The city and beyond

Beyond Lancaster's campus, you can explore the historic city, stunning coastline, and picturesque Lake District.

Lancaster is a city with traditional charm and a modern outlook. It is a friendly student city that is home to a diverse and welcoming community.

"You will be welcome here. Lancaster is full of very social and fun students to hang out with."

Csenge Karl, Cartmel College

Heritage

The City of Lancaster is a wonderful neighbour to campus. Its fascinating heritage and stunning architecture give student life an impressive setting.

While Lancaster Castle and the Ashton Memorial dominate the city's skyline, traditional cobbled streets and secret lanes offer old-world character to explore.

"I love the old charm of the streets, the beautiful monuments and the general atmosphere."

Maria Clark, Cartmel College

Three students sit in the sun on a patch of grass outside the walls of Lancaster Castle.
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Students walk around Lancaster Castle courtyard.
Lancaster Castle at sunset with the entrance gate lit up.
Students go for a walk by a historic canal with a stone bridge and buildings.
A bronze statue of Queen Victoria on a large plinth in Dalton Square in Lancaster.
Four students walk on cobbled streets surrounded by historic buildings. The Ashton Memorial is on a hill top in the background.

Meet and eat

Students share a meal in Journey Social.
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Students sit on tables outside a Nando's Restaurant
Students sit on two benches alongside the canal.
A male student in a leather jacket slurps on a boba tea in a cafe.
Two female students are served food by wait staff in a brightly lit restaurant.
Two students in the Print Room have coffee.
Students look at a cake and pastries in the Castle Cafe.
Students playing a board game in The Herbarium Cafe.
Students sit outside Kanteena, laughing and pointing at a mobile phone.

Lancaster's coffee quarter has a long history; our primary roaster opened its doors in 1837. Alongside are a host of cafés, depending on your mood.

Relax in the vegan oasis of The Herbarium, keep it cosy in Brew or hit some familiar favourites like Starbucks and Caffé Nero.

Many cafés open late into the evening and offer space for music, comedy, gaming and more.

"I love to stay in one of the cafés and write or read for the entire day. A lot of the cafés are amazing and really comfortable."

Fuk Chin Wong, Graduate College

Browse

You'll find the big brands you recognise on our high street, but Lancaster has hidden gems around every corner with a thriving independent retail scene. Finding something unique that suits you has never been easier.

"Exploring the shops is always interesting and fun to do with friends."

Raven Trigo, Bowland College

Two students compare potted plants in a shop dedicated to domestic plants.
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A group of students walk down a busy high street, chatting.
A student buys a loaf of bread in an artisan bakery whilst two more stand outside the shop under an umbrella.
A student browses for art supplies in a boutique.
Two students look at brightly coloured fabric on a market stall.
A close up of a pair of hands browsing on a table filled with brightly coloured notebooks.
A young woman browses through racks of clothes in a vintage shop.

After hours and big weekends

Crowds around the Ashton Memorial at the Highest Point Festival.

We might be smaller than some cities, but Lancaster makes up for its size with variety.

Nightlife is no exception. Late-night cafes, art spaces, music venues and pop-up spaces can be found alongside pubs, clubs and bars to suit every vibe.

Make the most of your weekends with the region's largest open-air music festival, Highest Point, or try something different at the kitsch-filled Vintage By The Sea in nearby Morecambe.

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Interior of a crowded nightclub, with flashing lights. Confetti falls from the ceiling onto the crowds below.
A large crowd of people take part in Lancaster Pride.
A group of students pose for a selfie in a pub.
A black and white photo of a rock band performing in a local pub.
A band perform ona stage flooded with red lights at Highest Point festival.
A large illuminated version of the moon is housed within Lancaster Priory.

"There's a lot to do in the evenings. My perfect evening would be chilled-out drinks at Tipple or live music at The Golden Lion."

Catherine Brabin, County College

Every weekend is an adventure

An Autumnal view of woods, lake and mountains in the Lake District.

We're lucky to have some of the UK's most beautiful countryside and coastline close at hand. Enjoy days out at the beach, or go wild for mountains and lakes.

"I go up to the Lake District because there's just so much to explore. Whether you're interested in hiking, exploring, watersports or just ambling around towns, there's plenty to see."

Maria Clark, Cartmel College

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Blackpool Pleasure Beach at sunset, with Blackpool Tower and the Lake District hills in the distance.
A colourful mural on the end of a house in Morecambe.
A man on a mountain bike cycles past a signpost on an off-road track.
An aerial shot of Windermere showing the lake, forests, boats and mountains.
Th Ribblehead Viaduct at night, with the stars of the Milky Way visible in the sky.

The Lake District

The Lake District has inspired artists, poets, and explorers for centuries. It is famously associated with the work of poet William Wordsworth and author Beatrix Potter. It is a UNESCO world heritage site and the UK's oldest and largest national park.

There's plenty to do for the adventurous - from climbing, fell walking, watersports, mountain biking and more. If that isn't your thing, the towns of Ambleside, Bowness and Keswick await, filled with charming gift shops, cafés, galleries and more.

By the sea

Take in the views over the bay on coastal paths. You can even get involved in the bubbling indie art scene and art studios popping up next to Morecambe's promenade.

Visit Blackpool's Pleasure Beach and Tower with its glamorous ballroom, or ride a tram through the famous Illuminations! Blackpool is home to Europe's longest roller coaster, The Big One.

Further afield

Lancaster is just not close to the coast and the Lake District. On Lancaster's doorstep are the Yorkshire Dales National Park and the cities of Manchester and Liverpool.

A sunset over Derwentwater with clouds and mountains perfectly reflected in the lake.
An aerial view of Morecambe, showing a sandy beach, blue seas, historic buildings and the Midland Hotel.

Find out more

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