 pm.
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For more information telephone 01200 447665.
Local Organisations
WI Grindleton
WI members are everyday women of all ages and backgrounds, involved in activities from local campaigns to national issues. ‘A forward thinking, diverse organisation that enables women like me to be listened to and act upon our concerns’.
Since the WI was founded in 1915 it has campaigned on issues such as domestic violence, equal pay, oil pollution and AIDS. Each member now has the opportunity to vote on the resolution to be taken at the national AGM. The diversity of the WI means that serious issues such as climate change are tackled alongside craft and cooking, sport and drama beside community projects.
Grindleton WI was formed in 1932 and then included West Bradford and Sawley. In 2012 they celebrated our 80th birthday with numbers steadily increasing; they have an active committee. A member serves on committees at Lancashire level so they are kept well informed of county and national issues. They support village life in several ways including litter picks, sports day and local walks, the open gardens and church activities. Monthly meetings are arranged to cover a wide range of interests to entertain and inform and enjoy being with friends. There are also visits to the theatre and shopping trips. Across the county there are many opportunities for visits, walks, the arts and learning new skills.
If you are interested in joining the group, they meet on the second Thursday of the month in Grindleton Pavilion at 7.30pm.
Please make contact with either the President Alison Tapley alisontapley@gmail.com , or the Secretary Kay Hopkinson (01200 441387) kay.hopkinson@outlook.com. You will be most welcome.
Main Street Phone Box Library and info-hub
The phone box on Main Street has been transformed into the Grindleton Book Share & Info Hub.
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It serves as a multipurpose community focal point where everyone is invited to swap books and discover vital local information, public notices, and the latest community updates for both residents and visitors.
Community Book LibrariesÂ
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Little Book Stop
Grindleton Bridge now has a Little Free Library for everyone to use. It's well stocked with fabulous fiction and non-fiction books for all ages.
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Little Book Stops are registered Little Free Library book-sharing boxes in communities across the UK.
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The Little Book Stops initiative is designed to celebrate individuals across the UK who champion reading, support access to books, and help book lovers find their next read.
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A local steward is appointed to maintain each Little Book Stop, which runs on a 'give a book, take a book' concept and promotes community-led book sharing.
Village Businesses
A directory of local enterprises and independent services contributing to our thriving Grindleton community. Businesses listed here are provided for information only and are not endorsed by Grindleton Parish Council.
Harrop Fold Stays
Experience tranquility in these renovated 17th-century stone cottages set within the Forest of Bowland. These historic buildings maintain their rustic charm while providing comfortable, modern accommodation for visitors exploring the Ribble Valley. For booking details and enquiries, contact Mr Frank Robinson at 01200 447665.
Ashley Evans Plastering SpecialistÂ
Ashley Evans is a highly regarded local plastering specialist, frequently recommended by Grindleton householders through enthusiastic word-of-mouth and glowing feedback within the village.
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Ashley Evans  is the go-to professional for many residents, consistently earning repeat work due to his reliable service, meticulous attention to detail, and top-tier craftsmanship.
Charlotte's Milk Deliveries
For over twenty years, Charlotte has provided a reliable and convenient  early morning service to the village.
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Based at Spencers Farm, Lands End she provides doorstep delivery of fresh milk, eggs, and juice to homes and businesses across the parish. To arrange your delivery, call 07484 770180.
Village Allotments
Grindleton’s allotments are managed by Grindleton Parish Council and are available to rent subject to availability. The allotments operate under tenancy agreements and site rules, with a waiting list in place for vacant plots. This section  includes information about plot availability, tenancy agreements, site rules and how to apply for an allotment plot.
Information
Grindleton allotments are managed by Grindleton Parish Council and plots are available to rent subject to availability.
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A waiting list operates for vacant plots, and all plot holders are required to sign a tenancy agreement.
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The Parish Council periodically reviews allotment agreements and site management arrangements.
Rules & Key Points
- Plot holders are expected to keep allotments cultivated and maintained.Â
- Fires and BBQs are not permitted on the allotment site.Â
- Composting should be managed responsibly and tenants are expected to help prevent pests and vermin.Â
- Rules also apply to sheds, greenhouses and other structures on plots.Â
- Site rules and tenancy conditions may be updated periodically by the Parish Council.
Explore the Great Outdoors
Grindleton lies within the Forest of Bowland National Landscape, a nationally protected landscape covering over 300 square miles of rural Lancashire and Yorkshire. National Landscapes, formerly known as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs), are designated by the Government to recognise and protect areas of exceptional natural beauty, wildlife, heritage and cultural significance.
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The Forest of Bowland was designated in 1964 and is renowned for its sweeping moorland, rolling farmland, traditional stone-built villages, rich wildlife and tranquil countryside. The designation recognises not only the area's stunning scenery, but also the close relationship between the landscape, local communities, farming and rural life. As one of the villages within the Forest of Bowland National Landscape, Grindleton forms part of this nationally important and protected environment.
Forest of Bowland & Grindleton Fell
The Forest of Bowland (including Grindleton) is covered by Ordnance Survey Explorer OL41 map (1:25000), and the Harvey Forest of Bowland map (1:25000).
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Grindleton Fell can be accessed easily from the village by walking up Whitehall Lane at the top of the village to the White Hall, turning right up the bridleway (Green Lane) and up onto the fell past Cob Manor.
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Alternatively, by car, drive up Main St and after one mile when the road takes a sharp right towards Slaidburn, go straight ahead up the single track tarmac road until you reach the forest, where there is space to park a few cars. Please do not block the gate. Note that Grindleton Forest is only accessible using the public rights of way through it (green dashes on the OS map). Â
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Discover Lancashire County Council Country Parks and Nature Reserves;Walks and Pubs in the Forest of Bowland with the overview map of walks; Walks from visitlancashire.com  official website of Lancashire tourism.
The Ribble Way
The Ribble Way passes through Grindleton. It is a 65-mile route that follows the River Ribble from its source at Ribblehead in the Yorkshire Dales to the estuary at Preston, passing through limestone gorges, open moorland and tidal marsh. The Long Distance Walkers Association website has more information on the Ribble Way.
Greendale Millennium Wood
One of over a thousand woods across the UK cared for by the Woodland Trust, Greendale Wood was one of several Millennium projects in Grindleton. The site was planted in 2000-1 with 7,660 native trees and shrubs of British provenance: English oak, silver birch, ash, wild cherry, field maple, common alder, crab apple and with shrubs of rowan, guelder rose, hazel, hawthorn, blackthorn, goat willow, and bird cherry.
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A large number of locally grown damson trees were planted to line a path from Buck Street. Grindleton was famous for its damsons. Areas of open grassland have been left to form the paths and glades, and an open area also left on the steepest part of the bank, which held the greatest variety of wild flowers.
You are welcome to visit the wood. Further details are available on the Greendale Wood pages of the Woodland Trust website, and their management plan.Â
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In April 2006 the Woodland Trust was gifted an area of land which lies directly to the north of the original site. In March 2009, the school and villagers assisted the Woodland Trust and Lancashire Environmental Fund in planting 2,000 trees in preparation for public access.
Below are websites and documents offering walking routes and other activities in the Forest of Bowland and Pendle Hill (and other parts of Lancashire):Forest of Bowland activities from the AONB official site;