Welcome to Lancaster, a historic city in north-west England. Explore its medieval castle, cobbled streets and independent cafés, or take a walk beside the River Lune.

With BMVC 2026 based at Lancaster Town Hall in the city centre, you can make time to discover the city during your stay. If you are extending your visit, Morecambe Bay and the Lake District offer opportunities to explore the coast and countryside.

Explore the official Lancaster & Morecambe Bay visitor guide for more ideas.

Explore Lancaster

Lancaster Castle's stone gatehouse beside trees and a sloping approach road.
Lancaster Castle — The wub.
CC BY-SA 4.0. Resized from the original.

Lancaster Castle

Lancaster Castle is a distinctive part of the city’s skyline and a place to discover its history of justice and imprisonment. Explore the courtyards or join a guided tour to see inside the castle and hear stories from its past. Access to most interiors is by guided tour only; check the castle’s visitor information for current tour arrangements and accessibility details.

Ashton Memorial's dome and curved stone staircase in Williamson Park.
Ashton Memorial HDR — PangolinOne.
CC BY-SA 4.0. Resized from the original.

Williamson Park and Ashton Memorial

Head to Williamson Park for woodland paths, open parkland and views across Morecambe Bay towards the Lake District. The domed Ashton Memorial is one of Lancaster’s most recognisable landmarks. This is a good choice for a daytime walk and photographs. See the official park guide for visitor information; access inside the memorial can be affected by private events.

Lancaster City Museum's columned entrance and clock tower facing Market Square.
City Museum, Market Square, Lancaster — Stephen Richards.
CC BY-SA 2.0.

Lancaster City Museum

Located in the former town hall on Market Square, Lancaster City Museum explores the city’s archaeology, local history and art. It is an indoor option for a rainy day and a useful introduction to Lancaster’s past. The museum’s visitor page provides further details and opening days.

Stone buildings along St George's Quay beside the River Lune, seen from the Millennium Bridge.
St. George's Quay — Antiquary.
CC BY 4.0. Resized from the original.

The River Lune and St George’s Quay

For a change of pace, head to St George’s Quay and enjoy a walk beside the River Lune. Combine a riverside stroll with time exploring the city centre’s streets, independent shops and cafés. The Lancaster & Morecambe Bay visitor guide has further ideas for exploring the city and its surroundings.

Explore Further Afield

Golden evening light over Morecambe Bay's water and exposed sands.
Sunset over Morecambe Bay — Steve Fareham.
CC BY-SA 2.0. Resized from the original.

Morecambe Bay

Visit nearby Morecambe for a walk along the seafront and views across the bay. The promenade and Stone Jetty offer places to enjoy the coastal scenery and public artworks, making this an option for a relaxed afternoon outside the city.

Plan your visit using the official guides to Morecambe Promenade and Stone Jetty and getting around Lancaster and Morecambe Bay.

Aerial view of Lake Windermere near Bowness, surrounded by wooded shoreline and Lake District hills.
Bowness, Windermere — Jonny Gios.
Unsplash License. Resized from the original.

The Lake District

If you have a full day before or after the conference, consider a trip to the Lake District National Park, with its lakes, hills and villages. Windermere and Bowness-on-Windermere are useful starting points for a first visit, offering lakeside scenery, cafés and boat trips. See the National Park’s Windermere and Ambleside guide for ideas.

For travel by train, plan a journey from Lancaster to Windermere, checking whether a change at Oxenholme Lake District is required. From Windermere station, local buses connect to Bowness and other destinations. Use the National Park’s transport guide and National Rail to plan your outward and return journeys. Check seasonal bus and boat timetables for your visit.