Lancaster

Lancaster is a vibrant university city with a wealth of history, beginning life as a Roman Fort in 80AD. Now its cobbled streets are lined with smart, stone houses filled with lively shops, bars and restaurants. Norman Lancaster Castle overlooks the city from its lofty position atop the hill on which the Romans built their fort. Dating back nearly 1,000 years to 1093, its sturdy walls are still in use today, as a prison and courthouse! Take a guided tour around the interior, discovering Hadrian’s Tower and its old weapons, Shire Hall with its display of shields and even get (momentarily!) locked up in the grim windowless dungeons of yesteryear. Lancashire’s doomed Pendle Witches were the most famous temporary residents of the castle’s cells. Then pop into adjacent Lancaster Priory and Parish Church, an 11th century priory, and admire its 1,000-year-old Saxon square-topped doorway, ornate carved stalls and the panoramic 360-degree view from the Tower. Like the rest of Lancashire, Lancaster prides itself on the availability of excellent local produce. Sample it in cosy pubs and swish restaurants throughout the town. Or shop for hearty local specialities at the Farmer’s Market on Market Square, which takes place every second Wednesday. Lancaster is also not far away from the spectacular Morecambe Bay and offers a variety of attractions and events.