Things to do in Preston

Whether you want to blow off some steam at the Ribble Steam Railway, bounce the day away at a trampoline park or simply take a stroll around the renovated docks and marina, we’re perfectly placed for you to get the most out of Preston.

A mix of Victorian buildings, a church with one of the highest steeples in the country and parks that range from sporting paradises to deserted country wildernesses, there’s plenty to see and do in Preston.

Preston has a rich cultural scene, the pinnacle of which is the excellent Harris Museum and Art Gallery, which showcases a truly diverse range of exhibits. Alongside there are plenty of other museums and theatres, as well as an exciting calendar of annual events to entice visitors of all ages and interests to the city.

The Preston Guildhall Charter and Theatre dominates the city’s entertainment sphere: one that offers food, drink and high-class action spanning live music, stand-up comedy and plays. Factor in one of the oldest football teams in England, a range of cinemas and live music venues, and you have a truly bustling city. Or, why not head to Lytham Festival?

Spurred on by a large student population, and mostly centred along Church Street, there are plenty of back-street bars and pubs, boisterous boozers and hands-in-the-air clubs in the heart of Preston to keep you going well into the morning hours.

Dine out at over 400 different restaurants in Preston, spanning dozens of cuisines. We’ve rounded up our favourite places to eat in the city, including Thai street food, expansive Indian restaurants and an impressive range of Mediterranean outlets.

With three well-equipped shopping centres, a pristine Victorian-era shopping arcade and a sprawling out-of-town retail park, Preston has all your high street stores covered and more.

If you want to get to grips with Preston’s unique history, then its four diverse museums will do the trick. Whether you want to step back to the Ice Age or simply discover more about the county’s regimental past, you’ll be spoiled for choice.

Handily located an hour from two major international airports and boasting one of the largest bus depots in Europe, getting around Preston couldn’t be easier. We’ve rounded up the plane, train and road options to make sure you get the most from the city.