Preston  has become the retail, commercial and cultural centre for Lancashire and exhibits a buoyant and vibrant city 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. 

Preston recently acquired 'city status' and lies at the heart of Lancashire. Preston’s excellent shopping facilities attract people from across the North West. The Victorian Miller Arcade is a delight for speciality shopping. Built by Nathaniel Miller, it is modelled on the Burlington Arcade in London, with its Italian terracotta façade. There are two major modern Shopping Centres, Fishergate and St Georges. The Harris Museum and Art Gallery houses collections of fine and decorative art and social history as well as a changing exhibitions programme. The picturesque Victorian Avenham Park overlooks the River Ribble. It hosts a season of Sunday Bank concerts as well as family events. There are two major leisure centres and ample golf courses around the region.