Skip to main content

Why we love Lancaster

From its beginnings as a Norman fortress, Lancaster offers plenty of things to see and do. It may be small in size, but don’t underestimate this northern city. One of England’s Historic Cities, Lancaster can tell tales of gigantic proportions. 

It’s got some big neighbours, too. From stunning nature in the Lake District to ancient woodlands of the Forest of Bowland, not to mention beautiful coastlines – the city is just the beginning.

Things to do in Lancaster

Put together a beer hall, food hall and hotel, and you’ll get Holmes Mill. Visit for a deep dive into Lancashire’s flavours and entertainment.

Dine at Holmes Mill

Photo by: Holmes Mill

The historic buildings of Holmes Mill in Lancashire
Holmes Mill

Make memories with your family at Bowland Wild Boar Park. Get close and feed the animals, enjoy park rides and explore nature walks.

Have fun at Wild Boar Park

Photo by: "Bowland Wild Boar

Children being driven around Bowland Wild Boar Park on a land train
Bowland Wild Boar Park

Find your thrill-seeking side with scrambling, climbing, mountain biking and more through the Forest of Bowland.

Explore with Alternative Adventure

Photo by: Alternative Adventure

Children using a zipline across a waterfall at Alternative Adventure in Lancashire
Alternative Adventure

Expect serene woodlands and pretty parklands as you explore 54 acres of space, including a tropical butterfly house and an Edwardian folly.

Explore Williamson Park

Photo by: Lancaster City Council

A performance onstage outdoors at The Dukes Theatre in Williamson Park, Lancashire
Williamson Park Lancaster

Adrenaline seekers will love windsurfing, kite surfing and sailing across the waters, while nature lovers can head to the headlands for incredible seascape scenery.

Visit Morecambe Bay

Photo by: Andy Hockridge

A group of people kite surfing just off the Lancashire coast
Morecambe Bay

Let creativity and art lead the way on a trail through Aitken Wood. Spot mythical creatures and ten plaques as you uncover the secrets of the Pendle Witches.

Follow the Pendle Sculpture Trail

Photo by: Mike Williams

A group of people posing next to a sculpture on the Pendle Sculpture Trail
Pendle Sculpture Trail

Immerse yourself in the gin from this working distillery in Beacon Fell. Dip into diverse botanics and flavours as you join a gin making class, or try a foraging and distilling day.

Get a taste for Goosnargh Gin School

Photo by: Goosnargh Gin School

A drink being prepared at Goosnargh Gin School in Lancashire
Goosnargh Gin School

Get a hold for bouldering at this indoor climbing experience. Navigate your way up dedicated climbing routes as you get a thrill for this exciting sport.

Visit LancasterWall Climbing

Photo by: Lancaster Wall

People climbing an indoor bouldering wall in Lancashire
LancasterWall Climbing Experience

Tales of witchcraft and crime await at the King’s northern castle – take a tour through its medieval Well Tower or explore its collection of heraldic shields.

Unlock history at Lancaster Castle

Photo by: Marketing Lancashire

 External view of Lancaster castle with visitors sitting around the lawn in the foreground
Lancaster Castle

Recognised as a Dark Discovery Site, look to the cosmic displays of the Forest of Bowland for stargazing, night photography and storytelling.

Go stargazing in the Forest of Bowland

Photo by: "Robert Ince for Forest

Stars lighting up the night sky above Gisburn Forest, Lancashire
Forest of Bowland Stargazing

Put together a beer hall, food hall and hotel, and you’ll get Holmes Mill. Visit for a deep dive into Lancashire’s flavours and entertainment.

Dine at Holmes Mill

Photo by: Holmes Mill

The historic buildings of Holmes Mill in Lancashire
Holmes Mill

Make memories with your family at Bowland Wild Boar Park. Get close and feed the animals, enjoy park rides and explore nature walks.

Have fun at Wild Boar Park

Photo by: "Bowland Wild Boar

Children being driven around Bowland Wild Boar Park on a land train
Bowland Wild Boar Park

Find your thrill-seeking side with scrambling, climbing, mountain biking and more through the Forest of Bowland.

Explore with Alternative Adventure

Photo by: Alternative Adventure

Children using a zipline across a waterfall at Alternative Adventure in Lancashire
Alternative Adventure

Expect serene woodlands and pretty parklands as you explore 54 acres of space, including a tropical butterfly house and an Edwardian folly.

Explore Williamson Park

Photo by: Lancaster City Council

A performance onstage outdoors at The Dukes Theatre in Williamson Park, Lancashire
Williamson Park Lancaster

Adrenaline seekers will love windsurfing, kite surfing and sailing across the waters, while nature lovers can head to the headlands for incredible seascape scenery.

Visit Morecambe Bay

Photo by: Andy Hockridge

A group of people kite surfing just off the Lancashire coast
Morecambe Bay

Let creativity and art lead the way on a trail through Aitken Wood. Spot mythical creatures and ten plaques as you uncover the secrets of the Pendle Witches.

Follow the Pendle Sculpture Trail

Photo by: Mike Williams

A group of people posing next to a sculpture on the Pendle Sculpture Trail
Pendle Sculpture Trail

Immerse yourself in the gin from this working distillery in Beacon Fell. Dip into diverse botanics and flavours as you join a gin making class, or try a foraging and distilling day.

Get a taste for Goosnargh Gin School

Photo by: Goosnargh Gin School

A drink being prepared at Goosnargh Gin School in Lancashire
Goosnargh Gin School

Get a hold for bouldering at this indoor climbing experience. Navigate your way up dedicated climbing routes as you get a thrill for this exciting sport.

Visit LancasterWall Climbing

Photo by: Lancaster Wall

People climbing an indoor bouldering wall in Lancashire
LancasterWall Climbing Experience

Tales of witchcraft and crime await at the King’s northern castle – take a tour through its medieval Well Tower or explore its collection of heraldic shields.

Unlock history at Lancaster Castle

Photo by: Marketing Lancashire

 External view of Lancaster castle with visitors sitting around the lawn in the foreground
Lancaster Castle

Recognised as a Dark Discovery Site, look to the cosmic displays of the Forest of Bowland for stargazing, night photography and storytelling.

Go stargazing in the Forest of Bowland

Photo by: "Robert Ince for Forest

Stars lighting up the night sky above Gisburn Forest, Lancashire
Forest of Bowland Stargazing

Places to stay in Lancaster

City centre

Beneath the shadow of spectacular Lancaster Castle, the city centre boasts buzzing bars, creative culture and bustling shopping streets. Opt to stay in central hotels or bed and breakfasts, or choose riverside accommodation that’s a short walk into the city centre.

Coast

Discover the coastline north of Lancaster in the Arnside and Silverdale National Landscape. Explore woodlands, clifftops, coastal walks and blooming meadows with a stay in anything from a farmhouse, guesthouse or campsite.

Forest of Bowland

Escape into the countryside with a stay in the Forest of Bowland. From a relaxing amble, to high adrenaline activities, this National Landscape has it all. Choose from country houses, boutique hotels and holiday lets, right through to camping options.

Explore nearby

World-class football and a music scene that brought Oasis to centre stage – there’s lots to love about Manchester.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Manchester Craft Beer Festival

DJ playing to groups of people at Manchester Craft Beer Festival, in Depot Mayfield, Manchester

From The Beatles to Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Liverpool is a UNESCO City of Music with seriously cool credentials.

Photo by: Oh Me Oh My

Location: Liverpool

Rooftop of Oh me oh my restaurant in Liverpool

From the tip of England’s tallest peak to the nation’s deepest lake, this national park is stacked with super-sized scenery.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Ryan Lomas

Location: Lake District, England

Rear view of young woman on a hillside with two dogs

Proof that perfection can’t be rushed, the Yorkshire Dales was millions of years in the making.

Photo by: VisitBritain/MattCant

Cyclist riding on road through green dales. Panoramic views

Getting to Lancaster

Lancaster is easily accessible from destinations across the UK. There are regular train services from London Euston to Lancaster with Avanti West Coast and Northern. Average journey times are 3 hours 30 minutes. From Lancaster, train journeys to Manchester and Liverpool take just over one hour. 

The nearest major airports are Manchester International and Liverpool John Lennon Airport. A direct train runs between Manchester Airport and Lancaster.

Getting around

By bus

Stagecoach provide bus services around the city and surrounding areas. Download their bus app to help plan your journey.

By bike

Boasting many off-road cycle paths, Lancaster is made to be explored by bike. Follow cycling routes in and around the city using Sustrans.

By foot

The compact city makes exploring by foot easy. Discover city and country walking trails and visitor maps to navigate around Lancaster.

Want to know more?

Head to Visit Lancashire for insider tips from those in the know.