Built along the banks of the River Lune and surrounded by countryside, Lancaster is the cultural hub of Lancashire, offering access to nature, history and heritage for visitors.
From its origins as a Norman fortress and one of England’s historic cities, the county town of Lancashire sits in the shadow of Lancaster Castle and is packed with bustling shops, bars and culture.
The city is easy to reach by coach, with coach parking available in Upper St Leonardgate car park. It is also accessible by train and regular services run from London Euston, Manchester and Liverpool.
Here is what you could pack into a visit…
Morning
9am: Start your day by stepping into 1,000 years of history with a visit to the magnificent Lancaster Castle, one of the North West’s most important historic and archaeological landmarks.
Perched on a hilltop in the heart of the city, this Grade I listed building offers captivating guided tours that reveal tales of Roman forts, royal justice, and infamous trials. Stories include ten people convicted of witchcraft in 1612 and the city’s youngest convicts transported to Australian.
Whether you’re exploring the castle’s ancient courtrooms or learning about its former role as a working prison, your group will be immersed in a rich and dramatic past with private tours available for up to 49 guests and flexible scheduling outside school holidays.
11am: Step into Lancaster’s rich maritime past with a visit to the Lancaster Maritime Museum, housed in two historic buildings on St George’s Quay. Discover the city’s connections to the sea, the fishing industry, and the transatlantic slave trade through immersive exhibits, guided tours, and engaging talks.
Group visitors can unwind with refreshments as part of their visit to Lancaster’s rich maritime heritage at the refurbished museum café.
Afternoon
1pm: Enjoy a relaxing lunch in historic Lancaster at The Borough, which offers locally-sourced Lancashire classics, including steak and Lunebrew Ale Pie, Cumberland sausages and beer battered Fleetwood haddock.
The pub welcomes groups year-round and has a private function room which can be booked before an afternoon exploring more of the city’s heritage.
2pm: After lunch, discover the largest reed bed in North West England at RSPB Leighton Moss, a haven for wildlife and a perfect destination for nature-loving groups.
Set against the shores of the nearby Morecambe Bay, this Lancashire nature reserve is a wetland paradise where wild creatures roam reedbeds, mudflats, coastal marsh and saltwater lagoons. Spot otters, marsh harriers, red deer and the elusive bittern as you explore the tranquil trails and hides of this RSPB reserve.
4pm: Explore centuries of history with a group visit to Leighton Hall, the elegant ancestral home of the Gillow furniture-making family. Enjoy a guided tour of the house, explore the gardens, and marvel at the birds of prey display (available on summer open days).
Leighton Hall has no roped off areas and visitors can sit on the furniture, play the piano and climb the stairs without being told “don’t touch!” during their tour.
For an indulgent experience, opt for the Tea & Tour package, which includes a traditional English afternoon tea served in the charming tearooms: assorted sandwiches, cream scones, homemade cakes, and plenty of tea in proper porcelain cups.
Evening
7pm: Return to the city and head to The White Cross. Located in a refurbished cotton mill warehouse next to Lancaster’s main canal, the pub and restaurant has a group menu which can be pre-ordered and features locally-sourced ingredients and pub favourites.
After dinner head to the Lancaster Grand Theatre, which hosts touring productions, comedy and live music. Upcoming productions include The Wizard of Oz, and The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.
Contact the box office to enquire about group bookings for scheduled performances. Guided tours are available on request.
For more inspiration for group visits to Lancaster, visit lancasterandmorecambebay.com.
