Lancaster, a picturesque gem in England's northwest, presents a rich tapestry of history and natural beauty. Cobbled streets lined with independent shops and cozy pubs wind their way upwards, leading to the Lancaster City Museum, a treasure trove of the city's nautical past and vibrant culture.
The heart of Lancaster beats within its pedestrian zone, a vibrant hub free from the rumble of traffic. Explore the network of cobbled streets, independent shops and charming pubs beckoning with the promise of a refreshing pint. Linger and soak in the friendly atmosphere of this car-free zone.
Lancaster Castle started life as a Roman fort and has a thrilling history of dungeons, witches, knights and martyrs. The medieval fortress dates back to the 11th century, with dungeons, courts, and towers. The castle has over 1,000 years of heritage history, justice, felony, and incarceration just waiting for you to explore! Lancaster Castle, often known as John O'Gaunt's Castle, is one of the country's most historically fascinating surviving buildings. Its beginnings date back to Roman times when from its commanding position on the hill overlooking the town of Lancaster and the River Lune it stood as a bastion against the marauding forces of the ancient Picts and Scots tribes. In later years, the Castle saw the trials of many witches, the most infamous of which being the Pendle Witches in 1612, who were executed on the moors opposite close to where Williamson Park now lies. Prior to 1800, all executions took place on the moors outside of the city, but later executions took place behind closed doors in a corner of the castle interior known as the Hanging Corner in an angle between the tower and the wall on the east side of the terrace steps.
On the ground floor of the tower is the Drop Room, which contains relics of the many executions and can be visited today. Over 200 people have lost their lives in Lancaster Castle, and it will come as no surprise to hear that the castle is home to many alleged spirits. A monk with a noose around his neck is said to roam the grounds, and one of the Pendle Witches, Elizabeth Southerns, is also said to make her presence felt. Some visitors have even reported a feeling of being pushed as they wander around the grounds though with so many ghosts to choose from it's hard to know which one is most likely to be doing the barging.
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As well as being a fortification the Castle was also Europe's longest-serving operational prison until its closure in March 2011. In addition, its courtrooms have witnessed many famous and infamous trials over the centuries, including those of the Lancashire Witches, who were convicted and sentenced to death in 1612. The Police Museum in A Wing of the former prison has sixteen galleries each contained within their own cell. Discover more about Lancashire's shocking cases including Dr Buck Ruxton's bathroom For any queries regarding our tours please call the office on 01524 64998 or email lancastercastle@lancashire.gov.uk.
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My hotel choice: Sun Hotel & Bar
For more information see the Official Tourist Information website
Ashton Memorial: Perched atop Williamson Park, this grand folly offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The park is home to the iconic Ashton Memorial and 54 acres of beautiful parkland with enchanting woodland walks, play areas and breathtaking views to the Fylde Coast, Morecambe Bay and the Lake District fells and mountains. Park attractions include the Butterfly House (formerly a tropical palm house), small animal zoo (home to our resident meerkats and marmosets) and a fully licensed cafe with free wifi.
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Williamson Park, Lancaster comprises of 54 acres of beautiful parkland with breathtaking views across to Morecambe Bay. The Ashton Memorial in the centre of the park was a gift to the City from Lord Ashton. Step inside and explore the tropical Butterfly House Mini-Beast and Bird Enclosures or watch the meerkats play in the small mammal section. Come and play in the outdoor play areas take a stroll along winding paths then enjoy delicious food and drink in the Pavilion Cafe. Butterfly House and Memorial open from April 1st to September 30th 10 00 – 17 00
Assembly Rooms Emporium, Lancaster An eclectic mix of stalls selling vintage alternative and upcycled clothing and accessories (including Steampunk and Victoriana); ethically sourced clothing and other goods; books cards and artwork; silver antique and vintage jewellery; vinyl and music memorabilia; Asian arts crafts and food; novelty nerdy and anime items; small upcycled furniture small antiques collectables and ethnic handicrafts. Located in a lovely 18th century Grade II listed heritage building on King Street. Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 5.30pm home to an Aladdin's cave of stalls including Asian Arts & Crafts Lancaster -- Assembled Books -- B's Knees (clothes and accessories) -- Celtic Dreams (antique jewellery) -- Funki Fancy Dress (alternative clothing) -- Miss Frog Ltd. (novelty) -- Renaissance (furniture; antiques collectables) -- Zine Freak (comics zines).
Castle Hill, The view from Castle Hill hasn't changed a whole lot in the last 100 years. You can see the original iron railings that existed outside Lancaster Castle which were removed and melted down to help with the War Effort around 1941. These were never replaced and examples of missing railings can be seen all around Lancaster.
Castle Park, was once home to a row of cottages directly outside Lancaster Castle. It was decided in the early 1870s to remove this row of buildings to improve the view of the castle and the first clearance took place in 1873.
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Christ Church, situated on Wyresdale Road, was built between 1855 and 1857, making it 167 years old this year! It was built as a chapel for Lancaster Grammar School and the local workhouse. Samuel Gregson, a local industrialist and MP, paid for and endowed the church.
Dalton Square Much older than Lancaster's Town Hall the area known as Dalton Square was originally laid out by John Dalton in 1784 naming all the neighbouring streets after members of his family. Dalton Square occupies the site of a Dominican Friary. The Friary church lies beneath Sulyard Street and the cemetery lies between Sulyard Street and Moor Lane. The Friars first settled in around 1260. The precinct was 12 acres in extent and was bounded to the west by Penny Street and to the north by St. Nicholas Street and Moor Lane. Its southern and eastern boundaries are marked by modern George Street and the canal. The site was sold to Sir Thomas Holcroft at dissolution in 1539 for £126 10s and a house called the Frierage was built, incorporating some of the Friary buildings.
Judge's Lodgings Between 1776 and 1975 the house became an impressive residence for judges visiting nearby Lancaster Castle. The Judges' Lodgings, formerly a town house and now a museum, is located between Church Street and Castle Hill, Lancaster, Lancashire, England. It is recorded in the National Heritage List for England as a designated Grade I listed building. Nestled below Lancaster Castle, the Judges' Lodgings dates back nearly 400 years on a site that has been at the centre of Lancaster's history for nearly 2000 years. The current house was built around 1625 by Thomas Covell, Keeper of the Castle and famous for locking up the Pendle Witches during the infamous Lancashire Witch Trials. From 1826 the house became a lodgings for the travelling 'Red Judges' of the Assizes Courts. Dressed in their scarlet robes, the Judges decided the fate of murderers, forgers and highwaymen at Lancaster Castle. Today the house is home to beautiful Georgian furniture by Gillows of Lancaster, elegant period rooms and the popular Museum of Childhood. OPENING TIMES Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday 11am-4pm.
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Lancaster Canal, Linking Preston to Kendal, the Lancaster Canal is one of the country's few coastal canals. Built along the natural lie of the land it offers 41 miles of lock free cruising - the longest stretch in the country. As the canal is naturally level, it also lends itself to gentle walking and cycling as well as canoeing and other outdoor activities. And we've loads of trails and routes to help you take advantage of this wellbeing resource on your doorstep. Enjoy a trip between Carnforth and Lancaster by canal with connecting bus and train services or a short trip from Lancaster to the Aqueduct and back – see the Kingfisher Cruise website for more information.
Lancaster Cathedral, St Peter's is the mother church of the Diocese of Lancaster, and it is home to Catholics living between Preston and Carlisle. Lancaster Cathedral is a place of prayer and home to many concerts and cultural events. A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, its lofty nave inspires awe and contemplation.
Lancaster Charter Market, Lancaster's bustling Charter Market, can be found in Lancaster's historic Market Square every Wednesday and Saturday. With a market tradition stretching back over 700 years, the historic city of Lancaster is the perfect destination for a day of shopping and sightseeing. Enjoy the hustle and bustle of a traditional outdoor market and the aromas of freshly cooked food as you meander through up to 25 stalls selling a wide selection of items. From local produce to international cuisine, fresh fruit and vegetables, plants and flowers, jewellery and clothing, and arts and crafts. There is also a wide variety of unique gifts for all occasions. Market days Every Wednesday and Saturday from 9am – 4.30pm. Market Street extends from here as a major shopping route.
Lancaster City Museum, Discover more about the City of Lancaster, one of England’s Heritage Cities, from the pre-historic era, through to today. The immersive galleries are packed with objects and stories. Visit the King’s Own Royal Regiment Museum, housed within the same building, and explore the history of this wonderful city and its people. The impressive City Museum is housed in Lancaster’s former town hall, sat right on the edge of the busy Market Square. The elegant Georgian building was built between 1781-3 to the designs of Major Thomas Jarrett and Thomas Harrison.
The museum itself was founded in 1923 and its wonderfully varied collection and dioramas brilliantly lead visitors through the social and industrial history, archaeology of Lancaster, and the stories of the people who have made the city what it is today. Enjoy our fine art collection and the programme of changing exhibitions. The City Museum building is also home to the King’s Own Royal Regiment Museum, a fascinating insight into the military heritage of the city’s own regiment from 1680 onwards. Free Closed Wed, Thur.
Lancaster Maritime Museum occupies two historic buildings on St. George's Quay, the city's main 18th-century harbor. Discover the story of Lancaster and Morecambe’s relationship with the ocean, the challenging lives of those living and working in the places between land and sea, and how our inland waterways have shaped our lives, work, and leisure. We uncover the dark legacy that the transatlantic slave trade has left in this proud, historic city and show how the Quay where the museum stands was once a bustling place of trade and commerce from all over the world.
The museum was opened in 1985 in the former Custom House of 1764 designed by Richard Gillow. It also incorporates the upper floor of the neighbouring warehouse where goods were stored after being shipped into the port from all over the world. Explore these atmospheric and fascinating buildings and discover the history of the Port of Lancaster, the local fishing industry, and life in the spaces between land and sea. You can experience the treacherous crossing of the sands sit in a packet boat on the Lancaster Canal and hear about life on and around Morecambe Bay. Discover Lancaster's darker side as we uncover the city's involvement in the Transatlantic slave trade and how many families grew their wealth from the trade in enslaved Africans and slave-produced goods. Closed Tues Wed Thurs
Lancaster Priory Church: A testament to medieval architecture, its soaring spires and intricate details evoke a sense of reverence.
Lancaster Town Hall, Lancaster's current town hall was commissioned to replace the original town hall which was deemed too small and outdated to continue being used. The original town hall now houses the City Museum. The new town hall was financed by local business owner and philanthropist Lord Ashton who officially opened the building on the 27th December 1909. The building also contains a court room which was used during the trial of the infamous double-murderer Buck Ruxton who lived directly opposite.
Lancaster University: An intellectual hub, its campus buzzes with students from diverse backgrounds.
Penny Street, one of the main shopping streets It is thought the name Penny Street originates because streets used to erect a stone called a penny-stone marking somewhere you can purchase a tankard of strong beer for a penny! It could also refer to a place to trade cattle possibly originating from the Anglo-saxon Pening or the Icelandic Penigr meaning cattle.
Penny's Hospital Lancaster, These 12 alms-house were founded in 1720 by William Penny. William Penny (1646 – 1716) occupied various positions on the Town Council and was three times Mayor of Lancaster. When King Street was widened in the early 20th century, the two alms houses nearest, the road was demolished, the screen wall was rebuilt in its present position, the chapel was shortened, and two new alms houses were built next to the chapel. The buildings are still used to this day now as retirement housing.
The River Lune winds through the city, its waters reflecting the grandeur of Lancaster.
The Storey: Enjoy an exciting array of literary performances, workshops, and art exhibitions throughout the year. The centre has been central to Lancaster's artistic, technical, and scientific innovation for over 130 years. It is a purpose designed centre for the creative industries featuring art galleries auditoria and guest exhibitions. The Storey Gardens are now open Monday to Saturday (excluding Bank Holidays) 10am to 4pm March – October and 10am to 3pm November – February. Admission is free and access is through The Storey building.
Aquila Pizza, Lancaster Aquila was founded in 2020 by Chris. If he had it
Araya Thai Restaurant, Lancaster Araya Thai restaurant is located on Chapel Street
Aroma Chef, Lancaster Located on Market Square Aroma Chef is a authentic Chinese
Bay Horse Inn, Lancaster Bay Horse Inn has been established as a respected since 1992. They make most of local produce and top class cooking.
Bella Italia, Lancaster menu combines delicious pizza and pasta
Bombay Balti, Lancaster Bombay Balti Restaurant and take-away provides authentic Indian cuisine
Boot And Shoe, Lancaster Boot and Shoe was originally an old coaching inn
Borough, Lancaster , Lancaster wherever possible uses local suppliers directly; all their
Brasserie Lancaster, Lancaster (75 Market Street) vegetarian or vegan
Brasserie, Lancaster Brasserie was first part of our journey in , Lancaster
Buccellis, Lancaster An authentic Italian Caffé Deli and Bistro on Church Street, Lancaster
Cornerhouse, Lancaster Cornerhouse is situated in heart of Lancaster, Lancaster providing
Cornerhouse, Lancaster (15 New St)
Cottams Field Brewers Fayre At Brewers Fayre Cottams Field we've got something for all.
Countrystyle Kitchen, Lancaster Join us here at Countrystyle Kitchen home of our ever-popular
El Tapeo Tapas, Lancaster El Tapeo brings authentic tapas and an interesting selection of
Etna Ristorante Italiana, Lancaster Etna is a well-established authentic family run Italian restaurant. Booking recommended 01524 69551
Fenwick, Lancaster Over 250 years old, Lancaster historic and atmospheric Fenwick pub
Full House Noodle Bar, Lancaster A fantastic Malaysian/Chinese restaurant based in centre of
German Doner Kebab, Lancaster "Doner Kebab" is a fast food retailer that
Hest Bank, Lancaster (2 Hest Bank Lane)
Hodgson’s Fish & Chips, Lancaster fish and chips are prepared fresh daily from natural products and contain incredibly low levels of saturated fat.
Lancaster Brewery, Lancaster Outside we have a delightful beer garden area with seating for almost 200
Medusa, Lancaster Medusa is a Turkish Restaurant & Meze Grill
Merchants , Lancaster 1688 Historic cellar restaurant and bar set in a 300 year old
Merchants 1688, Lancaster is a historic cellar restaurant and bar nestled within 300-year-old former wine merchants cellars, Lancaster
Misso Lounge, Lancaster (2 King St) vegetarian or vegan
Moor-Ish, Lancaster Serving Huge Footlong Sandwiches with a Fantastic range of Fresh
Pizza Margherita, Lancaster Pizza Margherita is an Italian restaurant with a difference. , Lancaster
Printroom Café and Bar, Lancaster latest contemporary Café & Bar in Coffee Quarter
Quarterhouse, Lancaster Quarterhouse is an independent chef-owned kitchen and bar. Based
Quite Simply French
Spaghetti House, Lancaster This is a family run business offering a relaxed family
Stork Hotel, Lancaster Stork Inn, Lancaster is a dog-friendly delightful traditional-beamed English country
Sun Hotel & Bar, Lancaster Since 17th Century Sun has been welcoming guests
Toll House Inn, Lancaster building has come a long way since its early days.
Two Thai Restaurant, Lancaster Two Thai was founded in 2017
Wagon And Horses, Lancaster Wagon and Horses has got everything you’d expect
Water Witch, Lancaster on picturesque Lancaster canal was originally converted from purpose-built stables
Wetherspoons - Sir Richard Owen, Lancaster This Wetherspoon pub is named after anatomist who was
White Cross, Lancaster This charming pub is by Lancaster Canal in a refurbished cotton mill
Royal Kings Arms
Sun Hotel & Bar
Toll House
The Borough Hotel
Crows
Quite Simply French
