landmark
Blackpool Pleasure Beach
Iconic seaside amusement park on England's northwest coast operating since 1896 with historic and modern coasters.
23 km · about 25 min drive
EuropeUnited KingdomEngland
Preston
England, United Kingdom · Europe
About Preston
Preston is worth a stop: 10 minutes from Red Scar, 25km from Trough of Bowland.
Preston is a city located in England, United Kingdom. With a population of 313,332, it is an important destination in Europe.
On a road trip, Preston sits in United Kingdom, where you drive on the left. It's in the Europe/London time zone. Below you'll find where to stay, things to do nearby, and everything you need to add Preston to your route.
About Preston
The University of Lancashire is a public university based in the city of Preston, Lancashire, England. It has its roots in The Institution For The Diffusion Of Useful Knowledge, founded in 1828. Previously known as the University of Central Lancashire, Harris Art College, Preston Polytechnic and LancashireRead more
Polytechnic, in 1992 it was granted university status by the Privy Council. The university is the 19th largest in the UK in terms of student numbers.
In December 2024, the university received approval from the Office for Students to change its name to the University of Lancashire, with the rebrand intended to come into effect by September 2025, despite concerns over confusion from the University of Lancaster.
Where to Stay in Preston
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do in Preston?
Preston offers many attractions including tourist sites, museums, parks, and local restaurants. Explore famous landmarks, scenic roads, and natural wonders on our interactive map and plan your visit.
How do I plan a road trip to Preston?
Plan your road trip to Preston with Plan Your Road Trips! Add Preston as a destination, and we'll help you find the best route and discover more amazing places along the way.
Where is Preston located?
Preston is located in England, United Kingdom, Europe. The coordinates are 53.7628 latitude, -2.7045 longitude.
What is the population of Preston?
Preston has a population of approximately 313,332 people, making it a city in United Kingdom.
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Quick Information
- Population
- 313,332
- Continent
- Europe
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Region
- England
- Timezone
- Europe/London
- Coordinates
- 53.7628, -2.7045
Emergency & Services
Essential numbers in United Kingdom
112 also works. NHS non-emergency medical advice: 111. National Highways breakdown assistance on motorways: 0300 123 5000.
Full driving guide for United KingdomTags
Worth the detour from Preston
8 notable places within an hour's drive.
famous road
Trough of Bowland
Remote moorland pass through the Forest of Bowland linking Lancaster and Dunsop Bridge, following the route the Pendle witches were marched to trial in 1612. Sweeping single-carriageway bends with barely a building in sight.
25 km · about 30 min drive
racetrack
Aintree Motor Racing Circuit
Historic circuit inside Aintree Racecourse that hosted five British Grands Prix in the 1950s-60s, where Stirling Moss took his first home GP win. Club sprints still run on the old track.
36 km · about 40 min drive
cafe
Rapha Clubhouse Manchester
Manchester's cycling culture hub offering specialty coffee, kit, and a community space for riding enthusiasts.
44 km · about 50 min drive
waterfall
Ingleton Waterfalls Trail
A 4.5-mile paid circular walk through wooded gorges past a chain of waterfalls including Thornton Force and Pecca Falls.
46 km · about 55 min drive
natural wonder
Ingleborough and Gaping Gill
One of the Yorkshire Three Peaks, riddled with caves including Gaping Gill, whose 98m shaft could hold York Minster.
49 km · about 55 min drive
natural wonder
Malham Cove
Vast curved limestone cliff rising 80 metres from the valley floor, crowned with an extraordinary limestone pavement of weathered clints and grykes.
50 km · about 55 min drive
film location
Malham Cove (Deathly Hallows camp)
Harry and Hermione camp on the limestone pavement at the top of this 80m curved cliff in Deathly Hallows Part 1.
50 km · about 55 min drive
Driving roads near Preston
24 named roads, passes and coastal drives within 100km.
- 25 kmTrough of BowlandRemote moorland pass through the Forest of Bowland linking Lancaster and Dunsop Bridge, following the route the Pendle witches were marched to trial in 1612. Sweeping single-carriageway bends with barely a building in sight.
- 53 kmPen-y-ghentThe most distinctive of the Yorkshire Three Peaks, a 694 m stepped ridge above Horton in Ribblesdale.
- 55 kmWhernsideThe highest point in Yorkshire at 736 m, forming the long whaleback ridge above Ribblehead Viaduct.
- 62 kmHolme MossA 524 m Pennine pass on the A6024 topped by a landmark transmitter mast, a celebrated cycling climb used in the 2014 Tour de France.
- 64 kmWoodhead PassThe A628 trans-Pennine route over bleak moorland past the Woodhead reservoirs, frequently closed by snow and high winds.
- 66 kmSnake PassA twisting road through the Peak District connecting Sheffield and Manchester, beloved by motorcyclists and driving enthusiasts.
Driving in United Kingdom
- Drives on
- the left
- Petrol
- ~€1.73/litre
- Motorway tolls
- None
When to drive here
April to October
Nearby Destinations
Other places to explore near Preston.
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