Our campus
Our Preston campus is right in the city centre. It's just a short walk into town, where there are lots of shops, cafes and restaurants to enjoy on your lunch break.
Preston campus has a lot of teaching spaces and specialist facilities. This includes two multi-million pound developments, the Engineering Innovation Centre and Student Centre.
There are lots of social spaces on campus, designed to create a relaxed atmosphere where you can meet friends and have a chat. There are two cafeterias and various coffee shops on-site. Please note, these are card-only.
Local area
Preston has been named as the best city in the North West (Good Growth Index, 2023). There's lots of history and culture, as well as a welcoming local community.
The city centre has a great choice of high street shops, vintage stores and charity shops. This includes the Fishergate Shopping Centre and St George's Shopping Centre. There's also lots of cafes and restaurants, featuring every cuisine you can think of. And don't forget the famous Hot Potato Tram.
Leisure
LeVel is your one-stop-shop for leisure activities, including bowling, darts, mini golf and even laser tag. The Preston Playhouse regularly host productions of all your favourite shows. There's also a Vue and an Odeon cinema to watch the latest films.
There's lots to do to keep fit in Preston too. Join the Park Run every Saturday at 9am in Avenham Park. Cycle the Preston Guild Wheel route. You can even go rock climbing or bouldering at Boulder UK. Plus, all university staff can access a discounted membership to the Sir Tom Finney Sports Centre. You can use the gym or join one of our exercise classes.
Explore the rich local history and culture at the Harris Museum and Gallery. You can discover historic collections, including Viking coins and the skeleton of an Elk killed in the Ice Age. There are also historic pieces of art and ceramics, as well as modern artwork.
The Lancashire Infantry Museum houses a collection of local military history. This includes the famous Salamanca Eagle, captured from the French in the Battle of Waterloo. There are also collections from the Boer War, World War One and World War Two.
There's lots more to do, including go-karting or an escape room. Read our guide to find out more things to do in Preston.
Green spaces
Preston has a lot of green spaces, which are easy to reach from the city centre. Avenham and Miller Parks are both in the city centre, but feel a world away. There's open spaces, the river Ribble and a beautiful Japanese garden. It's also part of the Preston Guild Wheel route, which you can walk or cycle.
Winckley Square is also in the city centre. This is a smaller park, but still perfect for a picnic. It also regularly hosts concerts and events during summer.
Brockholes Nature Reserve is just a 20 minute drive away and has over 250 acres to explore. It's home to various species of wildlife, including birds, rabbits and foxes. There's also a floating cafe on the lake for a spot of lunch.
Where next?
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Things to do in Preston
