Culture at The Harris in Preston and Wild Discoveries nearby

In Brief.

The Harris is an imposing neo-classical cultural hub in the centre of Preston, housing a museum, art gallery, library and cafe. Recently renovated, the interior blends light modern displays with decorative original features, and both the building and its contents make this an impressive destination. Outside the city, Wild Discovery complements The Harris by providing some natural history; in practice, it is a small zoo with a collection of healthy looking residents, in particular birds and mammals.

The Central Hall of The Harris from the 3rd floor.

What's Here?

The Harris dates from 1893, and from the start had a broad remit provided by a trust established by a local lawyer (Edmund Harris) to fund a library, museum and art gallery.  All elements are still present, with a library on the ground floor, a museum on the first floor and an art gallery on the second floor.  However, the Central Hall itself hosts a variety of displays on art and history, so overall there are no abrupt changes of emphasis.  The exhibitions include those with a local focus relating to the development of Preston, but overall do not feel parochial, with diverse displays touching on areas as varied as ceramics, tea, an ice age elk and textiles, as well as an extensive gallery space drawing on a large art collection.  

The Harris, next to the Law Courts and City Council

The Harris is at the heart of the compact City Centre, with the main shopping streets and St George's Shopping Centre within easy reach. 

Out of town, located in the Ribby Hall Village resort, is Wild Discovery, a compact zoo that provides a number of experiences for getting up close and personal with its animals. Though some of the enclosures seemed rather small in comparison with those at The Yorkshire Wildlife Park or Chester Zoo, overall the environment seems quite pleasant and the occupants seemed to be in good shape. Being a smaller scale establishment, expect more otters, porcupines and deer than larger creatures. Though the Zoo does not have a cafe, there are several eateries at Ribby Hall Village, which shares the same site.

Reindeer at Wild Discovery

Wild Discovery is also in easy reach of Lytham St Annes.

Practicalities.

Distance from Manchester Town Hall: 35 miles

Drive Time: 50 minutes

Price: The Harris: Free (donation requested); Wild Discoveries: $

Parking: There is lots of parking in Preston city centre, all at a fee, and there is free parking at Wild Discoveries

Food and Drink: The Harris has a large and pleasant cafe where I had a satisfactory lemon drizzle cake and tea, and there are several eateries near Wild Discovery.

Retail therapy: The Harris is beside the Preston city centre shops, which are extensive; a few cuddly animals are available at Wild Discoveries.

Child Friendly: there are child-focused areas in the library at The Harris and potentially relevant events; zoos tend to be quite child focused.

Toilets: In both places.

Do it justice in: The Harris: 2 hours; Wild Discoveries: 1 hour

Inside-Outside: The Harris 100:0; Wild Discoveries 30:70


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