Being a student it is easy to get caught up in the slog of academic life and feel the need to escape. One of the best ways to clear your head after a long week of studying is to go somewhere nice for a day out. Here at Lancaster, there are plenty of places to explore in and around the area, so the best thing to do is make the most of them. I was lucky in my first year because my girlfriend Abigail, who was in the year above me, would take me on days out and introduce me to new places. In this post I will share some of them with you, and hopefully you will get the chance to visit them when you arrive.

Last Saturday, I paid a visit to Barton Grange Centre in Garstang, where I met up with Abigail and her family. Abigail introduced me to this place last Christmas. It is perfect for those who want a festive day out, and yes, it’s almost December so I’m allowed to be excited by that. Inside, there is a wonderful array of festive displays and outside there is an ornamental garden, with a variety of plants and model animals.

For those who don’t want to travel too far, Williamson Park is the perfect place for a day out. The park is large and contains various places of interest. Most notable of which is the Ashton Memorial, which was built in the early 1900’s by former Lancaster MP and industrialist James Williamson, in remembrance of his wife. This building is grand in size, and has a historic feel to it. For a small donation of £1 visitors are granted entry. On overcoming the large flight of stairs there is a balcony; from which you can survey the surrounding landscape. The sheer height of the building provides a birds-eye view which stretches from Morecambe Bay to Blackpool tower. Behind the memorial there is a cafe, with a perfectly situated seating area for enjoying the sun when the days are warm.

For just a 15 minute train journey from Lancaster you can visit Grange-over-Sands, a historic parish town overlooking Morecambe Bay. Shortly upon exiting the train station, you will find the ornamental gardens. The gardens  includes a picturesque walk, on which there is a large pond, attracting various wildlife, including emigre Canadian swans and Mandarin Ducks. At the heart of the pond is a fountain, surrounded by semi tropical trees and shrubs. A visit here wouldn’t be complete without a walk along the promenade, where you can enjoy pleasant views of the bay.

There are also great places nearby for those who enjoy going out on walks. One of the best walks is along Lancaster canal. The canal can be accessed by the bridge, just near the Royal Infirmary at the top of town. Down the steps there is a pub called the Water Witch, which serves great food and has a seating area overlooking the canal, for those who want to finish their walk with a drink or a bite to eat. If walking is your thing, then you needn’t go further than campus. The Woodland Trail which surrounds the university campus, along with the outer woodland is home to a variety of species of wildlife. The walk stretches 2 and a half miles in total, and is perfect for a quiet stroll. It also includes the “trim trail”, for those seeking to get fit.

Hopefully this will give you some good ideas for days out. Next week I will be giving some advice on coursework and exams.