‘We’ve got it all in West Lancashire’ are the welcoming words as you drive into Parbold, a beautifully rural village surrounded by rolling hills and fluffy little white things.
Whilst that may not be entirely true for this lovely community, its rustic charm and cutesy movie-set appeal make it a must-live location, with houses ranging from 18th century semis and stone-built terraces to thatched-roof cottages and the more expensive-looking, wow-factor homes.
The green outlook from Parbold Hill should be enough to tempt you here (stand 120 metres above sea level for panoramic views of the Berwyn Mountains, Ashurst Beacon and Liverpool, to name a few), but if you need more, the cosy feel of the village and its cul-de-sacs is the cherry on top.
The high street, although short and sweet, is home to dainty pubs and cafes, gift shops and childrenswear. There is a chippy and a butcher, coffee shops and cafes – there are beauty salons and even an choice of dog groomers for our favourite four-legged friends.
Perched on the edge of the Leeds to Liverpool Canal is The Old Windmill, home to award-winning contemporary landscape and seascape painter James Bartholomew’s Mill House Gallery. Next door is The Windmill public house and restaurant, with seasonal menus and the very best of fresh local produce.
There are mother and baby groups, and the Parbold, Newburgh and District u3a (university of the third age) meets twice monthly at the ‘Hut-on-the-Hill' to hear from guest speakers, catch up over a cup of tea and plan practical, academic and recreational outings together. This year celebrates the organisation’s 10th year.
It’s all about community here. Parbold Douglas Music Lancashire presents an annual concert series starring international musicians, and community cinema Parbold Picture House showcases fortnightly film evenings in the auditorium of Parbold Village Hall.
There is a wildlife group, a flower club and one dedicated to ramblers. Parbold WI has made a home here and the Douglas Valley Creative Stitchers meet monthly to get arty with embroidery.
So whatever the love in your life, you’re sure to find something to get your teeth stuck into here.
PARBOLD VILLAGE SHOW
Every year, volunteers in Parbold work together to put on Parbold Village Show in the summer, taking over Alder Lane Playing Fields. It’s a community favourite, and its current format – which has run for more than 30 years – includes not only a traditional ‘show tent’ with local crafts, art and baking among others, but competitions to win the crown for homegrown vegetables, limericks, bunches of flowers and even – yes, you heard it here – the oldest item in their kitchen cupboard. There really is something for everyone. Chair Lyndsey Yates says: ‘At the centre of the show we have The Arena, where we have a variety of entertainment throughout the day. Our artisan market provides plenty of shopping opportunities; there are food stalls for a spot of lunch, a bar, traditional fairground rides for the kids and the most wonderfully welcoming atmosphere.’
Saturday July 8, facebook.com/parboldshow
A HISTORY OF HOUSES
Parbold is home to a real eclectic mix of buildings, from the old, stone-built houses to the larger Victorian properties on the well-to-do streets of The Common and Chorley Road. Homeowners today can buy anything from a small, 17th century period cottage up to a £2.5 million property. And if you want something with a bit of land, you don’t have to go far out of the village to find it. The most common type of house here is your estate-style, 1970s three-bed.
‘Parbold is a lovely little village, probably only a mile long from one side to the other,’ says Joel Edgerton, director of the Parbold Regan and Hallworth branch. ‘It really packs a punch. There are two outstanding primary schools, Parbold Hill and Ashurst Beacon Country Park with woodland, streams and pretty walkways, the canal and two really nice pubs in the village and one of the oldest in Lancashire just outside. The train station is a massive asset; from there you can get to Ormskirk and into Liverpool, or to Wigan and then onto London in just under two hours. The motorway is less than 12 minutes' drive. It is a really sought-after village.’
