There are a wide range of museums on offer in Preston and the surrounding areas, covering different aspects of the area’s history, civic pride, and industrial heritage. Whether you are interested in fine art, social history or specialist collections, the region provides a strong selection of museums that are well regarded by visitors and locals alike. But what are the top museums in Preston and the surrounding area? And what should you not miss out on, on your trip to Preston?
So what are the top museums in Preston and the surrounding area?
There are a number of museums in the area that you shouldn’t miss out on, including:
The Harris Museum
One of the most prominent museums in Preston is the Harris Museum. As both an art gallery and a local history museum, it plays a central role in the city’s cultural identity. Its collections range from fine and decorative art to objects that document Preston’s development as a market town and industrial centre. The building itself is an incredible piece of architectural design.
The Ribble Steam Railway and Museum
Preston is also home to several more specialised museums that highlight specific aspects of local history. The Ribble Steam Railway and Museum, located in the former docklands area, concentrates on railway and industrial heritage. It features restored locomotives and rolling stock, and explains the role of transport in Lancashire’s economic growth. The museum has a practical, hands-on character that appeals to visitors with an interest in engineering, while still remaining approachable for general audiences.
The Lancashire Infantry Museum
Another specialist institution is the Lancashire Infantry Museum, situated at Fulwood Barracks. This museum examines the history of local military regiments and their service over several centuries. Its collections include uniforms, medals, weapons and personal memorabilia, presented in a measured and respectful manner.
Samlesbury Hall
Beyond the city itself, the surrounding areas provide additional museums that broaden your understanding of Lancashire’s past. Samlesbury Hall, located a short drive from Preston, is a historic manor house that functions as a living museum. Its interiors are furnished to reflect different periods of history, allowing you to engage with architectural and domestic history in an immersive setting.
The Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery
In nearby Blackburn, the Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery offers a diverse mix of fine art, decorative arts and local history, with particularly strong collections in Asian art. The museum is known for its carefully curated galleries, making it well suited to visitors who appreciate a more contemplative museum experience.
Why not take a look?
Taken together, the museums in Preston and the surrounding areas present a comprehensive picture of Lancashire’s development, from domestic life and civic culture to industry and military history.
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