Preston: Culture, Markets and the Guild Wheel

Preston offers a varied mix of military history, railway culture, distinctive church architecture, markets and a long route for walks and cycling. Those looking for holiday accommodation in Preston can therefore plan their trip around different interests: with cultural visits, an excursion on a historic steam train, regional food or active time along the River Ribble.

Culture and Distinctive Buildings

An important point of interest is the Lancashire Infantry Museum. It houses one of the largest and most significant collections of infantry regimental holdings in the country. Exhibitions, an archive and a military history library illustrate the history of the East, South and Loyal North Lancashire Regiments and their predecessors from 1689 into the 21st century. For travellers interested in military history and the development of regiments, the museum provides a clear cultural focus.

The museum is located at Fulwood Barracks, in the northern suburbs of Preston near the M6 and M55 motorways. This location is a useful consideration when planning accommodation: you can decide whether your trip should focus more on this northern part of the city or on destinations within the city area.

The Church of St Walburge also makes a distinctive impression. Its very tall octagonal spire reaches 314 feet. Inside, the church resembles a medieval hall; features include an impressive hammer-beam roof and painted statues. The Harris adds to the cultural offering. At the entrance on Market Square there are ramps, level access from Lancaster Road and a lift to the main floors and gallery spaces. Such specific access information can play an important role in planning a day out.

Historic Railway and Paths along the River Ribble

The Ribble Steam Railway offers journeys on a historic steam-powered passenger train along the Preston Dock and Riverside Railway Line. The round trip is three miles long. The Ribble Steam Railway & Museum also includes one of the largest collections of industrial locomotives in the country. This makes it possible to plan a visit as a railway experience in its own right, while the museum provides additional insights into the history of industrial locomotives.

Those who prefer a longer route instead of rails will find a 21-mile greenway in the Preston Guild Wheel. The route circles the city of Preston, connects it with the surrounding area and is suitable for walking and cycling. South of the city, the Preston Guild Wheel follows the gently meandering River Ribble.

Markets, Park and Choosing Accommodation

Preston Market Hall offers fresh local meat, fresh local fish, vegetables and dairy products. Preston Markets also include cafés and takeaway options serving hot food to eat on site or take away. Those who value regional food and flexible meals when planning their trip can make a point of including this area. For holiday accommodation, the Market Hall is particularly interesting as a place to shop, without implying any specific features of the accommodation.

Miller Park was laid out in 1864 to a design by Edward Milner and offers another attraction in its own right. This creates a travel picture that places culture, history, food and activity side by side. Lancashire Archives is a five-minute walk from Preston railway station. If you are looking for holiday accommodation, you can therefore first decide whether proximity to city-centre destinations and the railway station or a focus on the northern suburbs is more important for your travel plans.

For additional places to include in your travel plans, you can choose from Accrington, Rufford, Fleetwood, Tunstall, Claughton-on-Brock, Croston, Carnforth and Winewall.

For the higher-level travel overview: Lancashire.