Hotels near the Museum of Lancashire

Take a trip to the past, courtesy of the Museum of Lancashire, housed in Preston's Old Court House. Visitors can turn back the clock to the 1940s and walk down a reconstructed street, taking cover in an Anderson shelter from the falling bombs when the air-raid siren sounds. Or, further back still, experience trench life as a First World War soldier. For a quieter life, sit in a Victorian schoolroom and realise how much more entertaining learning can be in museums such as this.

Bringing Lancashire's history to life, the museum stands at the gateway of England's newest city and illustrates aspects of the county's rich history, tradition and culture. The exhibits build from the Victorian schoolroom, the harsh reality of being a soldier in the trenches and being part of the Home Front during the Second World War, to the post-war world. Ted the teddy boy is the guide as you go "Fast Forward to the Fifties" and beyond, with the story of Lancashire coming up-to-date.

The museum is also home to three fascinating regimental galleries, where colourful uniforms and splendid swords are displayed alongside souvenirs and artefacts from Spain and the Raj.

Special exhibitions and events take place on a regular basis, with a particular emphasis on family-friendly activities during school holidays.