Located in the heart of Lancashire, Preston is a dynamic city with a rich heritage.
Here you can be transported back to 19th-century northern England with steam railways and Victorian parks.
Or, with close links to major motorways and A-roads, exploring the greater Lancashire region and beyond is easy with your hire car from Preston, whether you’re after seaside sun, wonderful waterfalls or a spot of retail therapy.
Park life
Preston boasts a number of superb urban parks and relaxing nature reserves in and around the city.
Moor Park is a short drive from the centre and boasts numerous facilities and activities to make the trip worth it. Here you can try a variety of sports, from skateboarding to tennis, as well as take part in various events across the year.
Meanwhile, Avenham Park is closer to the centre, on the banks of the tranquil River Ribble. It was designed and created back in the 1860s, with its beautiful Japanese Rock Garden the main highlight.
To the east of Preston, you’ll find Brockholes, a natural reserve with its own floating village and a square kilometre of woodland to explore (about half the size of Monaco, for the sake of comparison). There’s plenty to do here, from guided walks to craft sessions, offering fun for the whole family.
To Preston’s south sits the Owl and Bird of Prey Sanctuary. Here you can watch these elegant creatures take to the skies or even have a go at a bit of falconry yourself.
Seaside splendour
The west coast ofLancashire is only around half an hour’s drive from Preston, allowing the perfect opportunity to soak up the sea breeze.
Blackpool is the main location for seaside fun, with sandy beaches, adventurous amusement parks and a bustling pier. It may not be as grand as the Eiffel Tower, but Blackpool Tower certainly has its own charms. Head to the top for panoramic views of the promenade, sea and town below thanks to its glass flooring. Or explore the other attractions closer to the ground, such as The Blackpool Tower Dungeon and Circus.
For even more fun, visit Blackpool Pleasure Beach. This adventurous amusement park by the sea is perfect for children with its very own Nickelodeon Land, and for thrill seekers as it’s home to 10 exhilarating rollercoasters.
Then enjoy tropical climates at the town’s Sandcastle Waterpark. There are over 18 attractions to enjoy here, from the relaxing spa for adults to Fort Riptide, complete with water guns to soak the family.
Natural beauty
Preston is situated close to the Forest of Bowland, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and travelling here offers the perfect opportunity to get back to nature.
Explore the many villages inside the moorland, including Hornby to the north with its striking castle and picturesque Dunsop Bridge, the ideal starting point for a walk in the surrounding woodlands.
There’s plenty to do for the whole family, from feeding wildlife at one of the various open farms, to a scenic picnic along one of the many nature trails. The Forest of Bowland is also exceptional at night, when the sky erupts with stars, transporting you to a far away galaxy.
Nature, heritage and an array of things to do are at your fingertips when you hire a car in Preston. Book direct now.