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Preston, a proud city in Lancashire, stands as a testament to industrial heritage and contemporary culture. As the administrative centre of the county, it combines historic buildings with significant green spaces. The city's cultural heart is the magnificent Harris Museum and Art Gallery, a stunning building that houses an eclectic collection of fine art, decorative items, and local history exhibits.
The true charm of Preston lies in its expansive Victorian parks, especially the beautiful Avenham and Miller Parks, which cascade down towards the River Ribble and are famous for the traditional Easter Monday Egg Rolling event. From the historic Victorian architecture scattered throughout the city to its bustling docks area, Preston is a city of contrast, offering a solid base for exploring both urban and rural Lancashire.
When selecting your hotel in Preston, choosing a central location offers the ultimate convenience for accessing all the city's highlights, as well as its excellent transport connections.
The most convenient location is the City Centre, close to the main shopping streets and the Harris Museum and Art Gallery. Staying here means you are within easy walking distance of the main cultural venues, bars, and restaurants, making it ideal for first-time visitors who want to be close to the hub of the action.
For those prioritising park access and river views, look for accommodation in the south of the city, closer to the Avenham and Miller Parks. This area offers a quieter, more scenic base while still being a short walk from the central attractions. Alternatively, the area around the University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN) campus, slightly to the north-west of the centre, often provides a range of modern accommodation options and is excellent for those looking for good transport links.
Preston is home to one of the most important junctions on the West Coast Main Line, the Preston railway station, providing fast, direct links across the country. The station is centrally located and easily walkable from most city centre hotels. The city is also a significant junction on the motorway network (M6), making it highly accessible for those travelling by car. Local bus routes are extensive, connecting the centre seamlessly with the surrounding suburbs and the historic Preston Docks area.
Hotel prices in Preston are primarily influenced by business travel, as a major administrative and university city, and its sporting calendar. Rates tend to be higher during the mid-week due to corporate visitors, while prices can spike on weekends when Preston North End Football Club plays at home.
The most affordable time to visit is during the university holidays, particularly over the summer from July to September, when business travel slows down. The lowest prices are generally found in the quiet months of January and February. A unique tip for saving money is to specifically avoid the Easter Weekend, as the popular and historic Easter Monday Egg Rolling event in Avenham Park fills local accommodation to capacity.