Cradled in the crook of the north bank of the River Ribble is the city of Preston in Lancashire. To the west the river provides a channel to the Irish Sea and the Ribble and Alt Estuaries, a sprawling preserve with sand flats and salt-marsh habitats for waterfowl & other wintering birds. To the north-east a mere ten miles away from Preston is the southern border of the Forest of Bowland. This Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty covers 312 square miles of rural countryside dotted with tiny villages that have stood the test of time - some of which date thousands of years back to pre-historic times. A tranquil place, the Forest of Bowland is perfect for walking, cycling, riding, wildlife and bird watching and many more family events throughout the entire year. Within easy reach of Preston are many historical landmarks suitable for families such as Turton Tower, Samlesbury Hall, Hoghton Tower, and Cromwell’s Bridge.
Winter at Samlesbury Hall
Victorian kitchen at Samlesbury Hall
Prestons history dates back to Roman times, but it is first mentioned in the Doomesday Book of 1086. By the 19th century, this small but wealthy market town had evolved quite markedly into a much larger industrial town with the introduction of cotton mills, railway, gas lighting and ship yards. Preston is a real hub of culture with a vibrant community coming together and holding many events throughout the year. The new Market Hall was opened in 2018. Here you can find a wide variety of fresh local produce. Harris Museum, Art Gallery and Library holds events and exhibitions all through the year. There are also many of the typical city and town amenities and shops such as a shopping centres, sports clubs, train station, leisure centre, golf clubs, hospital, parks, play areas and gardens, nature reserve, trampoline parks and most high street shops.
Harris Museum, Preston
If you enjoy evenings out with friends or family you’ll be spoilt for choice. There are many great independent eateries specialising in Mediterranean, Asian, Caribbean and French dishes. There are plenty of options for a post-dinner drink. You could try out the gins at Plau Gin and Beer House or a delicious cocktail at Forum Bar & Kitchen. If you prefer going out for brunch or lunch then you could try the trendy and Instagrammable Rise for delicious food and a wide variety of vegetarian and vegan options, or any of the family-friendly pubs dotted about the city and riverside.
Plau Gin & Beer House
Cocktails & food at Plau Gin & Beer House
Commuting to surrounding cities and towns in Lancashire and Cheshire is a much easier affair with less travel time than other parts of the country. Places close by include:
Blackburn - 25 mins by car, 17 mins by train
Blackpool - 35 mins by car, 23 mins by train
Lancaster - 40 mins by car, 19 mins by train
Wigan - 40 mins by car, 22 mins by car
Bolton - 40 mins by car, 33 mins by train
Burnley - 40 mins by car, 35 mins by car
Liverpool - 60 mins by car and train
Manchester - 55 mins by car and 48 mins by train
Preston is the perfect spot to settle down and raise a family. There are many great schools in the area, some of which are Ofsted outstanding schools and looking to the future, Preston is also home to the University of Central Lancashire.
Pre-schools: Stoneygate Nursery School, Little Acorns Pre School, Ashton Pre-School, Cottam Nursery School, Kensington Nursery School, Rainbows End Pre-School, Marylands Nursery School, Broughton Pre-School, Bluebells Private Day Nursery & Pre-school, St Anthonys Pre-School Playgroup, Headstart Nursery, Poppy And Jack's Nursery at Fulwood, Kids Planet Preston, Nursery school · C of E Primary School, Fern Bank Private Day Nursery & Pre-school, Ribbleton Children's Centre, Euxton Pre-School, Tiddlywinks Pre-School Leyland, Grasshoppers Nursery @ Sacred Heart, Longton Ladybirds Nursery School Preston.
Primary schools: St Ignatius Catholic Primary School, English Martyrs Catholic Primary School, Acorns Primary School, The Olive School, Eldon Primary School, Deepdale Community Primary School, St Stephen's C Of E Primary School, Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School, St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, St Augustine's Catholic Primary School, The Roebuck School, Holme Slack Community Primary School, Imam Muhammad Zakariya School.
Secondary schools: Eden Boys’ School, Preston, Moor Park High School and Sixth Form, Preston Muslim Girls High School, Our Lady's Catholic High School, Archbishop Temple School.
Special schools: Moorbrook School.
Lightfoot Meadows on the north western outskirts of Preston is a great location for the family. There are green spaces, parks, sports clubs and schools in the immediate area and it’s a mere 10 minute drive from Preston city centre. Lightfoot Meadows offers a range of 2, 3 & 4 bedroom homes. These beautiful homes have been designed with modern family life in mind and feature open-plan living spaces. These homes are energy efficient and ready to move into.
Featured home: Plot 86, the ‘Irving’ is a four bedroom detached home priced from £279,995 and ready to move into today. This home offers airy lightness and great space for you and your family. Downstairs you'll find a comfortable bay-fronted lounge along with an open-plan kitchen/dining/family area which leads to the rear via French doors. Upstairs there are two double bedrooms, the master with en suite, two further single bedrooms and a family bathroom. The home also comes with a long driveway and detached garage. Double deposit is available. From David Wilson Homes.
Master bedroom at the 'Irving'