Explore Preston

Explore Preston! Preston is a thriving and vibrant city, rich in culture and diversity. However, you might not be aware of some of these hidden gems.

After local efforts the city has transformed into the cultural place it is today.

Situated in Lancashire, it’s linked by 6 major motorways. This provides residents and visitors with excellent access to the north-south and east-west.

Various initiatives like the City Investment Plan have provided significant investment and development for the area.

Here’s your exclusive ‘Explore Preston’ guide to ensure you make the most of your visit.

Must-See Open Spaces – Explore Preston’s greenery

Moor Park
Distance from City Studios 0.2 mile
Just a stone’s throw from City Studios, Moor Park offers vast green flower gardens with seating areas. Further, explore a waterfall and a large pond home to the local wildlife.

Winckley Square
Distance from City Studios 0.9 mile
One of the finest examples of a Georgian square in the Northwest. Winckley Square is an open public park that hosts activities and events all year round.

Avenham & Miller Parks
Distance from City Studios 1.1 miles
Avenham Park is a large green space with a café, water feature, and a Basalt rock from Giant’s Causeway. From here, you can cross the bridge over the River Ribble for scenic walking routes (info below).

Preston Guild Wheel 
Distance from City Studios 2.9 miles
The Guild Wheel is a 21-mile route encircling Preston, linking the bustling city to the tranquil countryside. The Guild Wheel encompasses many of the locations listed here as a whole. The official start and finish point is the Pavilion café in Avenham Park.

Must-visit landmarks – Explore Preston’s famed area

Harris Art Gallery & Museum
Distance from City Studios 0.8 mile
The Harris Museum is a Grade 1-listed building founded in 1877. Entry is free with over 1,200 paintings and sculptures on display.

Deepdale Stadium
Distance from City Studios 1.1 miles
Home to Preston North End Football Club, Deepdale Stadium was built in 1875. Deepdale is recognised as one of the oldest continuously used football stadiums in the world.

Preston Docks
Distance from City Studios 2.8 miles
Once the inland dock for Europe, Preston Docks features a cinema, museum, pubs and eateries, and shops. It has events on throughout the year.

Leisure – Explore Preston’s leisure activities

The Arc Animate Cinema
Distance from City Studios 0.6 mile
With luxury recliner seats and 4K laser projections, this 8-screen cinema is located near amenities like bowling. It’s a fantastic trip out regardless of your stay.

Preston Markets
Distance from City Studios 0.7 mile
Enjoy fresh, local produce from both Preston’s indoor and outdoor markets. A mix of friendly independent traders offer everything you need from flowers, clothing, toys, and perfume.

St George’s Shopping Centre
Distance from City Studios 0.8 mile
Open Monday – Saturday 09:00 – 18:00, and Sunday 12:00 – 22:30, St George’s Centre houses over 60 shops. It’s located across Preston’s two main shopping streets, Friargate and Friargate High Street.

Bars & Restaurants – Explore Preston’s eateries

The Moorbrook
Distance from City Studios 98 ft
Located a stone’s throw from your City Studios room, The Moorbrook offers wood-fired pizzas and a selection of drinks. It’s reasonably priced, highly recommended on Google, and hosts events including a monthly quiz night.

PLAU
Distance from City Studios 0.5 mile
Self-described as an unparalleled culinary and drink experience, PLAU is 3 in one offering Tapas, Cocktails and more.

Chew’s Yard
Distance from City Studios 0.6 mile
A food hall with 5 different food traders, activities and a hidden garden, Chew’s Yard is open Thursday – Sunday. Occasionally, they host events – check out their website for information.

Brew and Bake
Distance from City Studios 0.6 mile
A modern coffee shop with a twist – offering brunch, evening food, and drinks. They regularly have offers on, including half-price pizza!

1842
Distance from City Studios 0.7 mile
The 1842 restaurant and bar is in the former Corn Exchange, with live music every weekend. There are a variety of dishes and drinks to choose from.

Walking routes – Explore Preston out in the open

Masons Wood
Distance from City Studios 2.0 miles
Masons Wood in Fulwood is perfect for a short walk, offering a flat trail with a wide path. It’s beautifully located in a peaceful area, surrounded by trees and flowers. Simply follow the main path in the woods down to the stream.

Penwortham Circular
Distance from City Studios 2.2 miles
The Penwortham circular is a 10.9 km circular trail, with a completion time around 2 hours. It’s an easy trail with beautiful views along the way. There are several starting points for this trail that could be worth researching. You can start at PR1 9XD from Penwortham water tower, walking anticlockwise via River Rubble.

Fishwick Bottoms Nature Reserve
Distance from City Studios 1.5 miles
This walk will take you around 1 hour to complete. It has 3 ponds and vast woodlands to explore. The main entrances into the reserve are via London Road or from the riverside car park.

We hope you enjoyed this post. Explore Preston and see what this city of culture has to offer.