Top Things to do in Preston
The 10 Best Things to Do in Preston, United Kingdom (UK)
Discover the best top things to do in Preston, United Kingdom (UK) including Turbary Woods Owl and Bird of Prey Sanctuary, Avenham and Miller Parks, Preston Guild Wheel, Beacon Fell Country Park, Harris Museum and Art Gallery, Bowland Wild Boar Park, Ribble Steam Railway, Brockholes Nature Reserve, British Commercial Vehicle Museum, Cuerden Valley Park.
Restaurants in Preston
1. Turbary Woods Owl and Bird of Prey Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
Sited at the rear of GARDEN CENTRE Turbary Woods Owl and Bird of Prey Sanctuary is a pure volunteer based, non profit group of volunteers.The flying display give you the visitors, Children & Adults, the chance to participate in the flying display and have our birds land on your gloved hand as they fly to you for their food.We have a collection of over 80 birds of prey including eagles, hawks, falcons, owls, vultures and more unusual species.All the birds are housed in large open fronted aviaries, sheltered in a woodland setting. We assist conservation and education of these beautiful Birds and we are involved with an average of 50 rescues each year.
Reviewed By Laura B - Southport, United Kingdom
Walking around and seeing the birds in the enclosures was wonderful but the real highlight was the flying. We were expecting a simple display but the handlers brought several birds out for us to see, and to have a chance to hold and touch. The handlers were very experienced and knowledgable and answers loads of questions.
2. Avenham and Miller Parks
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 533 reviews
Reviewed By Nigel L - Preston, United Kingdom
These are beautiful listed parks. The staff work hard to maintain the standards but struggle due to staff reductions. These are truly glorious pieces of landscaping, damaged by humans littering and causing damage.
They are well worth the visit, but watch out for inconsiderate cyclists who totally ignore signage and pedestrian safety.
3. Preston Guild Wheel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 337 reviews
Reviewed By Livefats - Wrea Green, UK
The Preston Guild Wheel is a 21 mile trail around Preston. It was created as a legacy for the 2012 Preston Guild, a festival that takes place every twenty years.
The trail is mostly on tarmac surfaces, with a few short rougher sections, but can be easily ridden on a touring, hybrid or mountain bike. The trail is safe too: very little is on roads, and even those are quiet: whilst it does cross busier sections, there are safe toucan crossing points. Much of the trail is flat, with only a couple of steeper inclines. The only problematic section is the steep ascent into (clockwise) or away from (anticlockwise) Brockholes, but there is a route variant that bypasses this.
The trail itself is a shared space, meaning that you might encounter walkers, some with dogs, as well as cyclists. "Share with care"! And signposting is generally very good.
Although its starting point is "officially" Avenham Park in Preston, there are many different access points. My favouirite is Brockholes WWT - and not only because the cafe there serves amazing cakes!
Car parking at Brockholes costs £5 (£3 in winter) for the whole day, and the proceeds go to the upkeep of the reserve. I'd recommend doing the route clockwise, as anticlockwise begins with a steep (20%) climb on slippery cobbles or sets - although this section should not be ridden, as the signs request, it is easier to descend with the bike than ascend pushing it!
The route takes you past the Brockholes reserve (a chance to spy the elusive bittern, perhaps!) and then moves towards Preston past the River Ribble, through quiet wooded paths to Avenham and Miller Parks, the 19th century docks and the marina. Crossing the A583 over a bridge, the trail continues by Savick Brook to UCLAN (where The Final Whistle offers good refreshments!) More quiet paths lead to Cottam and Broughton. The new (2017) bypass has added a couple more road crossings, but toucan crossing points keep it safe. Quiet trails cross the M6 and descend into Brockholes - you have a choice of turning left to hit a 10% uphill section and then the steep and often slippy 20% descent into Brockholes, or right to avoid the gradient - again, both are well signed.
The route is not a racetrack - the shared trail requires care from all parties. Especially at weekends, parts of the trail can be busy, and signs request dog walkers to keep dogs on short leads and cyclists to proceed with caution. There may be family groups with young children too. But really, it is too nice an outing to rush: take your time and enjoy the route!
4. Beacon Fell Country Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 293 reviews
Reviewed By 581nigelc - Preston, United Kingdom
We have been coming here for years - it is a brilliant place for all ages. We brought our kids when they were young and they loved the woods and climbing on the play equipment. The paths are ok for older folk too. There are toilets and tea room near the main car parks. Best take walking shoes/wellies if it has been raining.
Now it is just the two of us and our dogs. This place has stunning views - particularly on a clear day and for us happy memories.
5. Harris Museum and Art Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 301 reviews
A great day out for all the family, the Harris Museum Art Gallery & Library is a treasure trove of fantastic art and fascinating objects for all the family. Come and explore our remarkable collections of fine art, contemporary art, fashion, textiles, ceramics, glass and history, all housed in a stunning Grade I listed building in the heart of Preston ... and we're completely free to visit! We're open seven days a week throughout the year (closed Bank Holidays). Relax in our cafe in one of the most stunning surroundings in Preston and buy an unique gift or memento of your visit from our shop. There is also a Makerspace for visitors to book onto our shared art, craft and technology workshops. There is free wifi, disabled access and baby-changing facilities.
Reviewed By CatieCFulwood - Preston, United Kingdom
called in on Sunday and were warmly greeted as we entered, the local history is always a favorite as are the glass collection and my favorite picture "why war? is an immediate draw. I wasnt keen on the costume collections latest look but the place is always warm, clean and well maintained.
6. Bowland Wild Boar Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 504 reviews
Reviewed By fran1004 - Preston, United Kingdom
We always have a great time here. It was muddy but plenty of the animals were in the barn so you could see them. The chick handling was magical. Didn't see many wild boars today but certainly tasted some in the cafe! Food was good as always the cafe is small and it is difficult when people bring prams in but everyone is very tolerant. The new adventure trail for the over 7's was fun. I am sure we will be back again soon.
7. Ribble Steam Railway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 248 reviews
Hidden away in the heart of Preston's old Industrial Docklands, Ribble Steam Railway has been greeting visitors since 2005. Whatever the weather, you can expect a warm and friendly welcome from Ribble Steam's team of committed volunteers. Whether you are a keen steam enthusiast, or just simply looking for a fun and relaxed day out, Ribble Steam offers a memorable experience of Lancashire's world famous Industrial heritage. Visit the museum discover the history of Preston docks and the story of the first electrical trains. Did you know Preston once had a key role in designing and building trains, close to docks, that were then exported all over the World? Visit the Ribble Steam Railway on any weekend between May and September for steam train rides along our line. The three mile return trip includes crossing the dock swing bridge (a unique feature on our line) and then along the bank of the River Ribble, giving views of The City of Preston that are unique. Train Rides leave from the museum platform at 1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500 and 1600 and your Day Ticket enables you to travel on as many rides as you wish on the day of your visit. Note ALL OUR SEASONAL OPENING TIMES & VARIATIONS ARE CLEARLY SHOWN ON OUR WEBSITE
Reviewed By AnnePrestonion - Prestonion
A hidden joy. When wondering what activity to do with our visiting grandchildren I saw the steam railway adverttised and we are glad we chose to do it. Both children enjoyed themselves but in particular our four year old grandson who loves anything on wheels. He was overjoyed when one of the volunteers asked if he would like to see the workshops where they repair and renovate the trains.
We all enjoyed the short train ride especially when it went over the bridge that went over the river.
Great afternoon out.
8. Brockholes Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1 reviews
Brockholes is a new kind of nature reserve, an unreserved reserve. Everyone is welcome at Brockholes, whether you're a naturalist or a beginner, we have something for you to enjoy and lots of chances for you to get close to nature! On the site of an old quarry, the Lancashire Wildlife Trust have used their expertise to create habitats for lots of different wildlife. You can take a stroll by the River Ribble, explore our woods or enjoy the lakes on site, which have all been specially designed to attract all kinds of wildlife for you to see! Our spectacular floating Visitor Village means that you are as close to nature as possible providing stunning views across the lake. You can also discover our interactive Welcome Centre and learn all about the wildlife that you could see on-site, discover the exciting play area and explore our network of walks and trails (including shorter ones for little legs). After exploring the reserve you can sit back and relax in our restaurant where you can enjoy the beautiful lake view with a coffee and a tasty treat or a long leisurely meal. The Nest, our Brockholes gift shop is brimming with an inspiring collection of gifts, jewellery, books, toys, arts & crafts and other exciting treasures to remind you of your day and are sure to put a smile on the faces of people young and old. A fantastic new addition to the Visitor Village is The Gallery at Brockholes. The Gallery will showcase a range of art and craft by guild members which includes fine art, photography, textiles, ceramics, glass, jewellery, wood and furniture. The Gallery at Brockholes is run by the Art & Craft Guild of Lancashire, made up of a wide range of the finest local artists, designers and makers.
Reviewed By judithhill76
Lots of fun on a chilly march afternoon. The kids described it as awesome and amazing. We spent our time on the playground and saw a hare. Would definitely come back
9. British Commercial Vehicle Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 149 reviews
Reviewed By David B - Preston, United Kingdom
A great place to visit, especially for those interested in transport - both people and goods. The exhibits are in pristine condition, and some are accessible to experience the feel of sitting in the driver's seat. As a Charity, it's well served by very knowledgeable and friendly staff who are more than pleased to share what they know, and there's a cafe serving refreshments. The "but" I've put into the title concerns the fact that the large building in which the exhibits are contained, is unheated - a fact not mentioned in any of the Reviews - and you'd be well advised to wrap up as if you intend to be at the Museum for any length of time, you'd otherwise end up cold, It's a chilly place !
Not open every day. Check the web-site for opening days and times, plus entry fees.
10. Cuerden Valley Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 166 reviews
Reviewed By anne_kingston - Preston, United Kingdom
This is such a great place for a walk, good solid paths all the way round so no matter what the weather you can keep your feet dry. Am watching the progress of the self build visitors centre and cafe with interest and can't wait for it to open in the Spring. Lots of good things happening in this park, I went to the Beer Festival last year and it was a really enjoyable evening.
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