Preston - Englands newest city Preston is the administrative Capital of Lancashire, set against a backdrop of countryside rich in heritage. The City has also become the retail, commercial and cultural centre for Lancashire and exhibits a buoyant and vibrant town centre. Close at hand, however, lies impressive countryside such as the verdant Ribble Valley and the upland moors of the dramatic and beautiful Forest of Bowland and Beacon Fell Country Park. The City lies at the heart of Lancashire at the hub of the motorway network. The M6, M61, M65 and M55 motorways bring 50% of the UK's population within a two hour drive. Excellent hourly InterCity rail connections bring both London and Glasgow within 2½ hours' travelling time. Unrivalled Conference Facilities The Guild Hall regularly plays host to national and international events, concerts, theatre, shows, major indoor sports and has seating for up to 2,000 delegates. The modern Holiday Inn is conveniently located next to the Guild Hall. Within a 5 mile radius of Preston there is a large selection of 3 and 4 star hotels offering deluxe accommodation and meeting facili ties and a total of 1,700 bedspaces are available within a 20 mile radius. More unusual venues include Hoghton Tower, a 16th century fortified tower, St Walburges Church, a Grade I listed building featuring a 309ft spire, and Harris Park Conference Centre, a former orphanage. Preston North End Football Club offers banqueting facilities for up to 300 people and the new National Football Museum offers excellent opportunities for corporate hospitality. The University of Central Lancashire has a theatre for 500 delegates and 397 ensuite study rooms. |