If you are a nature lover looking for a break this year, you may have considered a holiday lodge, or a cottage retreat, but why not consider a city break instead? Despite being a city, Preston offers some impressive green spaces, a nature reserve, and provides easy access to the The Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. So whether you want to relax with an art journal beneath the trees, or bird watch along a river, Preston can be the perfect choice. But what are the benefits of visiting Preston as a nature lover? And why should you consider Preston for your next trip?
What are the benefits of visiting Preston as a nature lover?
While a city break might not immediately make you think of nature, Preston is in the unique position to offer a number of benefits, including:
- Easy access to a range of environments
- Stunning city centre parks
- Preston offers great access to a range of environments
- Nestled in the heart of Lancashire, Preston is a small and lively city with plenty to offer visitors. But outside of the city, you can visit a wealth of Lancashire’s hidden natural gems. Why not visit:
- The Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Brokholes Nature Reserve
- The Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
- While not in Preston itself, the Forest of Bowland, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is just a short drive away and is well worth the trip. If you’re interested in hiking, cycling, or wildlife spotting, you’ll find this vast expanse of countryside perfect. The highlights include:
- Beacon Fell Country Park- From here you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and plenty of walking trails.
- The Trough of Bowland- This is a picturesque valley that’s perfect for scenic drives or challenging hikes.
- Abundant wildlife- Here you can observe curlews, hares, and deer.
For a truly immersive nature experience, head to Brockholes Nature Reserve. This is only a short drive from Preston city center and is managed by the Lancashire Wildlife Trust. As a 250-acre reserve, featuring wetlands, woodlands, and meadows, this is a sanctuary for diverse wildlife. You will be able to observe birds like kingfishers, herons, and lapwings in their natural habitat, and visit hides for a close up look at local wildlife.
One of the most unique and interesting features is the floating visitor village. Here you can enjoy panoramic views of the reserve while sipping a coffee. The village also houses a café and a gift shop.
Stunning city centre parks
As well as providing access to beautiful areas of nature, Preston also boasts a number of city parks and green spaces, including:
- Avenham and Miller Parks
- Haslam Park
Avenham and Miller Parks
- Avenham and Miller Parks are two interconnected green spaces that are a shining feature in Preston’s city centre. These Victorian-era parks are located along the banks of the River Ribble and offer picturesque landscapes for walking, picnicking, and relaxing. Bird spotting is also a popular pastime in these parks.
- Avenham Park boasts sweeping lawns, an iconic Japanese Rock Garden, and shaded woodland paths, while Miller Park offers formal flowerbeds, a central fountain, and historic statues.
- Nature lovers can take a leisurely stroll along the riverside path connecting the two parks, or simply unwind on one of the many benches and take in the tranquility.
Haslam Park
Haslam Park is another easily accessible green space within Preston, with a mix of natural and formal gardens. This award-winning park features:
- A peaceful canal that’s ideal for a stroll or a quiet moment by the water.
- Wildflower meadows that attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
- A sensory garden designed to engage visitors of all abilities.
- Fantastic bird watching opportunities
If you’re planning to visit Preston and enjoy nature, choosing the perfect hotel can make all the difference. Here at the No 10 Preston Hotel, we offer a range of high end apartments that are designed with luxury and relaxation in mind. This is particularly important after a long day hiking, walking, or cycling, or adventuring across Lancashire’s nature hot spots. Why not take a look at what we can offer today, or get in touch to book your trip to Preston?