Preston Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Located in the heart of England, the city of Preston offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. With its rich heritage, vibrant arts scene, and stunning landscapes, this city has something to offer every traveler.

One of the main attractions in Preston is its impressive architecture. The city boasts a mix of modern and historic buildings, showcasing its diverse history. The Harris Museum and Art Gallery, housed in a stunning Grade I listed building, is a must-visit for art enthusiasts. Here, you can explore a vast collection of fine art, ceramics, and historical artifacts.

For a taste of Preston's history, take a stroll through the picturesque Avenham and Miller Parks. These beautifully landscaped green spaces were created in the Victorian era and offer a peaceful retreat from the bustling city center. The parks are also home to the iconic Avenham Park Pavilion, which hosts regular events and exhibitions.

Preston is also a hub for live entertainment and cultural events. The Guild Hall and Charter Theatre host a variety of performances, from comedy shows to live music concerts. The city's thriving arts scene is further enhanced by the University of Central Lancashire's Media Factory, which showcases the work of local artists and filmmakers.

Nature lovers will be delighted by the surrounding countryside. Just a short drive from the city center, the stunning Ribble Valley offers picturesque landscapes, charming villages, and scenic walks. The nearby Forest of Bowland, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with its rolling hills, ancient woodlands, and diverse wildlife.

No visit to Preston would be complete without sampling its culinary delights. The city boasts a wide range of eateries, from traditional pubs serving hearty British fare to trendy cafes and restaurants offering international cuisine. Don't miss the opportunity to try the local delicacy, the famous Preston hotpot, a comforting dish made with lamb, onions, and potatoes.

Alternative names: Population: 313.3 thous. (2019)Area: 54.91 mi²Elevation: 128 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 53°45'34"N, 2°41'60"W

Location

EnglandUnited Kingdom

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Preston Top Attractions

Preston Attractions - What to See and Explore

Preston offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Harris Museum, Covered Market, Deepdale, Church of St Walburge. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Museum • Art museum • Art gallery
Harris Museum
Steeped in history and culture, the Harris Museum stands as a testament to the rich heritage of Preston, England. Situated in the heart of the city, this Grade I listed building is not only an architectural gem but also a treasure trove of art, history, and human...
Market • Shopping • Flea market
Covered Market
The Covered Market in Earl Street, Preston, Lancashire, England is a Grade II listed landmark structure built 1870-75. After three aborted attempts to start the project in the early 1800s, and a serious construction accident in 1870 that set back progress, the covered market was finished in 1875.
Arenas and stadiums • Football • Sport
Deepdale
Deepdale is a football stadium in the Deepdale area of Preston, England, the home of Preston North End. Deepdale is "widely recognised as being the oldest 'continuously used' football stadium in the world, though this is contested".

Gothic Revival architecture • Church
Church of St Walburge
St Walburge's Church is a Roman Catholic church in Preston, Lancashire, England, northwest of the city centre on Weston Street. The church was built in the mid-19th century to a design by the Gothic Revival architect Joseph Hansom, the designer of the hansom cab, and is famous as having the tallest spire of any parish church in England.
Park • Playground
Avenham Park
Avenham Park is a public park in Avenham, close to the centre of Preston in Lancashire in the northwest of England, and managed by Preston City Council. The park is located in Preston's Conservation area and leads down to the banks of the River Ribble. It was designed and built in the 1860s.
Monuments and statues • Memorial
Preston Cenotaph
The Preston Cenotaph stands in Market Square, Preston, Lancashire, England, and is a monument to soldiers from Preston who perished in World War I and II.
Park • Riversway
Miller Park
Miller Park is a public park under the management of Preston City Council. It is located on the banks of the River Ribble in Preston, Lancashire in the north west of England. The park is one of two city centre Victorian era parks, the other being the adjacent and larger Avenham Park.
Gothic Revival architecture • Church
Syro-Malabar Cathedral of St Alphonsa
The Syro-Malabar Cathedral of St Alphonsa also known as St Ignatius Church is a Catholic cathedral of the Syro-Malabar rite in Preston, Lancashire.
Convention center • Theater • Concerts and shows
Preston Guild Hall
Preston Guild Hall is an entertainment venue in Preston, Lancashire, England.
Museum • History museum • Children's museum
Museum of Lancashire
The Museum of Lancashire is an historic collection in Preston in Lancashire, England. The museum, which is based in the old Sessions House, is a Grade II listed building.
Church • Romanesque architecture
Church of St George the Martyr
The Church of St George the Martyr is in George's Road, off Lune St, Preston, Lancashire, England. It is an active Anglican parish church in the deanery of Preston, the archdeaconry of Lancaster, and the diocese of Blackburn. Its benefice is united with that of St John, Preston.
Park • Town Centre
Winckley Square
Winckley Square is situated near the centre of Preston, Lancashire, England, at the west end of Avenham. The square was first established in 1801, around Town End Field owned by Thomas Winckley, as an exclusive residential area for the town's gentry.
Gothic Revival architecture • Church
St Peter's Church
St Peter's Church is a redundant Anglican parish church in St Peter's Square, Preston, Lancashire, England. It is recorded in the National Heritage List for England as a designated Grade II* listed building.
Church • Gothic architecture
St Leonard's Church
St Leonard's Church is an Anglican church in Walton-le-Dale, Lancashire, England. It is an active parish church in the Diocese of Blackburn and the archdeaconry of Blackburn. In 1950 it was designated as a Grade II* listed building.
53°45'42"N • 2°41'45"W
Bus Station
Preston bus station is the central bus station in the city of Preston in Lancashire, England. It was built by Ove Arup and Partners in the Brutalist architectural style between 1968 and 1969, to a design by Keith Ingham and Charles Wilson of Building Design Partnership with E. H. Stazicker.
Gothic Revival architecture • Church
St John's Minster
Preston Minster, formally the Minster Church of St John the Evangelist, is in Church Street, in the centre of Preston, Lancashire, England. From its origin it has been the parish church of Preston. It is an active Anglican church in the deanery of Preston, the archdeaconry of Lancaster and the diocese of Blackburn.
Gothic Revival architecture • Church
Church of St Thomas of Canterbury and the English Martyrs
English Martyrs Church or its full name The Church of St Thomas of Canterbury and the English Martyrs is a Roman Catholic Parish church in Preston, Lancashire. It was designed by Edward Welby Pugin and is under the administration of the Diocese of Lancaster.
Church • Romanesque architecture
St Thomas' Church
St Thomas' Church is in Lancaster Road, Preston, Lancashire, England. It has historically been an Anglican parish church, and now used by City Church Preston, an AOG GB church.
Gothic Revival architecture • Church
Christ Church
Christ Church is in Victoria Road, Fulwood, Preston, Lancashire, England. It is an active Anglican parish church in the deanery of Preston, the archdeaconry of Lancaster, and the diocese of Blackburn.

Things to See and Do in Preston by Category

Sights, interesting and unusual places and attractions valued by most tourists. See the list of places to visit in Preston.

Shopping

St George's Shopping Centre
Preston
ShoppingShopping centreTown Centre
Covered Market
Preston
MarketShoppingFlea marketTown Centre
Fishergate Shopping Centre
Preston
ShoppingShopping centreTown Centre
Avenham & Miller Parks
Preston
ShoppingShopping centreTown Centre
Fishergate Baptist Church
Preston
ChurchShopping centreShoppingTown Centre

Other categories

Church Park Museum

Day trips

Preston – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Preston, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Manchester Golf Club, Blackpool Tower (Blackpool), Museum of Wigan Life (Wigan).

25 milesSE
Golf, Outdoor activities
Manchester Golf Club
Nestled in the rolling green landscape of the United Kingdom, Manchester Golf Club offers a premier golfing experience for enthusiasts of the sport. Established in 1882, this venerable institution has been providing a challenging and picturesque course for golfers of...
15 milesW
Iconic tower with a seaside viewing area
Blackpool Tower, Blackpool
Blackpool Tower stands as an iconic landmark in the heart of Blackpool, England, offering visitors a quintessential British seaside experience. Opened to the public on 14 May 1894, the tower was inspired by the Eiffel Tower in Paris and has since become a beloved...
15 milesS
Art museum, History museum, Museum
Museum of Wigan Life, Wigan
Nestled in the heart of Wigan, the Museum of Wigan Life offers a captivating journey through the local history and heritage of this vibrant town in the United Kingdom. Established in a stately building that once served as the town's library, this museum is a treasure...
44 milesS
Forts and castles, Historical place
Beeston Castle
Beeston Castle, crowning a rocky crag with sweeping views over the Cheshire countryside, is a fortress steeped in history and legend. This medieval castle, now in ruins, was built in the 1220s by Ranulf de Blondeville, 6th Earl of Chester, on the site of an earlier...
13 milesW
Large zoo park with animal experiences
Blackpool Zoo, Blackpool
Blackpool Zoo is a 32-acre zoo, owned by Parques Reunidos and located in the sea-side resort of Blackpool, Lancashire, England. It provides a home to over 1,350 animals from all over the world.

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Best Time To Visit Preston

Learn when is the best time to travel to Preston weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Best Ways to Experience the City

Food & drink

Cuisine

A guide to some of the best local dishes and drinks that you will meet in the region.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Preston?

The top attractions to visit in Preston are:

What is the best time to visit Preston?

June and July are the busiest months in this location. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.