A charming hamlet, steeped in British cinematic and literary heritage, has been slowly abandoned by its residents.

The delightful village of Wycoller, located four miles east of Colne, is truly unique. This peaceful village now forms part of a picturesque country park, offering visitors a chance to step back in time.

Aside from those belonging to the handful of remaining Wycoller residents, all vehicles are banned, ensuring that traces of modern life are scarce. Standing on the uneven Clam Bridge, raised above the beck that meanders through Wycoller, one can take in the same vista that villagers have admired since its erection a thousand years ago - a tranquil stream and a breathtaking stretch of countryside.

The earliest evidence of human activity in Wycoller dates back to the Stone Age, with fragments of flint tools and axe heads found throughout the village. However, it wasn't until the 18th century that Wycoller truly came into its own.

Weaving became a major industry in the village, bringing prosperity to its residents, many of whom made their living from handlooms. As the villagers grew richer, the owners of the grand house at the centre of the village found themselves becoming poorer, reports the Express.

"Originally owned by the Hartley family, the hall was extended in the late 18th century by its last owner, Squire Cunliffe. A keen gambler, Cunliffe also borrowed money against Wycoller Hall to fund the building work. He died heavily in debt in 1818. After his death, stones from the Hall were plundered to build nearby houses and other structures. The hall subsequently fell into ruin," explains English Heritage.

The hall is widely thought to have been the inspiration for Ferndean Manor in Charlotte Brontë's novel Jane Eyre. Charlotte and her family lived in nearby Haworth, and she would traverse through the village when visiting friends.

Charlotte would've seen Wycoller in its heyday, which was short-lived. The advent of power looms in the 19th century led to the village's downfall.

Weavers had to relocate to nearby towns to find employment in the emerging mills, and over 35 houses were deserted and fell into disrepair as locals moved away.

"By 1896, the majority of people had moved away from the village, and it was virtually deserted," notes English Heritage. Like the once grand Wycoller Hall, most of its buildings began to decay into the earth.

In the 1940s, volunteers initiated the restoration of the village's remaining buildings, and Lancashire County Council purchased the land from the Water Board in the 1970s, with the village and surrounding countryside becoming a designated Country Park. Over the years, many of the remaining old stone cottages have been refurbished and once again become homes.

Now, they are often occupied by those seeking a bit of countryside peace and quiet. There's even a B&B holiday cottage in the village - nestled within a converted 300 year old barn at Oaklands.

Film enthusiasts may recognise the 15th-century Pack-Horse Bridge in the heart of Wycoller from 'The Railway Children', starring Jenny Agutter. In one scene from the film, Bobbie (played by Jenny Agutter) is seen perched on the bridge, conversing with Dr Forrest as he guides his pony and trap through the ford.

Due to the Country Park's growing popularity with visitors, a decision was made to prohibit cars from the village, except for disabled badge holders and residents. Signs now stop vehicles at the main road leading into the area.

Two primary car parks are located on the outskirts of the village at Trawden Road and Haworth Road. Visitors can pay and display their vehicles before taking a mile-long stroll into the village centre.

Like any good Lancashire village, Wycoller has its share of eerie tales. One such story involves Squire Cunliffe, a former resident of the Hall, who, after a hard ride across the moors, returns home to find his wife in the arms of another man.

"It is a wild, wind-blown, rain-lashed winter's night. A spectral horse gallops up to the moss-covered ruins of old Wycoller Hall, the rider a man dressed in early 17th century fashion He slides swiftly from the saddle, enters the house and dashes up long-vanished stairs. A door is flung open. Terrified shrieks pierce the pitch black; gradually, the screams subside into groans. Finally, silence closes in once more on the darkness," pens A Bit About Britain.