Preston

         
  Situated in the heart of North West England and surrounded by beautiful countryside, Preston is the administrative centre of the County of Lancashire. Steeped in history, it received its Town Charter in 1179 and was awarded City status by royal decree in 2002. Modern Preston welcomes the visitor with excellent shopping and leisure facilities, its vibrant atmosphere a fitting home for the rapidly growing University of Central Lancashire, which with over 25,000 students is the 6th largest in the United Kingdom.  The City boasts some unique attractions such as Riversway, Europe's largest single dock basin, with its marina, leisure shopping and attractions.  

 

         
 

 

Sports fans must not miss the National Football Museum which houses many of the world's most important football collections, including the official FIFA collection. The museum is based at the Deepdale stadium of Preston's famous football team, Preston North End, one the twelve clubs which founded the English Football League in 1888. The centre of Preston is graced by the Harris Museum and Art Gallery, a beautiful 1893 Greek Revival building where visitors can enjoy the historic and contemporary art collections as well as fascinating social history exhibits.