The Best Things To Do In Lancaster, UK

Lancaster embodies the essence of Northern England—a city where medieval history meets vibrant university life, all set against a backdrop of rolling countryside and coastal beauty. Here, you’ll find a striking castle that once held infamous trials, charming cobbled streets lined with indie cafés, and the serene Lancaster Canal winding through the city. As the gateway to the Lake District, Lancaster offers easy access to breathtaking landscapes, while its own landmarks—like the grand Ashton Memorial in Williamson Park—provide sweeping views over the city and beyond. If you want to live close to these hotspots, uhomes.com offers a range of Lancaster accommodations with flexible lease terms. 

Whether you’re here for history, nature, or a relaxed escape, Lancaster blends tradition and modernity effortlessly. Ready to explore? Here’s your guide to Lancaster’s must-see attractions, hidden gems, and best experiences.

Lancaster Castle

What is it? A towering medieval fortress with over 1,000 years of history, from Roman ruins to Tudor trials and Victorian prisons.

Why go? One of the UK’s best-preserved castles, it’s where the Pendle Witches were sentenced and where prisoners once scratched desperate graffiti into cell walls. Today, you can tour its eerie dungeons, admire the Gothic-style John O’Gaunt Gate, and even spot a courtroom still in use.

Don’t miss: The "Drop Room" (where condemned prisoners took their last steps), the panoramic views from the battlements, and the castle’s role in Harry Potter filming lore.

Williamson Park & Ashton Memorial

What is it? A sprawling 54-acre Victorian park crowned by the Ashton Memorial, a dazzling Edwardian "Temple of the Arts" overlooking the city.

Why go? It’s Lancaster’s green oasis, with woodland trails, a butterfly house, and the iconic memorial’s gold dome glinting in the sun. Climb to the top for views stretching to Morecambe Bay and the Lake District.

Don’t miss: The park’s outdoor theatre productions in summer, the hidden "Duke’s Maze," and the memorial’s opulent marble interior.

Lancaster Maritime Museum

What is it? A treasure trove of the city’s seafaring past, housed in an 18th-century Georgian warehouse by the River Lune.

Why go? Lancaster was once England’s fourth-busiest port (thanks to the slave trade and global commerce). Exhibits range from ship models to harrowing tales of the Atlantic crossing.

Don’t miss: The eerie "Lancaster Witch Trials" exhibit and the rooftop terrace with river views.

Trough of Bowland

What is it? A wild, heather-clad Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) just east of Lancaster, straight out of a Brontë novel.

Why go? Think misty moors, stone villages, and winding lanes perfect for cycling or hiking. Keep an eye out for red grouse and rare birds of prey.

Don’t miss: The iconic Pendle Hill views (linked to the witch trials) and a pint at the Inn at Whitewell, a historic coaching inn.

Lancaster Grand Theatre

What is it? A beautifully restored 1782 theatre hosting everything from Shakespeare to stand-up comedy.

Why go? It’s one of the UK’s oldest working theatres, with a plush red-and-gold interior and a ghostly rumored resident (the "Grey Lady").

Don’t miss the annual pantomime and backstage tours that reveal its theatrical secrets.

Lancaster City Museum

What is it? A free museum tracing Lancaster’s history from Roman baths to the Industrial Revolution.

Why go? Highlights include a Roman tombstone, a replica Victorian classroom, and artifacts from the city’s textile heyday.

Don’t miss: The "Lancaster at War" exhibit and the kid-friendly dressing-up corner.

Judges’ Lodgings

What is it? England’s oldest surviving judges’ lodging (1636), now a museum of Georgian and Victorian life.

Why go? Peek into grand bedrooms where judges slept, admire a collection of Gillow furniture (made in Lancaster), and try on period costumes.

Don’t miss: The eerie "Nanny’s Room" and the charming walled garden.

Lancaster Canal

What is it? A peaceful 41-mile waterway winding from Preston to Kendal, with Lancaster as its star stretch.

Why go? Walk or cycle the towpath, spot narrowboats gliding past the Lune Aqueduct, or join a sunset kayak tour.

Don’t miss: The canal-side Water Witch Pub for a post-stroll pint.

Lancaster Priory Church

What is it? Lancaster Priory has been a site of worship since the 11th century AD.

Why go? Lancaster Priory Church adjacent more or less to Lancaster Castle is a wonderful church that's has a history dating back to at least the 11th century, built on the site of a Roman fortress, its such an iconic landmark structure of this city, the most distinctive feature is most definitely the wonderful clock faced tower but the stained glass windows are also magnificent, its most definitely well worth checking out if you're in the area or planning a trip to Lancaster and easy to locate on Priory Close.

Don’t miss: The choir and organ in this beautiful historic church make it well worth a visit.

The Cottage Museum

What is it? A tiny 18th-century weaver’s cottage frozen in time, with low ceilings and Lancashire folklore.

Why go?

This is well worth a visit and is an education for children to see how this preserved cottage would have been lived in centuries ago. The cellar there is bricked up now as they run to the Castle, Quay, and a long, long time ago, the area around the Castle and Cottages was barricaded off so no baddies could get in this area. The Cellar was used so Soldiers could go to the Quay and collect food, guns, clothing, animals, Prisoners, oil, and all sorts of things a Castle needs. The cellar ran from the River Lune Quay to the Cottages, Houses that ran close to the Castle and were used like a Barrage-Moat to stop anyone in or out.

Don’t miss: This could be visited in conjunction with Lancaster Castle and the Judges Lodgings, as they are within 100 yards of each other.

Following our guide to explore the historical city, you can dive into Lancaster’s maritime past at the Lancaster Maritime Museum, explore the haunting corridors of Lancaster Castle, or stroll along the Lune Aqueduct, a masterpiece of Georgian engineering. For a taste of local culture, the city’s bustling markets and cozy pubs offer everything from artisan crafts to hearty Lancashire hotpot.