Gorgeous countryside spot that is literally in the middle of the UK

Denise Evans & Amy Fenton & Christopher Megrath

15 June 2024 at 5:15 pm·2-min read

The Trough of Bowland's Dunsop Bridge, which is often cited as the geographic centre of Great Britain. — -Credit: (Image: James Maloney/Lancs Live)

A quiet, picturesque countryside has a phone box that has a note to remind visitors they are in the middle of the UK

Sat in the Trough of Bowland, Dunsop Bridge is a village in Lancashire's Ribble Valley full of stunning landscapes and patchwork hills. The area changes drastically with the season from lush greens in spring to white blankets of snow in the winter, brimming with life and beauty all year around.

If you're ever planning a car trip there are multiple viewing spots located along the route. It allows for a quick break to say hello to the sheep or to gaze upon the hills towering and stretching as far as the eye can see.

Take the time to climb the small step to the top of the Jubilee Tower and marvel at the landscape sprawled in front of you. This is also a popular spot for hikers and cyclists to head off to trek the area's numerous trails.

The valley, which is in the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, has strong links to the Royal Family with part of the Duchy of Lancaster Estate located within. King Charles III, who is said to be enamoured by the area, is now the holder of the estate following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II.

Puddleduck cafe and post office in the Trough of Bowland's Dunsop Bridge -Credit:James Maloney/Lancs Live

Nestled deep within the valley lies the village of Dunsop Bridge. This rural community boasts a unique claim to fame - it's situated right in the exact centre of Great Britain.

Once you arrive, you'll discover the charming Puddleduck tea rooms nestled within the end stone terrace. Here, you can indulge in freshly baked pastries and cakes - we highly recommend the Bakewell tart, which was still warm and delectable during our morning visit - as well as hot drinks and light lunches.

View from the hillside looking down towards Dunsop Bridge in the Trough of Bowland -Credit:James Maloney/Lancs Live

The tea room is conveniently located next to the village Post Office and opposite a public shelter dedicated to the Queen to commemorate her Golden Jubilee in 2012.

There's a specific phone box you should make a note of. It's the 100,000th of its kind in the UK, and it carries a small note reminding you that you're standing in the middle of the country.

Receive top stories on everything going on in Merseyside including events, shopping and food and drink through our newsletter by signing up here

Manchester Evening News
'My face swelled so badly on holiday I didn't think I'd get through passport control'
Tara wants to warn others of what she has since found out can be a common problem on the islands
USA TODAY
This African country is No. 1 for friendliest destination: See who made the top 10
Meeting friendly locals in a new destination can make or break a trip. Here are the top 10 friendliest countries, according to a new report.
Business Insider
A millennial couple who ditched van life to buy a $150,000 hoarder house said it's worth it. Take a look inside.
Becky and Drew Bidlen spent three years in a van. They saved up enough money to buy a $150,000 fixer-upper where they're starting a family.
INSIDER
I took a plane and a train on the 330-mile London to Edinburgh route. The race was closer than you might expect.
I timed my journeys between London and Edinburgh, one with British Airways and another with LNER rail. Flying was not as fast as you might think.
Hello!
Carrie Johnson shares adorable photo of three kids in sweet bonding moment - and Romy's outfit is so cute
Carrie Johnson couldn't be more besotted with her brood-of-three and shared a sweet photo of the trio from the grounds of their sprawling family home. See details.
The Telegraph
Chaos at Manchester Airport as ‘power spike’ cancels more than 100 flights
Manchester Airport was left in chaos after a power cut led to the cancellation of a quarter of all flights, delays and lengthy queues.
The National
The Scottish places ranked among the best city breaks in the UK for 2024
Two Scottish cities have been ranked among the best city breaks in the UK for 2024.
CNN
FAA investigating Southwest Airlines flight
U.S. aviation authorities are looking into why a Southwest Airlines flight approaching Oklahoma City descended to about 500 feet above the ground, triggering an altitude warning. CNN’s Pete Muntean reports.
The Northern Echo
Listed: Nine places in the North East you need to visit this summer
Here's a list of nine places you need to visit in the North East this summer including Beamish, Penshaw Monument and the Heritage Coast.
INSIDER
My first cruise with my son was a nightmare. We lost power twice, had to shower with flip-flops, and couldn't make 2 of our destinations.
Our cruise was an adventure, including two power outages, a bathroom that smelled terribly and not being able to make two ports. We still had fun.
Business Insider
A Southwest flight dropped to just 525 feet above an Oklahoma town, prompting an altitude warning and FAA investigation
A Southwest Airlines flight dropped dangerously low over an Oklahoma town while preparing to land on Wednesday.
INSIDER
I rode the Jitney bus from NYC to the Hamptons for $41. The bathroom didn't have a sink, but I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of my trip.
If you're looking to go to the Hamptons from New York City this summer, the Jitney bus is one of the cheapest ways to do it. Here's what it's like.
The Northern Echo
The five most picturesque villages to visit in County Durham this summer
The five most picturesque villages to visit in County Durham
PA Media: UK News
All flights from two Manchester Airport terminals cancelled after power cut
Passengers due to fly from those terminals have been told not to travel to the airport.
France 24
Eiffel Tower ticket prices increase by 20% in bid to save Paris’s ‘Iron Lady’
Ticket prices for visiting the Eiffel Tower have been raised 20 percent in a bid to offset its sky-high maintenance costs. The increase comes just weeks before the opening of the 2024 Olympics and after months of tensions between the "Iron Lady"'s management company and Paris City Hall over the revenues generated by this symbol of the City of Light. The Eiffel Tower is one of the 10 most-visited monuments in the world. Rising 330 metres above the Parisian skyline, its maintenance costs are now r
The Independent
6 of the best ways to cruise around Croatia for island-hopping and excursions to ancient cities
From familly-friendly ships to romantic voyages for couples, here are the best ways to hop between multiple islands
Business Insider
5 mind-bending buildings from Las Vegas to Dubai that never broke ground — and what stands in their place instead
A new skyscraper for Wall Street, a museum in the Kenyan wilderness, and Dubai's first opera house are among the lost treasures of architecture.
The Guardian
Punch and Judy, penny slots and Pontins: why the great British seaside continues to hold our imagination
Rachel Cooke traces the long history of the UK’s resorts through nostalgia, deprivation and revival
Good Housekeeping UK
Our favourite places to visit in Spain
Amazing Spain holiday destinations for beach, families, couples and by the sea trips. Here are the best places to go in Spain.
Manchester Evening News
Manchester Airport declares 'business as usual' after power cut chaos
Flights are now departing as normal, said an airport spokesman

Latest stories