Things to Do in Preston
Preston is a practical Lancashire city on the River Ribble, with a flat centre, handsome parkland on its southern edge and fast trains in several directions.
Fishergate and the centre
The main shopping street, Fishergate, runs from the station down into the middle of the city. Much of it is pedestrianised, with cafes, covered shopping and some handsome older buildings along the way. The centre is flat and small, and every part of it is within a few minutes' walk of the rest.
The main shopping street, Fishergate, runs from the station down into the middle of the city.
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Winckley Square
A few minutes from the shopping streets, Winckley Square is a quiet Georgian garden square lined with trees, offices and cafes. It is a good spot to sit down and talk, and it is noticeably calmer than the streets around it. Wide pavements and mature trees give it a settled feel, and it makes a sensible meeting point if you have not been to the city before.
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Somewhere to book a room or a table for the evening, in Preston itself.
The Ribble and its parkland
South of the centre the land drops to the River Ribble, and a steep, wooded stretch of parkland runs along the bank, with terraced lawns, paths and views across the valley. Riverside paths continue for miles beyond it, so the walk can be as long as you like. In summer the lawns fill with people, while on weekday mornings and in autumn the park is almost empty.
South of the centre the land drops to the River Ribble, and a steep, wooded stretch of parkland runs along the bank, with terraced lawns, paths and views across the valley.
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The old docks
To the west, the old dock has become a marina with a waterside path, flats and somewhere to get a meal. It is open and windswept, and has a different atmosphere from the centre. It suits an hour of walking more than a whole day. The wind off the water makes it cooler than the town, so a coat is worth carrying, and the paths are level throughout.
To the west, the old dock has become a marina with a waterside path, flats and somewhere to get a meal.
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Markets, museums and wet days
Preston has a traditional covered market and indoor shopping, and museums and galleries of various sizes close to the middle. Between them and the cafes, a wet day passes easily without needing a car. A market hall of the old fashioned kind gives you something to browse if the rain sets in, and cafes are easy to find in every direction.
Preston has a traditional covered market and indoor shopping, and museums and galleries of various sizes close to the middle.
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Trains out of town, and an age note
The West Coast Main Line calls at the station, giving direct links to Blackpool, Lancaster, Manchester and London, so the coast, a smaller city to the north and a big city to the south are all within reach. TheDirectory is open to adults only, and these guides are written for adult readers.
The West Coast Main Line calls at the station, giving direct links to Blackpool, Lancaster, Manchester and London, so the coast, a smaller city to the north and a big city to the south are all within reach.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes. Its position on the main line means the Lancashire coast, Lancaster and Manchester are all one direct train away, and the Ribble Valley is easy to reach by road.
No. This page is only general advice. TheDirectory does not book travel or attractions, and any plans are agreed directly with a member.
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