Things to do in Preston
Steeped in industrial history and full of urban charm, Preston is a lively city on the banks of the River Ribble. As Lancashire's administrative centre, Preston combines its industrial past with modernity, creating a unique vibe that welcomes explorers, families, and history buffs alike.
Although it only officially became a city in 2002, Preston has a proud history as a medieval market town, pioneering industrial centre and well-to-do urban capital. There’s a lot to do in see in Preston and its surroundings.
If you're wondering about the top things to do in Preston, we’ve got you covered. We’ve put together a varied list of local activities and attractions to fill your Preston visit.
Harris Museum, Art Gallery & Library
A great way into the city’s past is to explore the textile industry that made its fortune. Visit the Harris Museum and Gallery and dig into Preston’s industrial past and artistic heritage.
Founded in 1877, the Harris is situated in a Grade I-listed neoclassical building and may take a whole day to explore. Discover awe-inspiring collections of fine art, textiles, and historical artefacts all under one grand roof.
Exhibits range from Indian textile manufacture to ceramics, fashion, and social history. From witch trials to Wallace and Gromit, there’s a lot of variety, a stunning art collection and a library that holds kids’ activities and readings from visiting authors. Check out their website for a full list of events.
Avenham and Miller parks
Nestled beside the River Ribble, these Victorian parks are the city's green heart. There are all the traditional features of a nineteenth century park including ornate fountains and bandstands, decorative flowerbeds, and riverside walks. If you visit in Easter, you may see the annual egg rolling event, held here since 1867 on the Monday bank holiday.
The Japanese Garden is a highlight, featuring ornate paths and ponds, bridges, miniature waterfalls, and fantastic views across the lawns. Autumn is particularly lovely here, and summer sunsets are a treat too.
Preston Docks
Revel in the charm of Preston Marina, once Europe’s largest inland dock. Gawp at the yachts or stroll the leafy promenades past numerous sights and sounds. If you’re feeling energetic, hop on a bike and tour the 21-mile walking and cycling route known as the Guild Wheel.
There’s also an Odeon cinema, in case the rain comes down, and plenty of places to eat and drink. The marina has a walkway all the way round, so it’s a great place to take a leisurely stroll.
Preston Guild Hall
A renowned hub of entertainment, this venue hosts everything from theatre performances and concerts to comedy nights.
Don’t be put off by the 1970s brutalist architecture – inside you’ll find two auditoriums that have played host to legends including Led Zeppelin, David Bowie, and the Jackson 5. Once a regular program is up-and-running, locals are hoping this famous venue will be rocking once more.
PrestonWall Climbing Centre
For more active exercise, why not try bouldering or roped rock-climbing at the PrestonWall Climbing Centre. Learn the ropes with a lesson or try out a range of walls ranging from beginner boulders to challenging overhangs. Magic Times are their discounted sessions, which happen on Friday and Sunday afternoons and offer a great opportunity to try out this rewarding sport.
Lakeland Climbing Centres, who run the facility, run outdoor climbing excursions too, so it’s worth checking out their website if you prefer scrambling over the real thing in the Lake District.
Ribchester Roman Museum
Preston’s surrounding countryside has settlements that date back to the Roman era. Just a short drive from central Preston, delve into the history of the Roman settlement at Ribchester, complete with artefacts and interactive displays.
You’ll see remains of the Roman Garrison that was stationed here by the tranquil banks of the river Ribble. Numerous recovered artefacts including clay pots and bronze weapons are on display in the Village Hall and you’ll see the remains of a Roman granary uncovered in the fields adjacent. There’s also a pretty 13th-century church and riverside walks to enjoy.
Brockholes Nature Reserve
Brockholes lies a short drive east of Preston and is an extraordinary haven for birdlife and for visitors who want to learn about the local wildlife and preservation efforts. A remarkable floating village and visitor centre provides a 360 degrees wildlife experience.
Wander through its 250-acre reserves, spot native birds, or participate in interactive workshops. There are places to eat and artisanal shops on site, and miles of woodland walks and wetland vistas. If you’re into birdwatching, this is a major attraction, with native and visiting species including herons, egrets, grebe, kingfishers, parakeets and many more.
Deepdale Stadium
If you’re more into penalties than parakeets, visit Preston’s football stadium to catch a fixture. Football fans can watch local side Preston North End FC take on visiting EFL teams throughout the season.
The grounds date back to 1875 and were refurbished in 2009. Nowadays they include the National Football Museum Research Centre, which can be visited if you book in advance.
Level Preston
There’s no excuse for being bored in this triple level leisure complex, which offers a host of activities for kids and adults alike. Level one features laser tag, karaoke and crazy golf, level two provides ten pin bowling, darts and a couple of bars and there’s a third level in development.
Rainy days need not be miserable ones in this loud, lovely venue, which is open seven days a week, with late opening on Friday and Saturday nights.
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*New holiday homes from £34,995 with free 2025 site fees – UPDATED 17 January 2025
*Holiday home price is based on a new 2-bedroom Willerby Ellerton holiday home and includes siting, connections and standard accessories. Free Site Fees 2025 offer is applicable to new customer purchases made through Haven from 1 January 2025, completing by 31 December 2025.
A credit equivalent to the value of your site fees due during the 2025 season will be applied to your account balance on completion of your purchase for use against your running costs e.g. utilities, after-sale add-ons e.g storage boxes or site fees. It cannot be applied to your purchase or refunded in cash.
Offer excludes part-exchanges or private sales.
Price excludes 2025 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 17 January 2025, price and free site fees 2025 offer is available at Marton Mere and Berwick.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
Let2offset - make no site fee payments for 7 years
Let2offset is a contractual lettings product that offers eligible owners a guaranteed letting income at a preferential rate (calculated each year) in exchange for a stipulated number of letting breaks. It also allows eligible owners to pay their site fees and receive their letting income in 12 equal monthly instalments; the monthly site fee amount charged by Haven will be after deduction of the letting income.
‘Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset for 7 years’ is available at 33 Haven parks excluding Burnham, Cardigan View, Far Grange, Garreg Wen, Lydstep Beach, Riviere Sands and Seaview. The letting income received will vary by make, model and location. The monthly site fee payment does not include running costs e.g. utilities, rates & insurance.
‘Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset for 7 years’ is applicable to new and existing customer purchases of new Victory Ashberry 3 Bed or equivalent grade holiday home purchases made through Haven where customers have also signed up to Haven’s Let2offset contract. It is not applicable to private sales and cannot be used in conjunction with our free Site Fee promotion.
An example of how ‘Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset for 7 years’ operates under Let2offset is the purchase of an Victory Ashberry 3 Bed holiday home at Seton Sands with a monthly site fee of £667.08 (includes purchasing discount of £17.08) and monthly letting income of £673.17. The monthly difference equates to £23.17, which will be credited to the owner's account. Both letting income and site fees are subject to yearly pricing reviews and the monthly site fee costs and letting income shown in the example are based on 2025 figures.
Modelled assumptions on expected annual site fee and letting income charges over the 7-year lettable life of the Victory Ashberry 3 Bed indicate that under Let2offset it is anticipated that these customers will continue to receive a monthly credit during this period, however, this is not guaranteed. The modelled assumptions are based on the historical performance of Haven over the past 5 years of trading as of 2024.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
Owner’s 'Appy Meal Deal for £7.99
All day, every day* - collection only
Only available to Owners staying on park
Any pie, fishcake or large sausage, small chips, any side and a soft drink
Upgrade to regular cod or haddock^ for £3
Owners can use their discount on top of this offer
Only available in Cook’s venues and not from our Cook’s vans. Offer includes any pie: Minced Beef and Onion, Chicken and Mushroom, Steak or Cheese and Onion, fish cake or large sausage (choose from plain or battered) and a portion of small chips, any side and a soft drink. Sides include curry sauce, gravy, beans or mushy peas. Drinks include any soft drinks can or bottled water (excludes Coca Cola). ^Some of our Cook’s do not serve haddock - in this case, an upgrade to cod will be the only option of fish to purchase. Dishes cannot be changed or swapped for alternatives. Non-inclusive of upgrades or add-ons. Discount is applied if all dishes and drinks are purchased together, and this must be in the same transaction. Available daily, subject to venue opening hours. *Some of our Cook’s do not open for lunch trading. Offer is only available when ordering via QR code, app or website and for collection only. Offer is only available to Owners who are staying on park. Owners can use their owner discount on top of this offer. Offer may be withdrawn or changed at any time, without notice. Offer is valid March 2025 - November 2025. Prices include VAT. This offer can be used in conjunction with all other offers. Offer not available in any on-park franchises. Haven Holidays is a trading name of Bourne Leisure Limited. Registered office: 1 Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire HP2 4YL. Registered in England and Wales, no 0401166
Pre-loved holiday homes from £19,995 with free 2025 site fees - UPDATED 6 February 2025
Offer is applicable to new customer purchases made through Haven from 1 January 2025, completing by 31 December 2025.
Offer excludes part-exchanges or private sales. Available on pre-owned holiday homes at the following selected parks only: Marton Mere and Burnham-on-Sea.
A credit equivalent to the value of your site fees due during the 2025 season will be applied to your account balance on completion of your purchase for use against your running costs e.g. utilities, after-sale add-ons e.g storage boxes or site fees. It cannot be applied to your purchase or refunded in cash.
Subject to availability and status. Deposit required. Access to your holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Offer cannot be combined with any other offer, discount, or promotion. Offer may be withdrawn or changed at any time without notice. Full site fees will be payable for subsequent years.
Images are shown for representational purposes.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
Pre-owned holiday homes from £19,995 – UPDATED 17 January 2025
*Holiday home price is based on a pre-owned holiday home and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
Price excludes 2025 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 17 January 2025, price is available at Kent Coast, Blue Dolphin, Caister-on-Sea, Cardigan View, Greenacres, Hafan y Mor, Lakeland, Seton Sands, Berwick, Cala Gran, Devon Cliffs, Doniford Bay, Hopton, Littlesea, Presthaven, Reighton Sands, Rockley Park, Thornwick Bay and Weymouth Bay.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.