Lancaster is a relatively simple place to navigate by car with the M6 motorway close by, which runs south to Preston, Manchester and on to the Midlands, or north to Penrith, Carlisle and the Scottish border.

The A6 main road forms a one-way a loop around the centre of Lancaster, with Lancaster University to the south, and – crossing the meandering River Lune – the Lake District to the north.

The heart of Lancaster is bound by the railway line to the west, and Lancaster Canal to the east, which runs north to south. Inside this area you’ll find Lancaster Castle and Priory Church, the City Museum and most of the main shopping and leisure areas. There is plentiful parking, with car parks handily located close to the cathedral. Charges vary for short and long stay, and you can find an official map of car parks and a tariff online.

Nature lovers are ideally located in Lancaster, with some of England’s most spectacular countryside just a short drive away. The Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty waits to the east, with breathtaking fells and beautiful villages, like Dunsop Bridge – the geographical centre of the UK.

Take the M6 north and you’ll split the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales, with routes available to take you through the heart of both. For the former, leave the M6 at junction 36 and take the A590 or junction 37 and follow the A684. You’ll pass Kendal and then cut right into the Lake District. For the Yorkshire Dales, follow the A684 east and you’ll instantly hit beautiful towns and villages, including Sedburgh, Hawes take junction you can take the A683 east and then join the A65 to skirt the southern edge. Leave the A65 to join the B6255 and you’ll plunge straight through the middle of this handsome area.

From the castle to the market, the Georgian buildings to the nearby coast, Lancaster is a quintessential English city, packed with charm. Combine a visit here with a day trip to the seaside and you’ll be making the most of this lovely part of the UK.

Norman legends

Lancaster’s strategic location made it irresistible to the Romans and other invaders. When the Normans came, they made their mark with the striking Lancaster Castle, built in 1150 and added to throughout the years. It’s a truly imposing sight, built on the same spot where the Romans once erected their fort. In more recent years, the castle served as a fully functioning prison until 2011.

Take a guided tour of the impressive Shire Hall and Hadrian’s Tower, before descending into the dungeons. It’s here where the alleged witches of Pendle were infamously imprisoned and tried in 1612.  The tours are informative and fun, bringing the history to life, while there are impressive artefacts on display too, including a long table and chairs made more than 200 years ago by the prestigious furniture company Gillows of Lancaster and London – latterly Waring and Gillow – which was valued at £250,000.

Beside the seaside

From Lancaster, you’re only a five-mile drive to the shores of Morecambe Bay, making this an ideal base from which to enjoy a traditional seaside break. Once a holiday hotspot, it still retains its charm, with a handsome promenade and a sandy beach. Join the crowds making sandcastles, paddling in the sea and flying kites, or find a perfect spot to tuck into the local specialty of potted shrimp.

Lounge in Lancaster

Back in Lancaster, there’s more to see. Visit the old 11^th-century Priory, adjacent to the Castle and renowned locally for the quality of its music, and the Tropical Butterfly House that sits in lovely Williamson Park. You’ll find many different species of butterfly on display here, while you’ll also come across the 67-metre-high Ashton Memorial with its grand facade and striking green-topped dome. Built by Lord Ashton in memory of his second wife in 1909, it’s now a popular venue for weddings, and has spectacular views across the city and over to the Lake District.

Wander the traditional Charter Market – held in the centre every Wednesday and Saturday – for fresh local produce and traditional handicrafts. It’s the perfect place to pick up food for a seaside picnic, with cuisine from around the world, as well as traditional dishes such as hotpots. There’s also great shopping at the Assembly Rooms Emporium, a number of independent shops and stalls housed in an 18^th-century listed building.

Finally, make the most of your Lancaster car hire by following the historic Pendle Witch Trail. You’ll pass through small hamlets and towns as you travel through the heart of the Ribble Valley.