Preston Tourist Information

Preston was awarded city status in April 2002 by Her Majesty The Queen in celebration of her Golden Jubilee. Preston is the commercial and administrative centre in Lancashire and the seat of Lancashire county council. Situated at the heart of the County, Preston is a busy, thriving town. Once home to the first cotton mill in the area, it was here that John Horrocks set up his mill and the town became an important centre of the cotton industry.

Today you can find out all about Preston's history at the Harris Museum and Art Gallery, this magnificent listed building is in the town centre and houses a wealth of fine contemporary and decorative art, local history and costume. Preston Guild hall and Charter Theatre is in Lancaster Road and offers live entertainment with rock and pop music, classical concerts, theatre, musicals, ballet, opera and films as well as international indoor sport.

Preston offers shoppers a superb choice, at the St. George's shopping Centre, where you will find attractive retail facilities. The old dock is now a picturesque marina, popular for shopping and leisure activities, including a UCI Cinema complex and restaurants. It is also the site of the annual Maritime Festival.