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Britain offers so much to explore outside of London, and Americans are starting to get the memo.
While our friends across the pond have a reputation for being a dreary place as summer draws to a close, don’t let the gray skies stop you from experiencing some of the most fantastic experiences. timeless destinations in Europe.
Those who stick only to Buckingham Palace, Big Ben Tower and double-decker buses are missing out on some truly incredible cities and towns.
You may know of the Cotswolds, Manchester, Liverpool and Birmingham, but even these under-the-radar places overshadow one of Britain’s most important hidden gems.
Home to endless canals and breathtaking castles, it’s time to swap the hustle and bustle of London for the beautiful city Lancaster.
The hype is real
Another notable name you may know is Blackpoola picturesque coastal town with some of Britain’s best beaches.
While beaches aren’t exactly on Lancaster’s itinerary, they are close.
This lesser-known city is located in the northwest of England, away from the hustle and bustle of all the tourist crowds (2 hours from London).
It’s also backed up by the numbers. Lancaster is hyped as England’s ultimate escape to avoid the crowds and find your inner Zen through its storybook streets and majestic landscape.
Which one? conducted a questionnaire decisive Lancaster is one of the best small towns for a fun, relaxing getaway.
Ranked highest for its crowd-free streets and reasonably priced accommodations, Lancaster is the ultimate autumn destination, even compared to Bristol, only better!
If you like to travel back in time while immersing yourself in the vibrant fall foliage, look no further than Lancaster.
This city radiates Old world charm and offers epic autumn views of the surrounding landscape.
“Am I in Venice or Lancaster?”
It wasn’t until Venice started trying to discourage tourists from visiting their iconic city that travelers began to realize there were so many canal-lined cities to explore.
Between the Netherlands, France, Portugal and even the US, exploring the scenic waterways is always appealing wherever we are.
Now you can add Lancaster to the list. Offers a seemingly endless 66 kilometers of winding canals hailing from Morecambe Bay, if Britain has a dupe from Venice, this is it!
The longest stretch of canals in the country is not only beautiful to see, but even better during a boat trip.
While gondolas may be out of the question, Kingfisher cruises is the right way.
With a $45 ride (including fish & chips!), forget about Venice, London or whatever stress you have and enjoy a relaxing experience along one of Lancaster’s top draws.
Tip: If you visit in early November, make sure you catch the free fireworks show with some of the best views from the River Lune and Williamson Park (home to the striking Ashton Memorial for miles)
Lancaster’s castles and fascinating history
Lancaster is a city where time has largely stood still; there have been few new developments in the area.
You can therefore expect to be amazed by the charming streets timeless character.
Yes, some areas have seen an influx of growth and modern flair, but Lancaster is proud to maintain its unique past.
You can say Salem for so long because one of those unique aspects is the Lancaster Witch Trials, the perfect part to embrace Halloween.
While the castles here in Lancaster are phenomenal, what happened inside is perhaps even more fascinating and leaves a dark stain on England’s historical timeline.
For more information, visit the Lancaster City Museum near the city center. The story is quite compelling and shows how far the country has evolved, similar to the US
However, when it comes to photo ops, Lancaster’s history still shines through in its rightfully mentioned name Lancaster Castle.
For more than 1,000 years, visitors have oohed and ahhed this place.
A recent guest said: ‘The whole atmosphere is one of mystery and intrigue, if only those walls could talk…’
Tip: The grounds of Lancaster Castle are free to explore, but for about $12 you’ll need to hire a guide inside. Alternatively, take a look around Sizergh Castle.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
