Preston Overview
Preston gained city status in 2002 but has a very rich history dating all the way back to the Roman times. Preston has been a city that produces textiles since the 13th century which helped the city boom and expand rapidly during the industrial revolution. During the industrial revolution several factories opened up which made it a powerhouse for textiles. Once the industrial revolution stopped, the city struggled to cope and started dealing with economic deprivation and housing issues. Since then the city has been growing year on year with a lot of money being invested into the city and surrounding areas as a bid to try and bring the old Preston back. Although, during the war Preston was a huge industrial city but it was miraculously missed by bomb raids with no reported fatalities throughout the city.
Things to do in Preston
There are two main heritage sights in the city; Hoghton Tower and Samlesbury Hall, both of these places are open to the public and make for a great day out with lots to explore accompanied by cafes and diverse events for everyone to enjoy. Hoghton Tower is an ancestral home dating back to the 1500’s, from the tower you have magnificent views of the county, you are also able to get guided tours of the manor house. A farmer’s market is run regularly where you will find local produce, there is a tea room for you and your friends to relax in after you have walked the gardens. Samlesbury Hall was a medieval stately home built in 1325, at the hall you will be able to have tours of the grounds where you are able to feed the hens and stop off and have a cup of tea. They hold events at the hall all year round with ghost or historical tours running most days of the week.
If you are a fan of gin then head down to Brindle Distillery where you will find out how to make the best flavoured gin of 2018, on the tour you will be able to sample several different gins whilst having a tour of the distillery. They offer a specialist tour where you are able to design your own gin and take a 70cl bottle home with you! The Ribble Steam Railway is a steam train tour where you will find out all about the history of Preston’s docks and railways at the museum. Whilst on the train you will see hidden parts of the city such as, the marina and the impressive swing bridge
Sport in Preston
The Preston Guildhall has and is still being used for international snooker and bowls tournaments. Preston North End are the local football team which play at the Deepdale stadium with a capacity of 23,404 which makes for a great atmosphere on matchday. There are a handful of leisure centres dotted around the city, all centres boast a wide range of facilities with one having a massive climbing wall which is a great place to spend the day with friends.
Escape Preston
Roughly a 30-minute drive west will bring you to Blackpool, in Blackpool you will find a beach and the pleasure park which is one of the best amusement parks in the UK. Just to the east of the city you have Blackburn which is a great city with lots to do. To the North you have the Forrest of Bowland which is perfect for escaping the stresses of university life, there are several paths for running, walking or cycling accompanied by some picturesque landscape.
Transport in Preston
The motorways surrounding the city make it very easy to travel to the rest of the UK, the M6 runs south towards Birmingham and north towards Scotland. You are able to get coaches to London and other major cities from Preston with rail links connecting you to Manchester, Liverpool and Blackburn.
