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    Why we love Lancaster

    It may be small in size but don’t let your eyes be deceived by this northern city. From its beginnings as a Norman Fortress to becoming one of England’s Heritage cities, Lancaster’s buildings, streets and locals 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 and beautiful coastlines – the city is just the beginning.

    Things to do in Lancaster

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

    Visit Holmes Mill
    The historic buildings of Holmes Mill in Lancashire
    Holmes Mill

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

    Have fun at Wild Boar Park
    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
    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
    A performance onstage outdoors at The Dukes Theatre in Williamson Park, Lancashire
    Williamson Park Lancaster

    Feel the groove at this annual live music festival which has seen the likes of Shy FX and Rudimental spin the decks. See artists across six stages alongside food, drink.

    Feel the beat of Highest Point Festival
    Crowds of people in Williamson Park in Lancaster for Highest Point Festival
    Highest Point Festival

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

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

    Visit Holmes Mill
    The historic buildings of Holmes Mill in Lancashire
    Holmes Mill

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

    Have fun at Wild Boar Park
    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
    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
    A performance onstage outdoors at The Dukes Theatre in Williamson Park, Lancashire
    Williamson Park Lancaster

    Feel the groove at this annual live music festival which has seen the likes of Shy FX and Rudimental spin the decks. See artists across six stages alongside food, drink.

    Feel the beat of Highest Point Festival
    Crowds of people in Williamson Park in Lancaster for Highest Point Festival
    Highest Point Festival

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

    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, B&Bs or take to a riverside stay for a short walk into the city centre.

    Coast

    Discover the coastline north of Lancaster in the Arnside and Silverdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). 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 Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) 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.

    Group of friends walking by the canal in Castlefield

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

    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.

    A group of friends having fun kayaking on Derwent Water in The Lake District, mountains in the distance

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

    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 to Lancaster, with average journey times taking 3 hours 30 minutes, as well as services to Scotland, Leeds, Manchester and other cities. From Lancaster, journeys to Manchester and Liverpool take on average 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.