Located partway between Preston and Lancaster, Garstang is a historic market town watched over by the remains of Greenhalgh Castle. Its claim to fame is being the world’s first Fair Trade Town in recognition of its efforts to promote Fair Trade-certified goods.
Things to do in Garstang
In the heart of town is the Garstang & District Arts Centre, which was established in 1969 inside a former boys grammar school. In addition to housing exhibitions by regional artists, the centre hosts summer lunchtime concerts, singing groups and workshops. Coincide your visit with one of the craft and collectors fairs or relax with a coffee in the courtyard cafe.
To the east of Garstang are the remains of Greenhalgh Castle, which was constructed in 1490 by the 1st Earl of Derby to defend his estates. All that remains of the quadrangular castle is a lower portion of a tower, with many of the stones from the castle used to build nearby farmhouses. Discover how the land was gifted to Thomas Stanley by Henry Tudor for his assistance during the Battle of Bosworth and the role the castle played in the English Civil War.
Want to stretch your legs? Head to the nearby Beacon Fell, a picturesque country park that forms part of the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. A network of hiking trails leads through its coniferous woodland where weasels, badgers and grey squirrels can be spotted. Beacon Fell enjoys sweeping views across Lancashire, stretching all the way to the Lake District and the Isle of Man on a clear day.
Getting around Garstang
Garstang is a 30-minute drive from Preston and around an hour from the centre of Manchester and Manchester Airport. Buses connect to Garstang from towns and cities across Lancashire.