Summary
Rich in historical significance, the city of Lancaster has royal associations that trace back to the House of Lancaster during the Medieval period.
Under the title of Duke of Lancaster, Queen Elizabeth II continues to hold substantial assets in this charming region of Northwest England.
Lancaster exhibits a refined character, partially attributed to the local pale sandstone that adorns nearly every monument, from the imposing castle to the Custom House located on the city’s former docks.
Once a bustling port on the River Lune, Lancaster retains a distinguished reputation for its coffee as a remnant of that era.
Established nearly 180 years ago, J. Atkinson & Co. is a coffee roaster that supplies numerous restaurants and cafes throughout the city.
Let us delve into the premier attractions in Lancaster:
1. Lancaster Castle
Perched above the city and the River Lune, this fortification has been established since Roman times, with the current castle originating from the Norman Conquest.
A significant portion of the existing architecture, including the formidable gatehouse, dates back to a 15th-century fortification effort.
Lancaster Castle’s preservation into the 21st century is largely attributed to its function as Europe’s longest-operating prison until its closure in 2011. The courtrooms, which remain operational, were venues for several notorious trials.
In 1612, the Pendle Witches, comprising nine women and two men, were tried here, with all but one receiving death sentences by hanging.
This is just one of many historical narratives awaiting discovery; highlights include a display of heraldry in the Shire Hall, insights into 19th-century deportations to Australia, and an opportunity to enter an 18th-century prison cell.
2. Williamson Park
This park was presented to the city by industrialist and MP Lord Ashton at the dawn of the 20th century.
In 1999, Williamson Park expanded to encompass the adjacent Fenham Carr, covering nearly 54 acres today.
Dominating the lawns and woodlands is the Ashton Memorial, which will be discussed next.
Families will appreciate the presence of the Mini Zoo, featuring meerkats and marmosets, along with the Butterfly House, located within the elegant Edwardian palm house.
Here, visitors can observe butterflies as they emerge from their chrysalides and explore the house’s koi carp, tortoises, chameleons, and quails.
The elegant Edwardian pavilion also accommodates the park café, which sources its coffee from Atkinsons of Lancaster.
3. Ashton Memorial
This magnificent neo-Baroque monument situated in Williamson Park is visible from a considerable distance and merits special attention.
Constructed in the 1900s by Lord Ashton, this 50-meter high edifice commemorates his second wife, Jessy.
The Ashton Memorial was designed by John Belcher, known for his diverse array of Historicist structures contributed to London’s skyline.
Crafted from white Portland limestone, the folly features a copper-clad dome reminiscent of the works of Sir Christopher Wren.
The approach to this structure includes a balustraded double stairway made from durable granite.
The Ashton Memorial hosts temporary exhibitions on its upper level and is also available for concerts and weddings.
4. Lancaster Priory Church
The splendid Perpendicular Gothic structure we see today dates back to the 14th and 15th centuries, originally part of a Benedictine priory established in 1094. Those interested in antiquities should not miss the choir, which features England’s third-oldest stalls, crafted around 1340. These oak stalls include folding seats (misericords), many adorned with unique carvings of mythical creatures, human figures, and everyday life scenes.
Moreover, there is a magnificent pulpit, created in 1619, featuring a canopy topped with a crown over a bible, and the three brass chandeliers have been illuminating the church since 1717.
5. Lancaster City Museum
Since 1923, the City Museum has operated from the former Town Hall located on Market Square. This elegant sandstone ashlar building, characterized by a pediment and Tuscan portico, was constructed in the early 1780s.
The museum offers an insightful overview of Lancaster’s history, showcasing various remarkable artefacts.
One such artefact is the Lancaster Roman Tombstone, carved around 100 AD and discovered during routine excavation in 2005. It depicts a Roman soldier on horseback above a decapitated adversary.
Additionally, the building houses the King’s Own Royal Regiment Museum, which traces the regiment’s lineage back to its inception in 1680 and documents its battles through regalia, photographs, and weaponry.
6. Lancaster Maritime Museum
Although located some distance from Morecambe Bay, Lancaster possesses a rich maritime history.
St George’s Quay was one of the most bustling ports in the nation during the 19th century until sedimentation began to hinder the River Lune.
Housed in the striking Neoclassical Custom House, constructed in 1764 and operational until 1882, the museum features ship models and traditional fishing vessels while exploring the historical significance of regional ports such as Morecambe, Sunderland Point, Heysham, and Glasson.
Visitors can learn about traditional lifestyles along the vast Morecambe Bay and confront a solemn chapter of Lancaster’s past, when it served as a crucial hub for the slave trade.
7. Lancaster Cathedral
A noteworthy Gothic Revival structure from the mid-19th century, this church attained cathedral status in 1925. Built from the same light-colored sandstone as the surrounding city, development continued for the next 60 years.
In 1909, renowned restorer Giles Gilbert Scott renovated the nave, incorporated black and white tiles in the chancel, replaced the altar, and installed the current oak pews.
While visiting Lancaster, it is advantageous to check the cathedral’s website to ascertain upcoming concerts.
These may encompass piano and organ recitals as well as contemporary and early choral music.
8. Judges’ Lodgings
This stately townhouse is the city’s oldest residence, despite its 18th-century Georgian façade.
Within, the building contains materials dating back to Tudor times, including a fireplace in the entrance hall installed in the 1550s.
For approximately 150 years until 1975, this residence was utilized by the County Magistrates to accommodate visiting judges.
The house features period interiors adorned with 18th and 19th-century furniture produced by the renowned Gillows of Lancaster and London.
A standout piece is a Regency-period billiards table.
Furthermore, visitors can explore a collection of antique toys and dolls, as well as artwork by Lancastrian artists George Romney and Armand Guillaumin, a close associate of van Gogh.
9. Forest of Bowland
While the Lake District is renowned globally for its mesmerizing landscapes, another less celebrated scenic region lies to the east of Lancaster.
The Forest of Bowland, despite its name, primarily consists of treeless peat moorland, with pronounced gritstone fells reaching elevations exceeding 500 meters.
At its most picturesque is the Trough of Bowland, nestled within Lancaster’s city limits.
This valley and high pass, characterized by swift streams, are favored by walkers and cyclists, though it also offers scenic drives for those preferring the comfort of their vehicles.
The Trough remains sparsely populated, with settlements restricted to isolated villages where one can enjoy tea or traditional pub lunches.
10. Lancaster Canal
This waterway was initiated in 1892 and constructed over the early decades of the 19th century.
It was designed to facilitate transportation across a significant portion of Northwest England, extending from Westhoughton near Bolton to Kendal, situated 70 miles north.
Although the canal was ultimately not completed, the longest section that remains navigable connects Preston with Carnforth, located seven miles north of Lancaster.
Travelling along the towpath to Carnforth allows for glimpses of enduring pieces of industrial heritage, such as the impressive Lune Aqueduct, finished in 1797. The route is primarily flat, traversing meadows, woods, and agricultural land.
Carnforth is only a 10-minute train ride from Lancaster, making the return journey easily manageable.
11. Dukes Theatre
The sole producing theatre in Lancaster, the Dukes began operations in 1971, staging six productions annually at this inviting venue housed within the former Parish Church of St Anne.
Dating back to 1796, the building comprises three auditoriums, the largest of which accommodates over 300 guests, in addition to a studio theatre known as “The Round” and “DT3,” a performance space designed for young audience members.
In addition to its own productions, the Dukes also screens films in its main auditorium.
These selections often include contemporary independent films and timeless classics, ranging from Miyazaki to Kubrick.
12. The Storey
This impressive Jacobean Revival structure, located down the slope from the castle, was erected in 1898 by local philanthropist Thomas Storey, who aimed to enhance vocational education for the city’s populace.
Today, The Storey accommodates creative businesses and acts as a cultural hub, hosting exhibitions, talks, workshops, theatre performances, live music, and movie screenings.
Lancaster’s visitor information center is also situated at The Storey, and the Printroom serves as a relaxed eatery, brewing coffee with beans sourced from Lancaster’s Atkinsons Coffee Roasters.
13. Lancaster Brewery
Beer enthusiasts should certainly visit this award-winning brewery located in the southeast part of the city.
The Lancaster Brewery features a brewhouse and tap that opens in the afternoons, offering five of its signature beers alongside outdoor seating in its garden.
For an in-depth experience, one can partake in a guided tour of the brewery, providing a detailed introduction to the brewing process, from mashing and boiling to maturation, cellaration, and bottling.
Guests may sample the beers at the bar, and those joining a Red or Blonde tour will also receive a locally handcrafted pie as a treat.
14. Cottage Museum
Just a short distance from Lancaster Castle and the Judges’ Lodgings lies a quaint 18th-century cottage that has been transformed into a museum.
This building, which dates back to 1739, was divided into smaller units in 1820 and converted into an artisan’s dwelling.
Counter to its modest exterior, the cottage encompasses five storeys and is preserved to reflect the lifestyle of the early Victorian era, complete with humble furniture, washbasins, chamber pots, and household implements like clothes wringers.
Visitors can engage with the Victorian housekeeper and explore a display of historic documents, such as indentures (contracts between master and apprentice).
15. Way of the Roses
Lancaster is intersected by this 170-mile signposted cycling route that stretches across Northern England from Morecambe Bay to the North Sea.
The route derives its name from the 15th-century War of the Roses, a conflict between the Houses of York and Lancaster, which represented rival factions of the royal House of Plantagenet vying for the English throne.
This trail is designed to be suitable for younger and less experienced riders, utilizing specially laid paths, former railway lines, and tranquil country lanes.
For a comprehensive adventure, one could cycle through the meandering moorland to Clapham on the northeastern edge of the Forest of Bowland.
This journey takes approximately three hours each way, requiring an ascent on the outbound trip and a gentle descent on the return.
