Lancaster
Lancashire's compact first city has a long and fascinating history, with beautiful parks, theatres, riverside walks and much more to explore.
Avid nature lovers will be delighted by Lancaster's close proximity to the sweeping Morecambe Bay, the nearby Peak District, and even its short distance from the Lake District. Meanwhile, culture fans will find much to love, too - the city, despite being small in size, has a number of museums, a highly-regarded theatre, and walking tours.
The city's name refers to Lon - the River Lune, which runs through the city, and castre from the old English for fort, due to the old Roman fort which stands on Castle Hill.
Whether you're looking for a boutique bolthole or a modern base to explore the city from Lancaster has it all.
Its cobbled streets, winding alleys and ancient buildings mean there are a wealth of beautiful boutique hotels to explore, from the modern - like the beautifully restored Lancaster Barn - to the cosy, such as The Sun Inn.
Visitors can reach the city via train - Lancaster is on the West Coast mainline, meaning London is a mere 2 hours away! - or by car, with the M6 a short drive from the city centre. Some of the available accommodation choices include:
A growing hub for foodies, Lancaster has the very best of the North West on offer - just a stone's throw from fishing ports like Morecambe and Fleetwood, the city boasts excellent seafood.
Or, if you're after hearty Lancastrian grub, the local pubs and restaurants have a wealth of local farms to choose from. For snacks and quick eats, why not pop into one of the city's chic cafes, such as The Music Rooms, or try out the famous local ice cream at Walling's nearby?