Preston on a Shoestring: A 2-Day Adventure
Preston, UK: Discovering Northern England on a Shoestring Budget.
21 June 2023
Lucie Collins
UK Travel Writer
A budget trip to Preston promises to be an exciting adventure for those who love history, art, and culture. Explore the city's rich heritage by visiting the Harris Museum, Art Gallery and Library, admiring the majestic architecture of the Preston Guild Hall, and taking a stroll through the beautiful Avenham Park. With affordable hostels, cheap food options, and free attractions, Preston makes for a budget-friendly destination that won't disappoint.
Travel plan
Getting latest place information
- Stay at the Premier Inn Preston South Hotel, affordable yet comfortable
- Start the day with a visit to the Harris Museum and Art Gallery, showcasing local art, history, and culture
- Take a stroll around the Avenham and Miller Parks, perfectly manicured and overlooking the River Ribble
- Lunch at Turtle Bay for some Caribbean-inspired cuisine, with jerk chicken and rum punch
- Discover the city's history at the Lancashire Infantry Museum, housed in a former army barracks
- Dinner at the Olive Tree Brasserie, serving Mediterranean dishes in an atmospheric setting
- Enjoy a hearty breakfast at The Sitting Goose, a cozy gastropub
- Travel to the Trough of Bowland, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, to marvel at the scenic hills and valleys
- Take a relaxing hike through the woodlands and streams of Brockholes Nature Reserve
- Lunch at Smokies Southern BBQ, the best place for ribs, pulled pork, and mac 'n' cheese
- For a thrilling end to the day, head to Go Ape Rivington for some high ropes and zip line action
- Relax at the Guild Ale House, sampling some of the locally brewed beers whilst reminiscing on a wonderful stay in Preston.
Length of stay
Type of trip
How to get there
Plane
The best way to get to Preston by plane is to fly into Manchester Airport and then take a train or a coach to Preston. There are direct trains from Manchester Airport railway station to Preston railway station that run every half an hour. Alternatively, you can take a coach from Manchester Airport to Preston Bus Station, which takes approximately an hour.
Car
Driving to Preston is convenient if you have your own transportation. The city is easily accessible via the M6 motorway and A59. There are several car parks available in the city centre and the surrounding areas. It is important to note that there may be traffic congestion during peak periods.
Train
If you're travelling domestically within the UK, taking a train to Preston is highly recommended. There are regular train services from London Euston to Preston station, which takes approximately two and a half hours. Other major cities such as Liverpool and Manchester also provide regular train services to the city.
Boat
Unfortunately, there are no boat services available to get to Preston as it is not located near any major waterways or ports.
Bus
Taking a coach to Preston is a comfortable and affordable option. National Express and Megabus operate regular coach services to Preston from major cities in the UK such as London, Birmingham, Manchester, and Liverpool. The coach station in Preston is located near the city centre and is within walking distance to many hotels and attractions.