Situated in the county of Lancashire, Lancaster is a historical city that still retains stunning examples of Georgian architecture. The city has a wide range of entertainment and cultural venues, suitable for every individual preference. Whether you like to go out clubbing or have a relaxing walk in the local park, Lancaster has you covered.
Nightlife
The Apothecary Bar & Lounge offers a wide range of desserts and wines, ales, beers, spirits, and their signature Molecular Cocktail menu. You can enjoy a delightful afternoon tea Friday through Sunday, or take advantage of the full bar during the week.
Lancaster University Students’ Union (LUSU) runs the popular nightclub Sugarhouse. Established in 1982, it sports discounts for Purple Card holders. The free Sugar Buses ensure that students have a cheap way of getting to and from Lancaster University.
Culture
Every year since 1965, Lancaster University and the University of York have held a sporting competition between them: the Roses Tournament. It’s the largest inter-university sports tournament in Europe and organised by the respective students’ unions, LUSU and YUSU. It’s named after the 15th Century civil war, The War of the Roses, which occurred between the House of Lancaster and the House of York.
Williamson Park was built by James Williamson, 1st Baron Ashton. Presently, it covers an area of 53.6 acres, or 217,000 m2. It contains the Ashton Memorial, a Butterfly House, a children’s play area, a café, and a sundial. During the summer, the local Duke’s Playhouse performs promenade plays, using the natural, beautiful scenery as a background.
Architecture
Built between 1907 and 1909, the Ashton Memorial cost over £80,000 to build, which is the equivalent to £7.5 million at 2015 rates. The Baroque and Edwardian styles were designed by John Belcher, and the Ashton Memorial has been described as “England’s grandest folly” and the “Taj Mahal of the North”. The exterior of the dome is made of copper, and the main stone used is Portland stone. The steps are made from hard wearing granite from Cornwall.
The Queen Victoria Memorial is located in the centre of Dalton Square and it faces Lancaster Town Hall. It was commissioned and paid for by James Williamson, 1st Baron Ashton and erected in 1906. Prolific stone carver and sculptor Herbert Hampton designed the monument with Portland Stone and bronze sculpture. Queen Victoria’s statue stands on a pedestal facing south.
Formally known as the Priory Church of St Mary, the Lancaster Priory dates from the 11th Century and it’s located near Lancaster Castle. It’s built in sandstone with roofs of slate and lead. The stunning carved choir stalls are the third oldest in England; they are made of oak and dated back to the 14th Century. The Priory holds the usual Anglican services and civic ceremonies in modern times.
If you fell in love with what Lancaster has to offer, here at CityBlock we have stunning student accommodation in Lancaster. You can get in touch with us by giving us a call on +44 (0)1524 541251. Our friendly team is always happy to help!
