Ginnels & Alleys: Ffrances Passage

Tucked quietly between shops on Penny Street, Ffrances Passage is one of Lancaster’s lesser-known historic shortcuts.
A guide to Lancaster cafés

Our Lancaster cafés guide helps locals and visitors alike discover the best places to enjoy a cup of coffee, relax with friends, or sample delicious pastries.
The Jigsaw Murders

Dr. Buck Ruxton, a respected local physician, became linked to one of Britain’s most sensational murder trials of the 1930s.
The Duchy of Lancaster Flag

The Duchy of Lancaster flag is one of England’s oldest and most distinctive royal emblems. Featuring three golden lions passant guardant on a rich red background, it symbolises the county’s deep ties to the Crown and centuries of proud heritage. The design reflects the Duchy’s long history — from its medieval origins under Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt to its continued use today as a mark of the monarch’s personal estate in Lancashire.
Dinofest

July each year sees the arrival of Dinofest. A celebration of dinosaurs and Lancaster’s connection to the discovery of dinosaurs through Sir Richard Owen.
Ginnels & Alleys: Nip Hill

Nip Hill is a steep, narrow lane connecting St Mary’s Parade and Castle Hill with the Judges’ Lodgings. Largely unchanged for over 250 years, its cobbles echo with history. The name “Nip” suggests a quick shortcut, and walking here truly feels like stepping back into Lancaster’s Georgian past.
