The historic city of Lancaster sits on edge of Morecambe Bay, the sea is barely 3 miles away. Equally, Lancaster is perfect if you’re looking to explore the Lake District, Windermere is just 30 miles away.The tidal River Lune flows through the city and St George’s Quay, with its elegant Georgian warehouses standing eave to eave on the riverfront, is considered to be the finest example of an original 18th Century port anywhere in the country.Indeed, Lancaster retains many examples of handsome Georgian architecture and the area around the castle, particularly Castle Hill, Castle Park and Nip Hill are considered its most alluring quarter.Lancaster’s skyline is dominated by the Ashton Memorial, made of white Portland stone and dedicated to the second wife of millionaire industrialist, Lord Ashton, it’s built in Neo-Baroque style and affords spectacular views of Morecambe bay from its hilltop location in Williamson Park, open-air concerts are held throughout the summer in the park.Foremost among Lancaster’s clutch of museums, the Maritime Museum is the place to get to grips with Lancaster’s role in the unsavoury slave trade, behind only London, Bristol and Liverpool, Lancaster was the fourth largest city engaged in the 18th Century trade of African slaves across the Atlantic.In addition to the Lake District, some of northern England’s greatest scenery is right on your doorstep: the Forest of Bowland, the Yorkshire Dales National Park and the Arnside & Silverdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, all easily accessible, offer the perfect opportunity to discover nature in the raw. And don’t forget, Lancaster’s location on the West Coast Mainline, means there are direct trains to all parts of the country.
