Visit Lancaster

Heritage, culture, creativity: Lancaster has the lot. The city’s stately Georgian streets and picturesque canals are a pleasure to explore and reflect its history as a thriving centre of commerce. But there’s a darker past to uncover at Lancaster Castle, which was one of Europe’s oldest prisons.

History lovers will be fascinated by the castle’s many prisons, medieval cells and towers – in which the Pendle Witches were incarcerated before their infamous execution. The 18th-century Crown Court witnessed many notable trials too and is still in use today!

For a cheerier experience, visit Williamson Park. This huge parkland has everything you’d expect, beautiful woodlands, lawns and play areas, but there are surprises too. Like an Edwardian butterfly house filled with exotic species and the Ashton Memorial, a gargantuan folly which offers jaw-dropping views of Morecambe Bay.

As a university city, Lancaster has stacks of lively bars and restaurants. Or for a quiet pint, visit Lancaster Brewery.