Best Nature and Wildlife Areas in Preston

"Although it may feel a million miles away from Blackpool’s bustling Promenade, the beautiful and tranquil nature reserve at Marton Mere is just a 20-minute drive from the town centre. A lovely place for all the family to visit, the reserve is free to enter and open all year round. The terrain is flat and features open water habitats, reed beds, and grassland."

"If you want to get away from the loud entertainment, this local nature reserve is the perfect place for you. The Marton Mere Local Nature Reserve is a big lake which is surrounded by grasslands, scrubs, and pockets of woodland. It is the best place to wine down and be engulfed in the sights and sounds of nature."

"Lunt Meadows Nature Reserve is a place brimming in an abundance of the many wildlife that you can find in this area. A nature reserve consisted of wetlands and tillable land, this is certainly the best place to be closer to nature with the thriving population of different birds and water voles. From spot marsh harriers, barn owls, sparrowhawks and peregrine falcons, as well as, lapwings, redshank, dunlin and oystercatchers you would certainly feel amazed exploring the place and the wildlife known in the area."

"Nestling alongside the River Alt, Lunt Village is home to this peaceful haven of wildlife and tranquility. You’ll find an assortment of inhabitants at this bird-watching site; from water birds to barn owls, geese and kestrels, as you make your way around signposted paths at this wonderful wetland nature reserve. Further details here"

"A post shared by Miš Lov (@mish_lov) on Jul 16, 2018 at 8:07am PDT. Lunt Meadows is a little-explored, quiet wetland reserve perfect for kids, walkers, and twitchers. There’s even a chance to explore an active archegonial site, woodlands, and go for a stroll along the banks of the River Alt."

"The Trafford Ecology Park is tucked away in the industrial Trafford Park behind an oil depot and is a registered Biological Important site and a true oasis of wildlife. The park is spread across an area of eleven acres and is a true delight for a nature enthusiast."

"Treat the family to a day out at Brockholes, boasting the UK’s first floating visitor village and the 250-acre Lancashire Wildlife Trust nature reserve. Whilst you’re ambling along the River Ribble and the nearby lakes, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife. What’s more, you’ll be able to visit year-round with free admission!"

"Five-star hotel The Lowry underwent a swanky new makeover in late 2019, including a new look for the two-AA-rosette restaurant and bar. Their luxurious dining & drinking terrace is the perfect place to relax out of reach of the bustle of the city centre. With a sunny view of the River Irwell and hospitality to beat, this is a luxury to be experienced in Manchester."

"Situated in The Lowry Hotel on the Manchester/ Salford border, this fine dining breakfast menu is unbeatable. The restaurant itself is glass-walled and overlooks the Santiago Calatrava’s Trinity Bridge. The decor includes purple leather chairs, semi-circular banquettes, Fornasetti plates and mirrors."

"Tucked away underneath the Olive Tree Brasserie, Elià is a trendy cocktail bar with a warm and chic atmosphere. The bar features 2 for 1 cocktail nights and regularly has live music and DJs to provide a soundtrack to your night, including indie and acoustic musicians. Sip on a classic cocktail or choose something creative and new, Elià is the place t..."

"Experience a taste of the Mediterranean at Olive Tree Brasserie. The restaurant's laid back atmosphere is perfect for an evening of indulging in vegan and vegetarian starters, mains, and even desserts!"

"Since opening their doors in November 2015, Hope Mill Theatre has become one of the most successful independent venues in England. Located in Ancoats, they produce full scale musicals from their Grade II listed former mill. The theatre will be reopening this summer, as well as hosting Hope Fest, an outdoor arts and culture festival."

"This wonderful independent venue, located out in New Islington, was one of the few theatres that managed to reopen last year after lockdown. It'll be back again with a reduced capacity and socially distanced seating for a Meet Me At Dawn, from HER Productions. You can get tickets at hopemilltheatre.co.uk."

"Manchester Opera House is the Palace Theatre’s little sister. It’s located on Quay Street, near Spinningfields. It is smaller than the Palace theatre however, there are still some amazing productions to see here."