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15 Best Things to Do in Preston (Lancashire, England)

On the River Ribble, ten miles before it reaches the Irish Sea, Preston is a former market town granted city status in 2002. In the 14th century Flemish weavers settled in Preston, establishing a textile industry that would power the economy until the mid-20th century.

Sir Richard Arkwright, the man who invented the revolutionary spinning frame in the 1700s, was born right here.

As a burgeoning industrial centre in the 18th and 19th centuries, Preston was furnished with fine squares, cultivated parks and institutions like the Harris Museum.

The Ribble Steam Railway has one of the top locomotive museums in the UK, and St Walburge’s Church has the tallest spire of any parish church in England.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Preston :

1. Harris Museum and Art Gallery

Preston’s city museum and art gallery is in a striking Neoclassical hall inaugurated in 1893. The first thing you’ll see when you enter is a Foucault Pendulum, demonstrating the rotation of the earth and also a working clock.

The museum has awesome collections of natural history, textiles, costumes, ceramics and other decorative art.

The art gallery is furnished with hundreds of works by luminaries of 20th-century British art like Lucian Freud, Stanley Spencer and Graham Sutherland, and has watercolours by J. M. W. Turner.

As a priority, check out the Poulton Elk, the skeleton of an Ice Age elk, dating back 13,500 years with two barbed points inserted by humans.

This is the earliest evidence of human occupation discovered in Lancashire.

Finish with tea at the cafe, which sits in the atrium and has a special view up to the museum’s Egyptian balcony.

2. Avenham and Miller Parks

Two of the Northwest of England’s most refined Victorian parks, the Avenham and Miller Parks are side-by-side, flowing down to the Ribble to the south of Preston railway station.

The pair were designed by the prominent Victorian landscape architect Edward Milner in the 1860s and are separated by the embankment for the defunct East Lancashire Railway.

The larger of the two is Avenham Park, which has sprawling lawns, a Japanese Garden and a belvedere pavilion on high ground on the northeast side.

Miller Park is more formal, and features a rose garden, intricate flowerbeds and the very refined Derby Walk, ornamented with urns and a balustraded staircase that conducts you down to a fountain and bandstand.

Make sure to get down to the river, get a look at the Victorian railway viaduct and the open moorland on the opposite bank.

3. Ribble Steam Railway

On an industrial estate near the Preston Docks, the Ribble Steam Railway is a combined museum and functioning heritage railway line.

The railway uses track that laid down for the docks, and runs for just over a mile along the Ribble River to Strand Road.

In summer you can come for a ride, pulled by a vintage steam or diesel locomotive.

These operate on weekends, but also for extended periods during the summer holidays.

The visitor centre and museum at Preston Riverside is attached to the workshops, where some sixty locomotives are stored and maintained.

This is among the largest collections of steam locomotives in the UK, 13 of which are on display, including five Andrew Barclay 0-4-0STs dating from the first decades of the 20th century.

4. Church of St Walburge

Preston’s Grade I-listed Gothic Revival church went up in the middle of the 19th century, and was built by Joseph Hansom.

He also designed the Hansom cab, which revolutionised horse-drawn transport in Victorian times.

St Walburge’s is renowned for having the tallest spire of any parish church in the country, at 94 metres tall.

Not only is it Preston’s most commanding landmark, it’s one of the tallest buildings of any kind in the northwest of England.

The interior also has impressive proportions, at 50 metres in length and with a delicately carved hammer beam roof 25 metres above the floor of the nave.

If you’re keen to know more there are free heritage tours every Saturday between 11:30 and 14:30.

5. Winckley Square

One of the prettiest places in Preston is this Georgian square, intended as a residential quarter for the city’s upper crust at the turn of the 19th century.

Winckley Square is at the heart of a conservation area, and is fronted mostly by long terraces of Georgian townhouses, which are especially grand on the north and west borders.

These look onto Wickley Square Gardens, which have flowing lawns, shaded by tall old hardwood trees like birches, willows and limes.

On the east side is a statue of Sir Robert Peel (1852), the Lancashire-born MP, and two-time Prime Minister of the UK, who introduced the concept of modern policing as Home Secretary in 1822.

6. Preston North End F.C.

The local football club is a team with serious heritage.

Preston North End was established in 1880 and was one of the 12 Founding Members of the football league, which played its first season in 1888-89. Preston North End won both the League and the FA Cup in 1888-89, still the most successful season in the club’s history.

The Lilywhites, as they’re sometimes known, play at 23,404-capactity Deepdale in the north of the city.

This storied ground opened in 1878 and is touted as the oldest continuously used football stadium in the world.

Its pitch has been graced by greats like Tom Finney and Bill Shankly, who went on to become one of the most decorated managers of all time.

As of 2018, Preston North End play in the Championship, the second tier of English professional football.

7. Guild Wheel

The Burgesses (freemen of the borough) of Preston were bestowed the right to hold a Guild Merchant (a kind of fair) by King Henry II in 1179. From 1328 this took place every 20 years, and there was an unbroken sequence of celebrations from 1542 to 1922, spoiled only by the Second World War.

For the Guild Merchant in 2012 the city devised a 21-mile greenway, a circular walking and bicycle path linking Preston to the Lancashire countryside and villages.

A good starting point is the Preston Docks on the Ribble to the west of the city centre.

8. Preston Cenotaph

The designer of the UK’s iconic red telephone boxes, Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, was responsible for Preston’s monument to its First World War dead.

The Cenotaph was unveiled on Market Square in 1926 and its inscription was later revised to include those who perished in the Second World War.

The sculpture is the work of Henry Alfred Pegram who belonged to the British New Sculpture movement at the end of the 19th century.

The centrepiece is an image symbolising Victory, holding two wreaths, while at the top of the column is an empty tomb.

To underling the Cenotaph’s importance to Preston, the memorial was recently restored at large expense to mark the centenary of the beginning of the First World War.

9. Lancashire Infantry Museum

Anyone inspired by military history should call in at this museum, which is the largest repository of regimental history in the north England.

The location is half the appeal, in the active, but soon to be decommissioned Fulwood Barracks, a group of solemn sandstone buildings built in the 1840s.

The museum charts Lancashire’s involvement in wars going back to the end of the 17th century, and is overflowing with banners, medals, weapons, instruments and curiosities.

The Waterloo Room holds the Salamanca Eagle, which is listed by the Home Office as a British National Treasure.

This highly symbolic gold standard was carried by the 22e Regiment de la Ligne and captured at the Battle of Salamanca on 22 July 1812.

10. Moor Park

The largest and oldest park in the city, Moor Park is north of Preston’s centre next to the Deepdale Stadium.

It is claimed to be the first municipal park established in England’s nascent industrial towns in the 19th century.

Previously this had been common land, a holdover from the Medieval Royal Forest of Fulwood.

Edward Milner was hired to redesign Moor Park in the 1860s, as a project to give employment to redundant spinners and weavers during Lancashire Cotton Famine.

The park has a lake, the Serpentine, and an observatory, constructed in 1927 and now in the hands of the University of Central Lancashire.

Go for a wander along Moor Park Avenue on the south side of the park, traced by tall lime trees and next to some of the most coveted property in the city.

11. Preston Docks

When the sun is out you couldn’t pick a finer place for a walk than Preston’s long rectangular dock in the Riversway area.

The dock was opened in 1892 by Alfred, Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, who was Victoria’s second son and soon to be Admiral of the Fleet in the Royal Navy.

At the time it was Europe’s largest single dock, at more than 900 metres long and 180 metres across.

There’s an Odeon cinema on the east, while to the east is the Preston Marina and the Riversway Control Centre.

On a large patch of grass here is the 100-ton crane, erected in 1958 to remove the 19th-century lock gates for restoration.

This giant mechanism still operates today, lifting larger boats from the water.

12. Brockholes Nature Reserve

A former quarry upriver on the floodplain of the Ribble has slowly been turned into a 250-acre nature reserve, made up of pools, woodland and reedbeds.

The reserve has three designated walking trails, partly over boardwalks and installed with hides where in summer you can sight sand martins and herons among the geese and swans.

What makes the reserve stand out is its award-winning visitor village, which floats on a lake and is joined to the bank by wooden walkways.

In the village’s wooden hut-like houses, topped with solar panels, there’s a restaurant, shops, an exhibition space, activity rooms for schools and a conference centre.

13. Turbary Woods Owl and Bird of Prey Sanctuary

In the south of Preston, ten minutes by car from the city centre, there’s a non-profit rescue and rehabilitation centre for owls and other birds of prey.

Turbary Woods provides a habitat for more than 90 birds of prey, such as falcons, buzzards, hawks, eagles, vultures, all housed in spacious aviaries in a forest.

You’ll get the chance to see some of these birds, like falcons, hawks and owls in flight, while during the week you can attend owl and hawk experience days.

Here you can handle four different species, including a vulture if you’re brave enough, and learn the basics of falconry.

14. Forest of Bowland

The City of Preston incorporates a parcel of this large Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The Forest of Bowland is one of the last traces of a massive expanse of wilderness that once cloaked most of Northern England.

Despite the name, most of the Forest of Bowland is heathland and blanket bog, inhabited by grouse.

People travelling from Preston city centre tend to stop at the Beacon Fell Country Park in the south of the forest.

There you can drop by the visitor centre and walk the isolated eponymous hill, which rises to 266 metres.

From the summit you can see Blackpool Tower in the west and spectacular Bowland hills like Parlick and Fair Snape Fell to the north.

15. Bowland Wild Boar Park

While out in the Forest of Bowland you can pay a visit to this animal-oriented family attraction.

The Bowland Wild Boar Park has sheep, wallabies, llamas, skunks, red squirrels, chickens, meerkats, raccoons, coatis and of course, wild boars.

In season you can meet cute baby animals, and there’s a schedule of activities like feeding lambs, coatis, skunks and meerkats, and petting chicks.

Kids can burn off extra energy at the straw barn play area, and take tractor and trailer rides around the park for a small additional fee.

15 Best Things to Do in Preston (Lancashire, England):

• Harris Museum and Art Gallery
• Avenham and Miller Parks
• Ribble Steam Railway
• Church of St Walburge
• Winckley Square
• Preston North End F.C.
• Guild Wheel
• Preston Cenotaph
• Lancashire Infantry Museum
• Preston Docks
• Brockholes Nature Reserve
• Turbary Woods Owl and Bird of Prey Sanctuary
• Forest of Bowland
• Bowland Wild Boar Park

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The Top 20 Attractions around Preston

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Cycling Highlight ( Segment )

Part of the Transpennine Trail near Hornsea. Work has been ongoing to smooth out some sections where tree routes have disturbed the tarmaced surface. Rideable with MTBs and gravel bikes, not very good for road bikes

html.ReactModal__Html--open{overflow:hidden;}html.ReactModal__Html--open:not(.fullsize){scrollbar-gutter:stable;}html.ReactModal__Html--open.ReactModal__Html--panel #pageMountNode:before{content:'';position:fixed;width:100%;height:100%;} Victoria Dock

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England's largest parish church, built using fine medieval brickwork with a 17th-century organ.

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The old railway line from Hull to Hornsea which is now repurposed as the Trans Pennine Trail. A traffic free trail where you can enjoy the sights and sounds of the quintessential British countryside.

This is the straightforward ride which is on the old railway line which was joining both Hull and Hornsea with most Villages in between. It’s great alone or with friends … read more

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What's on in Preston City Centre

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Festive Fire Garden 2024

Show / Display

Be enchanted by a mesmerising display of fire and light for Preston's first Fire Garden. Feel the heat as dazzling fire sculptures transform Avenham & Miller Parks into a place of wonder and excitement. The audience is invited to explore flame-lined…

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

Nature Tots at Brockholes

Children's

Samlesbury, Preston

Nature Tots is suitable for ages 15 months – five years.

Santa's Christmas Cracker at The Guild Lounge

Christmas/Festive

Lancaster Road, Preston

Following last year's sell-out performances of Santa's Christmas Wish, Honalee Media are delighted to present their next hit Santa Show this Christmas. It really is the most wonderful time of the year, so it's no surprise that everyone at the North…

Million Dollar Men

Theatre Show

No deceiving, all teasing.  Givin' you just what you askin' for.

Preston Fishergate: Dark Moon Comic Fair!

Join us for FREE as Dark Moon Comic Fair heads to Preston Fishergate Shopping Centre.

For fans of comics, manga and anime, tabletop and video games, Pokémon, sci-fi, fantasy, horror, Marvel, DC, Dark Horse, books, collectables and figurines, pop…

Storytelling & Games with your favourite Witches & Wizards

Join Us for a Magical Day at Fishergate Shopping Centre!

Calling all aspiring witches and wizards! Get ready for an enchanting adventure at Fishergate Shopping Centre. On October 26th, from 11am to 3pm, we'll be transforming our Level 2 into a…

Disco Inferno

Let's dance, let's shout and shake your body down to the ground with the electrifying show that screams glitter balls and good times all the way. 

Twist and Shout

A fun-packed musical journey back to the swinging sixties.

Mr Sleepybum

Mr Sleepybum awakes in his bed to find a room full of parents and children. A circus of silly sketches and dream scenes ensues.

Wedding Fair at Brockholes

Wedding Fair

Experience Brockholes in its full wedding set up and chat to the team about hosting your special day in fabulous natural surroundings.

Craftastic at Fishergate

Get ready to unleash your creativity at our Craftastic event on Level 2 & 3 of Fishergate Shopping Centre! Join us from 10am to 4pm for a day of fun and hands-on activities for all ages and skill levels.

Explore a world of crafts:

Knit and Purl:…

Woman Like Me: The Little Mix Show

The ultimate pop concert experience in your local theatre.

Preston Pride 2024

Everyone is welcome as the city celebrates Preston's LGBTQ+ communities with live music, guest appearances, and a variety of information stands and stalls.

Armistice Day 2024

At the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh month - we will remember them. Mark the day with a Two Minute Silence at 11am on the 11th day of the 11th month at the Preston Cenotaph ahead of Remembrance Sunday, where there will be a full…

Psychic Sally

The nation's favourite psychic is back on tour. 

Lancashire Local History Walk at Brockholes

Guided Walk

Join the Guided Walk Leaders for a fascinating historical tour of Brockholes and links to the local area.

Barry Steele's Roy Orbison Story

Lancaster Rd,, Preston

Experience the unforgettable sound of a generation with Barry Steele alongside an extraordinary ensemble of talented musicians and singers.

The Dolly Show

Undeniably one of the best Dolly impersonators you will ever see.

Market Street Social

A tranquil, walled garden which will transport your mind, body and soul to a rural idyll within the urban landscape

Shape of You: The Music of Ed Sheeran

Come and watch a show like no other, and sing along to Ed Sheeran's biggest hits, on the Shape of You tour.

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Things to do in Preston when you don't drink: the sober student guide

Moving to university is exciting, but if you’re like me and don’t really drink, you might be wondering what to do while your friends are off enjoying pubs and clubbing.

It’s easy to feel like you’re missing out, but Preston has a lot to offer for people who prefer to stay sober and still want to have fun. Whether it’s exploring the parks, grabbing some food, or just having a quiet day out, here’s my personal guide to enjoying the city without alcohol.

1. Movie night at Odeon

One of my favourite things to do is head over to the Odeon near Riversway for a good movie. It’s a great excuse to unwind after a long week and, honestly, nothing beats watching a new release on the big screen. You can walk there if you want a bit of fresh air — it’s a nice route, but if you’re not in the mood, there’s always the bus. It’s a simple outing but a fun way to spend a few hours, especially if you’re not into the party scene. Plus, who doesn’t love cinema popcorn?

2. Picnic at Preston Marina

When the weather’s nice, Preston Marina is one of my favourite spots for a picnic. I’ll pack some snacks, maybe some sandwiches and fruit, and head down for a relaxing afternoon. It’s peaceful by the water, and there’s plenty of space to spread out. Sometimes I’ll bring a book, or if I’m with friends, we’ll just sit around chatting. It’s one of those quiet, enjoyable things to do when you want a break from studying or busy university life.

3. Stroll through Moor Park

Moor Park is another great place to go when I want some fresh air. It’s one of the biggest parks in Preston and there’s always something happening. Whether I’m going for a walk to clear my head or finding a nice spot to relax, it’s a nice escape from the hustle and bustle. And let’s be honest, the best part of any park is running into dogs on their walks. It’s perfect for when you want a bit of nature without going too far from the city.

4. Avenham Park: the summer spot

When the sun’s out, Avenham Park is the place to be. This park is beautiful in the summer, and I’ve spent plenty of afternoons there with friends just enjoying the good weather. There’s always something going on — from events and festivals to live music and markets. It’s a really nice spot to relax, grab some ice cream, and enjoy the community atmosphere. It’s the kind of place where you can spend hours without even realising it.

5. Food, glorious food (and more food)

If you’re a student in Preston, you’ll end up on Friargate at least a few times a week. It’s packed with takeaways and places to eat - and the best part is everything’s reasonably priced. When I’m too lazy to cook or just craving something quick and tasty, there’s no shortage of options. Whether it’s pizza, kebabs, or wraps, you can find something to satisfy your cravings.

Some of my go-to restaurants in Preston are:

• Thai Royal - great when I’m in the mood for some delicious Thai food.
• EastzEast - amazing Indian dishes that are perfect for a treat.
• Manjaros - Caribbean flavours you won’t forget.

6. Sweet treats

I have a serious sweet tooth, so Kaspas (located on the way to the train station) is one of my favourite spots for dessert. They do everything from waffles and sundaes to crepes, and you can even get a student discount! When I’m in the mood for something sugary, it’s my go-to place. Roccos on Friargate is another great option if you’re looking for somewhere a bit more local. Both spots are perfect for when you need a sugar boost or just want to treat yourself after a long day of classes.

7. Town centre delights

If you haven’t tried Spud Bros yet, you’re missing out. It’s a bit of a local gem in the town centre and serves the most amazing loaded jacket potatoes. It’s the kind of hearty meal that hits the spot after a busy day, especially when you need something quick and filling. The town centre itself is really easy to navigate and close to everything, including the train station, which is perfect for days when you feel like exploring a bit further afield.

8. Day trips: Manchester, Lake District and beyond!

One of the best things about Preston is its location. The train station is close to the town centre, so you’re only a short journey away from other great cities like Manchester or even the Lake District if you fancy a day in nature. It’s nice to have the option to get out of town for a day without too much hassle. And since you’re not dealing with hangovers, you can make the most of those early morning trips!

Where next?

Preston has so much to offer beyond just the nightlife scene, and it’s easy to find things to do if you’re not into drinking. From parks and picnics to great food and trips out of the city, there’s always something to keep you busy. It’s just about exploring and finding what works for you.

Student life

Things to do in Preston

Practising my faith at university

6789 Preston Place,  Billings, MT 59101

Single Family

April Vandenbosch

Canzell Realty, Inc.

406-640-0910

Last updated:

September 12, 2024, 12:44 AM

About This Home

Like your space? Inside and outside? Tucked away in the hills watching wildlife. You will enjoy quiet nights, sunrises and sunsets, on this beautiful 10 acres just outside of Billings. Big master bedroom with an on-suite, 2 additional spacious bedrooms, 2 and 1/2 bath with a laundry space. Great layout with lots of room for the family. Move in ready! So much natural beautiful light in this home! Don't wait to see this one! Will go FHA, VA, or RD. Sits on a 5ft crawlspace permanent foundation.

Built in 2008

Price Summary

$154 per Sq. Ft.

Last Updated:

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2,128 Sq. Ft.

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