The 11 Best Things to Do in Lancaster, UK

If you are looking for a guide to the best things to do in Lancaster, you’ve come to the right place. I’ve enjoyed exploring this compact city and am happy to share my findings.

Lancaster is one of England’s 13 official Historic Cities, alongside the likes of Bath, Oxford, and York. While it is smaller than some of its designated counterparts, it has a long history featuring Roman settlements, medieval struggles for land and power, and a busy maritime trade centre.

Today, visitors can enjoy the impressive Lancaster Castle, elegant Georgian architecture, and a number of small museums. Lancaster also boasts scenic green space, Williamson Park, and easy access to beautiful countryside.

While you can visit most of Lancaster’s sites in one day, you can combine a trip to the city with nearby Morecambe or have a stopover there on the way to the Lake District.

Without further ado, let’s take a closer look at the best things to do in Lancaster.

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The Best Things to Do in Lancaster

Lancaster is home to many small historic attractions that give a glimpse into the city’s past. However, my personal favourite aspect of the city is its proximity to easy walking trails and beautiful countryside.

Lancaster Castle

Historic Lancaster Castle, nearly a 1,000-years old, is one of the city’s key attractions. Its storied past is deeply intertwined with the country’s history of law and order, featuring many grim tales.

Lancaster Castle is unique as it still hosts one of the country’s oldest continuously operating courts. Throughout its history, the castle has also functioned as a prison, a site of execution, and the epicentre of the infamous Pendle Witch trials in the early 17th century.

Because it remains a working castle, the majority of its interiors are accessible only through guided tours. These tours are available daily from spring to autumn, starting at 10am, and provide a comprehensive view of the castle’s complex history, including areas not otherwise accessible to the public.

I highly recommend joining a tour, but for those unable to do it, the castle courtyard and a small Witches’ Exhibition are accessible without one. There is also a Police Museum on-site, open only on Thursdays and Fridays, as it is volunteer-run. Guided tours are priced at £9 (US $12.00) per adult.

Roman Bath House and Wery Wall Remains

The ruins of Roman Bath House and Wery Wall

To be frank, these are not going to be the most exciting ruins you’ll ever see, as a large part of them is buried beneath a car park. However, I’ve included them in this list for those interested in learning more about the city’s history.

The ruins are located just a stone’s throw from Lancaster Castle, within the green surrounding of Castle Hill. You can include a quick stop there as part of your overall visit to the castle.

At the site, you can still see a section of the wall and the ancient heating system that warmed the baths. There is also an information board explain what you’re looking at.

Although they don’t seem like much, the ruins are part of a much bigger archaeological site. Castle Hill holds significant archaeological importance, offering a glimpse into Lancaster’s ancient past.

Ongoing archaeological work continues to uncover the secrets of local history buried beneath the ground.

Williamson Park

A list of the best things to do in Lancaster would not be complete without the scenic Williamson Park. It encompasses 54 acres of parkland and woodland, making it the perfect spot for a relaxing stroll and reconnecting with nature.

At the heart of the park lies one of Lancaster’s architectural icons, the impressive Ashton Memorial. This striking Edwardian folly was commissioned by local industrialist Lord Ashton as a tribute to his late wife.

Today, this memorial is one of the most recognisable features of the city’s skyline. You can climb the steps of the Ashton Memorial to enjoy stunning views over Morecambe Bay and the Lake District.

Alongside walks, you can also visit a mini-zoo and the Butterfly House, a former Edwardian palm house, which is now home to a small rainforest.

Canal Cruises

One of the best ways to take in the beautiful natural surroundings of Lancaster is by joining a leisurely cruise along Lancaster Canal. Kingfisher Cruises runs a range of trips, including special entertainment and afternoon tea ones.

One of their most popular sightseeing cruises involves a visit to the Lune Aqueduct. This 18th-century feat of engineering carries the canal and offers those on the boat great views of the surrounding countryside.

If you would like to book your spot, check out the official Kingfisher Cruises website.

The Dukes Theatre

The Dukes Theatre is the city’s cultural institution and is a great item to add to your list of things to do in Lancaster if you’re staying there for the evening.

The theatre is housed in a converted church building and serves as both a theatre and an independent cinema. It is the only professional producing theatre in Lancashire, staging several shows a year, including a Christmas production for the whole family.

The theatre also hosts touring stage productions and serves as a creative hub for community. The Dukes runs workshops that help locals to get involved in the arts.

Discover what’s on during your next visit to Lancaster on the on The Dukes website.

Lancaster City Museum

Housed in an elegant Georgian building that once served as the town hall, the museum takes visitors on a journey through Lancaster’s fascinating history.

From pre-historic times to the Roman era, through the Georgian and Victorian periods, you can see how much the city has evolved over the centuries and learn about some of its most famous residents.

The City Museum shares the building with the King’s Own Royal Regiment Museum, which showcases the history of the city’s own regiment, from the 17th century to modern conflicts.

The space on the ground floor is used for ever-changing temporary exhibitions. The museum is not huge, but it’s great for learning about local history.

Entry to the museum is free.

Charter Market

Every Wednesday and Saturday, from 9am to 4:30pm (closing at 4pm in winter), Market Street and Cheapside in the heart of pedestrianised Lancaster city centre come alive with a busy outdoor market.

You’ll find a range of stalls offering everything from fresh produce and international street food to clothing and jewellery. Live music from local performers makes it an even more lively place to explore.

Given its central location, it’s easy to combine a visit to the market with some sightseeing at nearby museums and Lancaster Castle during your visit.

Lancaster Walks

As the city is blessed with beautiful countryside, it’s not surprising that one of the best things to do in Lancaster is to explore its surroundings on foot.

One of the most popular walking options is along the Lancaster Canal, which runs for over 90 kilometres (57 miles) from Preston to Kendal. You can walk a section of it while in Lancaster to take in historic sites, including the Lune Aqueduct.

The River Lune also offers great walking opportunities with trails along its estuary. What’s great is that the many trails have low undulation, making them very accessible to walkers of all fitness levels.

Maritime Museum

Located in two historic buildings—the former 18th-century Custom House and the upper floor of neighbouring warehouse—on St George’s Quay, the Maritime Museum focuses on local maritime history.

The exhibits cover various aspects, from exploring the lives of ordinary people who relied on the sea for survival to shipbuilding, trade, and the city’s dark connections with slavery. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions showcasing different aspects of local and British history.

Though not large, the museum is worth a visit if you’re interested in learning about the industries that shaped Lancaster and the nearby Morecambe Bay.

Admission to the museum is £3 (US $5) per person. The museum is closed from Tuesday to Thursday.

Merchants 1688

One of my favourite things to do in Lancaster is enjoying a sumptuous meal and a drink at the historic Merchants 1688 restaurant. Located just a stone’s throw from Lancaster Castle, it occupies a 300-year-old former wine cellar.

Under the guidance of Head Chef William Graham, Merchants 1688’s menu presents an elevated take on modern British cuisine, crafted from the finest locally sourced ingredients. The interiors may resemble a typical pub more than a restaurant, but don’t be deterred by the bar stand that welcomes you upon entry.

I visited Merchants 1688 for lunch, where a special daytime menu features sandwiches and smaller versions of its classics, like the 72-hour small lamb hotpot. An extensive wine list complements the food options.

During our last visit, my husband and I managed to get a table as walk-ins. However, as this is a popular dining spot, I recommend booking your table in advance to avoid disappointment.

The Cottage Museum

Located within a short walk of Lancaster Castle, the Cottage Museum is the smallest museum in the city. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the daily lives of ordinary people in the early 19th century.

Set in an 18th-century house that was subdivided in the 1820s, the museum preserves a historic Victorian household environment. Visitors can explore interiors featuring low ceilings, uneven beams, and daily objects used by Victorians.

A visit to the museum truly highlights the luxuries of modern living, such as running water and electricity. It also provides a stark contrast to the grandeur of the stately homes that are typically well-preserved for visitors.

Admission is just £1 (US $1.30) per person, and only cash is accepted. A visit usually takes less than an hour, making it an easy addition to a day exploring Lancaster’s other attractions.

When is the Best Time to Visit Lancaster

Most of the attractions on this list of the best things to do in Lancaster are open all year round. However, if you want to make the most of the outdoors, it’s best to visit between late spring and early autumn, as this is when the weather is at its best, with less rain and higher temperatures.

How to Get to Lancaster

One of the easiest ways to get to Lancaster is by car, as the city is accessible from the M6. There are several car parks right in the city centre. However, be sure to get there early as these can get busy.

Lancaster also has a train station, which is connected to regional destinations in the North West and, via the West Coast Mainline, to London and Scotland. The train station is located just a stone’s throw from the city centre.

Coaches are also an option for travelling to Lancaster. There is a bus station right in the city centre, which is served by National Express.

How to Get Around Lancaster

Lancaster city centre is compact, with many pedestrianised areas, making it easily walkable. Accessing Lancaster Canal and some of the River Lune walking trails on foot from there is also straightforward.

Local buses offer an alternative way to get around and access locations beyond the city, including Morecambe. These services are run by a company called Stagecoach. You can find out more about the timetables and fares on their website.

Where to Stay in Lancaster

Lancaster is home to a few small hotels and self-catering accommodation right in the city centre. If you are looking for a luxurious stay, consider checking into Quite Simply French, located on the historic Saint George’s Quay.

It is simply one of the most stylish places to stay in the area. Additionally, Quite Simply French features a French restaurant, which has become one of Lancaster’s top gastronomic spots.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ve found this guide to the best things to do in Lancaster helpful. If you are looking to explore more historic cities nearby, check out these guides to York and Chester.

Lancaster is located within easy reach of the Lake District, so you can easily combine a visit to both areas as part of a single trip. It’s also a great option for a day trip from Manchester, Liverpool or Preston.

FAQs: Things to Do in Lancaster

Is Lancaster worth visiting?

Yes, Lancaster is worth a day trip, especially if you are also planning to visit the nearby Morecambe or travelling to the Lake District. It’s also a great base for some beautiful countryside walks.

Is Lancaster a big town?

No, Lancaster is not a big town. It is a compact city with a population of 144,000 people.

Is Lancaster a walkable city?

Yes, Lancaster is compact, and its city centre is walkable. Attractions featured in this article that are outside the city centre, such as Williamson Park, can also be accessible on foot form the city centre, although be prepared to tackle some hills.

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The 11 Best Things to Do in Lancaster, UK