The city and beyond

It's a short ride from campus into the heart of historic Lancaster – a city full of character and culture.

A group of students are seated by the castle overlooking the city.

Heritage

Students sit on the grass outside the walls of Lancaster Castle — The castle is in the historic heart of Lancaster

The City of Lancaster is a wonderful neighbour to campus. Its fascinating heritage and stunning architecture give student life an impressive setting. Whilst Lancaster Castle and the Ashton Memorial dominate the city's skyline, traditional cobbled streets and secret lanes offer old world character to explore.

Meet and Eat

Three students sit at a table in a restaurant in Lancaster

Lancaster's coffee quarter has a wide variety of choices. Relax in the vegan oasis of Herbarium, keep it cosy in Brew, visit the Castle Cafe for a drink, or visit Atkinsons', our oldest coffee roaster, in operation since 1837.

A weekend-launching fry-up, grammable brunch options, a cup of late-night coffee, a traditional Sunday roast or vegan treats. Lancaster has a plateful of options if you have the appetite.

Browse

You'll find the big brands you recognise on our high street, but Lancaster has hidden gems around every corner with a thriving independent retail scene. Finding something unique that suits you has never been easier.

Big weekends

There's big festival energy right on your doorstep. Make the most of your weekends with the region's largest open-air music festival, Highest Point, or try something different at the kitsch-filled Vintage by the Sea in nearby Morecambe.

Crowds of people by the Ashton Memorial for the Highest Point Festival

Music and festivals

Throughout the year, Lancaster hosts a number of lively festivals. Lancaster Music Festival, Highest Point and the Jazz Festival are particularly popular, filling the streets with live music and dance.

Arts festivals

Other festivals, such as the annual Literature Festival, Light up Lancaster light festival, and Lancaster Chinese New Year Festival, make the city a fun and vibrant place to live.

Two students sit in a darkened cinema eating popcorn

Theatre and film

Fans of independent film and theatre have the choice of fantastic venues that play host to major comedy and theatrical tours. Catch an indie film or original production at The Dukes or a major tour at the Grand Theatre. You can also catch all major box-office releases at the city's Vue Cinema.

Three students chat in the courtyard of Lancaster Castle

Museums and galleries

Take a guided tour of Lancaster's historic castle and discover 1,000 years of history. Lancaster is also home to a number of museums and galleries, such as Arteria: Gallery 23, Lancaster City Museum and Lancaster Maritime Museum.

After hours

Seven students sit around a table in the Sun Inn, laughing

We might be smaller than some cities, but Lancaster makes up for its size with variety. Nightlife is no exception. Late night cafes, arts spaces, music venues and pop up spaces can be found alongside pubs, clubs and bars to suit every vibe.

Day trips

We're lucky to have some of the UK's most beautiful countryside and coastline close at hand. Enjoy days out at the beach, or go wild for mountains and lakes.