Lots to do in Lancaster

Monday, 01 June 2009 11:16

Now we are in Lancaster we have lots to do and see. The advantage of the Lancaster Canal is that it is all accessible by bus or even local train.

Epiphany moored in Lancaster Basin

Lancaster City itself is full of history and we plan to explore it. Although the last couple of days have been busy with family business we have had time to suss out some of the shopping centre and get our bearings a bit.

Craig has introduced us to a lovely coffee shop with a difference, a good Chinese and a marvellous pub. They are just a "taster" as I am certain he has other recommendations!

Firstly, the coffee shop is called "All Fired Up" and can be found under a rocking-horse! It used to be a toyshop selling rocking-horses and a rocking-horse is still above the door!



Not only can you eat and drink - great coffee, lovely smoothies and hot snacks  - you can paint on ceramics too! What a way to relax!

I am very tempted to go one afternoon, buy a piece of pottery and sit and paint over tea and cake! They provide all the materials and fire the finished masterpiece - called "Studio time" and for a fixed fee. There are numerous ideas for gifts, celebrations and parties at "All Fired Up".

The pub is called The Sun - it is also an Hotel. We went for a drink before our meal at the Chinese (The Bamboo Garden). The Sun has a long history - back to Medieval times. Sherriffs of the town held quarterly sessions there, entertaining the dignitaries and Judges. It has been a meeting place for the Lancaster Port Commission and the Freemasons!

In one of the original rooms is the old well, now glassed over but you can see almost to the bottom! All in all it has a lovely atmosphere even when it was very busy after our Chinese meal! We decided to go back for lunch as their platter boards really appealed.

Lunch time was quieter but the simple platter food was really well presented and we all ate too much! Draught beer was also a big plus - it was CAMRA pub of the year 2006-7! "My Men" like their cask beer!

Of course, there are other pubs in Lancaster, one or two are by the canal!

The Waterwitch Pub by the Canal

At the end of this stretch after Penny Street Bridge (99) at the end of the basin, is Friarage Bridge (100) with the Whitecross Pub on the towpath side. The new Aalborg development of appartments is on the left overlooking the canal.

From Penny Street Bridge to Friarage Bridge

I think that we could get to like Lancaster as much as Craig does - it is very much a younger persons city in many ways though, particularly in the evening!

You will hear more about it from me I suspect!

I will leave you with a couple of evening views from our swan doors -

Back towards bridge 98 and part of Chancellor's Wharf

Forward towards more Chancellor's Wharf, The Waterwitch and footbridge

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