If you’re one of those footie aficionados who annually makes a pub pilgrimage for the FA Cup Final regardless of who’s playing (raises hand), spare a thought next time for Preston North End. For they were the first ever lifters of the hallowed cup back in 1888 and the winners of the first ever English league and therefore (for non-footie aficionados), holders of the first ever Double. If you’re camping in Preston during footie season, go and see a match. If you’re at a Preston campsite outside of footie season, go and kick a ball around the Ribble Valley or the Forest of Bowland, both within shooting distance of the city.
Blackpool (15 miles), Liverpool (14 miles) and Manchester (27 miles) are all niftily nearby too, but stick to your home ground for a few days first for Preston’s six museums including the Harris Museum, Art Gallery & Preston Free Public Library, the biggest gallery space in Lancashire, and for a wander around the 21-mile Guild Way encircling town and its surrounds. A wander around the docks and marinas should be on the cards too, before going to kick an additional ball around Avenham and Miller parks. Result.
