Preston's political and commercial life has, for over 1,000 years evolved around the central market place. Crowds gathered here to sell their wares, welcome the Kings and Queens of England, Protectors and Pretenders, to receive news and attend the ceremony of the Guild Merchant. The Flag Market today has many of annual colourful events such as the Pot Fair or Historical Fayre.

Cenotaph
Just south of the market, you can relax at the foot of the Cenotaph in Preston's main square. Designed by Giles Gilbert Scott in the classical style, it closely resembles the Cenotaph in Whitehall, London.

Overlooking the square is the magnificent Sessions House, completed in 1903, and reflecting the turn of the century popular taste for neo-baroque style architecture. It has a great tower rising to 179 feet and in 1933, the addition of the Municipal Building - now the Town Hall - was added to the structure.

The dominating feature of this central area is Preston's most impressive legacy, the Grade I listed Harris Museum and Art Gallery. Opened in 1893, this magnificent Greek Revival building now houses collections of historical and contemporary fine art, decorative art and social history artefacts.

Hidden treasures
Around the corner on the city's main shopping street, Church Street, a visit to Preston's Civic Church, the parish Church of St John, takes you back to 670 AD and reveals hidden treasures such as heraldic stained glass and the Feibush Mural. Close by, Arkwright House, remembers Richard Arkwright, who in 1768, perfected the first powered spinning wheel.

At the bottom of Church Street and past the St George's Shopping Centre, you will find Preston's hidden gem, the Parish Church of St George The Martyr in a glorious Florentine style with outstanding Polychrome wall painting and internationally famous "Father" Willis organ.

As you leave the Church a striking statue in front of the former Corn Exchange building reminds you of the 12 cotton workers who were killed by the military on August 12 in 1842.

Peace and tranquillity
Within minutes you reach Winckley Square located behind Fishergate, one of Preston's main shopping streets. Its undulating gardens and picnic area provide peace and tranquillity away from the town's bustle. Completed in 1830s, the square features unusual trees and commemorative planting as well as a statue of Sir Robert Peel (a former Prime Minister), erected in 1852.

From there you are within sight of Avenham Park. With a backcloth provided the River Ribble, Avenham Park ranks amongst the finest examples of traditional Victorian parkland. Designed and created by Edward Milner during the 1860s, the park is created from a natural amphitheatre and has a famous Japanese rock garden.

The Park plays host to a large number of outdoor family events throughout the year. Miller Park is located on the riverside adjacent to Avenham Park and features impressive floral displays including sundial flower beds.

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