Top Rated Parks to Visit in Preston

"A respite from Blackpool’s glossy entertainment and arcades, the resort’s largest park is in 260 acres, a mile east of the promenade. The man behind the park’s design in the 1920s was the landscape architect Thomas Mawson, and he was responsible for a couple of the buildings. The most striking is the cafe, in an Art Deco style and overlooking the Italian Garden, adorned with statues (see the two Medici lions) and a beautiful marble fountain."

"Blackpool’s beautiful Stanley Park is on the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens of special historic interest in England and is Grade II listed. It attracts 2 million visitors every year and was recently voted the UK’s best park for the second time in 3 years. When you visit, it is easy to see why!"

"The Stanley Park is a beautiful public park located in the city of Blackpool. It covers an area of 390-acre with large green lands and a large fountain in the middle built with Indian marble. The park was created in 1926 by the designer Thomas Mawson."

"The award-winning Avenham and Miller Parks are two adjoined parks located close to Preston City Centre in the stunning Avenham Valley and providing the ideal place to picnic, take a walk, relax and get some fresh air. The popular Ribble Valley Way National Trail also follows the river through Avenham Park and provides a fantastic and idyllic picturesque setting to enjoy by foot or bike."

"One of the first public parks in the country, Peel Park opened in 1846 and was named for the Bury-born Prime Minister Sir Robert Peel (1788-1850). In 1851 the newly laid out park was the main venue for Queen Victoria’s visit to Manchester and Salford. Sitting beside the River Irwell, Peel Park is hemmed by the University of Salford and some of its residential buildings."

"Thrill seekers looking for something to get the adrenaline pumping should pay a visit to Pleasureland. You can watch our video of Southport Pleasureland's Stealth Bomber and see what you could be letting yourself in for. But, the theme park has rides for kids of all ages and the whole family will be able to enjoy."

"Boggart Hole Clough is an old park with several wooded ravines, valleys, and gullies. The name is said to have come from local superstitions that the area was haunted by a Boggart. There’s an ongoing debate about whether this is a real folk tale, or just a fabrication."

"Hidden just off Cop Lane in Penwortham, Hurst Grange Park is the largest park in Penwortham and was once owned by William Adam Hulton's family in the now demolished Hurst Grange mansion. The park is now full of mature trees and rolling hills, ponds and wildflower meadows. Hurst Grange Coach House, is the only part of the original building that remains standing and is opened occasionally for events, including the annual Penwortham Live."

"Home to over nineteen artisans, MCDC spans textiles to prints, sculpture to jewellery and more besides. The studio element means you can often see designers at work and learn more about the process behind their practise, while the organisation’s support programme showcases a wealth of established and emerging local talent. The building (a Victorian former fish market) is interesting too."

"Manchester Craft & Design Centre, 17 Oak St, Northern Quarter, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M4 5JD - Visit now. Nestled away in the very heart of Manchester’s independent-central Northern Quarter, this is the place to head if you prefer to actually meet the person who made the beautiful scarf or earthenware jug you have your eye on."

"Manchester Craft & Design Centre, 17 Oak St, Northern Quarter, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M4 5JD - Visit now. The thing we love best about Manchester Craft & Design Centre?. The fact that you can buy unique, unusual pieces direct from some incredibly talented designers."

"Tucked down a side street in the Northern Quarter, This & That is one of the area's original curry cafes, where you can pick-up a filling "rice 'n' three" (choices of curry) for a few quid. It's a no-frills joint, but the food is fresh, homemade and uses whole spices to give the dishes the kind of wallop of flavour that you wouldn't normally expect at a sub-£5 price. The various lamb curries usually deliver a good savoury gravy and a reasonable amount of tasty meat, but, for me, its the veggie curries – particularly the chana masala, the daals and the spinach curry – that really sing with flavour."

"The terms ‘Manchester institution’ and ‘hidden gem’ are bandied about a lot, often undeservingly. This place is worthy of both descriptions. Serving authentic Indian curries, the classic This & That order is a “rice and three” - your choice of three curries heaped on a bed of rice for around a fiver."

"This & That is one of the longest-running family restaurants in Manchester. Famous for their rice with types of curry deals. Located in Northern Quarter – Manchester’s very own hip independent area – you only pay around £6 for one of these homemade authentic dishes."

"With a huge range of sandwiches, kebabs and vegetarian options too, you might need to take a look at the menu before you go. The mexican rice, which comes in different varieties, is a huge hit with customers of all ages. Popular amongst students for it’s fantastic range of comfort food and reasonable prices."

"About: Cute, kitsch and cosy - Hey Little Cupcake is a super-sweet cupcakery and tea room serving Manchester's finest selection of freshly baked Cupcakes, Cakepops and Brownies. Treats can either be ordered to take-away or enjoyed in the cafe's cosy in or outdoor seating areas. The mini bite-sized cupcakes are perfect for a spontaneous treat."

"This week we launch the Easter Collection… here’s a sneak peak of what’s to come. #HeyLittleCupcake#Easter#Cupcakepic.twitter.com/YS1ZL46gEi. — Hey Little Cupcake!"

"As the name suggests, their small cupcakes are really delicious. Like New York’s famous cupcakes. They create a work of art."