Preston is well known for its food scene, independent shopping, and live music, but one thing that you might not know about is its creative culture. Whether it’s independent galleries, or hands on workshops, Preston offers a whole host of opportunities that will boost your creativity. But why should creatives head to Preston? And what can you expect when visiting Preston for creative opportunities?
So why should creatives head to Preston?
Preston is a hub of creative energy and artistic expression. Here you can enjoy:
- Art on the streets
- Independent galleries and creative spaces
- Hands on art experiences
- Design North Festival
Preston delivers art on the streets with murals and unexpected masterpieces
Preston’s streets have become open-air galleries thanks to a growing collection of striking murals and public artworks. From wells that are tucked away in alleys, to masterpieces the size of buildings, there is plenty to see on the streets of Preston.
One of the most well known of these masterpieces is “The Mother”. You can see this powerful mural on Church Street and it symbolises strength, struggle, and community. If you continue exploring the city centre, you’ll find a range of street art pieces. Some are inspired by local heritage, while others are based purely in contemporary design, but they’re all vivid, unmissable, and often photograph worthy. In our opinion, a walk through Preston’s city centre offers a visually rich experience and is fantastic for inspiration.
To help guide you, there’s now an interactive mural map available online, so you can discover these large scale artworks like a creative treasure hunt across the city centre.
Independent galleries and creative spaces in Preston
Preston’s biggest and most well known art space, the Harris Museum, is currently being refurbished. But Preston’s independent art venues are holding the fort. These smaller spaces bring a more personal, often experimental flair to the creative landscape. Why not check out:
- The Birley Studios- Nestled on Birley Street, this artist led space is home to a collection of contemporary creators working across multiple mediums. From installations to mixed media and abstract forms, the exhibitions here are frequently thought provoking and refreshingly unexpected. You can also find workshops, artist talks, and open studio events here, which is perfect for creative visitors to the city. If you’re staying for the weekend, why not check their social media to see what’s on? You might be lucky enough to catch a live art evening or creative collaboration in action.
- Longridge Gallery- A short drive from Preston, Longridge Gallery offers a more traditional, yet no less engaging, art experience. The gallery showcases fine art from across the UK, featuring everything from pastoral landscapes to modern figurative work. It’s a great spot for discovering established artists and purchasing original pieces if you’re after a lasting souvenir of your visit.
- Artroom Gallery, Garstang- Located in the nearby town of Garstang, Artroom Gallery curates a mix of UK art and locally made crafts. It’s particularly strong on ceramics, glasswork, and prints, which makes it the ideal spot for browsing beautiful things, or picking up a gift that’s a bit more special than the average postcard.
Hands-on art experiences in Preston
For creatives who don’t just want to look at art but make it, Preston offers a range of workshops and classes. Whether you’re a total beginner or seasoned hobbyist, there are plenty of ways to get involved. You can try:
- The Crafty Potter- This cheerful paint your own pottery studio is a brilliant choice for families, couples, or solo creatives looking for a calming afternoon. You can choose from a wide range of blank ceramics and bring them to life with your own design. From mugs to plates to decorative ornaments, the results are both satisfying and highly personal.
- Creative Artistry- If you’ve ever fancied sculpting but don’t want to get into the world of kilns and firing, this workshop space offers a clever alternative. Their air-dry clay sessions are designed for beginners and focus on tactile creativity without the need for specialist equipment. From quirky figures to decorative homeware, you’ll walk away with something handmade and uniquely yours.
- Go Create!- A long-standing favourite in the local art community, Go Create! offers a variety of sessions designed to encourage creativity at every age. They run both structured classes and free-flow sessions, where materials are provided and imagination leads the way. Check ahead for their adult sessions for your stay.
Preston’s Design North Festival
If your visit to Preston coincides with the Design North Festival, you’re in for a treat. This newer event is quickly making a name for itself as a celebration of northern design talent, and it covers everything from graphic design and architecture to sustainable fashion and digital innovation.
Hosted across a range of venues, the festival features pop-up exhibitions, talks from leading creatives, and collaborative workshops that blur the lines between art, design, and business.
What makes Design North special is its focus on accessibility and inclusion. This is not just a festival about creativity, but one that invites everyone to take part. You can expect a friendly atmosphere, fresh ideas, and plenty of opportunities to meet the makers shaping Preston’s design landscape.
Planning a creative stay in Preston
Whether you’re staying in Preston for a weekend or a week, there are so many ways to add creativity to your itinerary. Here are a few ideas to try during your visit:
- Create your own art trail- Use the mural map and gallery locations to build a self-guided walk through the city’s visual highlights.
- Pick up a piece of local art- Buying from a local gallery or maker supports the city’s creative economy, and makes for a thoughtful gift or souvenir.
- Try something new- Even if you’ve never painted, sculpted, or sketched before, Preston’s workshops make it easy to experiment.
Overall, if you’re planning a creative trip, Preston is a fantastic option. Here at the No 10 Preston Hotel, our luxury aparthotel is stylish and designed for relaxation and unwinding. Why not take a look at our rooms or book your stay today?