April 16, 2009 – Radio 2 DJ, Stuart Maconie found a real gem in the heart of the Ribble Valley, during his stay at the award-winning luxury holiday cottages at Clough Bottom Farm.
Maconie gave an outstanding review of the organic farm cottages, praising the warm welcome he received upon arrival.
His stay at Clough Bottom Farm is part of a campaign by the Northwest Regional Development Agency, (NWDA) to promote tourism in England’s Northwest region.
Titled, ‘Stuart’s Short Stories for Short Breaks,’ the campaign takes him around the North West to discover traditional and modern places to stay within the region; with Clough Bottom Farm Cottages as one of his stops along the way.
Throughout his trip through the North West, Maconie kept a travel diary of his experiences, focusing on city culture and the regions outstanding sites.
His experiences are available online at www.cloughbottom.co.uk, through podcasts and articles, and have been published in a paperback travel guide which can be ordered through the website.
An extract from his book, about Clough Bottom Farm Cottages, said, “On entering the lovingly converted stone-built building, I was greeted by the sight of a welcome hamper stocked with local produce including organic Lancashire cheese, Bowland milk, Tea Bread made on the farm, jam and chutney made with fruit picked from the trees around the farm and fair-trade tea and coffee.”
Maconie stayed at one of the three beautifully appointed luxury self catering cottages, situated within the heart of the beautiful Ribble Valley.
The three 4 Star holiday cottages, The Coach House, Saddle Barn and Woodcutter’s Cottage have all been individually designed and furnished with antiques and elegant fabrics. Packed with original features, each cottage is beautifully appointed and equipped with every modern facility. Sleeping from 4 – 14 (when all booked together), the cottages provide a warm and welcoming home from home environment.
While staying at the self catering holiday cottages, Maconie was impressed with the thoughtful touches owners Harry and Jane Backhouse provide, in the shape of breakfast hampers and seasonal ready meals, made with farm and locally-sourced produce. Commenting, “And to make your stay even more relaxing, the proprietors will even prepare a home cooked meal and have it waiting in the fridge for you when you arrive. You can even order a Lancashire Breakfast Hamper too; now that I did take advantage of.”
The Lancashire Breakfast Hamper can be pre ordered prior to arrival, for guests to enjoy a traditional breakfast within their self catering holiday cottage.
The hamper features a variety of organic products, including, local dry cured bacon and sausage, Lancashire black pudding, bottle of pressed apple juice, organic free range eggs, loaf of home-baked bread and Clough Bottom ‘Rise and Shine’ muesli. Guests can also pre order seasonal ready meals, which are left in the fridge for guests to cook themselves.
Jane Backhouse said, “We are delighted Stuart enjoyed his stay at Clough Bottom Farm Cottages and are thrilled to have been included in this unique travel guide.
“We pride ourselves on providing not just superb accommodation, but a truly memorable holiday experience. From the homemade and locally-sourced produce we include in our hampers and ready meals, to the wildlife diaries and ‘Things to Do’ ideas we provide for exploring – our guests soon become captivated by Clough Bottom and this stunning part of rural Lancashire.”
Stuart Maconie, radio DJ, TV presenter, journalist and author, said, “If this campaign helps people to see the North West as the wonderful place that it is, then I’m pleased to be able to help.”
Stuart Maconie’s book on short trips in the North West can be purchased online at www.cloughbottom.co.uk where you can read the extract about Clough Bottom Farm as the opening paragraph to life in the Ribble valley.
Notes to Editors
Clough Bottom
Situated in The Forest of Bowland – an AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) in rural Lancashire, Clough Bottom Farm is a 360 acre organic working farm that has successfully blended traditional diversification with a conservation-minded, more sustainable approach to life and business.
Owners Harry and Jane Backhouse ensure each of their varying ventures is underpinned by a strong environmental conscience. From the rearing of their organic beef herd, thriving tree nursery business and award-winning holiday cottages, to the production of 10kg organic beef boxes and the provision of high-tech management training courses, everything they do is driven by a desire to safeguard the environment for future generations.
To book one of the four star holiday cottages at Clough Bottom, or to find out more about their trees and shrubs or organic beef, visit www.cloughbottom.co.uk or call 01254 826285.
Stuart Maconie
Stuart Maconie is a TV and radio presenter, journalist, columnist and author.
His most recent book, Pies and Prejudice, was one of 2008’s top selling paperbacks.
He co-hosts the Radcliffe and Maconie show on BBC Radio Two every Monday –Thursday evenings.
Clough Bottom Bashall Eaves
Near Clitheroe
Lancashire BB7 3NA
Website: www.cloughbottom.co.uk
