One thing you might not know about Preston is that this is a fantastic destination for literature lovers. In a city full of history and heritage, it should be no surprise that Preston has been the inspiration for a wide range of well loved books, but it’s also full of charming reading spots. But why is Preston great for literary lovers? And what should you not miss out on when visiting Preston?
So why is Preston great for literary lovers?
Preston is the perfect city for literature lovers, with a number of literary connections, including:
- Books set in Preston or inspired by Preston
- Literary places to visit in Preston
- Cozy cafés for reading or writing
Books set in or inspired by Preston
Preston’s heritage and history lends itself perfectly to literature inspiration. From Victorian classics, to modern books, there are plenty of literary pieces that have been set in fictionalised versions of Preston, including:
North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell
Although Elizabeth Gaskell’s North and South is technically set in a fictional industrial town called Milton, it’s widely believed that she drew inspiration from real towns in Lancashire, including Preston. The novel follows Margaret Hale as she moves from the quiet South of England to the gritty, working class North. Through Margaret’s eyes, Gaskell explores industrial strife, class conflict, and the human side of economic hardship.
During the mid-19th century, Preston was at the heart of England’s booming textile industry, and also at the centre of several major strikes and protests. In fact, Gaskell visited Lancashire during a period of significant industrial unrest, particularly the Preston Lock-Out of 1853–54, which saw thousands of cotton workers out of work for many months. The raw tension and atmosphere of this experience seep into North and South, shaping the scenes of worker unrest and labor struggles.
Hard Times by Charles Dickens
Charles Dickens didn’t set Hard Times specifically in Preston, but the city had a direct impact on its creation. Like Gaskell, Dickens also visited Preston during the Lock-Out of 1854 and wrote vividly about the city’s industrial plight. The fictional town of Coketown, the backdrop of Hard Times, is believed to be a composite based on Dickens’ impressions of industrial towns like Preston and Manchester.
In Hard Times, Dickens exposes the grim conditions of factory life, the monotony of utilitarian education, and the depersonalizing effects of unchecked industrialism.
One poignant location to visit is the Preston Martyrs Memorial on Lune Street. This memorial commemorates the tragic events of 1842, when soldiers fired on peaceful protesters demanding better working conditions and the repeal of the Corn Laws. It’s an important historical site and a powerful reminder of the kind of real life struggles that fueled novels like Hard Times.
The Wardstone Chronicles by Joseph Delaney
If dark fantasy is more your thing, The Wardstone Chronicles (also known as The Spook’s Series) by Joseph Delaney is based in a fictional landscape that is heavily inspired by Lancashire. The author was born in Preston and lived in the nearby village of Clayton-le-Woods, and he frequently references the surrounding countryside.
In the series, “Priestown” is the name used for Preston, which has roots in real history. Preston itself is a contraction of Priest’s Town, which is how the area was referred to, even earlier than the Domseday Book recordings. However, in this book, it’s portrayed as a place of grim witch trials and dangerous supernatural forces. The eerie and atmospheric settings throughout the series draw directly from Lancashire’s moody moorlands, ancient churches, and historic towns. Fans of the books can take a trip to Hoghton Tower, a nearby manor often associated with ghost stories, or explore Avenham and Miller Parks in Preston, where the natural landscape still feels steeped in magic and mystery.
Cold Bath Street by A.J. Hartley
Alternatively, if ghost stories are more up your street, Cold Bath Street by A.J. Hartley is set right in the heart of Preston. The author grew up in the city, and weaves a thrilling tale of death, mystery, and the afterlife. The book takes its name from a real street in Preston, and the action unfolds in familiar local settings like the Harris Museum, the Flag Market, and St. Wilfrid’s Church.
The main character, Preston Oldcorn, finds himself trapped in a ghostly version of the city and must navigate its haunted streets to uncover the truth about his own death. The book adds a layer of supernatural intrigue to real life locations, making it a fun and eerie way to see the city through different eyes. A walking tour based on Cold Bath Street is a great way to experience the story and the city simultaneously.
Literary places to visit in Preston
As well as the literature itself, Preston offers a lot for book lovers in general. Whether you’re tracing the footsteps of Dickens or looking for a quiet place to read, Preston has plenty to offer, including:
- Harris Library & Museum- While the Harris is currently closed for renovation, the library is still accessible in the Guild Hall. With a collection spanning local history, fiction, and rare archival material, there’s something for everyone, and plenty of quiet corners for reading or writing. Once reopened, the Harris promises to be an even better hub for book lovers.
- Halewood & Sons- This is a second hand bookstore filled to the rafters with used and rare books. It’s the kind of place where you might find an old Gaskell edition tucked away in a corner, and it’s perfect for your own literary inspiration.
- Waterstones- for all the latest releases, Waterstones is always a hit. It’s also situated within a stunning building, carved with green men, and boasting plenty of original features that may inspire your next writing session.
Choose a cozy café for reading and writing
If following in the footsteps of your favourite authors, or picking up your next read, has inspired you to dive into a new book, or start writing, Preston doesn’t disappoint. There are plenty of cozy and welcoming cafes where you can read or write in peace. These include:
- Cafuné- Right on Market Place, Cafuné is a colourful and welcoming café with a South American twist. It’s a great spot for rich coffee, tasty arepas, and tropical juices. With big windows and a laid back vibe, it’s a great place to relax and get lost in your book while watching the city go by outside.
- The Town House Coffee & Brew Bar- Found on Friargate, The Town House is a local favourite with a calm, comfortable feel. They serve top quality coffee and tea, along with fresh, filling brunch dishes and sweet treats. So whether you’re settling in for a morning of reading or you just need to write the next chapter of your own book, this is the perfect place.
- Brew + Bake- Located in Bishopgate Gardens, Brew + Bake offers a modern, cosy environment that feels made for book lovers. Their coffee is excellent, the pastries are freshly baked, and the light-filled interior is perfect for stretching out with a good story.
From the industrial unrest that shaped Dickens and Gaskell’s social realism to the magical world of Delaney’s Spook’s tales and Hartley’s haunted streets, Preston has been the backdrop to a range of novels, and is a hub of literary inspiration. So if you’re visiting Preston, don’t forget to bring a notebook, buy a novel or two, and prepare to see a different side of the city. You’ll also need to consider your hotel. Here at the No.10 Preston Hotel, 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?