The historic county town of Lancaster, surrounded by the Forest of Bowland and the Lune Valley, is a perfect place for an overnight stop on your way to the nearby Lake District or as a base to explore the surrounding countryside.  The city’s position on the coast by the river led to its development as a one of Englands main trading ports in the 18th century and you can see evidence of this in the modern day Lancaster. Today the narrow and leafy Georgian streets are home to a wide variety of shops, restaurants and lively pubs.

The city is dominated by Lancaster Castle sited above the River Lune.  This medieval castle has defended the town since the Roman era but more recently it has been used as the centre for regional justice.  In 1612 the Pendle Witches were tried at the Castle before being hung at nearby Pendle Hill.  Today part of the castle is a prison but you visit some areas such as the 18th century court room famous for the 1974 trial of the Birmingham Six and the 13th Century Adrian’s Tower. 

Other attractions include the Priory Church of St Mary and the 17th century Judges Lodgings that are now home to a museum exhibiting furniture made by Gillows of Lancaster and the Museum of Childhood.  Williamson Park is Lancasters highest point and it offers great views of the town, Morecambe Bay and the Lakeland Hills.  The centerpiece of the park is the 220ft high Ashton Memorial built by the son of a local statesman and important lino manufacturer Lord Ashton in memory of his second wife.  There is also a butterfly house and bird garden in the grounds.