Situated just four miles outside of Colne lies the historicvillage of Wycoller, a place that offers a unique peek into history with its ancient ruins and fascinating literary connection.

The deserted village is most renowned for its ties to the famous Brontë sisters, who resided nearby in Haworth. In her iconic novelJane Eyre, English author Charlotte Bronte crafted a fictional setting, Ferndean Manor, believed to be inspired by the now-ruined Wycoller Hall. From the 16th to the 18th century, the hall was the vibrant heart of the village and it's highly likely that the author saw it during her travels. Bronte often visited Gawthorpe Hall to stay with the Kay-Shuttleworth family, and it's thought that she drew inspiration from this majestic building during her journeys.

The clue lies in the journey she describes in the book, leading up to the Manor, when approached from the old coach road, as its portrayal aligns almost perfectly with Wycoller Hall. However, all that remains of the hall today is rubble and ruins, in what was once a lively, charming village.

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After years of neglect, the village was rescued by local volunteers in the 1940s and later purchased by the Lancashire County Council. Now, it forms part of the Wycoller Country Park, open for everyone to explore and wander through its ruins. As part of the historical experience, visitors can expect to see several bridges, constructed over the tranquil beck that flows through the centre. Clam Bridge stands as one of these historic crossings, frequently used by park visitors, with origins stretching far beyond the 19th century and the Brontë era.

This bridge is believed to be an Ancient monument, over 1,000 years old - and it's far from the only evidence of the area's deep-rooted past. Another equally remarkable bridge in Wycoller is Sally's Bridge, which gained fame for appearing in the film The Railway Children. This enduring structure boasts a heritage spanning from the 13th to 15th centuries.

Meanwhile, Clapper Bridge, constructed from large gritstone slabs resting on piers, is thought to date back to at least the 16th century. Additionally, numerous artefacts discovered amongst the ruins of this forgotten village reveal traces of human habitation stretching back to the Stone Age.

The site continues to draw visitors today, who explore the ruins and discover the stories of those who once lived there. However, protective measures are in place to preserve its unspoilt beauty, keeping modern intrusions at bay. This includes a vehicle-free zone, meaning no accessible roads run through the village - it can only be reached on foot, unless you're a resident with a permit.

One recent visitor praised their experience on TripAdvisor, writing: "Wycoller is such a cute, picturesque little place. It has a lovely stream for sitting by or paddling in. There's plenty of shade in summer, from the huge trees. There was also a small exhibition, some ruins and well preserved stone bridges. It's not a long walk but it's perfect for a picnic and/or for the kids to paddle in the stream."

Another visitor shared: "Beautiful place to go with amazing sights and a lovely shop for snacks and a warm drink. There are also different little trails and bridges to go over and plenty of ducks to feed. I recommend this to anyone who fancies going out for the day to be in touch with nature."

You can visit a National Trust property for free at locations across England, Wales and Northern Ireland with this day passfor you and your family.