Visiting Preston on a budget is not only doable, it’s a genuinely enjoyable experience. Preston is a friendly Lancashire city that is packed with free and low-cost things to do. So whether you’re planning a solo trip, a family weekend, or a city break with friends, there’s plenty of things to do in Preston without breaking the bank.
What can you do when visiting Preston on a budget?
There are a wide range of things you can do when you visit Preston, even on a budget. These include:
- Exploring the great outdoors
- Taking in some culture and history
- Free events and hidden gems
Explore the great outdoors in Preston
Preston might be a city but it’s full of nature and that means that there are plenty of ways to enjoy this city break on a budget. Why not check out:
Avenham and Miller Parks- Right in the heart of the city, Avenham and Miller Parks are two beautifully maintained Victorian parks that sit side by side along the River Ribble. With ornate gardens, riverside paths, and plenty of space to relax, they’re ideal for a picnic or a peaceful walk. You’ll also find the Pavilion Café here, a good spot for a reasonably priced coffee or snack.
Haslam Park- Located in Ashton, Haslam Park is a quieter alternative with a nature reserve, sensory gardens, and access to the Lancaster Canal towpath. It’s a great place for dog walking, family outings, or just a bit of fresh air.
Guild Wheel- If you’re into walking or cycling, the Guild Wheel is a 21-mile circular route around Preston. It takes in riversides, woodlands, and city parks, and you can hop on or off at various points. It’s a brilliant way to see the city and its surroundings at your own pace.
Preston Docklands- Once a bustling industrial port, the Docklands area is now a peaceful waterfront with walking paths and benches. It’s a nice place to unwind, especially at sunset.
Culture and history in Preston on a budget
With a long history stretching back to before Viking invasion, and including its boom in the industrial revolution, Preston is a city bursting with heritage. Why not visit:
St Walburge’s Church- This stunning Gothic Revival church boasts the tallest spire of any parish church in England. Free heritage tours of the interior are available every Saturday between 11:30 am and 2:30 pm.
Preston Cenotaph- Designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, the architect behind the iconic red telephone boxes, the Preston Cenotaph is a significant war memorial located in Market Square. It’s a poignant place to reflect on the sacrifices made during the World Wars.
Preston martyrs statue- This is a statue that commemorates the people who were killed or injured during the Preston Strike of 1842. During this workers’ protest, troops opened fire on a crowd of striking cotton workers demanding better pay and working conditions. The statue honours those who died in the fight for workers’ rights.
Walking history trails- In one of our latest articles we took a deep dive into the walking tours on offer in Preston. Plenty of these are available for history and heritage, including the Winckley Square walking tours. This can be an interesting and cost effective way to learn about Preston’s history.
Free events and hidden gems
As well as the above, there are also plenty of free events and hidden gems to discover in Preston when you’re on a budget. These include:
Moor Park Observatory- The Jeremiah Horrocks Observatory in Moor Park opens to the public once a month for stargazing events. Run by the Preston and District Astronomical Society, these sessions are free and offer a unique experience for astronomy enthusiasts.
Flag market events- Events take place throughout the year on the Flag Market, including artisan markets, outdoor theatres, live music, and children’s entertainment. So whether you’re looking for music or fun with the little ones, there are plenty of low cost or free events to choose from.