Conference Venue
The symposium will be held at the Lancaster Suite, located within the historic Lancaster Castle.
Lancaster Castle is a Grade I Listed Building occupying a city-centre hilltop location, with origins dating back almost 1,000 years. The Lancaster Suite is a unique seminar room within the castle, fully equipped with high-quality AV facilities. Catering for the event is provided by Atkinsons, the on-site and highly reputable local coffee roasters.
Address: Lancaster Castle, Castle Parade, Lancaster, LA1 1YN
Getting to Lancaster Castle
By Train
Lancaster Castle is located only 300 metres (approximately a 5-minute walk) from Lancaster Railway Station. The station is on the West Coast Main Line and is well served by regular services both locally and nationally.
Key train routes:
- From London Euston: Direct trains operated by Avanti West Coast, taking approximately 2.5 hours.
- From Manchester: Regular direct services (approximately 1 hour) via Trainline.
- From Edinburgh: Direct services via Avanti West Coast or TransPennine Express (approximately 2.5 hours).
- From Birmingham: Direct services via Avanti West Coast (approximately 2 hours).
- From Leeds: Services via a change at either Lancaster or Preston (approximately 2–2.5 hours).
Upon arrival at Lancaster Station, exit the station, take the stairs and turn left onto Meeting House Lane. Walk east and follow signs toward the castle – it is clearly visible on the hilltop.
By Air
The nearest major airport is Manchester Airport (MAN), approximately 1 hour 15 minutes by direct train to Lancaster. TransPennine Express operates regular hourly services from Manchester Airport to Lancaster Station.
Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LPL) is another option, with onward rail connections to Lancaster via Liverpool Lime Street and a change at Preston or Wigan.
By Car
Lancaster Castle is signposted from the M6 Motorway:
- From the north: Exit the M6 at Junction 34.
- From the south: Exit the M6 at Junction 33.
Parking: There is no car parking available on site at the castle. A limited number of on-street pay-and-display spaces are located at the front of the castle (maximum 2-hour stay). Visitors are advised to use one of Lancaster’s larger pay-and-display car parks, which are well signed from all arterial routes. Details can be found at Lancaster City Council – Car Parks.
Park and Ride: Lancaster’s Park and Ride service operates Monday–Saturday from just off Junction 34 of the M6. The China Street bus stop is less than a 5-minute walk from the castle. This is an inexpensive all-day parking option.
By Bus
Lancaster Bus Station is approximately 500 metres from the castle (a 10–15 minute walk). The bus station is a hub for local and regional services, including National Express coaches. If your bus stops at Common Garden Street, you may wish to alight there, as the route to the castle is less steep than from the bus station.
Accommodation
Lancaster Castle is situated right in the heart of Lancaster city centre, with a wide range of hotel and accommodation options within easy walking distance.
Hotels Within Walking Distance of Lancaster Castle
- Toll House Inn – Charming boutique hotel with an AA Rosette restaurant, located adjacent to the castle.
- The Royal Kings Arms Hotel – City-centre hotel, approximately 200 metres from Lancaster Castle and 500 metres from the railway station.
- The Sun Hotel & Bar – A 17th-century luxury boutique hotel and the only 4-star hotel in the centre of Lancaster.
- The Borough – A bustling pub, restaurant, and hotel in the centre of historic Lancaster.
- Crows Hotel – City-centre hotel, a 2-minute walk from Lancaster Castle and 4 minutes from the train station.
- Sun Street Aparthotel – Self-catering apartment accommodation in the city centre.
Hotels a Short Drive/Taxi Ride Away
- Lancaster House Hotel – A deluxe 4-star hotel near Junction 33 of the M6 with on-site Health Club facilities.
- Holiday Inn Lancaster – Conveniently located just off the M6.
- Premier Inn Lancaster
- Thurnham Hall – Self-catering apartments in a historic setting.
- Travelodge Lancaster
Follow this link for an interactive map of the city centre with hotel locations.
Alternatively, Airbnb offers a range of private accommodation options in and around Lancaster.
Lancaster University Campus Accommodation
En-suite campus accommodation is also available and can be booked online via the Lancaster University Conference Centre. The university campus is approximately 3 miles south of the city centre (about 10 minutes by bus or car).