Things to do in Preston
Steeped in industrial history and full of urban charm, Preston is a lively city on the banks of the River Ribble. As Lancashire's administrative centre, Preston combines its industrial past with modernity, creating a unique vibe that welcomes explorers, families, and history buffs alike.
Although it only officially became a city in 2002, Preston has a proud history as a medieval market town, pioneering industrial centre and well-to-do urban capital. There’s a lot to do in see in Preston and its surroundings.
If you're wondering about the top things to do in Preston, we’ve got you covered. We’ve put together a varied list of local activities and attractions to fill your Preston visit.
Avenham and Miller parks
Nestled beside the River Ribble, these Victorian parks are the city's green heart. There are all the traditional features of a nineteenth century park including ornate fountains and bandstands, decorative flowerbeds, and riverside walks. If you visit in Easter, you may see the annual egg rolling event, held here since 1867 on the Monday bank holiday.
The Japanese Garden is a highlight, featuring ornate paths and ponds, bridges, miniature waterfalls, and fantastic views across the lawns. Autumn is particularly lovely here, and summer sunsets are a treat too.
Preston Docks
Revel in the charm of Preston Marina, once Europe’s largest inland dock. Gawp at the yachts or stroll the leafy promenades past numerous sights and sounds. If you’re feeling energetic, hop on a bike and tour the 21-mile walking and cycling route known as the Guild Wheel.
There’s also an Odeon cinema, in case the rain comes down, and plenty of places to eat and drink. The marina has a walkway all the way round, so it’s a great place to take a leisurely stroll.
Preston Guild Hall
A renowned hub of entertainment, this venue hosts everything from theatre performances and concerts to comedy nights.
Don’t be put off by the 1970s brutalist architecture – inside you’ll find two auditoriums that have played host to legends including Led Zeppelin, David Bowie, and the Jackson 5. Once a regular program is up-and-running, locals are hoping this famous venue will be rocking once more.
PrestonWall Climbing Centre
For more active exercise, why not try bouldering or roped rock-climbing at the PrestonWall Climbing Centre. Learn the ropes with a lesson or try out a range of walls ranging from beginner boulders to challenging overhangs. Magic Times are their discounted sessions, which happen on Friday and Sunday afternoons and offer a great opportunity to try out this rewarding sport.
Lakeland Climbing Centres, who run the facility, run outdoor climbing excursions too, so it’s worth checking out their website if you prefer scrambling over the real thing in the Lake District.
Ribchester Roman Museum
Preston’s surrounding countryside has settlements that date back to the Roman era. Just a short drive from central Preston, delve into the history of the Roman settlement at Ribchester, complete with artefacts and interactive displays.
You’ll see remains of the Roman Garrison that was stationed here by the tranquil banks of the river Ribble. Numerous recovered artefacts including clay pots and bronze weapons are on display in the Village Hall and you’ll see the remains of a Roman granary uncovered in the fields adjacent. There’s also a pretty 13th-century church and riverside walks to enjoy.
Brockholes Nature Reserve
Brockholes lies a short drive east of Preston and is an extraordinary haven for birdlife and for visitors who want to learn about the local wildlife and preservation efforts. A remarkable floating village and visitor centre provides a 360 degrees wildlife experience.
Wander through its 250-acre reserves, spot native birds, or participate in interactive workshops. There are places to eat and artisanal shops on site, and miles of woodland walks and wetland vistas. If you’re into birdwatching, this is a major attraction, with native and visiting species including herons, egrets, grebe, kingfishers, parakeets and many more.
Deepdale Stadium
If you’re more into penalties than parakeets, visit Preston’s football stadium to catch a fixture. Football fans can watch local side Preston North End FC take on visiting EFL teams throughout the season.
The grounds date back to 1875 and were refurbished in 2009. Nowadays they include the National Football Museum Research Centre, which can be visited if you book in advance.
Level Preston
There’s no excuse for being bored in this triple level leisure complex, which offers a host of activities for kids and adults alike. Level one features laser tag, karaoke and crazy golf, level two provides ten pin bowling, darts and a couple of bars and there’s a third level in development.
Rainy days need not be miserable ones in this loud, lovely venue, which is open seven days a week, with late opening on Friday and Saturday nights.
Preston Markets
Whether you're hunting for fresh local produce, unique crafts, or a tasty bite to eat, Preston Markets has it all. The friendly traders here offer everything from artisan cheeses to handmade jewellery across indoor, outdoor and pop-up stalls. Pick up traditional fruit, veg and cooked meats, or head to one of the quirky bars and cafes to relax in.
Winckley Square
Nestled in the heart of Preston, Winckley Square is a hidden gem that’s perfect for a leisurely stroll or a family picnic. Surrounded by elegant architecture, the square's beautifully landscaped gardens offer an escape from the hustle and bustle.
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Pre-owned holiday homes from £14,995 – UPDATED 29 September 2025
*Holiday home price is based on a pre-owned holiday home and includes siting,connections and standard accessories.
Price excludes 2025 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 29 September 2025, price is available at Blue Dolphin, Church Farm, Cleethorpes Beach, Combe Haven, Craig Tara, Doniford Bay, Far Grange, Golden Sands, Hafan Y Mor, Haggerston Castle, Lakeland, Littlesea, Marton Mere, Quay West, Presthaven, Primrose Valley, Reighton Sands, Rockley Park, Skegness, The Orchards, Thornwick Bay, Wild Duck and Weymouth Bay. Price can be withdrawn at any time.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL.
Brand new holiday homes from £268 per month - UPDATED 29 September 2025
Offer is applicable to new customer purchases made through Haven from 14th July 2025, completing by 31 December 2025.
Representative finance example. Holiday home cash price £29,995, less deposit of £8,998.50, gives a loan amount of £20,996.50. 120 monthly payments of £268.34. Total charge for credit £11,191.13. Total amount payable £41,186.13 which includes the deposit amount. The interest rate is 5.33% fixed / 9.6% APR (representative).
Offer available at the following parks: Blue Dolphin, Yorkshire Cleethorpes Beach, Lincolnshire Combe Haven, Sussex Church Farm, Sussex Craig Tara, Scotland Doniford Bay, Somerset Haggerston Castle, Northumberland Hafan y Mor, North Wales Lakeland, Lake District, Marton Mere, Blackpool, Orchards, Essex Presthaven, North Wales Primrose Valley, Yorkshire, Reighton Sands, Yorkshire Thornwick Bay, Yorkshire Weymouth Bay, Dorset Golden Sands, Lincolnshire, Littlesea, Dorset, Quay West, South Wales, Rockley Park, Dorset, Skegness, Lincolnshire and Wild Duck, Norfolk.
Price excludes 2025 site fee, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status & availability. Bourne Leisure Limited, Company registration no 040 660, whose registered office address is 1 Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire HP2 4YL. Bourne Leisure is a credit broker and not a lender.
Nearly-new Willerby Ellerton models - Now £4k off – UPDATED 25 August 2025
£4k off is based on the price difference between brand new and nearly-new 2025 or 2026 Willerby Ellerton holiday homes. Representative prices shown are based on nearly-new 2025 or 2026 Willerby Ellerton holiday homes and and include siting, connections, and standard accessories. All prices exclude 2025 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Reduced prices subject to status and availability. Offer available on a limited number of units at selected parks, as of 25 August 2025. Holiday homes cannot be used as a permanent residence. See haven.com/ownership for full details
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL.
New holiday homes from £34,995 – UPDATED 29 September 2025
*Holiday home price is based on a pre-owned holiday home and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
Price excludes 2025 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 29 September 2025, price is available at Kent Coast, Burnham-On-Sea, Berwick, Caister-on-Sea, Cala Gran, Cardigan View, Devon Cliffs, Greenacres, Hopton, Perran Sands and Seton Sands. Price can be withdrawn at any time.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL.
Pre-owned holiday homes from £19,995 – UPDATED 29 September 2025
*Holiday home price is based on a pre-owned holiday home and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
Price excludes 2025 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 29 September 2025, price is available at Kent Coast, Burnham-On-Sea, Berwick, Caister-on-Sea, Cala Gran, Cardigan View, Devon Cliffs, Greenacres, Hopton, Perran Sands and Seton Sands. Price can be withdrawn at any time.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL.
Let2offset - make no site fee payments until 2032
Let2offset is a contractual lettings product that offers eligible owners a guaranteed letting income at a preferential rate (calculated each year) in exchange for a stipulated number of letting breaks. It also allows eligible owners to pay their site fees and receive their letting income in 12 equal monthly instalments; the monthly site fee amount charged by Haven will be after deduction of the letting income.
‘Make no site fee payments until 2032 when using Let2offset’ is available at 33 Haven parks excluding Burnham, Cardigan View, Far Grange, Garreg Wen, Lydstep Beach, Riviere Sands and Seaview. The letting income received will vary by make, model and location. The monthly site fee payment does not include running costs e.g. utilities, rates & insurance.
“Make no site fee payments until 2032 when using Let2offset” is applicable to new and existing customer purchases of new Victory Ashberry 3 Bed or equivalent grade holiday home purchases made through Haven where customers have also signed up to Haven’s Let2offset contract. It is not applicable to private sales and cannot be used in conjunction with our free Site Fee promotion. An example of how “Make no site fee payments until 2032 when using Let2offset” operates under Let2offset is the purchase of a Victory Ashberry 3 Bed holiday home at Seton Sands with a monthly site fee of £667.08 (includes purchasing discount of £17.08) and monthly letting income of £673.17. The monthly difference equates to £23.17, which will be credited to the owner's account. Both letting income and site fees are subject to yearly pricing reviews and inflation. The monthly site fee costs and letting income shown in the example are based on 2025 figures. Modelled assumptions on expected annual site fee and letting income charges over the 7-year lettable life of the Victory Ashberry 3 Bed indicate that under Let2offset it is anticipated that these customers will continue to receive a monthly credit during this period, however, this is not guaranteed. The modelled assumptions are based on the historical performance of Haven over the past 5 years of trading as of 2024. Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times. Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL.