Preston was granted city status on Thursday 14th March 2001.
It became England's 50th city to mark the Queen's Golden Jubilee celebrations.

Preston is the commercial, administrative and cultural capital of Lancashire and is home to the University of Central Lancashire, an important feature of Preston that now attracts nearly 23,000 students and leads the way in many areas of learning.

Preston a (contraction of 'Priests’ Town') is known to date from early Saxon times and boasts an impressive history, namely when it was deemed the chief place in the Hundred Amounderness when the Domesday book was compiled in 1086, the battle of 1648 when Cromwell defeated royalist forces and a siege in 1715 when Jacobite rebels found the way to the south barred by English troops.

It has a rich history dating back to 1179 and today is a major, bustling centre of commerce, shopping, entertainment and, of course, learning. Browse the thriving centre for everything you'd ever need, from major high street names to cool designer label shops. Not to mention music, books, sportswear, food and, well, you name it. There's also one of the best open markets in the north west. The large Guildhall and theatre hosts major rock bands, orchestral concerts and top comics. You can also enjoy a variety of colourful annual events and festivals.

The new National Football Museum is based at the Deepdale Stadium, home of Preston North End Football Club.

The city's major attraction is the magnificent Harris Museum, a Greek Revival architecture building housing a wonderful collection of art and sculpture as well as new and innovative exhibitions annually attracting 180,000 visitors. A museum of a different kind is the National Football Museum based at the redeveloped Preston North End F.C. ground. Famous sons' of this football team include Liverpool F.C manager Bill Shankly and England legend and Prestonian, Sir Tom Finney. Another Prestonian who gained world wide recognition is Oscar winner and freeman of Preston, Nick Park, creator of Wallace and Gromit.

Visitors to Preston will enjoy the indoor market and modern shopping centres which present a convenient and clean environment, catering for your every shopping needs from designer to major high street shops.

Visitors will also be impressed by the variety of restaurants, pubs and excellent night-life as well as the city's premier entertainment centre, the Guild Hall & Charter Theatre , which plays host to major sporting events such as the UK Snooker Championships, World Indoor Bowls and regularly features major concerts, theatre productions and ballet.

Entertainment is also available at Riversway, Preston's former docklands which plays host to the annual Maritime Festival and features an attractive Marina, entertainment, retail and shopping complex as well as modern offices and accommodation.

Preston is surrounded by breathtaking countryside namely the Ribble Valley, Beacon Fell Country Park, Cuerden Valley, the Forest of Bowland and the magnificent Lake District. All of which provide excellent opportunities for many outdoor activities such as mountain biking, sailing, climbing or the more sedate pursuit of walking.

Preston - a prime location

Preston is ideally located with Manchester and Liverpool less than an hour away by train and Southport and Blackpool a mere stones throw away, but whatever your requirements, you will be surprised at how much Preston has to offer and you will always enjoy a warm Lancashire welcome.

A direct rail link makes Manchester and Liverpool only one hour away, London and Glasgow under 3 hours. The M6, M61 and M62 motorways minimise travelling times from Yorkshire, the Midlands, North Wales and the South.

Air travel is available from Manchester, Liverpool or Blackpool and ferries to Ireland and the Isle of Man leave from Liverpool and other nearby ports. Preston is surrounded by stunning countryside - the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales and the Trough of Bowland give ample opportunity for action sports. Walkers and cyclists don't have to go far to enjoy the great outdoors. Preston also has fine parks within walking distance of the University which host a variety of outdoor events throughout the year. Blackpool's famous attractions, including The Pleasure Beach, are just half an hour away. Many students make the most of a great seaside day out.

Getting about is easy A short walk finds just about everything a student might need. But for trips further afield Preston's public facilities are excellent and numerous. Regular buses run past the University from all areas of the city. Details about car parking facilities can be obtained from Campus Services.(01772) 892077 For further information please visit: www.Prestonscene.com The definitive students guide to UCLAN and student life in Preston.