Last week we visited the quaint village of Waddington, along with its fine selection of three pubs.

Continuing the trend of checking out autumnal day trip haunts, this week we’re just up the road in Hurst Green.

Hurst Green has a population of around 500 people and is best known for being adjacent to the Stonyhurst Estate, home to the famous private school Stonyhurst College.

Stonyhurst College occupies a grade-one listed building and its students come from around the world.

The Shireburn ArmsThe Shireburn Arms (Image: Google Maps)Despite being such a small village, Hurst Green is renowned for more than just the college, the area inspired one of the most read about landscapes in literary history.

Starting at the Shireburn Arms pub, visitors can walk The Tolkien Trail, called so because of how the famous author’s time in the village inspired Lord of the Ring’s Middle-earth.

The trail covers more than six miles of awe-inspiring views, with the route passing Cromwell’s Bridge and Hacking Hall.

Cromwell's Bridge, named so after Oliver Cromwell crossed the bridge with his army.For those wanting a more indoors affair, the Shireburn Arms, which was frequently visited by Tolkien, offers a cosy place for a drink.

Classically decorated with a vintage theme in mind, the pub serves a mix of guest ales, or maybe even a glass of red wine for the more sophisticated customers.

Further up the village lies the Bayley Arms, this pub features a more stripped-back interior with a slight rustic approach.

Like the Shireburn Arms, the Bayley also has accommodation, eight en-suite bedrooms to be precise.

Once you’ve explored everything Hurst Green has to offer, the area acts as a fantastic base to check out nearby beauty spots, with the Yorkshire Dales within a short drive distance.

Every Lancastrian will tell people how lucky they are to have the Ribble Valley on their doorstep, and when visiting villages like Hurst Green, it’s hard to argue back.