History in Lancaster and Fresh Air in Morecambe

In Brief.

Lancaster is a (reasonably small) city in Lancashire with a long history, adjacent to the seaside town of Morecambe. The centre of Lancaster is hilly, but compact enough to be easily walkable, with places to visit including the castle, the river and several museums. Morecambe has a lengthy sea front overlooking the estuary of Morecambe Bay that includes cafes, a stone jetty, a statue of Eric Morecambe and a play park.

The entrance to Lancaster Castle

What's Here?

The centre of Lancaster mostly consists of low-rise sandstone buildings, and the castle remains much the most imposing structure. Entry through the impressive 15th century gatehouse gives access to a large courtyard that hosts an excellent cafe and the ticket office for tours.  Informative one hour tours are the main way of seeing inside the castle, and turn out to focus on its role as a prison.  Indeed, the castle was in use as a prison until 2011, and still hosts courts; both prison wings and court buildings are visited in the tour and inform its narrative. A tour that is even more focused on incarceration is provided in Shrewsbury.

The prison from the courtyard.

Also in the town centre is the City Museum that occupies the former town hall. The museum provides extensive exhibits on the history of the city, and includes areas on Roman occupation and a local regiment. There are lots of quite dense displays, so perhaps the museum is more targeted at locals who may make several visits than day trippers.

Morecambe Bay is known for its bird life.

Nearby Morecambe is a long established seaside town, originally associated with holidaymakers from Yorkshire with which there were direct train collections. Though not as bustling as some costal resort towns, such as Southport or Llandudno, the promenade is extensive and well maintained, with a variety of points of interest including a park, and the tribute to Eric Morecambe.  

Eric Morecambe bringing sunshine.

Practicalities.

Distance from Manchester Town Hall: 56 miles

Drive Time: 1hour 10 minutes

Price: Lancaster Castle: $; Lancaster Museum: $; Morecambe sea front: free

Parking: There is paid parking in Lancaster Town Center and near the sea front in Morecambe

Food and Drink: The cafe at Lancaster Castle provided superior tea and cake; there are plenty of cafes along the front in Morecambe

Retail therapy: There is a substantial gift shop in Lancaster Museum

Child Friendly: The Lancaster Castle tour won't be ideal for younger kids; Morecambe has miles of beach and a play park.

Toilets: At the castle and the sea front.

Do it justice in: Lancaster Castle: 90 minutes; Lancaster Museum: 90 minutes; Morecambe sea front: 90 minutes.

Inside-Outside: 60:40

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