Lancashire villages?

[LaBurraRioja]

Any suggestions for Lancashire villages or smaller towns that have a few independent shops, some public transport, decent places to eat and a low-ish crime rate? A great local community to make new friends would be a welcome bonus too.

We don't need schools as this, if it happens, is an early retirement move.

One big concern for us in the next few years is going to be needing a good hospital as DH has a long term health complaint which will need more treatment in the future.

Also should add that we would prefer countryside to coast.

Off the top of my head, Ormskirk, Parbold, Burscough and Birkdale might suit what you.

Clitheroe, Whalley, Kirkby Lonsdale (latter doesn’t have a train station though).

Kirkham and Garstang may be suitable small towns.

Lytham or Ansdell (I wouldn't personally recommend St Annes), Garstang, Burscough or Clitheroe

Sorry didn't see you said no coast!

Kirkby Lonsdale is in Cumbria.
Garstang and Kirkham are good shouts. Any of the villages between Lancaster and Preston on the A6 puts you within striking distance of some shopping, couple of hospitals and lovely countryside.

Can I ask why Lancashire and not Yorkshire? Espec if you prefer countryside to coast.

You could do great villages near Leeds, Harrogate, Darlington where there is good access to healthcare. Or York - TBH.

Edgworth is lovely

Clitheroe, Ramsbottom, Barrowford, Edgeworth.

Caton, Brookhouse, Hornby all only a few miles from Lancaster city centre but lovely villages.

Kirkham isn’t very rural though. Garstang would be perfect for you though. It has a big Aldi, small Sainsbury’s and a Booths. It has a small square of shops in the same area. It has a swimming pool and a canal to walk along and nice pubs. It’s also close to Barton Grange (big garden centre and entertainment place) and Guys Thatched Hamlet (restaurants). It’s 15 mins from the Royal Lancaster Infirmary (avoid going to Blackpool hospital, it’s minging).

Kirkham, Ribble valley, samelsbury, catforth, Woodplumpton, clifton, Eccles, Barton, croston

Maybe just use Booths stores in Lancashire as a guide?

www.booths.co.uk/stores/

Definitely live near a Booths

"Follow the Booths map" - that us hysterical and High Mumsnet.

I have now lived in three places which have a Booths. I can recommend that method for finding somewhere to live. Perhaps not so much by the hospital in Preston but I guess it counts as being close to one...!
I can also make the disclaimer that I am not remotely middle class, as I am an escapist Scouser.

I live in Burscough, we have a Booths

Seriously though, it’s a gorgeous place to live, and there are two major hospitals within a 30-40 minute drive (not bad on public transport either) as well as more local ones too for your DH.

I'm not sure I've even been in a Booths .

Loads of great suggestions here, thanks everyone!
Some places that I've never heard of and will investigate further, some I've heard of but never visited, some that we are already considering (Whalley/Clitheroe environs).

Booths would be a great asset - we currently live in Cheshire and I shop at our local one regularly.

As for why not Yorkshire - we'd consider Skipton and Harrogate for sure. I lived in Harrogate in my 20s and loved it.

Coast isn't an absolute no, just that we'd prefer countryside.

Keep an eye on recent flooding records if you go for Whalley.

Mawdesley
Bretherton
Wrea Green
Kirkby Lonsdale
Mellor
Clitheroe

Longridge- also has a booths!

Wray and Dolphinholme are lovely

Skipton is a bit more remote though. If the proximity to the hospital is a priority, I'd go for villages around Harrogate. Ripon could also suit?