Tips for Lancaster mini-bus and coach tourism

Useful tips for Lancaster bus groups with ‘what to see’ and ‘what to do’ items and  ‘bus- friendly’ or must see tourist sites in Lancaster. Check our list of attractions before planning your bus tour with a stop or departure in Lancaster. Let us know if your favourite attraction or ‘bus-stop’ is not there and you think we should add it to our list of Lancaster highlights.

City tours in Lancaster

You can rent a bus in Lancaster for tours in the city or in Lancashire County. There are no existing tours through the city of Lancaster. It is possible to put together your own tour. Here we give you some tips that can help in the introduction of this special city. The following attractions we definitely recommend:

-              Lancaster castle.

-              Shire hall

-              Lancaster Cathedral

-              Lancaster city museum

Inside Lancaster Priory

Inside Lancaster Priory credit: Michael D Beckwith CC BY 2.0

Walk and bicycle tours through the city

Lancaster has the best bike and walking routes throughout Lancashire. Both tourists and local people enjoy these wonderful routes that go both downtown and near the nature of Lancaster.

The organization "celebrating cycling" offers several bike tours in the city.

The following companies rent bicycles in Lancaster: Cycle Adventures, Lakeland Lakes Bikes, Patty"s Cycle Hire and Sunshine Cycles.

If you want to explore the city by hiking you also can ask information and the organisation Celebrating cycling. The name of the organisation doesn’t say it, but is also ready to give you the time of your life by giving you the best hiking tours.

Church Street, Lancaster city centre

Church Street, Lancaster city centre credit: Kate Jewell CC BY-SA 2.0

What to see and what to do in Lancaster

Nightlife

You’re still not tired after a long day exploring the city? Then Lancaster offers a small amount of clubs that are worth a visit. Most clubs Lancaster focus on the students and therefore do not offer that much special in the summer periods because the students are away. The next few bars are still worth your visit.

Sugarhouse

This club is in possession of a student organisation and offers cheap drinks and friendly atmosphere. There are several styles that occur in this club. In the summer vacation there is not much to do here, and they are often closed. The sugar house is located near the river that runs through Lancaster, next to the A6.

poster spot

poster spot credit: DaveBleasdale CC BY 2.0
Sugarhouse, Lancaster, England

Transportation to and from the airport

There is no airport located around Lancaster itself. Would you still want to fly as close as possible to Lancaster itself? Then you will have to fly to Blackpool airport (BLK). This tourist spot has its own airport, fortunately Blackpool is located close to Lancaster. For transportation to and from the airport you can use the companies described above. The companies all treat transfers. You can reserve or request transportation in the city of Lancaster, where you can choose from multiple specialized companies, and you can request a size or specific type of bus.

The taxi companies that are also described in this report are willing to serve you and to bring to the airport. To make it easier for you the airport of Blackpool has at the entrance of the airport a parking space only for taxi companies so you do not have to walk far with your luggage.

Toast

This club focuses on the students in the mid-week and on Friday and Saturday on the weekend people. The club has a nice bar with tasty cocktails. The music is good and the interior is tight. This club is located close to the river that runs through Lancaster and is located almost next to the hotel The Shakespeare.

Lancaster University Conferences

Lectures and conferences can be held in Lancaster University. This university is situated in Lancaster and is easily accessible from the motorway. There are also good connections with the public transport. The university is the best of the entire region and is highly nominated in England. The university offers you different conferences, training and meeting places with the highest possible facilities. The university also offers opportunities for overnight stays. The university has its own 4-star hotel. The university also has a list showing the speakers they recommend to make your conference an big experience.

The largest facility offers place to 300 men, for the person who wants to make the presentation. In the front of the facility is a computer lab and the facility also had the the latest technologies that are available.

Central courtyard of Lancaster University

Central courtyard of Lancaster University credit: Christoph Michels GFDL

Forrest Hills

This was originally a farmhouse, the family is then changed the target group and the company has been transformed into a resort. The organization is located near Lancaster University. This makes the organization very well located to relax after a congress. You can play golf and fly-fishing at Forrest Hills.

Lancaster

This lively university town has a rich history. From the Roman ‘Norman Lancaster Castle’ you have a magnificent view over the whole city. Besides the wide range of history, the city is proud of the local products. It can be enjoyed in the cosy pubs and restaurants. The capital also offers a variety of attractions and events.

A great veiw of the Norman Lancaster Castle and surroundings

Lancaster Castle as seen from atop the Ashton Memorial in Williamson Park, Lancaster. credit: Nuttytimmy CC BY-SA 3.0

Fylde Villages

Enjoy the peace and beauty of the green and pleasant countryside Flyde’s. Make nice walks and bike rides through the beautiful nature and stop in between at cosy country pubs. Visit the villages during traditional events, where parades with vintage vehicles and costumes can be admired. The Fylde countryside, full of history!

Lancaster Cathedral in the middle distance, and the Ashton Memorial

Lancaster Cathedral in the middle distance, and the Ashton Memorial credit: Antiquary CC BY-SA 4.0

Travel by plane to Lancashire

Lancashire can be reached via several ways; there are a several airports in and around the region. Blackpool does have an international airport called Blackpool International (BLK). The airports Manchester Airport (MAN) and Liverpool Airport (LPL) are also very important for the region.

Blackpool Airport can only be reached mainly through charter-companies such as: Easyjet, Flybe, KLM and Air Lingus. The airports of Manchester and Liverpool are flown by larger agencies, KLM and Britisch Airways, as well as smaller charter-companies as Jet2.com and EasyJet.com Blackpool Airport is located 3.6 mile from the center of Blackpool. The connecting road is only a few minutes away from the M55 motorway. This highway connects to the M6 which is the main high way in England that runs straight to Lancaster.

The airports of Manchester and Liverpool are on an average 60 miles from Blackpool. For all these airports is private chauffeured transportation such as taxi, coach of minibus booking. A transfer on arrival to your accommodation may not be a problem.

Almost the first outing for FlyBe

Almost the first outing for FlyBe"s credit: kenfielding CC BY-SA 3.0

Tours in Lancashire

There are many different rivers passing through the country of Lancashire. This makes the region very suitable for fishing tourism. The capital is Lancaster and will be discussed on another page. After Lancaster is the city of Blackpool"s most popular among tourists. In each of Lancashire’s places is plenty to do, from traditional events, historic buildings to lively boulevards.

What to see during your tour in Lancaster with a hired midibus

Do you want a tour in Lancaster? Make sure you take enough time free for the following attractions:

Lancaster Castle

The Queen of England owned this ancient castle. The castle was one of the oldest operational prisons in Europe until 2011. Many witches were brought to the castle around the 16th century to stand trial for their alleged actions. The most famous witches who have been here standing trial were the "the Pendle Witches". These witches have had there “honest” trial and were found guilty they were killed in this castle. This castle is open for tours with guides from 10:00 in the morning till four in the afternoon. The castle is very easily accessible by bicycle, car and public transportation. The castle is just located outside the centre of the town.

Hornby castle

Hornby castle credit: Andy Hawkins CC BY-SA 2.0

Lancaster city museum

This old building was the former town hall that was built in 1781-82. The building was designed by Mayor Jarret and Thomas Harrison. The old town hall became a museum in 1923. From that moment, the museum began collecting old objects found nearby from the ancient time till the present day. The entrance to the museum is free, while the museum is open all year except on Sundays. The museum opens at 10 am in the morning and closes at 5 o"clock in the evening. NEAR the Museum of Lancaster are bike racks to store your bike and also easily accessible from the main train station.

The museum is located near the library and the market square.

Duke’s theatre and cinema

Lancaster has its own special cinema. It used to be a church that was built in 1796. This church was converted into a theatre in 1971. This theatre is the only professional theatre throughout the Lancashire region. The Duke’s theatre/cinema produces five shows throughout the year around which of one performance is held outside. They also produce a show for the whole family that takes place around Christmas. The building also has a cosy bar that is open around the time of the performances and on most evenings. The theatre is independent which means that they can choose the films themselves. The theatre is located just above the centre of the city and is easily accessible.

Williamson Park

This park consists of 50 acres of beautiful farmed land. The park has several breath taken views like the Flyde coast and the views overlooking the Lake District. The park has the following attractions:

-        Vogel cage.

-        Tropical butterfly house

-        Small ammonal collection.

-        Pavilion Café.

These attractions are suitable for the whole family and there is no entrance fee. This makes a visit at this park very attractive.

In the park are also very many different events and festivals throughout the year held by, such as exhibitions, concerts, guided walks and the famous "Dukes Theatre outdoor performance".

Ashton Memorial, Lancaster

Ashton Memorial, Lancaster credit: Andy Hay CC BY 2.0
Williamson Park, Lancaster

Lancaster Maritime Museum

Lancaster had always a port in the city, therefore it is logical that the port played a big part in the history throughout the centuries. The museum has been open since 1985 as a maritime museum. The museum contains the history of the port, the fish industry and trade channel. The museum contains several videos, smells, reconstructions and sounds to get you back in time of how the marine life looked a few years back. There is also a large aquarium and four restored fishing boats at the maritime museum to admire. The museum is open on every day except on Christmas and New Year"s Day.

This museum is located along the canal and is close to the city center. Car Parking slots are not easy to come by in that area of the city. It is easier to get there by bicycle or public transportation. If you still want to travel by car you are just need to consider that you have to walk a little bit.

Shopping

The shopping centre of Lancaster is known throughout the region. There are small roads with traditional shops and large squares with shops that are present in every major city there is something for everybody. There are several shops where you can buy delicious traditional tea and freshly roasted beans to your liking. The shopping centre is located in the city centre and has easy access to both public transport and by car.

Food

For a good meal you are well present in Lancaster. You can eat various regional dishes such as wild salmon, superior smoked meat from the Lancaster smokehouse or fresh caught Cambre Bay shrimps known throughout England.

The keys restaurant specializes in making delicious food with local products. The restaurant has chosen furnishings that give the restaurant an authentic expression. The menu includes delicious starters and a main menu with both traditional and modern English cuisine.

The Keys restaurant also serves weddings, large parties and smaller parties. For more information on the group celebrations at The Keys you can always visit their website.

A cave-like pub near to the station. Decent food for a pub.

A cave-like pub near to the station. Decent food for a pub. credit: IK"s World Trip CC BY 2.0
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More about Lancaster

Would you like to organize a bus tour to see all these beautiful highlights? Request quotes and compare the different bus and coach hire companies:

Bus tours in Lancaster
Coach hire in Lancaster