Throughout 2019, explore a five and a half mile trail in the Ribble Valley that may have inspired the creator of Middle Earth when he was writing his literary masterpiece.

J.R.R. Tolkien (full name John Ronald Reuel Tolkien) needs little introduction. One of the UK’s greatest authors, the writer of such works as The Hobbit, The Lord of The Rings and The Silmarillion may have passed away 46 years ago, but he continues to stamp his mark on the cultural landscape.

Aside from Peter Jackson’s award-winning film adaptations of his work, Tolkien’s middle son Christopher has posthumously published many of his father’s writings, so the influence of “the father of modern fantasy literature” lives on.

Did You Know?

There’s even a film biopic of Tolkien coming out later this year (Nicholas Hoult is playing the man himself: see the trailer below if you fancy a sneak peek!)

Tolkien in Lancashire

During the Second World War, Tolkien spent a great deal of time working on The Lord of the Rings as he stayed at Stonyhurst College. Closeted in a classroom of the upper college gallery, Tolkien’s greatest work slowly took shape, but it’s the surrounding landscape of the Ribble Valley that may have made the biggest impact on the author.

The landscape around Stonyhurst is diverse, wooded and beautiful, and packed with landmarks bearing names such as ‘Shire Lane’ and ‘Shireburn’. It doesn’t take too much imagination to picture the author – at the peak of his powers – exploring the rural landscapes and place names that could have lent themselves to beloved creations like The Shire, Rohan and more.

Did You Know?

The oldest part of Stonyhurst, Shireburn Mansion, was built by local landowner Richard Shireburn. This name could well have been adapted to inspire the ‘River Shirebourn’, a minor river from The Lord of The Rings (located in The Shire).

The Trail – Open 1st Jan 2019 – 31st Dec 2019

The five and a half mile Tolkien Trail begins and ends in the Shireburn Arms, Hurst Green. This welcoming gastro pub not only sells Barliman’s Best on tap (a nod to the owner of the Prancing Pony Inn from The Lord of The Rings!) but also welcomes both guests and their dogs to stay the night and enjoy the surrounding Lancashire landscape.

Finding the Tolkien Trail

Is Lancashire the real-life inspiration for ‘The Shire’? Why not find out for yourself?

• The Trail is located 8km/5 miles west of Clitheroe and 15km/9.5 miles northeast of Preston.
• The village of Hurst Green has some limited parking available for cars.
• Buses to Hurst Green can be caught from Preston, Clitheroe, and Whalley. Call 0870 608 2 608 (Traveline) for details.

For Further Information

Visit Lancashire

Don’t forget that Hurst Green is only 44 minutes from our home of Blackpool via the M55 too, so why not pay us a visit here at the Blackpool Grand Theatre? Between our shows and the local area, there’s certainly plenty to see and do.

What’s On at Blackpool Grand

What to Visit in Blackpool

Where to Eat in Blackpool

Where to Stay in Blackpool