If you’re looking for attractions in Preston, you’ll find plenty to keep you busy both in the city itself and in the surrounding area. So, what are the attractions in Preston that you shouldn’t miss?
Discover Lancashire’s military history
For something a little different, head to the Lancashire Infantry Museum at Fulwood Barracks. This museum tells the story of Lancashire’s infantry regiments through an extensive collection of objects, photographs, uniforms, and personal stories. Rather than simply looking at historical artefacts, you can get a sense of what military life was like for the people who served. As a result, it’s an interesting choice if you want to discover an aspect of Preston and Lancashire’s history that you might not encounter elsewhere in the city.
Step back in time at Ribble Steam Railway
If you’re fascinated by railways and industrial history, Ribble Steam Railway and Museum is another attraction worth putting on your list. Located in Preston’s former docklands, the attraction brings Lancashire’s industrial past to life through its collection of steam and diesel locomotives. You can explore the museum and, on operating days, experience a heritage railway journey.
Visit the historic Samlesbury Hall
Just outside Preston, you’ll find Samlesbury Hall, a striking black-and-white medieval house with centuries of history behind it. Built in 1325, the hall has plenty of stories to uncover, from its Tudor priest holes to its Victorian kitchen. There are also tales of witchcraft and ghostly encounters, giving the attraction a slightly more mysterious side. You can explore the historic building and grounds, take a guided tour, and enjoy refreshments during your visit. It’s an excellent option if you want to combine history, architecture, and countryside in one trip.
See a different side of Preston’s transport history
Just a short journey from Preston in Leyland, the British Commercial Vehicle Museum offers a fascinating look at the region’s contribution to Britain’s road transport industry. Housed in the original inspection building of Leyland Motors, the museum contains an impressive collection of historic commercial vehicles, including buses, lorries, vans, fire engines, and other unusual vehicles. It’s a particularly good attraction if you’re interested in engineering or local industrial history. The museum also helps explain how the vehicles made in this part of Lancashire became part of everyday life across Britain and beyond.
Explore Brockholes Nature Reserve
If you want to swap museums for something more outdoorsy, Brockholes is a fantastic option. This nature reserve sits close to Preston and combines woodland, wetlands, lakes, and wildlife habitats with an unusual floating visitor village. You can spend time walking around the reserve, watching for birds, or simply enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
Have a different kind of day out at The Flower Bowl
For an attraction that is less about sightseeing and more about having fun, make the short trip to The Flower Bowl Entertainment Centre. This unusual venue combines a range of activities under one roof, including bowling, curling, crazy golf, a golf simulator, shuffleboard, and a cinema. The combination makes it particularly useful if you’re visiting Lancashire with a group and can’t agree on what to do. You can make an entire day of it, with food and drink options available on site.
Follow a different kind of trail
If you prefer to explore independently, Preston has several walking and cycling routes that allow you to discover the area at your own pace. The Preston Guild Wheel is perhaps the best known, forming a 21-mile circular route around the city. You don’t have to complete the entire trail. Instead, choose a section and enjoy the changing scenery, from riverside paths to countryside and green spaces. It’s an excellent way to see parts of Preston that you might otherwise miss.
Staying in a city centre hotel in Preston, like the No.10 Preston, allows you to maximise your time and experience more of what the city, and the surrounding Lancashire area, has to offer. We offer luxury and boutique accommodation for solo travellers, couples, families and groups, so you can relax and unwind in peace. Why not take a look at what we can offer today?