Discover Preston: A City of History, Culture, and Connectivity

Property Buyers
June 26, 2023
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The vibrant city of Preston, situated between the bustling towns of Blackpool and Lancaster, offers an urban lifestyle with excellent accessibility to major cities across the UK.

 

Preston and its surrounding areas, including Bamber Bridge, Fulwood, and Penwortham, are steeped in history. Surrounded by rolling Lancashire countryside and located on the north bank of the River Ribble, Preston was once a hub for the textile industry. Today, the city has grown around its historic industrial roots, seamlessly blending urban landscapes with parks and green spaces.

DID YOU KNOW?

Preston was awarded city status in 2002, making it England's 50th city. It is also known for having Europe's largest bus station and its rich history in the textile industry during the Industrial Revolution.

DID YOU KNOW?

The famous author Charles Dickens visited Preston during the 1850s and referenced the city in his novel 'Hard Times'.

FOR SALE IN PRESTON

Preston offers a diverse range of accommodation catering to a vibrant community drawn by the excellent schools, leisure facilities, and the opportunity to lead an urban lifestyle with great connections to major cities, including Manchester and London.

Preston boasts a thriving city centre with a blend of big brand stores, independent retailers, and a burgeoning artisan scene. You can find a variety of shops, cafes, pubs, and restaurants, contributing to a lively and dynamic city atmosphere.

Preston and the surrounding areas of Fulwood, Bamber Bridge, and Penwortham offer various housing options, from modern apartments to detached homes with gardens. Most properties in these areas have three to four bedrooms, making the city popular with young families and professionals.

Bamber Bridge borders Walton-le-Dale to the south, Fulwood adjoins the rural area of Barton to the north, and Penwortham lies across the River Ribble. These Lancashire locales have a unique charm, local amenities, and community spirit.

Preston and its surrounding areas are renowned for their excellent educational options. Buyers are especially attracted by the top-rated schools such as Broughton Business and Enterprise College in Broughton and the outstanding primary and junior schools which feed into this respected co-educational secondary school and sixth form with academy status. The private schools in the area, including Kirkham Grammar School and Lancaster Royal Grammar School, also draw families to the region.

DID YOU KNOW?

Preston's engineering industry produced aircraft and ammunition during the Second World War.

HOUSE PRICES IN PRESTON

The average sold price in Preston in 2022 was £205,212, rising by 4.5% from the previous year. Property prices start from around £90,000 for a one-bedroom flat, though the majority of sales in the last year were semi-detached properties with an average price of £185,605. Terraced properties sold in Preston averaged £126,231 (Source: Rightmove 15 December 2022).

DID YOU KNOW?

Preston was home to Sir Tom Finney, one of England's greatest ever footballers, who played his entire career at Preston North End FC

DID YOU KNOW?

In the 19th century, Preston was one of the wealthiest towns in England. This is reflected in the grand Victorian architecture that still exists today.

PLACES OF INTEREST / LEISURE

Preston borders Areas of outstanding natural beauty and is renowned for its parks and open spaces. These spaces are ideal for outdoor activities such as cycling, horse-riding and walking in the network of paths and bridleways. Preston's Avenham and Miller Parks are particularly popular, boasting beautiful landscaped gardens and views over the River Ribble.

Preston City Centre is always bustling with activities with a vibrant community and sports groups. A highlight of the year is the Lancashire Encounter Festival. This biennial event celebrates the culture and creativity of Lancashire with a parade through the city centre, music, displays, and games.

The Harris Museum & Art Gallery

The Harris Museum & Art Gallery is a grand Grade I listed building that houses a museum, art gallery, and Preston's central library. The museum's collections cover fine and decorative art, costume, and local history.

Preston Guild Hall & Charter Theatre

The Preston Guild Hall & Charter Theatre complex offers a range of live theatre, comedy, and music shows suitable for families and adults alike.

Fulwood Leisure Centre

For those pursuing an active lifestyle, the Fulwood Leisure Centre offers a swimming pool, gym & fitness equipment, and an extensive programme of group exercise classes such as yoga and pilates, as well as indoor and outdoor sports pitches and multi-use courts.

Preston Golf Club

Renowned for its pristine greens and challenging layout, the nearby Preston Golf Club is a traditional club with modern facilities. With views across the Ribble Valley, the course provides an enjoyable and demanding game for golfers of all abilities.

TRANSPORT LINKS

With easy access to the M6, M61, and M55, Preston also has a train station with regular direct trains to London Euston and other major cities across the UK. Bus services in Preston are also highly efficient, with the city boasting Europe's largest bus station.

Preston's excellent transport connections also extend to air travel. The city is within easy reach of several major airports, including Manchester Airport and Liverpool John Lennon Airport.

EDUCATION

Preston is home to several exceptional educational institutions. The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) is one of the UK's largest universities, offering many courses and excellent research programs. For younger students, schools such as Archbishop Temple School, Penwortham Girls' High School, and Broughton Business and Enterprise College are top-rated and well-respected.

DID YOU KNOW?

In 1828, Preston was one of the first towns in England to have a gas lighting system, thanks to the initiative of Joseph Livesey, a prominent social reformer from the area.

DID YOU KNOW?

The Preston North End FC, a professional football club in Preston, was one of the founding members of the Football League in 1888.

EATING OUT

Preston offers many dining options, from traditional Lancashire fare to international cuisine. The city has a burgeoning food scene, with new eateries, bistros, and pubs frequently opening their doors. Hotspots such as The Winckley Square Hotel and Angelo's are local favourites.

SHOPPING

When it comes to shopping, Preston doesn't disappoint. It boasts two major shopping centres - St George's Shopping Centre and Fishergate Shopping Centre, offering a blend of high-street and independent stores. With its mix of stalls selling food, drink, crafts and more, Preston Market also adds to the city's vibrant atmosphere.

DID YOU KNOW?

The Riversway Festival, an annual event at Preston's Marina, celebrates the maritime history and features boat races, live music, and food stalls.

DID YOU KNOW?

Preston's Flag Market, located in the city centre, is a historic site that has been a marketplace for centuries and is still used for events and markets today.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

Preston is a great base for outdoor enthusiasts. Apart from the city's numerous parks and green spaces, the nearby Forest of Bowland, an area of outstanding natural beauty, offers fantastic hiking, cycling and wildlife spotting opportunities. Preston Marina also offers sailing and other water sports activities.

Preston offers a vibrant, well-connected lifestyle with a blend of city living, history, and access to beautiful countryside, making it an attractive option for families, professionals, and students alike.

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