Lancaster for families

Poldark? Downton Abbey? War and Peace? If these have been part of your regular viewing on television, then come to Lancaster. You can see what people were really doing in the past. 

 Museums 

Maritime Museum is on the quay. It shows the history of Lancaster as a port city, referring to the slave trade, and the ships which used to travel along the canal.It’s an impressive building, and the staff are very well informed about the history of Lancaster’s maritime trading. It costs £3 for adults and £2 for concessions.

Lancaster Castle is one of the oldest prisons in the country. It’s only recently stopped being a working one, but is still in use as a Crown Court. The staff run tours throughout the year, which are full of information about the past. It also includes a chance, for those who wish it, to be closed into one of the cells that were used to house those accused of witchcraft in 1612. Tickets for families cost £20.

Judges Lodgings is a large museum, where the judges used to stay between 1776 and 1975. It’s also the oldest town house in the city. Now it is home to an impressive collection of Gillow furniture, and also the Museum of Childhood, showing toys which date from the 18th century to the present day. It’s not far from the castle, and is within walking distance of one of the former Gillow factories. It costs £3 for adults, and £2 for concessions.

Lancaster City Museum sits right in the town square. It’s an imposing Georgian building, and the ground floor tends to host exhibitions. They are changed quite often, but are well publicised. The upper level is filled with items from the long history of Lancaster, showing it’s growth from the Roman city to today. It’s free to enter the City Museum, and children friendly activities are often run by the Museum staff.

Parks 

Williamson’s Park can be seen for miles, thanks to the prominent Ashton Memorial which sits atop one of the hills. It’s a local landmark, and in the summer the Dukes often put on performances. There’s a butterfly house, and a nice cafe, as well as a children’s play area. It’s a lovely park, particularly popular in the summer months, but if it snows in the winter, people come to use their toboggans on the long sloping hills. It’s free admission to the park, but the other attractions such as the butterfly house do cost money to get in.

Other landmarks 

The Priory Church is in the grounds of the castle, and has been a place of worship for centuries. It’s beautiful inside, and is well worth a look if you have an interest in architecture.

Other family activities 

The Zone is a indoor soft play area with three levels. It’s separated into different age categories, with space for babies, toddlers, and junior children. It’s located in Dalton Square, and is open most days during the school holidays.

Lancaster Canal cruises and waterbus offer guided cruises complete with historical talks about the local area. The cruise includes food and drink, with allergies catered for.

(information all correct as of 15th February 2016)

If after reading this article, you have found some places that you would like to visit, and need to book a taxi, then you need to call Coastal Taxis.
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