When you come to the UK, you will inevitably need to go out, whether travelling for pleasure or work or study. The UK has a very good transport system, and Preston, where the University of Central Lancashire is located, is in the centre of the UK, so it’s not too far to travel, so it’s straightforward to get around when you’re studying at the University of Central Lancashire. Before travelling, we need to be aware of the climatic characteristics and modes of transportation in Preston.
Climate
The climate of the UK is typically temperate and maritime, with minor temperature variations. Preston has an all-time high of 33.1 °C, an average annual maximum temperature of 27.6 °C and an average annual minimum temperature of -6.8 °C. Much of the UK is rainy and foggy, especially in autumn and winter, and Preston is one of the rainiest and wettest areas in the UK.
In Preston:
- Spring (March-April): Temperatures gradually rise, and with the introduction of British Summer Time at the end of March (which ends at the end of October), the sky stays light for longer in the evenings.
- Summer (May-August): the best time to visit, with temperatures averaging 16°C and often reaching 20°C, making the weather calm and pleasant.
- Autumn (September-November): Autumn is similar to spring, with temperatures generally above 10°C.
- Winter (December-February): Typical winter temperatures are around 0°C. The best time to visit is, therefore, in spring.
Therefore, the best times to visit are spring and summer. The cherry blossoms bloom beautifully in the spring, and the warm, humid climate and lush vegetation in the summer are most attractive.
Train
Trains are the leading and most convenient way of travelling in the UK, and you can buy tickets online, use self-service at ticket machines, or use a manned window.
Types of train tickets include
- Single ticket
- Return ticket (usually within a month, much cheaper than buying single tickets for both journeys)
- Advance ticket (you need to book the ticket in advance; you can only take a particular fixed frequency and time of the train; you can not take other frequencies, but they are often cheaper).
- Off-peak fares are cheaper than peak commuting times and can only be taken after 10 am.
- Super Off-Peak is more restrictive than Off-Peak.
- Day Return can only travel on the same day.
- Anytime you can take any bus.
Young Person Card
Eligibility:
- Age 16-25
- UK FULL TIME students, even if they are already over 25 years of age
Processing materials:
- Passport
- Passport photo/electronic copy
- A handling fee of £30 for one year and £70 for three years (a single trip to and from Preston and London can be about £20 off a train ticket, making this card great value for money)
- Application form
Processing method:
- Online: fill in the application form and personal details, upload your passport photo and pay online. Once the application is complete, the card will be posted to where you live, with no charge for regular post, plus a rush charge.
- Apply at the railway station: bring all the documents to the manual service window at the railway station.
Preston train station
Preston built its first local railway station, Preston Railway Station, as early as 1838. Other nearby towns only joined the railway transport network in the late 1840s. Preston railway station is one of Lancashire’s core transport hubs, with multiple trains to all parts of the country, providing a very convenient service for residents. The Ribble Steam Locomotive Railway is Lancashire’s world-famous Industrial Revolution site, preserving steam trains from the Industrial Revolution. Interested students can experience steam trains at the Ribble Steam Railway in Preston!
Bus
Preston Bus Station has long-distance buses suitable for long distances and fast and convenient city buses.
City Buses
Preston’s city buses are coin-operated, with no change, and fares are often not rounded up, so it’s a good idea to have your change ready in advance. Buses are also a good choice for travelling to nearby towns, where you can pass through the streets and get a feel for life. Major bus companies include Preston Bus and Blackburn Bus Company.
Long-distance Buses
Travelling by long-distance bus has its characteristics compared to the more heavily used but often strike-prone trains, such as relatively cheaper fares, availability of tickets during peak travel times such as holidays, and a very different view of the city compared to the railway line. The leading long-distance bus operators in the UK are National Express, Stagecoach, Megabus and so on, and you can book your tickets in advance by comparing prices on the official website.
M6 Motorway
The Preston Bypass was the first motorway in the United Kingdom. It was designed and engineered by Lancashire County Council surveyor James Drake to create a north-south motorway network, which later became part of the M6 motorway. The M6 motorway, a major highway through Preston, was completed in 1958, making it the first motorway in the United Kingdom and the longest motorway. It provides access to London to the south and reaches Glasgow, Scotland to the north.
Airport
There are no airports within the city of Preston, with the closer airports being
- Blackpool International Airport mainly operates charter flights but also has flights to Europe, Northern Ireland’s capital Belfast, and Ireland’s capital Dublin.
- Liverpool John Lennon Airport has flights and charters, with Ryanair flights being the main route.
- Manchester Airport is the main international airport in the northwest of England. It has three terminals, two runways, and direct flights to Europe, Asia, North America, and Africa.
FAQ
Can I bring my bike on public transport in Preston?
Yes, you can bring your bike on most buses and trains in Preston. However, there may be restrictions during peak hours or on specific routes.
What are the main modes of transportation in Preston?
Preston offers a variety of transportation options to cater to everyone’s needs. You can choose from buses, trains, and taxis for public transport or cycling and walking if you prefer a more active commute. There’s also ample parking if you’re driving your car.
Are there pedestrian-friendly routes in Preston?
Preston is a walker’s delight! The city center is compact and well-signed, making it easy to navigate on foot. Plus, there are numerous parks and green spaces where you can enjoy a leisurely stroll.
