North Of Blackpool Is A Historic City With Local Shops, Cozy Cafes, And A Scenic Castle

Britons are fortunate to live in cities with deep history and gorgeous landscapes. Often there's also at least one castle which functions as a historic landmark and central focus for the city's pride, heritage, and character. Lancaster is prominent among them with the remnants of ancient Roman fortifications still in view. It also is home to comforting cafés and charming shops filled with curiosities and necessities, many of which are housed in historic buildings that have stood for centuries. Standing tall among them is Lancaster Castle, strong and stately as ever.

Lancaster sits 40 minutes by road north of Blackpool, along the main highways, and it takes about the same time to take scenic, smaller country roads to the city. If flying into the U.K., one can land at Manchester Airport (MAN) and then either drive one hour north or take a train, bus, or airport transfer between the cities. Much of the journey provides views of smaller towns and the serene sight of farms surrounded by lush hedgerows.

The long history of Lancaster can be seen in the remains of a Roman fort built in A.D. 80, which was probably the first settlement in the location of the city we know today. The town of Lancaster has undergone countless changes and additions from several lineages of royalty that have ruled it over the years until it grew into a city in 1937. What exists today is a collection of stunning architecture from several eras with over 1,300 listed historical buildings in the district. When one strolls the streets filled with shops, cafés, and hotels, one may be walking in the footsteps of those who trod the same streets in the early 1600s.

A memorable time can be had walking cobblestone streets, surrounded by centuries-old buildings, browsing for intriguing finds and sipping a delicious coffee or tea while imagining how the area looked as the buildings aged and the fashions changed over time. One constant has been the quality of cafés and coffee culture in Lancaster. Atkinsons has been roasting coffee and serving tea since 1837, which visitors can buy onsite and online, or sample at one of its cafés like the historic Priory Hall. It has earned a 4.6-star rating for its coffee, food, and attentive service, with live events and a relaxed community feel.

Tucked away in Bashful Alley is the historic Old Bell, where modern upgrades don't hide the rustic stone, providing a comfy space for a hearty full English breakfast before a shopping excursion at the surrounding shops. Just around the corner is Market Square, the center of Lancaster's shopping district. It is surrounded by modern malls like St. Nics, Marketgate, and King's Arcade, at which one could easily spend a weeklong shopping spree, akin to Shoreditch's trendy neighborhood full of unique shops.

Woven in and around these shopping centers are gems with charming antiques and whimsical knickknacks for one's home, like Penny Street Collectables and The Little Shop of Handmade Loveliness. Upscale clothing and goods can be found at Marks & Spencer, and browsers of bookshops will have their fill at the local Waterstones. Endless hours of shopping and dining in buildings ancient and modern can be had just a short stroll from the historic Lancaster Castle.

Hundreds of castles are strewn throughout Britain, and most are in various states of disrepair, while Lancaster Castle has been kept quite intact, much like several found in the naturally idyllic country of Wales. In the 12th century, Normans built the beginnings of the historic castle, and additions like the towers, walls, and priory were added over the centuries. These are now accessible via official tours for a modest admission.

Much like the infamous Tower of London in its namesake endlessly popular city, Lancaster Castle has long struck fear into the hearts of those accused of crimes, having served as a prison and court for centuries. The court is still in use, while the prison closed for good in 2011. It is the oldest such court remaining and has presided over historic trials, including the Pendle Witches in 1612. Executions were meted out within the castle walls in a spot known as the "Hanging Corner," per Lancaster & Morecambe Bay.

The castle is open daily, and tours include a visit to the Drop Room, where execution relics can be seen and where over 200 people met their end. Thankfully, such methods are now ancient history and tour-takers will be led through impressive wings of the castle and into its long-standing court, up the tower, and into holding cells. In contrast to many in the past, tourists will be able to walk free afterwards and enjoy the green courtyards. If the castle itch hasn't fully been scratched, head over to the breathtaking royal English tower finally open to visitors again after almost 400 years.