Welcome to Roughlee A friendly community in a beautiful & historic setting at the foot of Pendle Hill, Lancashire

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Hi, we’re a friendly community based in the beautiful and historic village of Roughlee, East Lancashire. We’re at the foot of Pendle Hill, six miles north of Burnley and about a mile from Barrowford. Roughlee is situated in the stunning Forest of Pendle, an outlier of the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The village of Roughlee has roots going back to before the time of the Norman Conquest, with earlier names including Rughelegh, Rughegh and Rughley. Roughlee was formed into a Civil Parish in 1866.

Discover more about Roughlee’s industrial heritage, historical highlights, and photos from the Great Flood of 1967. You can also see some local nature walks, important wildlife sites and discover what wildlife and nature you might spot around the village.

You can also find out more about the area’s history from the local History Group, who are happy to try and answer any of your questions.

Things to see

In the heart of the village, Roughlee Village Centre offers a vibrant events programme to welcome both residents and visitors, and the community-owned Bay Horse Inn offers great food, drinks and atmosphere all year round.

Roughlee is particularly associated with the story of the infamous Lancashire Witch Trials of 1612, through one of its better known residents, Alice Nutter. There is a mistaken belief that she lived in Roughlee Hall, but there is now greater certainty that she lived in a farm near to Crowtrees.

Roughlee Alice Nutter

Follow Pendle Water as it meanders through the village — past the scenic waterfall and waterfall cottages.

Roughlee Waterfall

Roughlee Waterfall Cottages

The village is also associated with the early days of Methodism. In 1747, John Wesley preached here in one of the Waterfall Cottages and again at the bridge opposite the Bay Horse Inn. The Methodist Chapel, demolished in 1976, was situated behind these cottages but there are no longer any remains. Opposite the cottages is the stunning waterfall which was originally built to power the mill.

Clarion House in Roughlee is the UK’s last remaining monument to the Clarion societies — built by the early pioneers of Socialism. This location was built in 1912, in a place of recognised natural beauty in the hope that the rest of the world would come to resemble it through physical, moral and social beauty. Clarion House is still open each Sunday, packed with ramblers and cyclists in search of refreshments and a good chat.

Roughlee Clarion House

Roughlee Village

Further along Blacko Bar Road, discover the historic Roughlee Old Hall, dating from the 16th century, and enjoy the river from Roughlee’s stepping stones.

Roughlee Old Hall

Roughlee Stepping Stones

Staying here

Roughlee has several self-catering cottages near Pendle Hill, as well as Bed & Breakfast options to suit all budgets.

Roughlee is an ideal base for exploring Pendleside and the Forest of Bowland AONB. Further details on the wider area are available from Visit Pendle.