New homes in Preston

From museums to parks, railways to nature reserves, there’s lots to see and do in the North West town of Preston. Located a short drive or train journey from Blackpool, Lancaster and Manchester, a new home in Preston could be the right choice for you for great entertainment, excellent transport links and plenty of culture.

A quick history

Preston grew from a village into a town around the 12th century, with the population flourishing thanks to good transport links and the trade industry around the river. A weekly market was established in the town, as well as an annual fair.

A successful textiles industry helped the town to thrive in Tudor times. During the English Civil War, the Parliamentarians captured the town, and there was more fighting - this time between the Scots and the English - in the early 18th century.

Over the centuries that followed, Preston continued to grow as a market town, trading with Europe and the West Indies. The first cotton mill was opened in the late 18th century, and around 50 years later there were 40 mills in the town. By the 20th century, cotton manufacturing had declined, but Leyland Motors brought the motor industry to the town.

Business and industry

Preston has a diverse range of employers including the NHS at the Royal Preston Hospital, the University of Central Lancashire, and wholesale company James Hall & Co. BAE Military Air Solutions which are located in Samlesbury near Preston. Other major employers in the local area include nuclear site Westinghouse Springfields, insurance group Homeserve, and customer service business Hinduja Global Solutions.

Things to do in the area

Preston is a cultural town with lots to see and do, whether you’re discovering local history at the Museum of Lancashire and the Harris Museum and Art Gallery, taking a walk around Preston Docks, or seeing a show at Preston Guildhall & Charter Theatre.

For families, there’s plenty to keep the little ones entertained near your new home in Preston, from afternoons out at Avenham and Miller Parks, to rides on the train at Ribble Steam Railway. Bowland Wild Boar Park, Brockholes Nature Reserve and Turbary Woods Owl and Bird of Prey Sanctuary are also popular.

Other attractions near Preston include Beacon Fell Country Park, Cuerden Valley Park, Preston Golf Club and Deepdale, the home of Preston North End F.C.

Travel and commuting

Whether you’re commuting for work or visiting friends and family, Preston has excellent transport links. The journey to Lancaster takes just 15 minutes by train or 35 minutes by car, while Blackburn can be reached in 20 minutes by train or 25 minutes by car. Blackpool is a 30-minute drive or 25-minute train ride away, while the journey to Manchester takes around 45 minutes by train or 55 minutes by car.

If you’re travelling to London, there’s a direct train from Preston to Euston that takes just two hours 30 minutes. When you want to go on holiday, Manchester Airport is only a 50-minute drive away.