Attractions and Places To See around Preston - Top 20

Preston offers a variety of natural attractions. A must-visit is Brockholes Nature Reserve, a 250-acre site with ancient woodland, lakes, and viewing points for diverse wildlife. You can also enjoy the scenic Miller Park Fountain within Miller Park, which, along with Avenham Park, provides beautiful landscaped gardens and riverside paths along the River Ribble. For a longer outdoor experience, the Guild Wheel Cycle Lane offers a 21-mile route encircling the city, connecting many green spaces. Further afield, the Forest of Bowland, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, provides extensive heathland and walking trails.

Yes, Preston is rich in history and culture. You can step back in time at the Ribble Steam Railway, a heritage railway and museum operating along Preston Docks. The city also boasts the impressive Harris Museum and Art Gallery, housed in a striking Neoclassical building, and the Church of St Walburge, known for having the tallest spire of any parish church in England. For a glimpse into medieval life, consider visiting Samlesbury Hall or Hoghton Tower.

Families will find plenty to do. Brockholes Nature Reserve is excellent for all ages, offering wildlife spotting and a floating visitor village. The Guild Wheel Cycle Lane is perfect for family bike rides. For animal encounters, Bowland Wild Boar Park features wild boars, deer, and other animals, along with tractor rides. Turbary Woods Owl and Bird of Prey Sanctuary provides an opportunity to see various birds of prey up close. Additionally, Flip Out Trampoline And Adventure Park offers an active indoor option.

Preston offers numerous walking opportunities. You can enjoy easy strolls through Miller Park and Avenham Park, or explore the trails at Haslam Park Nature Reserve. For more extensive hiking, the Forest of Bowland, including Beacon Fell Country Park, provides panoramic views and diverse walking trails. You can find detailed routes and guides for hiking around Preston on komoot, such as the Hiking around Preston guide.

Absolutely! The Guild Wheel Cycle Lane is a popular 21-mile circular route that connects many of Preston's green spaces and attractions. You can also find various cycling routes suitable for different skill levels, including those passing through Brockholes Nature Reserve. Explore more options in the Cycling around Preston guide.

Preston features several distinctive architectural landmarks. The Harris Museum and Art Gallery is a stunning Neoclassical building. The Church of St Walburge is a notable Gothic Revival church with England's tallest parish church spire. Winckley Square showcases picturesque Georgian townhouses, and the Miller Arcade is another architectural gem in the city centre. Even Preston Bus Station is recognized for its distinctive Brutalist architecture.

Yes, Brockholes Nature Reserve is an excellent spot for birdwatching and wildlife spotting, offering diverse wetland and woodland habitats. The reserve has hides and viewing points designed to get you closer to nature without disturbance. Other local nature reserves like Fishwick, Grange Valley, and Boilton Wood also provide unique habitats for various species.

Many of Preston's attractions are accessible via public transport. The city centre attractions like the Harris Museum and Art Gallery, Winckley Square, and Miller Arcade are within walking distance of the bus and train stations. Parks like Avenham and Miller Parks are also centrally located. For attractions slightly further out, local bus services often provide connections. It's advisable to check local bus routes for specific destinations like Brockholes Nature Reserve.

For mountain biking enthusiasts, there are trails around Preston that cater to different skill levels. While the Guild Wheel Cycle Lane is generally for leisure cycling, more rugged routes can be found in the surrounding areas. You can explore specific MTB trails and their difficulties in the MTB Trails around Preston guide, which includes routes near Hoghton Tower and the Roddlesworth Reservoirs.

Preston's industrial heritage is evident at several sites. The Ribble Steam Railway, located along Preston Docks, offers insights into the city's railway history. Preston Docks themselves were once Europe's largest inland dock and remain a significant historical site. The Ribble Link Staircase Locks also highlight the area's canal and river navigation history, connecting the Lancaster Canal to the River Ribble.

Yes, several attractions in Preston offer wheelchair-accessible paths. Miller Park, with its listed water fountain and spiralling gardens, is noted for its accessibility. Brockholes Nature Reserve also has accessible paths and a floating visitor village. When planning your visit, it's always a good idea to check the specific venue's website for the most up-to-date accessibility information.

Beyond the main highlights, Preston has some charming spots. The Lancashire Infantry Museum is one of the most important military museums in the country, preserving the heritage of five Lancashire regiments. Preston Markets offer a vibrant local experience, and you might even spot a statue of Wallace and Gromit. For art enthusiasts, PR1 Gallery and The Birley showcase contemporary art from UCLan students and local artists.