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Lancaster’s history can be traced back several thousand years, but the city’s heyday was undoubtedly during the Georgian era, and many outstanding buildings remain from this time, including the Custom House on St George’s Quay. The oldest house is the Judges Lodgings, a 17th century town house once owned by the feared witch hunter Thomas Covell. Other historical places of interest include the Victorian neo-gothic St Peter’s Cathedral and the Georgian era St John’s Church, the Cottage Museum and the 200- year-old Lancaster Canal, which meanders through the city centre. The City Museum on Market Square that use to be the Town Hall has displays telling the full story of Lancaster, from pre-Roman to present day along with an art gallery and the Regimental collection.
On Market Street the first glimpse of the imposing grandeur of Lancaster Castle in the form of John o’ Gaunt Gatehouse is a breathtaking sight. Built on a site fortified in Roman times, the preserved medieval castle has played a crucial role in dispensing justice in the region and the castle still functions primarily as a prison and courthouse. Partial tours are available that include the magnificent Shire Hall with its unique collection of 600 heraldic shields, and the pitch-dark dungeons. Alongside the castle is the ancient Priory Church of St Mary the Virgin, with its exquisitely carved medieval choir stalls and superb tapestries. These historic hilltop landmarks offer spectacular views across the city and Morecambe bay, and also form a wonderful backdrop for many special events.
Across the city and also offering magnificent views towards the Lakeland hills is Williamson Park, home to one of England’s grandest follies, the Ashton Memorial offers a fine viewing gallery and exhibition space. There is also a wonderful Edwardian tropical butterfly house and the annual promenade style theatre-in-the-park production. The centre of Lancaster offers a delightful shopping experience with two shopping centres, all the big high street names and specialist retailers. In addition there is many unique shops, cafes and restaurants waiting to be discovered in the pleasant narrow streets and lanes.
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