How it rates

England’s newest city bills itself as the third city of the North West. It’s tough competing with Liverpool and Manchester, but Preston, estimated population 130,000, has excellent transport links, fantastic countryside, and the University of Central Lancashire. The £750 million Tithebarn regeneration project, with shops, leisure and a new bus station, should be the catalyst that really transforms Preston.

Architectural gems

The Harris Museum and Art Gallery is a Grade l listed Neo-Classical building built in 1893. Some people also love the existing 1960s bus station. Preston North End’s Deepdale stadium is a landmark and houses the National Football Museum.

What’s new

A two-bed 1,865 sq ft flat in a renovated Grade II listed building in The Apartments at Winckley Square, which features a lounge converted from a former ballroom and an atrium roof. Details: SHP, 01772 555403.

Travel

The M6, originally called the Preston bypass, opened in 1958 and was the first motorway in Britain. It has been joined by the M61, M65 and the M55. Fast trains to London take 2hr 8min. Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds-Bradford and Blackpool airports are within easy reach.

Quality of life

Friendly feel of a traditional Lancashire cotton town, and plenty of shopping. Escape to the rolling countryside of the Ribble Valley, the striking Trough of Bowland (a favourite getaway of the Queen) and Morecambe Bay and the Southern Lakes.

Lancashire’s traditional seaside resorts are close by.

Smartest streets

Winckley Square, in the heart of Preston, is a striking example of Georgian and Victorian architecture. For more exclusive areas look to the north of the city. D’Urton Lane in Broughton is the closest to a stockbroker belt — secluded homes in their own grounds cost from £1 million.

Restaurants

Lots of good cheap and cheerful places to eat and plenty of ethnic cuisine, from East Z East Indian to Italians such as Pinocchio’s. The Sparling in Barton is good, as is the Italian Orchard in Broughton. For posh nosh, Northcote Manor on the edge of the Ribble Valley.

Nightlife

Locals head for Church Street clubs and pubs, including Cafe Manyana and Browns, or bars such as Forum in Winckley Square. Traditional pub lovers prefer the Black Horse Hotel. The Continental is a proper local, with something on almost every night in the adjoining theatre.

Education

Good primaries include St Mary Magdalen Catholic and St Mary and St Andrew’s in Barton.

Favoured secondaries include Archbishop Temple, Broughton Business and Enterprise College, All Hallows Catholic High and Runshaw Sixth Form College.

Working life

Big employers include BAE Systems, at Warton and Samlesbury; Springfields nuclear fuel plant; and the University of Central Lancashire.

Upside

A compact city with one of the world’s oldest football clubs, Preston North End. The annual Riversway Festival at Preston Docklands and Marina is good fun.

Downside

North End’s repeated failure to progress to the Premier League via the Championship play-offs, most recently on May 11, when they lost to Sheffield United.

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