Top 10 Day Trips from Lancaster by Train
By Finty Royle
Studying at Lancaster Uni next year? Lancaster University Student Finty Royle shares her top tips for day trips from this historic university town. Finty will be living with us at Bailrigg Student Living next year and she is excited to share her expert knowledge of the opportunities to explore the UK from her base in our Lancaster student accommodation.
Lancaster train station is on the West Coast Main line, giving plenty of opportunities for travel across the UK. Here is a selection of the top 10 places to visit from Lancaster.
City Trips
Edinburgh
At 2hrs and 9 minutes, Edinburgh is the furthest away in this list, but it is certainly worth it. As Scotland’s capital city, Edinburgh is world renowned for its history, culture, and festivals. Hike up Arthur’s seat for breath-taking views of the city or explore the world heritage sites of the old and new town. Pick up some cool facts at the city’s museums and galleries, pause for a bite to eat at the many cafes or drink at one of the traditional pubs. Maybe even participate in one of Edinburgh’s many events!
Manchester
At just under an hour away, Manchester is a great city to visit. Known throughout the world as the birthplace of the industrial revolution and as the capital of the North, Manchester has a proud history in music, science, politics, music and art. In winter the Manchester christmas markets are the perfect place to visit and there are a range of places that are great for a night out.
Liverpool
As a slightly longer journey than Manchester at 1 hour 23 minutes, Liverpool has many world class tourist attractions and actually has more museums and galleries than anywhere outside London. Liverpool was historically known for shipping imports of spice, sugar and tobacco but it is famous now for being the home of The Beatles.
Countryside
Windermere – Lake District
Windermere is full of bustling shops and cafes. There’s also plenty of bars. Alternatively, with the shores of the lake just a mile away, take a trip on one of the many ferry boats across the lake.
Kendal
Kendal is a lovely market town. Just 24 minutes away, there’s a great selection of shops, historical bridges and buildings, lovely cafes and restaurants, pubs and two castles. If you fancy a hike, Helm Hill behind the station at Oxenholme gives amazing views.
Settle
Settle is a bustling town on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales only 1 hour and 3 minutes from Lancaster. The ancient market town is surrounded by beautiful landscapes and within the area lie the Three Peaks of Yorkshire as well as Malham Cove, Goredale Scar and Malham Tarn. The waterfalls, Stainforth Foss, Catrigg Foss, Scaleber Foss and Janet's Foss are also nearby. There are also many delicious places to eat and friendly independent shops to explore.
Seaside
Lytham
Lytham is a beautiful seaside town set on a picturesque stretch of coastline with expansive beaches only 53 minutes from Lancaster. It has a historic windmill, well-tended lawns, a boating lake and pretty parks. Explore the 78 acres of the Georgian Lytham Hall or dine at one of Lytham’s many restaurants and cafes.
Morecambe
Morecambe has an award-winning promenade and is home to the famous Eric Morecambe statue. Sit by the beach with an ice cream or fish and chips whilst enjoying an amazing view of the Lake District mountains. It’s only 10 minutes away by train and if you fancy a bike ride, there is a cycle path all the way there.
Blackpool
Blackpool’s unique appeal caters for everyone and is under an hour from Lancaster. Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Sandcastle Waterpark, Blackpool Zoo, Blackpool Tower, the Illuminations and even just the sea attract people all year round.
Heysham
Heysham is under half an hour away and is a great place for a relaxing picnic by the sea. Within a small radius you’ll find woodland, grassland, sandy beaches and rock pools.
So, what lies between you and an amazing day out?
Booking your tickets:
Download the trainline app which provides information, timetables and sells tickets for the UK rail industry.
Consider purchasing an annual Railcard for just £30. The 16 to 25 Railcard also includes mature students aged 26 or over and in full-time education. It will save you 33% on fares!
Getting to the station:
Being only a 5 minute walk from the city centre, the train station is within easy reach of campus.
Every 30 minutes during the day, Monday to Saturday, the 4 and 4a Bus link university campus and the railway station. On Sunday there is a limited service. The journey only takes 25 minutes. If you’re travelling from our Lancaster student accommodation, Bailrigg Student Living then a quick 20 minute bus journey will get you to the station.
It also takes 25 minutes to cycle. There is both an off-road route (either Ballrigg Village or by the Health Innovation Campus) or the route that goes along the A6.
There is plenty of cycle parking at the station. If you fancy a nice walk to the station it takes about an hour (less if you are feeling energetic, more if you are hungover!). The most direct route is along the A6 and then along the University cycle path.
