Lancaster
Accommodation | Christmas lights at local houses
Lancaster oozes history! The castle, old Roman fort, former Georgian port with lots more. An ideal centre for touring the south lakes, Trough of Bowland and Lune Valley
Here are just some of the places of interest.
Williamson Park
Situated on the highest hill overlooking Lancaster, the site of former stone quarries, now transformed into a beautiful park of 38 acres, with the Williamson Memorial at its summit. Views over Lancaster and to the lake District hills and mountains are stunning.
During the summer the famous Dukes Playhouse stages promenade plays here. The audience moves from scene to scene. The combination of woodland dells, mature parkland and ornamantal features provides a truly magical setting giving lifelong memories. If you want to give your children something they will remember and that will inspire them book your tickets for the play in the park.
Lancaster Castle
Part of the original Lancaster, and still used as a court and prison. There are regular tours, normally including the early dungeons although court sessions may mean changes.
Judges' Lodgings (museum)
Once used by visiting judges, noteably for the trial of the Pendle witches. Now a museum housing a fine collection of furniture made by Gillow (later of Waring & Gillow).
Maritime museum
18th century Custom House, designed by Gillow. Set on the recently-renovated St George's Quay. Most of the former warehouses have been converted into desireable flats.
Other notable features
Roman bath house and Wery Wall remains - only a small fragment of 4th century wall remains, but still interesting. In many towns such ruins would have been carefully preserved, Lancaster city council seems to have taken a different view. No attempt seems to have been made to preserve the Roman bath house or prevent further deterioration.
Lancaster Leisure Park - (former Hornsea pottery) antiques centre, play area, factory shop selling famous brands at discount prices. The Hornsea Pottery moved away some years ago, the site is now occupied by 'retail outlets' of mixed quality.
Dukes Theatre and Cinema - theatre, cinema and public bar. Regular quizes. Excellent performances, especially in Williamson Park during the summer.
Grand theatre - the building has been in use for 200 years. Edwardian interior. Frequently changing programme of amateur dramatics and visiting professional performers. A very good night out at an economical price.
If you have relations who are buried in the Priory graveyard you may be interested to visit and determine whether or not their headstones have been used to pave the staff car parking area. Many of the stones are now cracked and worn very smooth by the passage of cars. If these were my relations I would be asking the church authorities to make good the damage.
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