Just four miles outside of Colne in Lancashire, a charming hamlet stands frozen in time. Once bustling with life, it now lies abandoned but forever etched in the pages of some of England's greatest literature.

This former sleepy village now serves as a picturesque country park, boasting connections to a renowned English author. Apart from a handful of residents, all that's left are the remnants of a bygone era, making it a car-free zone largely untouched by 21st-century living – except for those few inhabitants who require a pass. It's believed that Wycoller's first signs of life can be traced back to the Stone Age, as evidenced by artefacts found within the village. However, it truly made its mark in the 18th century when it was owned by the Hartley family who expanded the grand 16th-century manor known as Wycoller Hall.

This magnificent edifice was the vibrant centre of the village and underwent extensive construction under its last owner, Squire Cunliffe. Unfortunately, he died in severe debt in 1818, unable to finance the work. After his death, it was decided that the hall should be demolished to make way for nearby houses and other practical structures, leaving it to crumble into ruins.

• The bustling market town that feels like stepping back in time


• 'Magical' seaside village with tranquil beaches and stunning cliff-top cottages

Today's visitors can meander through the remains of what was once the grand hall and stroll across the beck, which gently winds its way through the village. One of the surviving bridges, Clam Bridge, is an attraction in its own right, believed to date back more than 1,000 years and officially designated as an Ancient Monument.

Adding to the mystique of this abandoned former village is its celebrated link to the Brontë sisters. It's widely believed that Charlotte Brontë's novel, Jane Eyre, and her depiction of Ferndean Manor in the book bear striking similarities to Wycoller Hall, and therefore inspired the fictional location.

The renowned sisters lived at Haworth, just a stone's throw from Wycoller, making it highly probable that the author encountered the village during her visit to Gawthorpe Hall whilst staying with the Kay-Shuttleworths. This connection attracts literary enthusiasts from across the globe, eager to see the inspiration behind one of English literature's most iconic settings.

It wasn't until the 1940s, following decades of deterioration, that volunteers began efforts to restore the once-beautiful structures, with Lancashire County Council purchasing the land 30 years later. Today, visitors can explore the historic ruins entirely free of charge, or by leaving a small donation.

A recent visitor wrote on Trip Advisor: "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. The car park is a short walk away up the road."

In contrast, another review from 2021 reads: "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 pass for you and your family.