Preston is exceedingly well-connected, with proximity to major motorways and A-roads making getting around simple. The major north to south route here is the M6, which runs along the eastern edge of the city. Head south for Wigan and further on for Birmingham and the Midlands. Venture north and you’ll pass Lancaster, with its famous castle, as well as the seaside resort of Morecambe. Continue on to cut between the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales as you head for the border with Scotland.

The coast and Blackpool are easily reached via a couple of routes. The A583 or Blackpool Road is the slower, more scenic route, while the M55 motorway, also known as the Preston Northern Bypass, also runs the 12 miles to Blackpool. It can lay claim to be the first section of motorway built in the UK. The A59 heads south-west from Preston for Liverpool and the A677 is the road to take for the short drive to Blackburn.

The heart of the town is based around the meeting point of the A59 and A6, with many of the main shopping and parking areas here, plus the University of Central Lancashire. You’ll find large car parks at the Fishergate Centre and St George’s Shopping Centre, in addition to pay-and-display parking in some areas, and free on-street parking outside of the centre.

One road to be wary of in the centre is Fishergate near the train station. Part of it, between Mount Street and Butler Street, is closed to all vehicles except buses and taxis from 11am-6pm every day to ease congestion. Fines can apply as cameras are in operation – however, there are plenty of parking spots nearby.

From its lively street markets to its industrial past and present, long-held footballing pride to parks, theatres and more, Preston is a place with plenty going for it. Preston became England’s 50^th city in 2002 and has gone from strength to strength ever since.

Marvellous Markets

Now housed in a sleek and modern building that opened in 2018, Preston’s famous market dates back to the 19^th century. In fact, the 1875 market canopy remains in place, with new life breathed into it as the market hall was restored and refreshed. With local produce and cheery cafes, the market comes alive from Monday to Saturday. There’s a brand new box market opposite too, with old shipping containers upgraded into unique and independent stores.

Dive into Deepdale

The busiest Saturdays are those that combine market day with a home game for Preston North End, the city’s football team. While the club has an illustrious history – they won the first ever league championship in 1888/9 – they haven’t claimed a major trophy since 1938’s FA Cup and haven’t graced the top flight since 1961. That doesn’t dampen the ardour of the fans, however, with a visit to their home ground Deepdale being a pilgrimage for all football fanatics.

While there are counter-claims elsewhere, Deepdale has a strong claim on being the oldest football stadium in continuous use in the world – between 2001 and 2010, it was also home to the National Football Museum. Look out for the statue of Tom Finney outside, the team’s most famous star who also played for the England team.

A day at the beach

With Blackpool Road running right next to Deepdale Stadium, and a motorway leading in the same direction, it comes as no surprise that the people of Preston might be partial to a trip to the seaside.

Blackpool is a loud and proud seaside resort, with its illuminations, famous tower, trio of piers and more. Grab a grand spot on the sandy beach, brave the waters or head further along to the many rides, from thrilling coasters to family fun at the Blackpool Pleasure Beach theme park. This is the spiritual home of the ‘kiss me quick’ hat and fish and chips eaten from the wrapper – the scent of the salt and vinegar mingling with the salt spray from the sea. At night, the lights come on, transforming Blackpool into a party town built for fun.

The heart of Preston

For a place that thrived during the Industrial Revolution, Preston has an admirable amount of green space. On a warm summer’s day there are few places better to be than in one of the brace of Victorian parks in Preston, the Avenham or Miller, which sit adjacent. The former has a famed natural amphitheatre, Japanese rock garden and a handsome pavilion cafe in a fine setting. Stroll by the side of the Ribble River as locals have done since the park was founded in the 1860s.

The Miller, meanwhile, is the smaller of the two parks, with a statues trail, Italianate terrace and a listed Victoria fountain. There’s no shortage of wonderful picnic spots here by the river, while the West Grotto has a charming tiny waterfall.

With Preston car hire you can add both parks and the rest of the city’s must-see features to your agenda.