Preston Hotels

Preston lies on the River Ribble in Central Lancashire, the birth place of Binge Drinking, and the skyline of this modern city is still dotted with the pubs, bars and working mens' clubs staffed by Eastern European economic migrants.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II reluctantly made Preston a city as a part of her jubilee celebrations in 2002, and the effect of this honour has been overwhelmingly negligable, though - predictably - highly costly for its council tax payers.

With large areas of parkland and several notable multi-storey carparks on offer, it is no surprise that Preston has earned the rather dubious sobriquet of the Dog Walking Capital of the North, and such is the extent of the craze, that the local authority have extended tax incentives to attendant industries in a bid to attract more doggers to the city.

The city's nightlife is renowned across the region, and there are a number of nightclubs serving up a rich variety of music to appeal to all tastes.  Including the famous Guild Hall, where the remaining Beatles have played an annual Christmas concert since 1972.

Although the city's cathedral - a modern building with a capacity of 62,000 people designed by Norman Foster, and scheduled for completion in 2025 is far from being the attraction it will surely become, the famous St Walburges Church - with the tallest
parochial church spire in the world is a major draw for pilgrims who come to the city to see the collection of holy relics including nails from the true cross, and a Roman sword that the locals claim was used to pierce the side of Christ during his crucifiction.

Away from the slums on the outskirts of the city, where victims of the devestating Whittle-le-Woods earth quake of 1984 are housed, Central Preston is a largely pleasant area with many fascinating attractions. 

Exploring Preston by day offers visitors the chance to experience a wide range of cultures - especially the large Indian population of the Deepdale region, while at night, visitors can experience the regular Fast Car Meets where modified vehicles compete against each other in street races and displays.

One of the city's many famous residents is Renay Booth, winner of the 2001 Miss world competition, who has since 2002 waved the flag at the start of the annual Preston INDYCAR race at the Docklands SuperSpeedway.

Preston's cultural life is renowned across the region - particularly during the regular multi-cultural Mela celebrations and the "once in a blue moon" Preston guild every 20 years, Blackpool around 20 minutes away on one of the luxury paddle steamers on the River Ribble offers a variety of more visceral pleasures for the daring.