Activities in Lancaster

Picture an archetypical Medieval castle perched on the banks of an idyllic river with an imposing central Gatehouse, and you won’t be far off Lancaster Castle. Built in the 11th century on the site of a previous Roman Fort overlooking the River Lune, the stunning hilltop castle is the main focal point in Lancaster and a local and national treasure. The castle has had a varied life through the centuries including repelling the Scots and Picts tribes and hosting the trials of the Lancashire Witches, while until 2011 it was a fully functioning HM Prison. Located a 10-minute drive from our Lancaster hotel, the castle is now open to the public as a ‘living monument’ having been extensively restored throughout, including ‘The Keep’ with its three-metre-thick walls and the imposing 20-metre-high Gatehouse. The castle is open daily with regular tours running from 9am lasting around an hour. The venue is still a working Crown Court, which means if the court is in session, some of the tour might be cut short. There’s also a cafe and gift shop on site.

Spread over 54 acres encompassing a butterfly house, meerkat enclosure, adventure playground, a licensed café and plenty of wooded walks, Williamson Park is one of the best green spaces in Lancaster. Located a short distance south-east of the city centre, the hill-top park also offers impressive views across the Fylde Coast and Lake District on a clear day.

Alongside the Castle and the Cathedral, Ashton Memorial is one of Lancaster’s best-known landmarks. Built in 1909, the 150-feet-tall hilltop monument is as stylish as it is tall, with a sprawling copper dome, imposing granite interiors and a stylish Baroque exterior. Located in the middle of Williamson Park, the viewing platform on the first floor offers impressive views over the park and further afield to Cumbria and out to the coast.

Alongside the Castle and the Cathedral, Ashton Memorial is one of Lancaster’s best-known landmarks. Built in 1909, the 150-feet-tall hilltop monument is as stylish as it is tall, with a sprawling copper dome, imposing granite interiors and a stylish Baroque exterior. Located in the middle of Williamson Park, the viewing platform on the first floor offers impressive views over the park and further afield to Cumbria and out to the coast.

On the northern banks of the River Lune opposite the city centre is the Salt Ayre Leisure Centre, a modern fitness centre packed with activities. As well as a large range of gym and fitness options and a pool complex featuring flumes, giant inflatables and a spa pool, Salt Ayre also includes a large soft play area, several climbing walls, a spa and beauty centre and a cafe stocked with healthy snacks, meals and drinks.

Housed in a grand 18th-century former town hall, Lancaster City Museum was founded in 1923 and covers the history and evolution of the city, Lancaster’s Roman heritage, regional archaeology as well as housing the King’s Own Royal Regiment Museum covering the city’s military involvement. The free-entry museum on Market Street is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am-5pm.

Built in 1798 on the south-eastern edge of the city centre, Lancaster’s Roman Catholic church was upgraded to a Cathedral in 1924. As well as regular use as a place of worship, Lancaster Cathedral hosts a variety of concerts and choir events throughout the year, often soundtracked by its stunning pipe organ. The Grade II-listed building is open for visitors and offers guided tours and Cathedral trails aimed at children and adults.

A full 18-hole course, Lancaster Golf Club is one of the leading golf courses in the region boasting picture-perfect views across the River Lune, the Trough of Bowland and the Lakeland Hills. While the challenging James Braid-designed course is perfect for a wide range of golfing abilities, the best part might be arriving back at the clubhouse for a post-round drink. Built in the 14th century, Ashton House is a Grade I-listed historic building which includes their PGA shop and the bar and restaurant overlooking the 18th hole.