Preston is one of the largest cities in Lancashire, and it lies on the north bank of the River Ribble. It is a fantastic place to visit because there are multiple shopping venues, a multitude of restaurants, and some fantastic activities and attractions. Ideally, you should spend a few days in the city to get the most out of this location. So, what are the best things to do in Preston, and what should you include in your itinerary? Here are some of the best things to do in Preston during your visit.
The Best Things to Do in Preston
See the Art at the Harris Museum, Art Gallery, & Library: One of the Best Things to Do in Preston
One of the best things to do in Preston, and also one of the city’s most popular attractions, is the Harris Museum, Art Gallery, & Library, a grade I listed building. The venue exhibits more than 1200 paintings and sculptures, and there are also exhibitions of historical objects, photographs, costumes, textiles, ceramics, and glass. Furthermore, there is no charge to visit, so it is one of the best free things to do in the city.
Take a Train Ride at the Ribble Valley Steam Railway & Museum
The museum is set at a preserved railway in Lancashire that runs along Preston Docks. For most visitors, the highlight is taking a ride on one of the heritage steam trains. It is a three-mile return trip that crosses the dock swing bridge.
Go to the Lancashire Infantry Museum
Located in the Fulwood area of Preston, it is easy to access the Lancashire Infantry Museum from both the M6 and the M55. The exhibits cover the period from 1689 to the current day. The museum aims to preserve the heritage of five Lancashire regiments, and visitors can enjoy extensive displays and the archive and military history library.
Get Close to Nature at Bowland Wild Boar Park: One of the Best Things to Do in Preston for Animal Lovers
Bowland Wild Boar Park is a family-run rural wildlife park set on 65 acres in the Forest of Bowland. Some of the features of the attraction include animal feeding, play areas, a café, tractor rides, and riverside walks. It is also possible to stay at the venue, as there are lodges, camping pods, and a tent area.
See the Vehicles at The British Commercial Vehicle Museum
Anyone with vehicular interests should visit The British Commercial Vehicle Museum. The exhibits cover the progression of commercial vehicles, from horse-drawn buses to today’s hybrid and electric vehicles. Some vehicles on display include early fire engines, antiquarian buses, steam-driven vehicles, and horse-drawn carts and carriages. The venue also hosts various events and workshops throughout the year.
Enjoy the Outdoors at Brockholes Nature Reserve: A Top Outdoor Activity in Preston
If you enjoy spending time outdoors and getting close to nature, then one of Preston’s top attractions is Brockholes Nature Reserve. The woodland and wetland nature reserve has a floating visitor village and is home to many rare bird species. Visitors can see the birds and other wildlife as they stroll along the walking trails.
Get Up Close to the Birds at the Owl & Bird of Prey Sanctuary
Officially, the attraction is called the Turbary Woods Owl and Bird of Prey Sanctuary, but most locals simply refer to the venue as the Owl and Bird of Prey Sanctuary. It is a rescue and rehabilitation centre with more than 90 birds of prey, including various owl species, falcons, hawks, eagles, and vultures. Flying demonstrations include interesting and educational information about the birds, and children can take part in a treasure hunt.
Play a Round of Golf at Preston Golf Course: Fun for Golf Enthusiasts
Golf enthusiasts can take to the links during their time in Preston, as there are several venues where they can enjoy a few rounds of their favourite leisure activity. One of the best places for golf in Preston is Preston Golf Course. Another option is Ashton & Lea Golf Club.
Watch a Performance at Preston Guild Hall: One of the Best Things to Do in Preston for Theatre Lovers
If you enjoy the theatre, Preston Guild Hall is the best place to go in Preston. It is a major concert arena and boasts a 780-seat theatre that has comedy, family, music, and drama performances. The program is varied, so you should check out what is on and book tickets before you arrive in Preston. Although Guild Hall Preston is best known for its theatre, the complex also has shops and restaurants.
Enjoy Some Retail Therapy
Some people love to spend their time shopping when they visit a new destination, and there is no shortage of places to enjoy some retail therapy if you visit Preston. Throughout the city, you will find a vast array of retail outlets, major brand stores, independent shops, boutique venues, and large shopping centres. Some of the biggest and most popular areas for shopping in Preston include St. George’s Shopping Centre, Fishergate Shopping Centre, St. John’s Shopping Centre, Miller Arcade, and Deepdale Shopping Park.
Explore Preston’s Parks: One of the Best Free Things to Do in Preston
There are multiple parks to explore in Preston, each offering something different. Preston’s parks are an excellent activity whether you simply want to enjoy a stroll, take in some fresh air, enjoy a picnic, or let the kids burn off some energy. Furthermore, they are some of the best places to spend time if you are looking for some free activities to enjoy in Preston. Two of Preston’s biggest parks are Avenham and Miller Park and Moor Park. Other parks in Preston include Haslam Park, Waverley Park, Mill Lane Park, Jubilee Park, Conway Park, Frenchwood Knowll Wildlife Garden, Ashton Park, Middleforth Green Park, Hill and Hollows Local Nature Reserve, Hurst Grange Park, Priory Park, and Highgate Wood.
Watch a Match at Deepdale Stadium
Preston’s football team is Preston North End, and their home ground is Deepdale Stadium. If you are a football fan and you are in the city when a game is taking place, then try to get tickets for a match at Deepdale Stadium.
See a Movie at the Cinema: One of the Best Things to Do on a Rainy Day
A great choice of activity for a rainy day in Preston is to watch a movie at the Cinema. The film schedules are constantly changing, so you should check out what is on before you go. Preston’s two cinemas are ODEON and Vue.
Take the Kids to Wacky World Inflatable Park: One of the Best Things to Do in Preston for Children
If you are visiting the city with younger children, then one of the best things to do with kids in Preston is to take them for some fun at Wacky World Inflatable Park. As the name suggests, it is an indoor play area filled with inflatables.
Have Fun at Escape Reality Preston
Escape rooms have become a popular activity across the UK, as well as internationally. If you want to challenge yourself, then one way to spend a couple of hours in Preston is at Escape Reality Preston.
Get Involved in an Event at Preston Flag Market
Preston Flag Market is in the city centre, so it makes the ideal place for many of the city’s outdoor events. Various markets, food festivals, and other events take place at the venue, including the Christmas markets and the Christmas lights switch-on. Even when there is not an event taking place, there are food and beverage trucks, so it is a great place to stop and grab a bite to eat before continuing shopping or visiting another of Preston’s attractions.
Dining Out in Preston
Whether you want to start your day with a hearty breakfast, grab a quick lunch, or enjoy a delicious evening meal, there is plenty of choice in this city. There is everything from fast food joints where you can grab something quickly to fine dining restaurants and from British pubs to restaurants serving international cuisines. To help you decide where to eat, why not check out some of our articles about Preston restaurants?
- Best Japanese restaurants in Preston
- Best vegetarian restaurants in Preston
- The Best Indian Restaurants in Preston, Lancashire
- Mowgli Street Food Review
Where to Stay
To get the most out of your visit to Preston and ensure you have plenty of time to enjoy everything the city has to offer, you should stay overnight in the city. There is a vast choice of accommodation in the area to suit all tastes and budgets. These vary from campsites to luxury hotels and from cosy bed and breakfasts to historical settings. Check out our article on the best budget hotels in Preston to help you find affordable accommodation.
Do you agree with our choice of the best things to do in Preston? Do you have any more suggestions to inspire our readers? Please comment in the comments section below.
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