Preston's Quirky and Cultural Day Trip
Discover the hidden gems of Preston, where history, art and culture come alive.
22 April 2023
Lucie Collins
UK Travel Writer
A trip to Preston, United Kingdom is a delightful experience for tourists who want to immerse themselves in English culture. Visitors can explore historical landmarks such as the Harris Museum and Art Gallery, the Lancashire Infantry Museum, and the country park of Avenham and Miller Parks. The city also offers an exciting selection of restaurants, shops, and pubs, providing visitors with a memorable taste of English life.
Day trip plan
Getting latest place information

- Start the day with a hearty breakfast at the charming Ham and Jam coffee shop.
- Visit the Harris Museum and Art Gallery to admire its impressive collection of fine art and artifacts.
- Take a stroll through Avenham and Miller Parks, two beautiful green spaces that offer splendid views of the city and the River Ribble.
- Lunchtime calls for a visit to Slice of Sicily, a cozy restaurant that serves authentic Italian cuisine.
- Head to St. Walburge's Church, a towering neo-gothic masterpiece that boasts the third tallest spire in the UK.
- End the day at The Continental, a vibrant pub that hosts live music performances and cultural events. Relax with a pint of locally brewed beer and soak up the cosmopolitan ambiance of Preston.
- Note: Preston is a compact and walkable city, so you can easily cover these highlights in one day. However, if you have more time, don't miss out on other gems like the Museum of Lancashire, the Guild Hall complex, and the Ribble Steam Railway.
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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.