Top Things to do in Lancaster
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What to do and see in Lancaster, United Kingdom (UK): The Best Places and Tips
Discover the best top things to do in Lancaster, United Kingdom (UK) including Trough of Bowland, Williamson Park, Lancaster Castle, Lancaster Brewery, Lancaster Canal, Lancaster Priory Church, Lancaster City Museum, The Grand Theatre, Lancaster Maritime Museum, Judges' Lodgings.
Restaurants in Lancaster
1. Trough of Bowland
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 304 reviews
Reviewed By LauraDaveJames - Solihull, United Kingdom
We visited on a beautiful crisp clear winters day just after Christmas. The scenery was breathtaking. We saw almost no other traffic but the roads are very difficult and at times dangerous. This was particularly the case in the icy winter conditions.
There aren't too many places to park so make the most of those that you see. We particularly enjoyed climbing the stone tower that overlooked the countryside and the distant sea view.
2. Williamson Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 979 reviews
Reviewed By FlorianFY - Bispham, United Kingdom
Visited to see the Ashton memorial. This is a glorious Victorian park, beautifully laid out with lots of facilities. The memorial itself is gorgeous. Stunning on a cold crisp day with the sun going down, this will be revisited on summers day.
3. Lancaster Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Owned by the serving monarch, HM Queen Elizabeth II, through the Duchy of Lancaster, Lancaster Castle is a wealth of English history. Since being established by the Romans the castle has been a home to monarchs, a place of trial and execution, and a working prison right up until 2012. Still a crown court, the majority of the castle is now open to the public for the first time in over 1,000 years. Since its opening in 2013, the Castle is gradually developing its offer of tours and events, as well as offering a cafe and gift shop in the grounds.
Reviewed By pmartin5 - Manchester, United Kingdom
The guided tour was excellent and very informative about the history of the place, from the Normans, through the trial of the Lancashire Witches up to 2011 when the prison was decommissioned. Unfortunately, the courts were in session when we visited so were missed off the tour. The tour is an interesting and entertaining lesson on penal institutions in the UK.
4. Lancaster Brewery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 216 reviews
Lancaster brewery is a multi-award-winning brewer of beautiful beers, born and brewed in the north west of England. The company has four popular beers that form its core range - Lancaster Blonde, Amber, Red and Black and also produces monthly specials and seasonal beers from our purpose built brewery. We do brewing properly. No fuss, no shortcuts, just proper old fashioned brewing using freshly milled malt, whole-leaf hops and live yeast that, combined with our expertise, produces some of the best beer in the country. Our brewery is open as a tap house for people to come and enjoy a pint, and we offer tours of our brewing process too (which you can buy online from our website as a gift voucher for the beer fan in your life). The brewery is also available to hire as a venue for weddings, parties and events - it is a fantastic venue for a big bash for 50- 400 people within walking distance of Lancaster town centre.
Reviewed By Tom W
We hopped down to the brewery for a tour on a Saturday. The weather was bitter but didn’t affect our enjoyment. The guide brew our minds with his enthusiasm and he seemed to be very passionate. You can be(er)live we’ll be back.Awesome! We can't wait to welcome you back!
5. Lancaster Canal
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 214 reviews
Reviewed By rodrigoma87 - Mexico City, Mexico
I cycled by Lancaster Canal many times while studying in Lancaster University, and it is one of my best memories from Lancaster. The Canal is very pretty, full of breath-taking views and inspiring sceneries. You will see lots of trees, ducks, swans, Bridges, pretty houses by the riverside, boathouses on the river, people walking their dogs, couples kissing, runners running, etc. You can use The Canal to walk from the University to the City Centre or vice versa, or you can go running or cycling. It's very safe and a ride worth having! You can walk the whole route by the Canal or only a fraction of it, in case you don't feel like walking a lot. Anyways, I'd recommend you give it a try and enjoy the calm and beauty of Lancaster by the river.
6. Lancaster Priory Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 113 reviews
Reviewed By ste141 - Exeter, United Kingdom
I left my car at St George's Quay, which had three hours of free parking. I went here, first, and found virtually nobody around. A male volunteer gave me a free leaflet on the history of it, but I bought a guide book and it gave me a lot more information. I would recommend this place, but visit it first as it closes earlier than the castle.
7. Lancaster City Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 267 reviews
Reviewed By John S - Isle of Man, United Kingdom
What a great 'little' museum. I've been visiting this museum every time I come to Lancaster. Usually while my wife goes shopping!!
It's free entry!!!!
It contains a little bit of every aspect of Lancashire's history.
I particularly liked the Roman stuff. But there is a lot more than that.......
8. The Grand Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 103 reviews
Reviewed By Tom C
Went to see Dick Whittington this afternoon. “Performed” by the Lancaster Footlights. Very basic acting. Bad sounds from the old speakers and the Seating upstairs less than adequate for someone of my 6 foot stature. Building in dire need of some upkeep. But more than anything. A cleaner to dust around the place as there was cobwebs hanging off the speakers. Not an enjoyable visit and I will be using the Dukes next time for my annual pantomime visit.
9. Lancaster Maritime Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 145 reviews
Reviewed By mverschaeve - Huddersfield, United Kingdom
I didn't know there was a maritime museum in Lancaster.
It's an interesting place, situated along the river, next to former pack houses that have been transformed into housing/flats.
There's a 20' video describing local history and after that we walked through the exhibits. Local shipbuilding, fishing. some ship models, describing the way of life of centuries ago.
All in all it was a pleasant couple of hours which were very informative.
Whether this is something for you depends on the 'interests' you have... It's nothing 'grand - huge'. Nothing essential. But if you're interested in anything maritime in general and local, then I think you'll like it.
10. Judges' Lodgings
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 87 reviews
The Judges’ Lodgings is Lancaster’s oldest town house and a Grade One listed building. Originally home of the Keeper of Lancaster Castle, Thomas Covell, it later became a residence for the ‘Hanging Judges’ when they visited Lancaster Castle for the Assize Courts.The Judges’ Lodgings Museum is now home to a nationally important collection of Gillow furniture displayed in rooms furnished in the style of the Regency period. You can also visit the Museum of Childhood where you can experience the Victorian school room and see an enchanting display of children’s dolls, toys and games from 18th century to the present day. Open – Weekdays Easter – June & October 1.00 – 4.00 Weekdays July – September 10.00 – 4.00 Weekends Easter – October 12.00 – 4.00Admission - Children FREE (accompanied), Adults £3.00 & Concessions £2.00
Reviewed By Garth L - Lancaster, United Kingdom
This landmark building in Lancaster's historic quarter, home to travelling assize judges until 40 years ago, is a fine Georgian specimen and houses a fabulous collection of Gillow furniture. Local authority cutbacks placed this museum under threat of closure in 2016 but discussions are now underway for a community-led charity to be formed to keep the museum going and exploit its full potential. A reminder that Georgian elegance can be found outside London and that English furniture craftsmanship of this period was world-class. Well worth a visit. Close to the station and even closer to Atkinson's, the city's famous purveyor of coffee and tea.
