Preston is affectionately known as “Preston Village” by our friends. Preston is tiny, without the hustle and bustle of a big city, but more of a small town with freshness and greenery. If you want to escape from the constraints of the big city and relax occasionally, this is a good choice.
Preston is a port city in the north-west of England and the capital of Lancashire. It is 48 kilometres north-east of Liverpool on the banks of the Ribble River. It was a major inland stagecoach stop during the Tudor period, and trade was well-developed. In the late 18th century, it became a trading centre for coal, cotton and raw materials. Preston is surrounded by stunning rural idylls, such as the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales, offering many opportunities for sports and walkers. In the centre of Preston lies a university town – the University of Central Lancashire – and plenty of young people are coming and going. But there are plenty of places to go in Preston, too, and this blog will give you a flavour of what’s interesting here.
Tourist Attractions
Avenham & Miller Parks
Avenham & Miller Parks were designed and built by Edward Milner in the late 1800s and are one of the few parks in the UK with Victorian architecture. These two parks are situated on the River Ribble, where locals can spread out along the riverbanks when they are not doing anything or riding in the parks with their first two friends. It’s perfect for a walk on a nice day or a picnic on a sunny day.
Address: South Meadow Lane, Preston, Lancashire PR1 8JT
Moor Park
Situated in the north of Preston is Moor Park, Preston’s largest and oldest park, where you can enjoy the sunshine along Serpentine Lake or visit the park’s Jeremiah Horrocks Observatory, where astronomers watched the total eclipse of the sun in the 20th century. The park is different from the two parks above. Unlike the two parks above, Moor Park has outdoor activities such as football, basketball, golf and an oversized skatepark.
Address: Blackpool Road, Preston PR1 6AY
Harris Museum & Art Gallery
You can explore the city’s history by visiting the town centre’s Harris Museum & Art Gallery. Typical of 19th-century Victorian architecture, the museum is simple and generous without losing detail, mirroring the look of the British Museum in London. The museum’s interior is also distinctive, with four floors rising straight up from the centre to the top, allowing you to look down from the upper floors to the museum’s ground floor.
Address: Market Square, Preston PR1 2PP
Museum of Lancashire
If you want to learn more about the county of Lancashire, where Preston is located, then the Lancashire Museum is worth visiting. It covers the archaeological, human, industrial and legal achievements of Lancashire from its inception to the present day, as well as hands-on activities for adults and children. On a bad day, opt for an indoor tour and visit the Lancashire Museum to learn about the history of Lancashire.
Address: Stanley Street (A6) Preston, Lancashire PR1 4YP
Brockholes
Brockholes is a lovely wild bird reserve in the UK, but it also has large areas of wetland woodland and a wide variety of species, making it a great place to explore the charms of nature. There are many artificial habitats that you can see in the reserve, and these are excellent bird-watching spots. As the water drops, birds can be seen feeding and dragonflies laying eggs. For a closer look at wildlife, head to Woodland on the reserve, where the woods have survived for thousands of years and where you can see various insects and vegetation as you walk along the paths in the woods.
Address: Preston New Road, Samlesbury, Preston PR5 0AG
Hoghton Tower
Hoghton Tower, on the outskirts of Princeton, has been the home of the Hoghton family since the 12th century. Built on a 650-metre-high hill, Hoghton Tower is constructed in stone in a double courtyard style, with a row of dungeons underneath, where the Lancashire Witches are said to have been held, making it the third most haunted place in the UK, so if you’re brave enough, go and explore!
Address: Hoghton, North Preston, Lancashire PR5 0SH
Living
Accommodation costs in the UK have always been high and a problem. If you want to save money, you must plan your trip early. The most common booking sites are uhomes and Airbnb.
The Warehouse Apartments
? Victoria Street, Preston PR1 7QT
? Fully furnished and carpeted
? Kitchen with modern appliances
? 28-inch TV with a one-year TV licence
? Bedrooms offer 3/4 beds or double beds
The Warehouse apartment is just 1 minute from the University of Central Lancashire, with the school building right outside your window. What’s not to love about saving time walking to and from school every day and getting an extra 10 minutes of experience in bed on winter mornings?
The flats offer studio and En-suite rooms, catering for a wide range of students. If you’re booking alone, the apartments will find you a roommate with similar interests. With all-inclusive rents, you don’t have to worry about utility bills, TV licences and broadband costs.
Leighton Hall
? Victoria Street, Preston PR1 7QT
? Fully furnished & entertainment area
? High-speed broadband
? En-suite bathroom
? Plenty of storage space
Leighton Hall student accommodation is located in the city centre and offers two types of accommodation, Ensuite and Studio. Close to UCLAN, Scholastic Union and the library, so no more worrying about trying to sleep in and being late. The flats are great value for money and within walking distance of the city centre. Whether you live alone or cook in the kitchen with friends, the flat has a fitting room for you. The rooms are fully equipped with a small double bed, wardrobe, study table, and chairs, and the kitchens have a fridge, oven, and microwave. Kitchen cleaning is provided fortnightly. A TV and car parking are available for use in the communal areas.
FAQ
What is the best way to explore Preston?
One of the best ways to explore Preston is on foot or by bicycle. The city has an extensive network of walking and cycling routes, including the famous Preston Guild Wheel – a 21-mile circular route that takes you through the city’s beautiful countryside and villages. You can also hop on a guided tour or take a boat trip along the River Ribble.
What is the weather like in Preston?
The climate in Preston is generally mild, with warm summers and cool winters. The average temperature ranges from 2°C (35°F) in winter to 21°C (70°F) in summer. However, it is advisable to check the weather forecast before your trip as it can change quickly, especially during winter.
What are some local dishes to try in Preston?
Preston has a rich food culture influenced by its Lancashire roots and diverse community. Some must-try dishes include the famous Lancashire hotpot, made with lamb, potatoes, and onions; Chorley cakes, a sweet pastry filled with currants and spices; and Preston’s take on the traditional Eccles cake. Don’t forget to try some local beers and ciders from the many microbreweries in the area.
