Whether you want to catch up with friends, enjoy a night out or go shopping, you're spoilt for choice in Preston city centre.
Whilst Preston is a lively and modern city, we’re also proud of our heritage. Over 70 buildings and structures around Preston are listed by English Heritage. As you explore, you’ll encounter Gothic churches and beautiful Georgian architecture. You'll also find remnants of the Industrial Revolution all around you.
The iconic Harris Museum and Art Gallery host exhibitions and artefacts. In front of the Harris Museum, you’ll find the historic Flag Market, a focal point for community events and street festivals all year round.
The city is home to a thriving music scene, and you can enjoy live comedy and theatre shows. Preston’s cultural calendar includes the Lancashire Encounter Festival and Lancashire Mela.
Urban explorers can explore its historic side street, here you’ll find all manner of hidden delights. From offbeat fashion boutiques and quirky cafés to bistros and tapas bars. Preston’s recently refurbished market will delight foodies and bargain hunters alike.
Festivals and other cultural events
Here are some of the biggest cultural events to look forward to in Preston.
Traditional egg-rolling fun
Don’t miss this event held at Avenham and Miller Parks every Easter Monday, where hundreds of people race an assortment of boiled and chocolate eggs downhill! It’s a tradition that goes back over 150 years. There is plenty of arts and crafts, food, drink and live entertainment to keep the thousands of visitors entertained. And to top it all off there’s even an Easter Bonnet competition!
Preston by night
When night falls, the city comes alive. Dine on tasty cuisine from every corner of the world, or watch the world go by from the windows of bars and lounges. Drink ales in historic taverns, catch a film or head to a nightclub and party into the small hours.
Don’t worry if alcohol isn’t your thing. Preston is full of mocktail lounges, live music and comedy nights. So, you won’t miss out on the fun.
Entertainment awaits around every corner. There are cinemas, bowling alleys, escape rooms and skateparks. If you're up for it you can go for a home game at Preston North End’s Deepdale Stadium.
And you can do it all for less than you might think, too. Preston is one of the UK’s most affordable cities (ParcelHero’s Cost of Living Index 2015), so you can have a great time on a budget.
