Lancaster Travel Guides

Lancaster spotlight

Staying in and around Lancaster - From Boutique Urban Inns to Rural Cottage Retreats

Lancaster and the surrounding countryside offers a wide range of accommodations. Holidaymakers can stay right in the city centre at a historic pubs or enjoy a romantic getaways in a village B&B. Family-run inns and country farmhouses are great sources of local hospitality and insider knowledge. You'll also find a good mix of reliable chain hotels, small-scale boutique establishments, and cozy guest houses to suit every budget.

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Lancaster's Traditional Markets, Local Produce, and Independent Gift Shops

Lancaster's shops clustered close together in the town centre. Penny Street is home to well-known chain stores, as are nearby St. Nicholas Arcades and Marketgate. You can browse independent boutiques and arty shops along Penny Street. For food, crafts, and clothes there’s Lancaster's twice-weekly Charter Market, and Morecambe’s Festival Market 4 times a week. And don’t miss the handpicked contemporary artworks and gifts in Arteria, on Brock Street.

Exploring Lancaster and its Countryside - Parks, Gardens, and Castle Turrets

With its museums, castle, and nearby coast, Lancaster is gem of Northern England set in wild, atmospheric landscapes. You can walk or cycle out into the country along the Lune Valley, with its stunning views of the Yorkshire Dales. The Crook O’Lune, a couple of miles north of the city, is a mesmerizing kink in the River Lune that inspired the romantic spirit of poet William Wordsworth.

Lancaster and Around - Where Roman History Meets the Lake District

One of England’s heritage county capitals, Lancaster dates back to Roman times. Long links to the British monarchy continue today - Queen Elizabeth II is Duke of Lancaster, and the House of Lancaster’s red rose is still the city’s emblem. The city is also associated with the Pendle witch trials and has a fascinating maritime and slave-trade history to investigate.

Nightlife in Lancaster and Morecambe - Where to Find Live Music and Cask Beers

With its large student population and diverse music scene, Lancaster regularly attracts big-name bands to town. Two grand historic theatres often put on live gigs, and several pubs showcase local musical talent, visiting jazz artists, and even international acts. In neighbouring Morecambe you can start your night out by watching the sun set over the Irish sea with a bottle of Cross Bay, the local-brewed craft beer.

Lancaster Family Fun - Beaches, Parklife, and Child-Friendly Dining

Only minutes from Lancaster by car, bus, or train, Morecambe’s beach and promenade make for a perfect family day out. Near the seafront, Happy Mount Park has ornamental gardens, play areas, and even a splash park. Lancaster’s museums keep kids in mind, providing hands-on activities and regular free events. At the nearby wildlife park visitors of all ages can enjoy close encounters with furry or scaly beasts.

Lancaster's Cultural Life - Festivals, Heritage, and Theater

Lancaster has a lively cultural scene with a busy calendar of festivals and renowned museums housed in heritage buildings. The University of Lancaster runs the Lancaster International concert series, and a holds a valuable art collection open to the public, while keeping the city supplied with a curious, enthusiastic student crowd. Held every summer, Play in the Park is one of the UK's biggest outdoor theatre events.

Eating Out in Lancaster - Traditional Hotpot to Hot Spicy Curries

The surrounding hills, valleys, and coastal areas keep Lancaster chefs supplied with super-fresh ingredients from local farming and fishing communities. The dining scene in Lancaster city centre includes long-established and much-loved neighbourhood restaurants. Whether it’s a quayside pub or a hip coffee shop, you can expect a high standard of food and a warm Lancastrian welcome.

Enjoying Lancaster Like a Local - Tips for Town and Countryside

The City of Lancaster encompasses the towns of Morecambe, Heysham, Carnforth, and surrounding villages. The sights are clustered close together and laid out along the banks of the River Lune and Lancaster Canal. The city is rich in Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian architecture, with distinctive sandstone buildings topped by slate roofs. Sunny days can be well spent relaxing around Morecambe Bay, cycling the Lune Valley, or hiking through scenic Bowland.

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