Pretty UK village with scenic reservoirs and award-winning ice cream shop | UK | Travel

Up in the heart of Lancashire lies a picturesque village, popular with day trippers and walkers, and nestled among scenic reservoirs. The former mill village of Edgworth, which is nine miles south of Blackburn, offers easy access to the breathtaking landscapes of Holcombe Moor and the wooded Bradshaw Valley, making it a perfect location for exploration, especially.

It’s also right next to the Wayoh Reservoir, Turton and Entwistle Reservoir to the north-east, and Jumbles Reservoir near Turton Bottoms. As well as Blackburn, one can easily reach Haslingden to the east, Darwen to the north and Bolton down south. It’s also home to a much cherished spot known for serving some of the best ice cream in the country. Holdens and Co, a family-run artisan ice cream maker, has been creating award-winning dairy ice cream since 1929.

The business was founded by Mary and John Holden, parents to Marion, Jack, and Jim. While Marion pursued a career in teaching and Jim took over the family farm, Jack took charge of the ice cream shop where the famous ice cream is made.

The original recipe for the ice cream remains a closely guarded secret, known only to a select few, according to the Manchester Evening News.

Now under the management of the Cort family, Holdens and Co continues to honour its heritage while introducing new flavours and expanding its presence in the Lancashire countryside.

In 2022, they unveiled a new ice cream parlour in Whalley, tucked away in the picturesque Ribble Valley. It has since grown to include a deli and cafe, offering a taste of Lancashire’s finest produce.

The following year, in 2023, they expanded their empire with a deli and cafe in Abbey Village, Chorley. Their Edgworth location boasts an ice cream shop, deli, and cafe at the back of the premises.

Their ice cream is crafted using traditional, small batch techniques, which means not all flavours are always on offer. However, over time, their selection has expanded to include classic tastes, ‘big tasty’ options, children’s favourites, luxury choices and refreshing sorbets.

The milk used in their ice creams comes from Holstein Friesian cows grazing in fields less than a mile from the shop, a relationship they’ve maintained since the beginning, reports Lancs Live.

Interestingly, their ice cream doesn’t melt as soon as you’ve wrestled it from the holder on the shop counter due to its unique properties, such as large ice crystals within.

The Edgworth branch offers a plethora of flavours, including classics like raspberry ripple and mint choc chip, alongside vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. They also serve up flavours inspired by birthday cake and bubblegum, and dish out seasonal specials in a variety of cones.

As you wander through the store, you’ll find not only essential kitchen and pantry items but also a counter overflowing with sweet and savoury treats like cannoli, Manchester Tart, meat pies and sausage rolls.

Tucked away at the back of the shop is a snug cafe where breakfast and lunch can be enjoyed.