15+ Things To Do in Lancaster

Are you new to the historic city of Lancaster? As a fresh university student, moving away from home for the first time and getting your bearings can be a bit challenging (and slightly scary).

However, exploring the city and discovering all your new favourite hangout spots is a great way to settle in and quickly feel at home. And if you’re not a university student, our blog will guide you through some great ways to spend your stay, ensuring you hit all the tourist spots and explore some local favourites!

From castle tours and quirky indie cinemas to peaceful canal walks, Lancaster is one of those places that surprises you in the best way possible! But, do you want to know what the best part is? This charming, historic city is small, so everything is walkable!

And speaking of student life… if you’re a uni student who still needs to secure their accommodation for the upcoming academic year, Lancaster Student Lettings has got your back.

1. Explore Lancaster Castle

Cost: £9
Location: Castle Hill, Lancaster LA1 1YN

First up on our list is something you won’t want to miss out on. Majestic and large, the grounds of Lancaster Castle offer a fantastic day of exploring.

Delve into this historic beauty, exploring it on your own or booking a guided tour. Situated on a rolling hilltop, the walls offer a great view of the surrounding greenery. Popular for its witch trials, you can explore the courtroom and prison, taking in 1,000 years’ worth of history.

Tip: bring your Uni card for a cheaper £6.50 ticket.

2. Relax in Williamson Park + Ashton Memorial

Cost: £5–£6
Location: Williamson Park, Quernmore Road, Lancaster LA1 1UX

If you need a break from university deadlines or you’re a tourist looking to take in some greenery between shops and restaurants, Williamson Park is a beautiful place to walk.

It’s perched on a hill just east of the city centre, and it feels like a proper retreat without needing to leave town. With winding woodland trails, hidden sculptures, and the iconic Ashton Memorial, it’s a must-see spot when you’re in the city.

Bring all of your mates for a picnic or step into the butterfly house for a whimsical stroll with some butterflies, meerkats, and tortoises.

3. Chill by the Lancaster Canal

Cost: Free
Location: Lancaster Canal Basin, Aldcliffe Road, Lancaster LA1 1AZ

If you’re looking for a relaxing and scenic walk, the Lancaster Canal is a great place to get your steps in or sit and chill by the water.

It weaves quietly through the city and beyond, offering the perfect spot for picnics, completing uni work in the sun, or simply chilling and reading a book. The canal path is mostly flat (bonus), ideal for bike rides.

You can even try paddleboarding or canoeing if you’re feeling adventurous! A daily licence costs around £5. Or, try out some canal-side cafés & pubs:

• Whale Tail Café (veggie favourite)
• Water Witch – great for Sunday roasts and pints with a view

4. Cultural Night Out at The Dukes

Cost: Around £7–£8 for cinema, £8–£12 for theatre
Location: Moor Lane, Lancaster, Lancashire, LA1 1QE

If you’re a theatre fanatic, why not ditch the popular pub and clubbing scene for some good old entertainment?

The Dukes is a cultural centre and theatre that hosts a wide range of shows and screenings every week; it’s the city’s go-to spot for brilliant live theatre, indie films, and creative social events. Plus, it’s super affordable!

You can enjoy their cinema experience and student-written productions, or have a good laugh with your mates at the Dukes Comedy Club.

5. Brewery Tours at Lancaster Brewery

Cost: £15 to £35
Location: Lancaster Brewery, Lancaster Leisure Park, Wyresdale Road, Lancaster LA1 3LA

Fancy learning something and sampling a few pints while you’re at it?

The brewery tours at Lancaster Brewery are a great pastime for beer enthusiasts. It gives you a chance to sample a few delicious ales while learning all about the process.

You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how your favourite local beers are brewed and learn the difference between pale ales, bitters, stouts and more! Make a day of it and grab lunch at the Brewery Tap on-site and visit the GB Antiques Centre next door.

6. Explore some museums

If there’s one thing Lancaster offers, it’s a myriad of museums for all of you history lovers.

From exploring the terror of the witch trials to discovering maritime legends and Roman ruins, whatever you fancy, there’s a museum for it! Better yet, they’re all located in the city centre, so you don’t have to go too far; it’s the perfect idea for a rainy day.

Here’s a closer look at the museums on offer. You can find ticket prices and opening times here.

Lancaster Castle & Prison Museum

Cost: £8
Location: Castle Grove, Lancaster LA1 1YN (2 mins from the train station)

Here you can explore old prison cells, creepy dungeons, and the courtroom where the Pendle witch trials actually took place.

Judges’ Lodgings Museum

Cost: £3–£4
Location: Church Street, Lancaster LA1 1YS (right next to Lancaster Castle)

Would you like to experience what it was like to live in Georgian Britain? If so, step into this frozen piece of history, a beautiful old townhouse filled with antiques and artwork.

Lancaster Maritime Museum

Cost: £3–£4
Location: Custom House, St George’s Quay, Lancaster LA1 1RB (10–15 minutes from city centre)

Tucked into St George’s Quay, the maritime museum offers insight into everything related to local shipbuilding and the transatlantic slave trade, as well as riveting tales of smugglers and sailors.

You can even enjoy some cool model ships and interactive exhibits!

Lancaster City Museum

Cost: Free
Location: Market Square, Lancaster LA1 1HT (next to the old Town Hall)

If you’re ever going to visit a museum in Lancaster, this is the one. Located in a beautiful building built between 1781 and 1783, it houses everything from Roman history to memorabilia of local WWI soldiers.

They also host many exhibitions you can catch throughout the year!

7. Walk the riverside at St George’s Quay

Cost: Free
Location: Starts at Lancaster Maritime Museum, St George’s Quay, Lancaster LA1 1RB

If you’re after a nice afternoon or evening stroll, then walk alongside the beautiful riverside at St George’s Quay. You’ll get a nice view of the River Lune and be able to immerse yourself in nature within the city.

You’ll also be able to spot historic warehouses, old pubs, and the Custom House. For a great view, walk all the way to Freeman’s Wood and Marsh Point.

8. Have some fun at the Flying Axe Factory

Cost: £18–£20
Location: The Flying Axe Factory, 6–8 Brock Street, Lancaster LA1 1UU

Do you need to blow off a bit of steam? Embrace your inner Viking and have some fun throwing axes at targets with your friends.

It’s a great way to de-stress after a uni exam or a long day at work! The Flying Axe Factory is entirely indoors and is a very safe environment. Whether you’re an axe thrower novice or you’ve mastered the skill, it’s always a fun day out.

9. Head to The Music Room for a quiet vibe

Cost: £2–£15 (estimate)
Location: The Music Room, Sun Square, Lancaster LA1 1EW

If you’re looking for a beautiful and unique café to explore in Lancaster, then stroll into The Music Room for some delicious food and coffee. There’s a quiet mezzanine and stunning outdoor terrace, perfect for soaking up the sun while working on your laptop.

It’s bound to become your new favourite spot for a caffeine fix. Additionally, the venue is charming and stunning, making it perfect for your Instagram coffee snaps.

10. Explore the Roman Bath House and the Wery Wall remains

Cost: Free
Location: Vicarage Field, Lancaster LA1 1YS

Do you think that Lancaster is just castles, coffee shops, and canal walks? Think again.

Residing in a quiet corner of the city, you’ll find the Roman Bath House and the Wery Wall remains. Yes, these are actual Roman remains that you can visit for free! If you’re into history or archaeology, it’s a must-see attraction.

You can explore the stone foundations, dating back to AD 80; the Wery Wall is the oldest standing structure in the entire city.

Our quick picks

Are you overwhelmed with choice? It’s easy to fall into the trap of trying to cram everything in on one day.

Instead, organise your day by mood or budget (trust us, it’ll make things 10x easier!). If you need a little help, you can use our quick pick table below to find the perfect itinerary for you.

We’ve included activities for both in and around Lancaster, so there’s something for everyone!

By budget

By mood

Local tips and hidden gems

Do you want to explore Lancaster like a local?

Whether you’re a tourist for the day or a student looking to learn more about where you’re living for the next few years, we’ve combined a list of Lancaster’s lesser-known gems.

11. Freeman’s Wood

Cost: Free
Location: Walk west along the Lune Path past St George’s Quay

Become one with nature and traipse through this pretty woodland trail.

Located at the end of St George’s Quay, it’s a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. We suggest bringing some snacks and a good book to have a mini forest picnic.

12. The Storey Gallery & Print Room Café

Cost: Free entry (for residents), £5 for visitors
Location: Meeting House Lane, Lancaster LA1 1TH

Do you love a good gallery? If so, the Storey Gallery is situated in a stunning building, offering a blend of art exhibitions, a café, and a creative space.

It’s the perfect place to immerse yourself in art, get lost in a book with a cup of coffee, or journal in an atmospheric setting. Plus, they often host writing groups, poetry readings, and maker markets.

13. Journey Social

Cost: £2–£12 (estimate)
Location: 2–4 Common Garden Street, Lancaster LA1 1XD

This brunch spot, Journey Social, is a place you’ll want to gatekeep after the first visit. Their brunch menu is both delicious and aesthetically pleasing. Plus, you’re also supporting a small, independent café.

Their famous French toast is a must-try! The portions are also generous, and the coffee is roasted to perfection.

14. Kanteena

Cost: Free entry on most nights, £5–£10 for ticketed events
Location: Brewery Lane, LA1 1QL

This warehouse is truly everything in one: live gigs, club nights, and street food, you’ll find it all!

A multi-use venue, this warehouse is the perfect social space for student nights out. It’s quirky and unique, making for a great break from the typical pub and club scene. Plus, there’s an outdoor courtyard, complemented with fairy lights, perfect for drinks in the sun.

Plus, Kanteena is a great spot for all of your local gigs!

15. The White Cross

Cost: Around £2 to £25 for food and drinks
Location: Quarry Rd, Lancaster, Lancashire LA1 4XT

Do you want to venture down to a bar and restaurant hidden away next to Lancaster’s beautiful canal?

Ideal for date nights and celebrations with friends or family, The White Cross is a stunning venue with a tasty menu. It’s got cosy booths, candles on every table, and a roaring fire that turns on in the winter.

Plus, it’s home to one of the best outdoor dining areas in Lancaster.

Why stay with Lancaster Student Lettings?

When choosing your home for the new academic year, you want somewhere you feel safe, comfortable, and close to student amenities.

At Lancaster Student Lettings, we offer all of that and more. As a thriving business since the 1980s, we have always prioritised the happiness and safety of our students.

We understand that everyone has different accommodation needs, so we offer a range of options, from shared houses to studio flats, with rent starting as low as £50 per week.

You can enjoy modern amenities, spacious bedrooms, and meet like-minded people when you choose us. Whatever you’re looking for, we can help you find it at Lancaster Student Lettings. Browse our properties today for the best deals!