Living in Preston

Community life in Preston is welcoming and active, with a strong local identity and tradition of civic engagement. Various annual events such as the Preston Guild (a historic celebration occurring every 20 years), the Preston Caribbean Carnival, and the Christmas Market draw crowds and foster a lively social atmosphere.

The Harris Museum & Art Gallery is a cultural centrepiece, while Preston Markets and regular farmers' markets at the Flag Market offer opportunities for residents to support local traders and artisan producers. Community centres like The Foxton Centre provide support and activities for all ages, enhancing the area's inclusive spirit.

The city's location on the edge of the Ribble Valley and Forest of Bowland gives residents access to riverside walks, cycling routes, and green spaces. Parks such as Avenham Park and Moor Park offer tranquil spots to enjoy the outdoors and host regular community events.

Crime rates in Preston are typical for a city of its size, with variation depending on neighbourhood. The city centre is busier and sees slightly higher incidences of opportunistic crime, especially during evenings with the nightlife crowd, but this is actively patrolled by police and city marshals.

Suburban and residential parts of Preston, such as Fulwood and Penwortham, are generally perceived as safe and quiet. The police and local council work jointly on initiatives such as Neighbourhood Watch, youth engagement, and community policing to tackle anti-social behaviour and maintain safety on the streets.

Areas undergoing regeneration, such as the University district, benefit from additional security measures and investment in public spaces. Residents often report feeling safe, especially in communities with strong local ties and neighbourly support. Ongoing work with the Safer Lancashire Partnership focuses on keeping crime rates low and supporting victims where necessary.

Parking in Preston is generally straightforward, with a range of car parks, on-street parking zones, and resident permit schemes across the city.

The city centre features several large car parks, including multi-storey options, which cater to shoppers, commuters, and visitors. In residential areas, permit schemes are in place to prevent congestion and make it easier for locals to park near their homes. On-street parking is also available in most districts, although restrictions apply during peak hours or near key routes.

Preston is located at a major crossroads in North West England, with road access provided by the M6, M55, and M61 motorways and the A59 route. This strategic position makes road travel efficient and convenient, reducing commute times. Nearby destinations include:

• Blackpool – approx. 30 minutes via M55 (18 miles)
• Lancaster – around 25 minutes via M6 (21 miles)
• Manchester – about 50 minutes via M61 (30 miles)
• Liverpool – approximately 1 hour via M6/M58 (35 miles)

During major events or peak times, the city centre and key routes can experience congestion, but ongoing improvement work aims to keep traffic flowing efficiently.

Preston offers a lively food, pubs, and nightlife scene, catering for a wide range of tastes and budgets. The city centre is packed with independent and chain restaurants serving everything from Lancashire hotpot and classic British dishes to Indian, Italian, and Far Eastern cuisine. Notable favourites include local gastropubs, traditional fish and chip shops, and contemporary cafés popular with students and young professionals alike.

Pubs in Preston range from atmospheric old inns such as The Black Horse and The Old Vic to modern craft beer bars and quirky microbreweries. The city is particularly known for its pub culture and friendly hosts, setting the tone for relaxed socialising.

For nightlife, Preston has a selection of vibrant bars and nightclubs clustered around Church Street, Friargate, and the university area. The city’s Guild Hall is a key venue for live music, comedy, and theatre productions, while the New Continental and The Ferret regularly host local bands and cultural events. Takeaways and late-night eateries round out the offering for after-hours dining.

School Quality: Preston’s range of primary and secondary schools includes several with Outstanding Ofsted ratings, making it a practical choice for families seeking quality education.

Parks and Green Space: The city is noted for its plentiful parks and playgrounds, including Avenham and Miller Parks, providing safe spaces for children’s recreation and family picnics.

Childcare: Nurseries and childcare options are widely available, both in public centres and private facilities, offering flexibility for working parents.

Safety: Suburban neighbourhoods such as Fulwood are recognised for their lower crime rates and family-friendly atmosphere, supported by community policing.

Family Activities: Attractions like the Preston Guild Wheel cycling route, leisure centres, the Harris Museum, and family-friendly community events mean there’s plenty for families to enjoy together, whatever the weather.

Preston is accommodating for pets, with several large parks, riverside paths and countryside trails ideal for dog walking. Popular spots include Avenham and Miller Parks, Haslam Park, and the Guild Wheel, a popular cycling and walking path encircling the city.

Local veterinary practices, such as Oakhill Veterinary Centre and Beech House Veterinary Centre, provide a wide range of pet services. Several pet shops and dog groomers are situated throughout the city. Many pubs and café venues have outdoor seating and welcome dogs, particularly those near walking routes.

Permissive attitudes towards dogs and responsible pet ownership are evident in most residential areas, with local green spaces often equipped with waste bins and dog exercise areas. The proximity to the Lancashire countryside also means easy access to off-lead areas and new places to explore with pets.

Preston benefits from excellent transport links, placing it within easy reach of major destinations across Lancashire, the North West and further afield. The city sits on the West Coast Main Line, offering frequent and fast train services.

By Train: Preston Railway Station is a key hub with direct trains to:

• Manchester – around 40 minutes
• Liverpool – 50 minutes
• London Euston – 2 hours 15 minutes (on direct Avanti West Coast services)
• Glasgow – approx. 2 hours 15 minutes

Local trains also run to Blackpool, Lancaster, and East Lancashire.

By Road: Preston is well served by the M6 motorway, offering quick links north towards Lancaster and south to Manchester and Birmingham. The M55 connects Preston to Blackpool and the Fylde Coast, while the M61 and A59 provide access to other Lancashire towns and the Yorkshire Dales.

By Bus: Several local and regional bus operators run services across Preston, neighbouring towns, and villages, making it easy for residents to commute or travel for leisure.

Airports: The closest airport is Manchester Airport, around 40 miles away, which is accessible by direct rail or road and offers both domestic and international flights. Liverpool John Lennon Airport is another nearby option for air travel.

Schools in Preston cover a broad spectrum of education, including strong local authority schools, high-performing academies, independent institutions and an ambitious university.

Primary Schools
Preston boasts several highly regarded primary schools such as Queen’s Drive Primary School (Ofsted: Outstanding, 2018), St Andrew's Church of England Primary School (Ofsted: Good, 2023), Lea Community Primary School (Ofsted: Good, 2019), and Eldon Primary School (Ofsted: Outstanding, 2016). Many of these schools are sought-after and serve a broad catchment.

Secondary Schools
Popular options for secondary education include Archbishop Temple Church of England High School (Ofsted: Good, 2019), Broughton High School (Ofsted: Outstanding, 2012), Penwortham Girls’ High School (Ofsted: Outstanding, 2014), and Ashton Community Science College (Ofsted: Good, 2017). These schools are well known for strong exam results and wide-ranging extracurricular opportunities.

Independent and Specialist Schools
Preston is home to Westholme School, a co-educational independent school, and Kirkham Grammar School, both of which draw pupils from across the county. Preston Muslim Girls High School is a respected faith-based academy ranked Outstanding in its latest Ofsted inspection.

Colleges & Sixth Forms
The main further education provider is Preston College, offering vocational training, apprenticeships, and A-levels. Cardinal Newman College is celebrated for its outstanding Ofsted rating and university preparation, attracting students from across Lancashire.

Universities
The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) is a major presence in the city, recognized for research and a diverse student body. UCLan draws students from all over the UK and internationally, contributing to a vibrant student population and providing a range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional courses.