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Photo: Tom Oates, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
This is the gaunt castle of the Duke of Lancaster, also known as King Charles III. The oldest parts are 11th century though with much Victorian addition. It was in use as a prison until 2011 and is still used as a court room. Visit the interior only by guided tour: this takes in the state rooms, court rooms, and prison cells. Tour access varies as a lot of building work is still going on to re-furbish the disused prison.
Lancaster Castle is a medieval castle and former prison in Lancaster in the English county of Lancashire. Its early history is unclear, but it was most likely founded in 1092-4 on the site of a Roman fort overlooking a crossing of the River Lune. In 1164 the Honour of Lancaster, including the castle, came under royal control. In 1322 and 1389 the Scots invaded England, progressing as far as Lancaster and damaging the castle. It was not to see military action again until the English Civil War. The castle was first used as a prison in 1196 although this aspect became more important during the English Civil War. The castle buildings are owned by the British sovereign as Duke of Lancaster; part of the structure is used to host sittings of the Crown Court.
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Lancaster has a multiplex cinema where you can catch the latest releases. Nearby bars and restaurants often have food and cinema deals.
Reflecting Lancaster's 18th-century period as sea port, plus displays on the canal.
One of the first permanent English performance venues outside of London, this theatre has been producing shows since 1780. The last major makeover took place in 1908, which left the theatre with a gorgeous Edwardian feel. With 497 seats, the venue feels more "grand" than you might expect. For more than half a century, the Grand has been owned by the Lancaster Footlights, a thriving amateur troupe. Between Footlights shows, you can see touring productions as well as a large variety of comedians and musicians.
The Dukes is Lancashire's professional producing theatre. The Dukes' drama productions include classics and new plays performed in two auditoria, plus Summertime theatre, an unmissable outdoor experience. Dukes Cinema is one of the most successful independent screens in the country, offering a huge range of mainstream and non-mainstream programming, with Dolby Digital surround sound. Other events include a selection of touring drama, music, literature, art exhibitions. Plus there's a relaxing bar.
St Peter's
Roman Catholic church built piecemeal from 1857 in Victorian Gothic style, and designated a cathedral in 1924. The nave, baptistry and organ are notable. The cathedral is in active use for services, funerals etc.