Underrated English city that’s best visited in autumn – with brewery trips, ghost tours and 1,000-year-old castle
FROM brewery tours and canal boats to ghosts and ties to the witch trials and free firework displays in early November, Lancaster has everything for the perfect autumn break.
Despite being one of England‘s Heritage cities, Lancaster is overlooked by Brit holidaymakers who favour the likes of York, Liverpool and Manchester.
Located slightly further north of Blackpool, Lancaster has previously been named one of the best UK cities for a short break by Which? – the consumer watchdog.
Earlier this year, Which? surveyed its members to find the best city breaks in the UK, with Lancaster among the best for small cities, with its cultural attractions and accommodation given 3/5 stars.
The city earned 4/5 stars for its lack of crowds, something travel guide creator Peter Naldrett echoed when he spoke exclusively to the Sun Newspaper.
Peter told Sun Online Travel: “If you like Bristol, try Lancaster – it’s a much smaller, more underrated, place.”
The travel writer recommends heading to Lancaster in early November to fitness the city’s free firework displays, with some of the best vantage points including the River Lune and Williamson Park.
With views overlooking the Fylde Coast and the Lake District, Williamson Park is very much worth a visit in the daytime too.
One of the parks main attraction is Ashton Memorial, part of the city’s skyline since 1909.
In his book, Peter writes: “Dominating Lancaster’s skyline for miles in all directions, this majestic Edwardian structure has come to symbolise the city and acts as a ‘welcome home’ beacon for those returning.”
Spanning for 54 acres, the park is a great place for families thanks to its ample play areas and walking routes.
If you fancy a quicker trip, Lancaster can be explored by its cycleways, stretching 50 miles.
The Lancaster Canal is another way to see the city, stretching 41 miles without any locks – making it the longest of its kind in the country.
Here are some other must-visit places when visiting Lancaster.
Brewery Tours
Another place Peter recommended to visitors was the Merchants Pub – a 300-year-old former wine merchant’s cellars.
But if you are into your beer, the Lancaster Brewery Tour is a must.
For £15, visitors can learn more about the history of Lancaster Brewery before a pint of the good stuff at Brewhouse & Tap once the tour has ended.
Ghost hunts
Another much-loved attraction is The Lancaster Grand Theatre, one of Britain’s oldest continually operating theatres.
It’s been putting on performances since 1782 and is said to be haunted by the spirits of some of its earlier actors, including Sarah Siddons who played Lady MacBeth in 1795.
Brave visitors who want to catch a glimpse of Sarah can book themselves onto a ghost tour for £39.
Thankfully, times have changed since the 18th century with Lancaster producing a crop of talent like Gollum actor Andy Serkis, who attended Lancaster University, and comedian Jon Richardson.
Witch trials
Holidaymakers who want to learn more about Bristol’s past – warts and all – should head to the Lancaster Maritime Museum with exhibition spaces focusing on the local fishing industry, life in Morecambe Bay and the city’s role in the transatlantic slave trade.
The Maritime Museum is open every Monday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 12pm to 4pm, with entry tickets from £3 for adults.
Those who want to delve further into the city’s roots should visit Lancaster Castle – a TripAdvisor Travellers‘ Choice Awards winner.
Despite dating back to the Roman Period, it’s the castle’s ties to the Lancashire Witch Trials that are arguably more fascinating – and much more spooky for those already leaning into autumn.
Entry into the castle costs £9, with access only being given on guided tours as it is still used as a court to this day.
To get to Lancaster, direct trains operate from London Euston, with journeys taking two hours and 25 minutes.
Why you should swap Bristol for Lancaster
TRAVEL guide creator Peter Naldrett visited every UK city while researching his new book, Bright Lights, Big Cities, which will be published on September 12.
This means Peter is the best person to compare UK cities, with the travel writer comparing Lancaster to Bristol.
Peter told Sun Online Travel: “If you like Bristol, try Lancaster – it’s a much smaller, more underrated, place.
“It used to be one of the biggest trading ports in the country, so just like Bristol there’s plenty of history to uncover, from Lancaster Maritime Museum to Lancaster Castle.”
Last week, Peter explained why Brits should visit Salford – tiny cultural powerhouse on the outskirts of Greater Manchester.
And we’ve recently revealed our favourite spots for a September break.