There’s no disputing the diversity of Preston’s rich history and the reality of its glorious countryside.

The City’s contemporary attitude is underpinned by rich seams of history, which remain alive in the City’s cultural and architectural gems.

• Preston is surrounded by the breathtaking countryside of the Ribble Valley, Beacon Fell Country Park, Cuerden Valley and The Forest of Bowland. The Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and Peak District are nearby, as is the seaside with popular resorts such as Blackpool, Morecambe and Southport.
• Preston North End, one of the founding members of the original Football League in 1885, has completed a redevelopment programme which has resulted in a 24,000 seat arena that can compete with any in the Championship Division.
• Preston’s magnificent Harris Museum and Art Gallery is a distinctive Grade One listed Greek Revival building housing an impressive collection of fine and modern art. It attracts 180,000 visitors each year.
• Splendid Victorian parks and gardens create plenty of space to relax within the city centre.
• The City has a rich history dating back to the Doomsday book. In 1179 Henry II granted Preston the right to hold a ‘Guild Merchant’ and the celebrations, which still occur every 20 years, gave rise to the expression ‘once every Preston Guild’. Look forward to the next date in 2012.
• Preston’s diverse multicultural community has enriched the City for more than 30 years. The £3.6 million Gujarat Hindu Society Community Centre and Temple is a landmark building in the North West. The Mela festival, which regularly attracts upwards of 8,000 visitors, is one of the largest festivals of South Asian cultures in the country. The Caribbean Carnival and Chinese New Year celebrations also attract many people to the city.