Holiday with history in Lancaster

Welcome to Lancaster, one of England’s historic cities. History runs through the cobbled streets of this compact city. You’ll soon find out Lancaster is a vibrant city with a big story to tell. Here’s just a few suggestions to help you with your historic day out…

 

10am

Start the day the right way with a visit to J Atkinson & Co and treat yourself to a cup of tea, coffee and cake. J Atkinson & Co. have been supplying Tea & Coffee to the good citizens of Lancaster and surrounding areas since 1837.

Many things have changed since Thomas Atkinson opened the first Grasshopper Tea Warehouse way back in 1837, but reassuringly some things remain very much the same – such as a good cup of Tea or Coffee. Stepping back in time into Atkinson’s shop reminds us that some things, such as quality, never go out of style.

 

11am

No introduction to Lancaster would be complete without a visit to Lancaster Castle, founded in the 11th Century and used as a prison, amongst other things, from the end of the 12th Century until 2011. You can now visit parts of the one-time prison and take a guided tour of the castle. The tour includes the medieval dungeons, the Drop Room, and the court rooms, still in use, with its branding irons for malefactors. Tours last approx 60 mins and run throughout the day 7 days a week.

 

12pm

Just a 1 minute stroll down the hill from the castle gates you will find Merchants 1688 an historic cellar restaurant and bar set in a 300 year old former wine merchant’s cellar. Take in the very best cuisines from the North West. From Cumbrian beef and game to Fleetwood fish; or Lancashire cheeses to Lunesdale breweries and Lake District spirits everything is locally sourced to ensure the very best in taste and quality.

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1pm

After a busy morning learning about Lancaster’s famous Castle it makes sense for you now to explore the history of Lancaster, there’s no better place to start than at Lancaster City Museum. The City Museum, a fine Georgian building in Market Square and once the town hall, offers an overview of Lancaster’s history from Roman to current times and regularly hosts interesting exhibitions on the ground floor.

 

2pm

If you love museums then next it may interest you to visit The Cottage Museum where you can experience an intimate glimpse of early Victorian life in this tiny and intriguing 18th-Century cottage spread over 5 floors. Meet the Victorian housekeeper and discover gadgets and utensils used in the 19th Century. Please be aware the Cottage Museum is only open April- September 2018.

Alternatively if you would like to learn some more about the city on foot you may like to join a guided themed tour of the city with Lancaster, Walks, Talks and Tours.

Download ‘Trails of the City’ map here.

 

3pm

Grab an early evening meal or drink to end your historic day out at Lancaster’s oldest pub. The Three Mariners is steeped in history, located inside a Grade II listed building dating back to the 15th century and one of only two sites in Britain with an original gravity-fed cellar.

 

For more on what to see and do in Lancaster click here