The U.K. offers so much to explore beyond London, and Americans are beginning to get the memo.
While our friends across the pond have the reputation of being a dreary place once summer comes to a close, the gray skies shouldn’t deter you from experiencing some of the most timeless destinations in Europe.
Those who only stick to Buckingham Palace, Big Ben Tower, and double-decker busses are missing out on some truly incredible cities and villages.
You may know The Cotswolds, Manchester, Liverpool, and Birmingham, but even these under-the-radar places overshadow one of the U.K.’s top hidden gems.
Home to endless canals and jaw-dropping castles, it’s time to swap London’s crowds for the beautiful city of Lancaster.
The Hype Is Real
Another notable name you may know is Blackpool, a scenic coastal town boasting some of the U.K.’s best beaches.
While beaches aren’t exactly on the itinerary for Lancaster, they’re close by.
This lesser-known city lies in northwest England, away from the hustle and bustle of any tourist commotion (2 hours from London).
It’s backed by the numbers too. Lancaster has been hyped as England’s ultimate escape to avoid the crowds and find your inner Zen perusing storybook streets and majestic scenery.
Which? conducted a survey determining Lancaster is among the best small cities for a nice, relaxing getaway.
Scoring highest for its crowd-free streets and reasonably priced accommodations, Lancaster is the ultimate fall escape, even being compared to Bristol, but better!
If you like to travel back in time while immersing yourself in vibrant fall foliage, look no further than Lancaster.
This city is beaming with Old World charm and offers epic autumn views of the surrounding scenery.
“Am I In Venice Or Lancaster?”
It wasn’t until Venice began to try to stop tourists from visiting their iconic city that travelers began to realize there were so many canal-lined cities to explore.
Between The Netherlands, France, Portugal, and even the U.S., hitting the scenic waterways is always enticing no matter where we are.
Now you can add Lancaster to the list. Boasting a seemingly endless 41 miles of winding canals sourced by the Morecambe Bay, if the U.K. has a Venice dupe, this is it!
The longest stretch of canals in the country is not only pretty to look at but even better on a boat ride.
While gondolas may be out of the question, Kingfisher Cruises is the way to go.
Offering $45 rides (including fish & chips!), you’ll forget all about Venice, London, or whatever stresses on your mind and enjoy a relaxing experience along one of Lancaster’s top draws.
Tip: If visiting in early November, make sure to check out the free fireworks show with some of the best views from River Lune and Williamson Park (home to the eye-catching Ashton Memorial for miles)
Lancaster’s Castles And Captivating History
Lancaster is a city where time stands still for the most part—there have been few new developments in the area.
As such, you can expect to have your mind blown by the charming street’s timeless character.
Yes, some areas have seen an influx of growth and modern flair, but Lancaster takes pride in preserving its unique past.
You can say so long to Salem as one such unique aspect are the Lancaster Witch Trials, the perfect segue to embrace Halloween.
While the castles here in Lancaster are phenomenal, it’s what went on inside that may fascinate you even more, leaving a dark blemish on England’s historical timeline.
To learn more, check out the Lancaster City Museum near the city center. The story is quite compelling and shows how far the country has evolved, similar to the U.S.
As far as phot-ops go, however, Lancaster’s history still shines through at the rightfully named Lancaster Castle.
Standing the test of time over for over 1000 years, visitors ‘ooh’ and ‘ahh’ over this place.
One recent guest raved, ‘The whole atmosphere is one of mystery and intrigue if only those walls could talk…’
Tip: Lancaster Castle’s grounds are free to explore, but a guide must be hired inside for about $12. As an alternative, check out nearby Sizergh Castle.
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