Lancaster

Lancaster is a city full of history and a delight for theater goers, cyclists and shoppers alike. The city has an extensive cycling network and was named a 'cycling demonstration town'. Lancaster has many individual retailers tucked into its pedestrian-friendly streets and historic buildings, as well as two shopping centers with all the large retailers. Many restaurants and open-air cafes line the streets, serving foods from many different nationalities. You can also also shop the many market halls: the Open Air Market, Farmers' Markets and the annual continental market. You'll want to visit the award winning quayside Maritime Museum, and the Lancaster City Museum which keeps the King's Own Regimental Collection. The tropical Butterfly House is a joy to visit for children and adults, where you can walk in the same room as all of the many species of butterflys from all over the world.

The city of Lancaster was founded several thousand years ago and has buildings and treasures from many eras. The Lancaster Castle is a castle and prison on the site of three successive Roman forts. There are structures from many eras, including the 12th century Keep, the 14th century Witches Tower, the 15th centuary GateHouse and the 19th centuary Female Penitentiary. It has been a prison since 1196 and is now partially open to the public. You'll hear the story about the Pendle Witches trial where 10 men and women were hanged, being accused of murder by witchcraft. On the tour, you'll see Shire Hall, Hadrian's Tower, the old prison cells and the Grand Jury Room. Tours happen seven days a week except on Christmas and New year from 10AM to 5PM. Admission is £5.00.

Perhaps, though, Lancaster is best known as a theater town. The 54 acre Williamson Park overlooks the city and is home to several outdoor theaters. The park is covered with woods and has many trails to walk or bicycle. It's an incredible place for a quiet stroll and a great place to allow the kids to blow off some energy. Each evening in July and August, there is a extensively wooded, with many pathways winding among the trees. During July and August each year, the local Duke's Playhouse performs a promenade play in the park , using the natural scenery as the stage and requiring the audience to follow the actors from scene to scene. The play is very interactive and entertaining for both children and adults. Bring your walking shoes and be prepared to laugh.

Lancaster also has many festivals throughout the year, including the Lancaster Jazz Festival and the Maritime Festival.

There is also the Nuffield Theatre, which is the largest student theatre stage in Europe and regularly attracts big name performaces including stand up comedy, drama productions and many dance companies.

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See a Map of Lancaster