To Do
The Dukes
This local theatre and cinema complex is a gem in town that is not be missed! Within the first month of being in Lancaster the venue boasts events/showings such as Billy Elliot The Musical: Live (Film), Around The World In 80 Days (Theatre), Some Like It Hot (Film) and a film quiz night. They frequently have screenings of NT Live which are well worth it if you can’t afford the cost of seeing it in the flesh down in London. The venue also has a small restaurant and bar in case you arrive early before a production.
Vintage Shopping
Lancaster boasts lots of small streets off the high street, each with small shops and vintage stores to discover. They are well worth a browse around before you go to the main stores of Topshop and River Island which grace the main thoroughfare. There is also a wealth of charity shops if you fancy getting your bargain head on and finding some cool items buried deep in the back of the clothes rack!
Eating and Drinking
The Water Witch
A delightful canal side pub only a few moments walk from the town centre, the Water Witch is great place to go for a nice pub meal. It is slightly more expensive than somewhere like Wetherspoons but the food is a much better quality! They also have unique ales and beers as well as a range of other drinks. On a Thursday night at 9PM the pub also hosts the ever popular Pub Quiz where your team can attempt to win a gallon of ale or a cash prize.
1725
If you’ve got a slightly larger than average student budget, an awesome place to go is 1725 right in the centre of town. Its’ Spanish food and modern ambience make for a lovely meal out. From more standard tapas, such as Patatas Bravas and Tortilla Espanola, to dishes for the more adventurous such as Kebab de Gambas y Chorizo (chorizo and tiger king prawns in chilli and tomato marinade) there is something for everyone. If you don’t fancy going all out, they do have plenty of offers on: from 2-4-1 on a Monday night to 20% off your food bill if you produce a cinema or theatre ticket from that day when paying.
Walks and Places To Go
Lancaster Canal
Lancaster has a lot of waterways, what with having the river, the canal and the coast all within spitting distance, but the canal-side walk is one that is to be enjoyed in all seasons. Walking away from the town you can either go on a short walk admiring the boat houses and the surrounding fields, or turn away to walk up to the village of Aldcliffe. In autumn the trees by the water turn fantastic colours, whilst in spring the fields are full of lambs from the local farmers.
Ashton Memorial
If you fancy walking up a rather steep hill to the Ashton Memorial I can promise you that it will be worth it. The view over the city and up to the Lake District on a clear day is so beautiful you almost forget that you’re in a city. Walking to the Ashton Memorial is something that usually sits on most students ‘to do’ lists for as long as they’re students but I urge you to do it. The wooded area around it is lovely, the butterfly house is worth a visit and the grassy hills overlooking town are excellent for a picnic.
