Practical Motorhome Online World of Motorhomes
Motorhome news
What's on guide
Caravan forum
Parks directory
Magazine subscriptions
Home page
VW and Eve Cars
Practical Motorhome
Alan Rogers guides
Practical Motorhome
HOLIDAYS  BUYING  HELPLINE
THE TRAVEL GUIDE
The Short-Break Travel Guide - LANCASTERBACK

Short-Break Travel Guide When you swing your 'van through the streets of Lancaster the Georgian architecture in the beautifully-preserved old city centre is striking. The imposing stone work is the legacy of a bygone wealth and historical significance from when Lancaster was a jewel in the North-west's crown.
These days it's not quite so affluent but remains an attractive city that continues to benefit from its halcyon days. Remnants of the wealth are obvious in the architecture of Georgian townhouses and the stunning Ashton Memorial. Then there's the landscaped charm of Williamson Park, which is a wonderful public space where you can stroll in gorgeous surroundings without leaving the city limits.
The oldest, and arguably best, attractions are the castle and priory, which sit beside each other as they have for centuries. The castle delivered sentences during the Pendle Witch Trials of 1612, which is just one of the famous event's in Lancaster's intriguing past.
The city also has a modern allure. The area around St Nicholas Arcades and Market Square bustles with shoppers and offers visitors a wide choice of coffee houses, snack bars and restaurants. With two museums and a couple of respected theatres, Lancaster has culture covered, too. Parking your 'van isn't easy, but there are various sites, on the outskirts of the city, at which to stay.
Lancaster is one of England's great historic cities with enough up-to-date attractions and modern-day hustle and bustle to keep motorcaravanners happy.

48 Hour Essentials

Lancaster Castle
Take an hour-long tour of the great castle, which was first sited in 1093. See the 8ft-thick walls of Adrian's Tower, including the macabre sight of prisoners' leg irons and manacles.
Tel 01524 64998
Web www.lancastercastle.com

Lancaster Priory
Situated next to the castle, this ancient house of prayer overlooks the city. Inside you'll find 13th-century stonework and a huge collection of regimental Colours. There are even coffins belonging to crusaders.
Tel 01524 65338
Web www.priory.lancs.ac.uk

Atkinson's Tea and Coffee Shop
This shop is a treasure chest of wonderful aromas and sells some of the best leaves and beans in England.
Tel 01524 65470
Web www.atkinsonsteaandcoffee.co.uk

Williamson Park
Jump on a bus, or tackle the 30-minute walk, up to Williamson Park. Here you can enjoy a gentle stroll and appreciate the vista over the cityscape from Lancaster's highest point.
Tel 01524 33318
Web www.williamsonpark.com

What's NEW
Sultan of Lancaster
This unique restaurant has an art gallery attached, showcasing contemporary art "inspired by Islamic values and principles". It's located in Brock Street and is worth checking out for a tasty meal and a thought-provoking exhibition.
Tel 01524 849494
Web www.sultanoflancaster.com


Redwood Garden Centre
This garden centre opened a few months ago in the Lancaster Leisure Park. There are already plenty of reasons to visit the park, such as the Timeless Tea Room and the GB Antiques Centre. But even if you're not interested in the garden centre, you can still take advantage of its barrier-free parking – it's located a mile and a half from the city centre.
Tel 01524 542685
Web www.redwood-garden-centre.co.uk

In the magazine

Secret Snail
Travel tips and local info

Parking Update
Motorhome-friendly carparks

What's On
Local shows and events

Discount pitches
Money off coupon for selected parks

The Short-Break Travel Guide - LANCASTERBACK
HOME PAGE | TOP OF PAGE
HOLIDAYS  BUYING  HELPLINE
Contact Practical Motorhome
Best viewed in screen resolution 800 x 600 using Internet Explorer or Firefox.