Exploring Preston and its surrounding attractions, like Blackpool and Manchester, offers a mix of cultural, historical and leisurely experiences.
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Preston is a vibrant city in Lancashire, England. It serves as a perfect hub for exploring nearby attractions. I'll share my experience of visiting different places within Preston, a trip to the lively Blackpool beach, and an exciting day in Manchester.
Exploring Preston
A stroll through Avenham and Miller parks
One of my favourite spots in Preston is Avenham and Miller Parks. These Victorian parks located along the River Ribble offer beautiful landscapes, Japanese gardens, and a riverside walk. I spent a sunny afternoon here, enjoying the peaceful surroundings and vibrant flower displays. It's a perfect place for a leisurely walk or a picnic.
St George's Shopping Centre and Fishergate
Preston city centre is a shopper's paradise, with a variety of retail options to suit every taste. St George's Shopping Centre is a modern mall featuring a wide range of high street brands, boutiques, and eateries. Just a short walk away, Fishergate is the main shopping street lined with an array of stores, from well-known chains to unique local shops.
Preston cenotaph and flag market
Adjacent to the Harris Museum is the Preston Cenotaph, a war memorial honouring fallen soldiers. The Cenotaph is a place of reflection and remembrance, set amid the bustling Flag Market. The Flag Market is a historic square that serves as a focal point for public gatherings, markets, and events throughout the year. On any given day, you might find local vendors, street performers, or community events bringing the square to life.
The Ferret and Preston Playhouse
Live music venues and theatres, such as The Ferret and Preston Playhouse, are at the heart of Preston's cultural scene. The Ferret is renowned for its intimate atmosphere and eclectic line up, featuring everything from local indie groups to touring bands. Preston Playhouse is a beloved community theatre. It hosts a variety of performances, including plays, musicals, and comedy shows. These venues ensure that Preston offers a diverse range of entertainment options for residents and visitors alike.
Nightlife and entertainment
As the sun sets, Preston city centre transforms into a lively nightlife hub. The city offers a variety of pubs, bars, and clubs where you can enjoy a night out with friends. Live music venues and theatres, such as the Guild Hall, host performances ranging from concerts and comedy shows to theatrical productions. No matter your taste in entertainment, Preston's nightlife has something to offer.
A day at Blackpool
Blackpool is located on the Fylde Coast of Lancashire. It is one of the most iconic seaside destinations in the UK. Known for its golden sands, vibrant atmosphere and array of attractions, Blackpool beach offers something for everyone. In this guide, I'll share my experiences of the beach, the thrilling rides and games, and the delightful restaurants that make Blackpool a must-visit destination.
Getting there
From Preston, Blackpool is a convenient and popular day trip destination. I took the Northern Rail train from Preston railway station to Blackpool North station. The journey was quick and comfortable, taking approximately 30 minutes.
The beach experience
Blackpool beach stretches for miles along the coast, offering soft golden sands perfect for a day of sunbathing, building sandcastles, or simply enjoying a relaxing walk along the shore. The beach is well-maintained and provides stunning views of the Irish Sea. It's an ideal spot to unwind and take in the natural beauty.
Blackpool Pleasure Beach
Blackpool Pleasure Beach is a renowned theme park featuring thrilling roller coasters, family rides, and entertaining shows, making it a must-visit attraction. Central pier is known for its iconic Ferris wheel, providing spectacular views of the coastline. It also has traditional rides and arcade games for a fun-filled experience.
Iconic Blackpool Tower
One of the most recognizable landmarks in Blackpool is the Blackpool Tower, which can be seen from the beach. This 518ft structure adds a nostalgic charm to the coastal skyline. There is also an observation deck with panoramic views. The Blackpool Tower also houses a circus, a ballroom, and a 4D cinema, providing entertainment for visitors of all ages.
Blackpool Piers
Blackpool's Piers offer classic seaside amusements. From traditional fairground rides like carousels and bumper cars, to arcades filled with games. Central Pier is known for its iconic Ferris wheel, providing spectacular views of the coastline. The pier also features family-friendly rides, game stalls, and live entertainment. South Pier, on the other hand, is more geared towards thrill-seekers, with attractions like the Sky Screamer and Sky swing. It also has traditional rides and arcade games for a fun-filled experience.
Seaside treats
No trip to Blackpool is complete without some traditional seaside treats. Along the promenade, you'll find fish and chips, ice cream, candy floss, and rock candy. There are countless fish and chip shops along the beach, but some of the most popular include Harry Ramsden's and The Cottage. Enjoying a portion of fresh fish and chips with a view of the sea is an important Blackpool experience. Treat yourself to a cone or a sundae from one of the many ice cream parlours dotting the promenade. Notable spots include Notarianni's Ice Cream.
Discovering Manchester
Getting there
Traveling from Preston to Manchester is easy. I boarded a Northern Rail train at Preston railway station, arriving at Manchester Piccadilly station in just under an hour.
Exploring Manchester Piccadilly
Manchester Piccadilly is a bustling area, full of shops, cafes, and vibrant street life. After arriving, I took a walk around, soaking in the energy and admiring the historic buildings combined with modern architecture.
Manchester museum
Next, I visited the Manchester Museum, located on Oxford Road. This museum features a vast collection of exhibits, ranging from natural history to ancient civilizations. I spent a few hours here, fascinated by the dinosaur skeletons, Egyptian mummies, and the vivarium with live frogs and reptiles.
The Trafford Centre
To wrap up my day in Manchester, I headed to the Trafford Centre, one of the largest shopping centres in the UK. From Manchester Piccadilly, I took a Metrolink tram to the Trafford Centre stop, a journey that took about 45 minutes. The Trafford Centre is not just a shopping destination; it’s an entertainment hub with a cinema, a food court, and various attractions. I spent the evening shopping, dining, and even catching a movie.
In the end, exploring Preston and its surrounding attractions, like Blackpool and Manchester, offers a mix of cultural, historical, and leisurely experiences. Whether you're strolling through Preston's parks, enjoying Blackpool's beachfront, or immersing yourself in Manchester's dynamic city life, there's always something new and exciting to discover.
