15 Things to Do in Preston on Weekends and Holidays
Preston is one of Lancashire's most underrated cities. It has a proper mix of history, green space, great food, and genuine community spirit and if you know where to look, you'll find no shortage of ways to fill a weekend or bank holiday. Whether you're a local looking for fresh ideas or a visitor planning a trip, here are 15 of the best things to do in Preston that are worth your time.
1. Hire an Inflatable for a Garden or Outdoor Party
If you're hosting a party, a birthday, or a community event, inflatable hire in Preston is one of the most crowd-pleasing options going. Wacky World Hire (hire.wackyworld.co.uk) is Preston's longest-running inflatable hire service, offering bouncy castles for kids and adults, inflatable climbing walls, the Meltdown inflatable, a Velcro fly wall, a Rock 'N' Roll Gladiator Duel setup, and more. You can book online and even arrange self-pickup. They also offer costumed mascot entertainers everything from Peppa Pig to Darth Vader which can make a birthday party genuinely memorable for young children. It's a practical and affordable way to turn any outdoor space into an event venue.
2. Visit Avenham and Miller Parks
These two connected parks along the River Ribble are among the finest public green spaces in the North West. Avenham Park dates back to 1867 and sits on a slope that runs down to the riverbank, giving you great views across to South Ribble. Miller Park is more formal, with ornamental gardens and a bandstand. Both parks are free to enter, well-maintained, and ideal for a morning walk, a picnic, or watching the ducks on the river. The parks are managed by Preston City Council and host seasonal events throughout the year.
3. Explore the Harris Museum, Art Gallery and Library
The Harris is a Grade I listed building right in the heart of Preston city centre. The museum and gallery holds collections covering fine art, decorative arts, and local history, and admission is free. It also functions as a public library, so you can spend a few hours browsing exhibitions and then settle in to read. The Harris went through an extensive refurbishment programme and has been welcoming visitors back with refreshed displays. It's a genuinely good way to spend a couple of hours on a rainy afternoon.
4. Walk or Cycle the Ribble Way
The Ribble Way is a 70-mile long-distance footpath that follows the River Ribble from Longton Marsh near Preston all the way to its source in the Yorkshire Dales. You don't need to walk the whole thing, the stretch close to Preston, passing through Avenham Park and out towards Walton-le-Dale, is an easy and attractive riverside walk suitable for families. Cyclists can also follow the Ribble Link section of the National Cycle Network. It's free, accessible, and one of the best things to do outdoors in Preston on a clear weekend morning.
5. Shop and Eat at the Market
Preston Market is one of the oldest markets in England, the city has held a market charter since 1179. The indoor market hall on Earl Street runs Tuesday to Saturday and stocks everything from fresh produce and butchers to clothing and household goods. The surrounding St. George's Shopping Centre and Fishergate offer mainstream retail if you want a full day out shopping. But the market itself is the real draw particularly the food stalls, where you can pick up locally sourced produce and grab a cheap, filling lunch.
6. Go Ten-Pin Bowling at Hollywood Bowl Preston
Located at Capitol Centre retail park in Walton-le-Dale, just outside the city centre, Hollywood Bowl is a reliable option for a family outing or a casual evening with friends. It offers ten-pin bowling lanes, an American diner, and arcade games. It's particularly good for mixed-age groups or when the weather is poor and you want an indoor activity. Booking ahead online is recommended on weekends.
7. Catch a Preston North End Match at Deepdale
Deepdale Stadium is one of the oldest professional football grounds in the world and home to Preston North End FC. Catching a match there especially in the Championship season is a proper football experience. The atmosphere at Deepdale is genuine and the ground has a real sense of history, including the National Football Museum's origins there (though the museum itself has since moved to Manchester). Check PNE's fixture list and book tickets through the club's official website.
8. Visit Worden Park, Leyland
Worden Park is a short drive south of Preston in Leyland and covers around 157 acres. It includes formal gardens, a miniature railway (which runs on select weekends), woodland walks, a craft centre, and a children's play area. The estate is managed by South Ribble Borough Council and entry to the park is free. The miniature railway is run by volunteers and is particularly popular with younger children.
9. Take a Day Trip to the Forest of Bowland
The Forest of Bowland is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) sitting right on Preston's doorstep, roughly 20 minutes by car. It's one of the most sparsely populated and scenically striking parts of Lancashire. The area offers walking, cycling, and birdwatching red grouse, peregrine falcons, and hen harriers are all present. The village of Slaidburn makes a good base for walks, and the Trough of Bowland road is one of the most scenic drives in the North of England.
10. Visit the National Milk Museum (Farmer Ted's Farm Park)
A short drive from Preston, Farmer Ted's Farm Park near Ormskirk is a popular family destination with animals, play areas, and seasonal activities. While it's not strictly within Preston itself, it's one of the go-to weekend destinations for families in the area. They run themed events across half-terms and bank holidays. Check their website for seasonal opening times and ticket prices before you go.
11. Try Escape Rooms in Preston City Centre
Escape rooms have become a popular weekend activity across the UK, and Preston has several options in and around the city centre. They're well-suited to groups of friends, family days out, or work team outings. Most experiences last around 60 minutes and work for a range of ages. A quick search for escape rooms in Preston will bring up current operators and availability.
12. Explore Samlesbury Hall
Samlesbury Hall is a medieval manor house sitting between Preston and Blackburn, just off the A677. It dates back to 1325 and is one of the most historically significant buildings in Lancashire. The hall is now managed by the Samlesbury Hall Trust and operates as an antiques centre, event venue, and visitor attraction. It's open to the public on most days and hosts regular events including craft fairs and history talks. Entry is generally free for the main building, with charges applying to specific events.
13. Go Karting at TeamSport Preston
TeamSport Indoor Karting has a venue in Preston that's popular for birthday parties, stag and hen dos, and general weekend fun. It offers electric indoor karts and races for adults and juniors. You can book individual sessions or private hire options. It's an energetic option if you want something with a bit more competitive edge than a standard day out.
14. Catch Live Music or Comedy at 53 Degrees
53 Degrees is one of Preston's main live music and entertainment venues, located on the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) campus. It hosts local and national acts across music, comedy, and spoken word. The programme runs year-round and covers a wide range of genres. Check their website or social media for upcoming events, it's a good bet for an evening out, particularly if you enjoy discovering smaller acts in an intimate setting.
15. Explore Preston's Food and Drink Scene
Preston has a food and drink scene that tends to surprise people who haven't spent much time in the city. Friargate and the surrounding streets have a good concentration of independent cafes, bars, and restaurants. The city has a strong South Asian food culture, and you'll find some excellent curry houses that have been serving the local community for decades. Winckley Square, a Georgian garden square close to the city centre, is surrounded by bars and restaurants and makes a pleasant spot for an evening out. The real ale scene is also worth knowing about Preston has several traditional pubs with regularly rotating cask ale selections. For a relaxed weekend afternoon, walking between a few of the city's independent spots is one of the most enjoyable and low-cost things to do in Preston.
Frequently Asked Questions About Things to Do in Preston
What are the best free things to do in Preston?
Preston has several genuinely good free options. Avenham and Miller Parks are excellent for a walk or picnic, the Harris Museum and Art Gallery is free to enter, and the Ribble Way offers miles of riverside walking at no cost. The city centre market is also worth a visit for browsing and cheap food without spending much.
What are the best things to do in Preston with kids on a weekend?
Kids tend to enjoy Worden Park (including the miniature railway on select weekends), Farmer Ted's Farm Park nearby, and inflatable hire for garden parties. Wacky World Hire offers bouncy castles, inflatable games, and costumed mascot entertainers in Preston, which make for a memorable party or outdoor event for children of most ages.
Is Preston worth visiting as a tourist?
Yes, particularly if you're interested in history and the outdoors. The Harris Museum is one of the finest free regional museums in England. Samlesbury Hall is a genuinely impressive medieval building. And the access to the Forest of Bowland AONB makes Preston a good base for exploring one of Lancashire's most scenic areas.
What outdoor activities are available in Preston?
The Ribble Way footpath passes directly through the city, offering riverside walks in both directions. Avenham and Miller Parks are well-maintained and popular for cycling and walking. The Forest of Bowland, just 20 minutes away by car, has extensive trails for walkers, cyclists, and birdwatchers.
Where can I hire a bouncy castle in Preston for a party?
Wacky World Hire (hire.wackyworld.co.uk) is a well-established inflatable hire company based in Preston. They offer bouncy castles for all ages, inflatable games, and costumed mascot entertainers. Booking is available online with a self-pickup option, and they cover events across the Preston area and beyond.
