Overview
Preston is a working English city in Lancashire, 30 miles north of Liverpool, with a population of 148,000. It makes aircraft at Samlesbury and Wharton, hosts Lancashire County Hall, and has a university that brings youth and cultural venues.
Architecture · History · Museums · Nightlife · Transit Hub
Before you go
Accommodation
Central B&B doubles range from £60 (Ashwood Hotel) to £90 (Preston Marriott). Budget chains include Travelodge (£75) and Holiday Inn Express (£70).
Connectivity
5G available from EE and Three; 4G from O2 and Vodafone. Public WiFi widely available.
Culture
Preston gained city status in 2002. Nick Park, creator of Wallace and Gromit, was born here. The Harris Museum and Winckley Square are major cultural landmarks.
Food
Local specialities are Lancashire cheese, Goosnargh cake, and butter pie. Main restaurant area is Fishergate. KFC's first UK branch opened on Fishergate in 1965 and remains open.
Money
Currency is British Pound (GBP). ATMs are widely available throughout the city centre. Contactless card payments are accepted at most establishments.
Safety
Preston is relatively safe. Call 101 for non-emergencies, 999/112 for emergencies. Nearest A&E is Royal Preston Hospital, Sharoe Green Lane, Fulwood, 3 miles north.
Transport
Preston is a major transport hub on the West Coast Main Line with Virgin Trains to London (2 hr), Edinburgh (2.5 hr), and Manchester (40 min). M6, M55, M61, and M65 motorways converge on the city.