Where is Lancaster?

Lancaster University is situated in 560 acres of parkland, just 3 miles south of the centre of the city of Lancaster in the United Kingdom.

Lancaster skyline at sunset with snow-clad mountains in the background

At the heart of Great Britain

At Lancaster, we like to be at the centre of all things. We are the university closest to the geographic centre of Great Britain. Just 1 hour from Manchester or Liverpool or 2.5 hours from London, Glasgow or Edinburgh, Lancaster is well connected and easy to get to.

A map of the UK with approximate travel times from large cities

Travel times are based on the best estimates by road or rail.

Surrounded by beauty

We are surrounded by some of the most gorgeous landscapes the UK has to offer – with the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, Morecambe Bay and the Forest of Bowland within easy reach. If you fancy a more urban experience, the cities of Manchester and Liverpool are an hour away and filled with shops, clubs and nightlife. If you fancy a bit of traditional British seaside fun, Blackpool, Morecambe and Lytham St Annes are all just a short journey away.

Two people cycling through the Trough of Bowland

Forest of Bowland

Step off campus and straight into The Forest of Bowland. This is a landscape rich in heritage; designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty the undulating lowlands and moody moors of this historic land are a wonderful place to spend the day.

Visit the Forest of Bowland
The Lake District in winter

The Lake District

The Lake District is the UK's oldest and largest national park. It's beauty has inspired artists, poets, writers, climbers and sports people for hundreds of years.

A UNESCO world heritage site, the Lake District is made up of 912 square miles of breathtakingly beautiful landscapes from mountains to glittering lakes. There are hundreds of outdoor activities to keep you entertained including lake cruises, water sports and mountain walks. The region is also celebrated for its literary connections including William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter who found inspiration there.

Visit the Lake District
A statue of The Beatles in Liverpool

Liverpool

Home of The Beatles and two world famous football clubs, Liverpool is a bustling city filled with shops, history and culture.

Visit Liverpool by rail or by road to experience the city's rich musical and historical heritage. Join Anabelle as she explores Liverpool at Christmas.

Anabelle's trip to Liverpool

The Yorkshire Dales

The national park is 841 square miles of beautiful country, with everything from waterfalls to heather moorland. The area is particularly famous for its caves making it a popular destination for caving activities as well as for walking and cycling. The park is also a designated Dark Sky area, making it the perfect place for stargazing - you can even spot the Northern Lights if you're there at the right time!

Visit the Yorkshire Dales
Old Trafford football ground

Manchester

Manchester is the birthplace of industry and a large technological hub. Visit Manchester's famous football clubs, nightlife and shops.

It’s easy to visit this world-famous city for the afternoon. Watch Rachel and her friends on their trip vintage shopping in Manchester.

Watch Rachel's tour of Manchester
Blackpool Tower and beach at sunset

The coast

Blackpool offers a fun study break, where you can enjoy the Pleasure Beach and Blackpool Tower with its famous ballroom or ride a tram through the famous Blackpool Illuminations! A little closer to home, take a trip to Morecambe for fish and chips and an ice cream on a sunny day.

You can also visit Arnside and Silverdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which is one of two AONBs near campus that offer beautiful walking trails and great wildlife. Lytham St Annes is also a great destination for a day out, a busy seaside town with a traditional pier, beach huts and windmill!

Visit Blackpool

Lancaster University campus

Lancaster University campus is just a short bus ride south of Lancaster city centre. Our campus is the complete setting for your life and your studies, with sports facilities, shops, places to relax and socialise and study spaces to suit your mood.

Discover more about the campus

Lancaster city

Lancaster is an ancient city with a modern outlook and a great place to make your home. It's a friendly city with lots to explore and enjoy and a great base from which to explore the rest of the UK. The city boasts a thriving cultural scene and a wide range of shops, famous high street brands and a variety of independent boutique stores.

Explore Lancaster

Hear from our students

We asked our students what they thought about the Lancaster University campus and its surroundings.

Why Lancaster?

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