About Preston
Situated in the heart of the colourful county of Lancashire, Preston is the gateway to Lancashire's beautiful landscape and historical sights. Preston, the administrative capital of Lancashire, is the largest and most important commercial centre in the County and it attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Preston's history dates back to the Doomsday Book and to 1179 with the granting of the Charter, which gave the right to hold a Guild Merchant every 20 years. The "Once in a Preston Guild" tradition continues to this day and we look forward to the next in 2012.
As England's newest city plans have been agreed for a new multi-million pound redevelopment of the city centre to include major retail, leisure and cultural facilities which will enhance the existing excellent retail offer and magnificent heritage buildings such as the Harris Museum & Art Gallery.
The Grade I listed building features an extensive collection of art, ceramics and sculpture as well as a contemporary changing exhibition programme.
Preston takes great pride in its people and celebrates its cultural diversity with an all year round events programme which includes the unique Easter Egg Rolling event and the colourful Preston Mela Festival, of South Asian Culture.
Travelling to Preston
Preston is extremely well located in the heart of Lancashire. It is easily accessible from the M6 motorway, has a large city centre train station and Europe's largest bus station which serves Preston's City Bus Service and major coach operators.
Preston Railway Station is located on Fishergate Hill to the south-west of the City Centre. The station lies at the hub of the Lancashire Railway Network serving Liverpool, Manchester and Yorkshire as well as local links. The station is also served by the West Coast Mainline and therefore links into other national centres such as London and Glasgow. Use the numbers and links provided below for timetable information. There is also a sevice that runs frequently from terminal 2 at Manchester Airport.
Travelling to Harris Park Conference Centre
From the M6, Junction 32 (M55) take Exit 1 (A6) to Preston and proceed through two major junctions with traffic lights. Harris Park is situated on the right hand side, approximately 300 metres beyond the second set of traffic lights. Look out for a Texaco Garage on the right. The Conference Centre is approximately 100 metres further on, immediately before a pelican crossing.
The Conference Centre is the first building you see on entering the Harris Knowledge Park and has a large clock tower. Parking is situated to the rear and right hand side of the building.
Click here for a map of the UCLan Campus (PDF)
Travelling to the University
South by Motorway
M6 Leave the M6 at Junction 32 (M55) and take Exit 1 (A6) to Preston/Garstang. Turn left from the slipway onto the A6 to Preston and proceed through five major road junctions with traffic lights. Immediately after the fifth set of traffic lights, take the right hand lane and bear right at the next set of lights into Moor Lane. (There is a right filter in operation at these traffic lights). You will be following the signs for Liverpool. The University is also signposted along the route.
At the end of Moor Lane is a large roundabout. The University (Foster Building) is situated on the right hand side of the roundabout.
North by Motorway M6 (also from M61/M62 East)
Leave the M6 at Junction 31. Turn left from the slip road onto the A59 towards Preston. The Tickled Trout Hotel will be on your right hand side. Proceed to the first roundabout bearing left to follow the signs for Preston Town Centre to New Hall Lane. The University is signposted along the route. New Hall Lane ends in a T junction with traffic lights. Turn right and proceed to the first traffic lights at the ringroad. Go straight ahead onto the dual carriageway. Approaching the next set of traffic lights take the second lane from the right in order to be in the correct lane to enter Walker Street. The Holiday Inn is on the left hand side.
Turn right at these lights and then immediately left into Walker Street. Proceed to the end of Walker Street at the junction with a large roundabout. The University of Central Lancashire will be facing you as you enter this roundabout.