Lancaster's best views - worth a long walk

Thursday, 04 June 2009 08:27

Walking back from the Castle we could see this on the other side of Lancaster. Yesterday we "went to the other side". Up a long hill!

Ashton Memorial in Williamson Park

On the way up, we stopped to look around St Peter's Cathedral, the Catholic Cathedral near the canal. They were tuning the organ and we heard some lovely music as we arrived. Unfortunately whilst we were there it was just tuning and no tunes, so my ears were ringing by the time we left!

Ornate Chancel of St Peters

Williamson Park is at the top of a steep hill in Lancaster and has some amazing views from its gardens. The park itself is lovely and the rhododendrons are still blooming - just.

Ashton Memorial peeps over the rhododendrons

The memorial was built by Lord Ashton in memory of his second wife, Jessie. It was designed by Sir John Belcher and opened in 1909. It now houses an art gallery and is a popular place for weddings and parties.

Entering the ground floor one can see why it is popular

This grand ceiling, the marble floor and the views from the window would make any bride and groom's day. Photographs in the Park would complete the grandeur.

We went up to the next floor and what views! Despite the heat haze, we could see right to the Lake District and almost to the Isle of Man! Morecambe was in the near distance too.

The City of Lancaster was laid out below us

We could see the River Lune winding its way through the town


The reciprocal view of the Castle and Priory

Oh dear - perhaps we were beginning to fall under the "Curse of Lancaster". Actually, I do not think it should be called that, as it is quite a pleasant feeling! It is said that once you visit Lancaster you cannot leave it. Hmm - I wonder what Craig would say to that, it certainly worked for him and many of his friends!

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