Postcards from some of the North of England’s most interesting towns and cities reveal the best places to find picture-perfect settings, burgeoning industries and truly balanced lifestyles, as well as some top properties.
PRESTON, LANCASHIRE
We’re in the historic city of Preston in Lancashire! It’s a true jewel in the North West of England. The city centre sits around the River Ribble, making for some stunning sights and great options for activities. The Ribble is an ideal place to start a day out: from here you can walk to the stunning Avenham and Miller Parks for a taste of grand Victorian landscapes, with a natural amphitheatre (where you can catch shows or enjoy a picnic), a Swiss chalet and a Japanese Garden.
Immerse yourself in history at the Harris Museum and Art Gallery, while the Ribble Steam Railway is perfect for family days out – with a ride on a steam train being the highlight of the day. The city centre is vibrant, with a great offering of quality food and entertainment. There are some seriously good places to eat: head to cobbled Hinckley Street or Fishersgate for a number of options, or try favourites such as Lost Bar and Pizzeria on Market Street West or The Rabbit Hole on Lune Street.
If you love getting outdoors, there’s just so much to do: Brockholes Nature Reserve, Turbary Woods, or the simple and changing beauty along the riverside are perfect throughout the seasons.
This city is so well connected, too. There are multiple trains every hour heading to Wigan (10 minutes) and Manchester (40 minutes), as well as frequent services to Liverpool (60 minutes).
PRESTON, LANCASHIRE
Centurion Village
This collection of three and four bedroom homes sits within a wider development that has proved extremely popular with local buyers. The family homes form part of a brand new community, with the convenience of town life within a short drive, while also being surrounded by natural beauty. Located just outside of Leyland, Preston’s thriving city centre is around a 15-minute drive away. The properties are available in a range of styles, including a three bedroom semi-detached home, which features a private driveway, bright open-plan living areas, downstairs WC, en suite from the main bedroom, and plenty of storage space. plumlife.co.uk/development/centurionvillage-development-leyland/
Based on a 25% share of the full market value of £234,000
SKIPTON, NORTH YORKS
Skipton in North Yorkshire is our next stop. It’s known as the southern gateway to the stunning Yorkshire Dales – and this market town is not short of natural beauty! Tourists are drawn to the four-times weekly market (which dates back to medieval times), along with the town’s magnificent castle, intriguing covered alleyways and cobbled walkways.
But it’s not just a pretty face – it’s also a great place to live. There are amazing rail and road links to Leeds and Bradford and plenty of opportunity for getting outdoors and getting close to nature.
Enjoy picturesque walks with refreshment stops at the many quality country pubs and cafes in the area; peruse the independent shops or indulge in the vibrant nightlife – all of which really help put Skipton on the map. Meanwhile, the Yarndale creative event and the Skipton Puppet Festival attract visitors from around the world.
This is a friendly town, with residents boasting a proud Yorkshire spirit. Visitors are made to feel most welcome, and residents love that it’s a town of “perfect balance”. Locals cite the great mix of chain and independent retailers, community-driven events and spaces, and fantastic range of job opportunities – both within the local area and in the nearby well-connected cities – as their highlights.
CHORLEY, LANCASHIRE
We’ve made our way to the market town of Chorley, and it’s easy to see why it’s such a popular location with visitors and homebuyers alike. There are fine historic sights, a bustling centre and beautiful countryside at every turn – ensuring there’s always so much on offer.
Chorley’s markets date back to 1498 – and remain a key part of the town’s shopping offering to date. They include some popular pop-up style eateries, ideal for indulgent lunches with friends and colleagues. With so much history, the town centre is full of character, including interesting architecture to be seen, along with a comprehensive high street offering that combines big-name staples and interesting independents. Sunny beer gardens, cosy real ale pubs, live music venues, cinema and theatre ensure a lively atmosphere, come rain or shine.
There are a number of beautiful historic houses, including Ashley Hall – complete with museum, stunning gardens, woodland, playing fields and cafe. Hoghton Tower is a must-visit location! It’s an impressive ancient building that tells its 1,000-year history to visitors via its themed days, venue offering, open gardens and farmers’ markets.
Residents also enjoy a varied calendar of events throughout the year, including a flower festival, regular comedy event run by Jason Manford, outdoor theatre and much more. This part of the country is certainly growing in popularity with homebuyers. For example, the village of Brinscall was recently named as one of the most sought-after places to live in Lancashire, with a huge surge in interest in this quaint part of the county.
CHORLEY, LANCASHIRE
Saxon Fields
This best-of-both worlds location provides stunning rural views out over the West Pennine Moors, combined with excellent commuter links to surrounding towns including Bolton, Preston and Manchester. The new two, three and four bedroom homes here are thoughtfully designed with open-plan living/dining areas opening to a private garden, and a separate reception room for harmonious living. Within the local area, supermarkets, a hospital, eateries, sports facilities, historic sites and a railway station all lie within easy reach. laurushomes.co.uk/new-homes/lancashire/saxon-fields/
FROM £66,000
Based on a 25% share of the full market value of £264,000
WYVERN PARK
Skipton, Yorkshire
Positioned to the south of sought-after Skipton, this collection of two and three bedroom homes is perfectly placed for enjoying the very best of Yorkshire life. The semi-detached and mews-style homes feature contemporary design, with open-plan living spaces and French doors that open to a private garden, plenty of natural light, and added storage space. The pretty town centre is just a mile away – there you can take a walk along the canal towpath, visit the castle and explore the many options for eating out and shopping. A leisure centre, superstore and railway station are all a two-minute drive away. snugghomes.co.uk FROM £57,375
Based in a 25% share of the full market value of £229,500
DONCASTER, SOUTH YORKS
This postcard comes from Doncaster in South Yorkshire! There’s a burgeoning cultural and entertainment scene here, and together with its Roman roots and rich history, it’s a truly vibrant and eclectic place to visit and live. The heritage of this large town is reflected in landmarks including Norman Doncaster Castle and the impressive Mansion House – one of only three of its kind left in the country.
The busy town centre is ideal for big-ticket shopping, eating out and all-things entertainment. There are two great theatres (Doncaster Little Theatre and Cast), which ensure a rich array of entertainment, from comedy and small plays to big acts and musicals, plus a couple of cinemas.
Heading out to eat? For easy lunches, try Affabel’s or Back in Time Cafe, while La Boca and La Rustica – both in the town centre – are great for meeting up with friends. For all things outdoors, visit Yorkshire Wildlife Park or tranquil Sandall Park – while the beauty of the Peak District can be reached in 40 minutes by car for endless rural pursuits, including some great walks. Family days out are easy, with Boston Park Farm, Danum Museum, South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum all perfect offerings.
Doncaster railway station is a key stop on the East Coast Main Line, providing direct links to major cities such as London, Edinburgh, Leeds, and York. Additionally, Doncaster Sheffield airport offers a variety of international travel options. Doncaster is so confident in its offerings that it has recently applied for city status – though a status change is yet to be achieved, it’s easy to see why it’s aiming so high.
DONCASTER, SOUTH YORKSHIRE
Located just 10 minutes from Doncaster city centre, these new two bedroom homes make for ideal starter properties for those looking to put down roots somewhere with every convenience on the doorstep. The contemporary apartments feature bright open-plan living spaces which open to a private balcony, en suite from the main bedroom and a stylish family bathroom. There’s also plenty of off-road parking. Local highlights include the beautiful Potteric Carr Nature Reserve (a five-minute walk), as well as Lakeside Village outlet shopping centre, large supermarkets, a golf course, parks – and even medieval Conisbrough Castle – all well within a 15-minute drive or closer. placesforpeople.co.uk FROM £38,250
Based on a 25% share of the full market value of £153,000
MANCHESTER
What a city Manchester is! It’s a truly metropolitan area, bustling with energy, diverse populations and absolutely everything to offer homebuyers and visitors.
With a fascinating industrial history and an enviable modern lifestyle, the city is one of the most popular places to live in the UK, with the 2021 Census recording the highest population growth of anywhere in England in the previous decade. The city’s history is reflected in its varied architecture: modern skyscrapers sit alongside Victorian warehouses, modern museums and theatres exist in converted cotton mills, and canals criss-cross the entire area. This dynamic cityscape makes Manchester a beautiful, fascinating and ever-evolving place to explore.
From Castlefield and Spinningfields to the Northern Quarter, Ancoats and Deansgate, there’s always something happening. Cutting-edge exhibitions, beautiful libraries, superb shopping, pop-up markets, global cuisine and so much more: these diverse districts offer completely different lifestyles – all within the same city. And with two Premier League football clubs, Old Trafford cricket ground, Media City, top universities, and the UK’s longest-running TV show set in a fictional Manchester suburb, you won’t find yourself short of entertainment.
A day out in Manchester can mean different things to different people. A bit of exploring can include a wander around Affleck’s Palace, finding something amazing in a vintage shop, grabbing some lunch on bustling Canal Street and then heading off to one of the many cultural highlights, such as a play at the Royal Exchange or a visit to the stunning Science and Industry Museum.
And it’s easy to get here, too. The motorway network converges here, providing easy links to nearby towns and cities. The rail network offers some of the most comprehensive services in the North of England. Manchester International Airport is just south of the city centre, providing links to many far-flung places around the globe.
STRETFORD, GREATER MANCHESTER
Edgewater
Located in up-and-coming Stretford, these new one and two bedroom apartments are just perfect for first time buyers looking to soak up Manchester’s finest sights. The properties sit along the water’s edge within easy reach of Old Trafford and Media City at Salford Quays. The homes lie along the canalside, so pretty views and car-free cycle and walking routes are literally on the doorstep. The two bedroom homes feature open-plan living areas with dual-aspect windows for
plenty of natural light, French doors to a private balcony, separate utility areas, and an en suite from the main bedroom. geckohomes.co.uk
FROM £69,200*
*Based on a 40% share of the full market value of £173,000
CHESTER, CHESHIRE
POSTCARD
Here we are in Chester! With its cutting-edge theatre and entertainment spaces and thriving economy, this North West city definitely rivals nearby Manchester and Liverpool when it comes to enjoying a high quality of life.
The bustling city setting allows for a busy social life, while the surrounding Cheshire countryside is perfect for pursuing an active outdoors lifestyle. These things combined make for an ideal best-of-both situation. The Roman influence, cobbled streets and rows of striking black and white Tudor buildings create an unforgettable city centre, and there’s a slice of history on every corner. Alongside that, you’ll find great coffee shops, quality restaurants and fantastic shopping facilities.
For days and evenings out, head to the Storehouse Arts Complex, which offers theatre, cinema, arts, library and events. The food and coffee scene seems to grow every week, and there’s a huge range of new and established cafes, bars and restaurants. Want your food seriously on-trend? Artisan coffee can be found at Jaunty Goat; unpretentious (and delicious) tapas at Porta; and bistro joy at Sticky Walnut.
The famous zoo, farms, cathedral, Roman city walls, museum, castle and river cruises are all great options for days out. Alternatively, some of the country’s best rural and coastal offerings – and key cities – lie a short drive away. What’s more, a range of sandy Welsh seaside resorts can be reached in around 40 minutes by car and thriving Liverpool is around the same distance.
Cross-country trains from Chester run direct to major hubs including Liverpool, Leeds and London.
WINSFORD, CHESHIRE
Stonecross Vale
These contemporary, energy-efficient two, three and four-bedroom homes sit in the thriving town of Winsford in the heart of Cheshire. Residents here have access to the wonderful cities of Chester, Liverpool, Manchester and Stoke-on-Trent – for a huge variety of cultural experiences. Winsford itself is well-equipped, while the picturesque countryside trails of Whitegate Way and majestic landscape of Delamere Forest lie close by. At home, the properties feature a large living/dining area and lounge and have well-proportioned bedrooms and contemporary bathrooms – there’s plenty of space for modern families to live and grow.
snugghomes.co.uk
Explore more in our free magazine: Read Now
First Time Buyer is an exciting bi-monthly glossy which takes a stylish and comprehensive look at all the options available, setting them out in an entertaining and informative way, and helping potential customers navigate their way through what is often a daunting and complex process. We dispel the myths, reinforce the facts and arm the reader with the tools necessary to make their homeownership dreams a reality.