Williamson Park
Historic parkland crowned by an iconic Edwardian memorial, offering woodland walks, tropical butterflies, and sweeping views to Morecambe Bay.
Williamson Park is a sprawling 54-acre parkland in Lancaster featuring the iconic Ashton Memorial, a Grade I listed Edwardian monument often called the Taj Mahal of the North. The park offers enchanting woodland walks, a tropical Butterfly House, a small mammal zoo with meerkats and marmosets, children's play areas, and breathtaking views across Morecambe Bay to the Lake District fells. Entry to the grounds is free, with modest fees for the Butterfly House and Mini Zoo.
A brief summary to Williamson Park
- Quernmore Rd, Lancaster, LA1 1UX, GB
- +44152433318
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 4 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 9:30 am-5:30 pm
- Tuesday 9:30 am-5:30 pm
- Wednesday 9:30 am-5:30 pm
- Thursday 9:30 am-5:30 pm
- Friday 9:30 am-5:30 pm
- Saturday 9 am-5:30 pm
- Sunday 9:30 am-5:30 pm
Local tips
- Visit the Butterfly House in spring and summer mornings when butterflies are most active. The greenhouse is warm year-round, so dress in layers even on cold days outside.
- Arrive 20 minutes before any scheduled events or performances to allow time for parking and walking to venues. The park is situated on a hill, so plan accordingly if mobility is a concern.
- Bring a picnic to enjoy at the designated areas with benches and covered seating. Many spots offer unobstructed views across Morecambe Bay and the Lake District.
- Check the official website before visiting, as the cafe and shop occasionally close due to weather-related damage. Outdoor food vendors typically operate during such closures.
- Dogs are welcome in the park but must follow the Park Dog Code. Free parking is available for disabled badge holders with no time limit.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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By Car from M6 Junction 33
Exit the M6 at junction 33 and follow brown heritage signs marked Ashton Memorial or Butterfly House through Lancaster City Centre. Travel time is approximately 10–15 minutes depending on traffic. Two pay-and-display car parks serve the park: Quernmore Road (15 spaces including disabled parking) and Wyresdale Road (100 spaces). Parking costs £1.20 for up to 1 hour, £4 for a full day, or £1 after 5:30pm. Free parking is available for disabled badge holders with no time limit. Wyresdale Road car park is recommended as the largest option, though it involves an uphill walk to facilities.
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By Car from M6 Junction 34
Exit the M6 at junction 34 and follow brown heritage signs for Ashton Memorial or Butterfly House. Travel time is approximately 12–18 minutes depending on traffic and your starting point. Both car parks are accessible from this approach. For satnav, use postcode LA1 3DZ to reach Wyresdale Road Car Park.
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By Public Bus
Three bus routes serve Williamson Park from Lancaster Bus Station or Common Garden Street. Bus 8C departs at 27 minutes past every hour and reaches the park in approximately 5 minutes (Monday–Saturday only). Bus 8A departs at 3 minutes before every hour and takes approximately 20 minutes (Monday–Saturday only). Bus 18 runs every 2 hours from 09:10 (Monday–Saturday only). No Sunday bus service is available. Journey time from the city centre is 5–20 minutes depending on the route.
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On Foot or by Taxi
Williamson Park is approximately 30 minutes' walk from Lancaster Train Station and Bus Station, though the route involves climbing to the hilltop location. Taxis are available daily and can be arranged by calling local taxi services. Walking is suitable for those with good mobility; the final approach involves uphill terrain.
Williamson Park location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Williamson Park
The Ashton Memorial and Its Legacy
At the heart of Williamson Park stands the magnificent Ashton Memorial, a Grade I listed Edwardian folly commissioned in 1909 by Lancaster industrialist Lord Ashton as a tribute to his late wife Jessy. Completed between 1907 and 1909, this striking white stone structure dominates the skyline and has earned the affectionate nickname "the Taj Mahal of the North." The memorial's interior houses the Williamson Gallery, offering breathtaking panoramic views across the Fylde Coast and towards the Lake District mountains. Visitors can access the ground floor via stairs or a lift, with higher floors accessible by stairs only. A small donation of 50p supports the memorial's upkeep.A Landscape Born from Stone Quarries
Williamson Park's 54 acres were created from the very quarries that supplied stone for most of Lancaster's historic buildings. The parkland was originally developed by James Williamson, Lord Ashton's father, transforming industrial excavations into one of Lancashire's premier green spaces. This transformation from industrial site to beloved public park reflects Lancaster's evolution and commitment to preserving natural beauty within the urban landscape.Tropical Wonders and Wildlife Encounters
The park's Butterfly House, a newly renovated tropical palm house, creates an immersive experience with hundreds of free-flying butterflies in a warm, humid environment. Visitors can observe these delicate creatures in their natural behaviour among lush vegetation. Adjacent to the Butterfly House, the Mini Zoo features a small mammal section home to resident meerkats and marmosets, alongside minibeast and bird enclosures. Weekend keeper talks and daily school holiday presentations at 11:30am allow visitors to learn about animal lifecycles, diets, and native habitats while interacting with staff. The park maintains high animal welfare standards throughout all its attractions.Woodland Walks and Outdoor Recreation
Beyond the main attractions, Williamson Park offers extensive woodland walks along winding paths that wind through the parkland's natural areas. Two children's play areas provide entertainment for younger visitors, while picnic areas with benches and covered seating allow families to enjoy meals with panoramic views. The park's flat, accessible paths wind through varied terrain, creating opportunities for leisurely strolls or more active exploration. Visitors frequently bring picnics to enjoy the peaceful surroundings and spectacular vistas across Morecambe Bay.Facilities and Year-Round Access
The Pavilion Cafe serves refreshments throughout the year, though it was temporarily closed due to storm damage at the time of recent reports, with outdoor concessions providing hot food and drinks during the closure. A gift shop stocks souvenirs and park merchandise. The park remains open year-round except Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year's Day, with extended hours from April to September (10am–5pm) and reduced hours October to March (10am–4pm). Free WiFi is available throughout the grounds, and disabled toilet facilities are located at the cafe and Wyresdale Road car park.Events and Seasonal Programming
Williamson Park serves as a vibrant venue for numerous events and festivals throughout the year, including concerts, art exhibitions, guided walks, and outdoor theatre performances by the Dukes Theatre. These seasonal offerings add cultural richness to the park's recreational appeal, making it a dynamic destination beyond its permanent attractions.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
The Clock Tower
6.3 km
Historic Elizabethan-style Clock Tower standing proudly on Morecambe’s seafront, symbolizing the town’s Victorian heritage and timeless charm.
Kirkhead Tower / Summerhouse
17.2 km
Historic Kirkhead Tower offers stunning panoramic views over Morecambe Bay and the Lake District from its tranquil spot near Grange-over-Sands.
Lake District National Park Authority
29.7 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Lake District National Park, a treasure trove of stunning landscapes, rich history, and outdoor adventures waiting for you.
Stanley Park
29.8 km
Discover the tranquility of Stanley Park in Blackpool, an exquisite park and garden offering lush landscapes, recreational activities, and family-friendly fun.
Everything Blackpool
30.1 km
Blackpool's vibrant main artery connecting seaside charm with urban energy and LGBTQ+ pride.
Blackpool Model Village & Gardens
30.2 km
Discover the whimsical charm of Blackpool Model Village & Gardens, where miniature worlds and lush gardens create a serene escape for tourists of all ages.
Ribchester Roman Museum
30.8 km
Explore the rich Roman heritage at Ribchester Roman Museum, a charming destination for history lovers and curious travelers in the heart of England.
Cromwell's Bridge
30.8 km
A historic 16th-century stone bridge in Ribble Valley, famed for Cromwell’s march and Tolkien inspiration, set in tranquil Lancashire countryside.
Blackpool War Memorial
30.8 km
A towering seafront cenotaph where Blackpool honours its fallen, blending solemn remembrance with the rhythm of the Irish Sea.
The Blackpool Opera House
30.8 km
Experience the grandeur of The Blackpool Opera House, an iconic venue offering a diverse array of spectacular performances in the heart of Blackpool.
Blackpool Town Hall
30.9 km
Historic Jacobean-style Blackpool Town Hall, a civic landmark with grand clock tower and rich heritage in the heart of Talbot Square.
North Pier
30.9 km
Experience the timeless allure of North Pier in Blackpool, where seaside charm meets modern entertainment for an unforgettable visit.
Black pool
30.9 km
Experience the vibrant energy and timeless charm of Blackpool, the ultimate seaside destination with thrilling attractions and stunning coastal views.
Blackpool Heritage Tram Tours (Tower)
31.0 km
Discover Blackpool's vibrant heritage aboard the iconic Heritage Tram Tours, showcasing stunning seaside views and rich history.
Blackpool Illuminations
31.1 km
Discover the magical Blackpool Illuminations, a breathtaking annual light display that enchants visitors along the famous seaside promenade.
Unmissable attractions to see
Ashton Memorial
0.0 km
Lancaster’s iconic Edwardian Baroque folly, the Ashton Memorial, crowns Williamson Park with stunning views and rich history.
Butterfly House
0.0 km
Discover vibrant butterflies and exotic mini-beasts in the tropical Butterfly House nestled within Lancaster’s scenic Williamson Park.
Lancaster Leisure Park
0.5 km
Lancaster Leisure Park blends antiques, farm-fresh shopping, and family dining in a lively, welcoming setting on Wyresdale Road.
Queen Victoria Memorial, Lancaster
1.1 km
A majestic 1906 tribute in Dalton Square celebrating Queen Victoria and Victorian-era luminaries with rich symbolism and historic artistry.
Lancaster City Museum
1.4 km
Discover Lancaster’s rich history and military heritage in a stunning Georgian former town hall with immersive galleries and fine art exhibitions.
Judges Lodgings Museum
1.5 km
Step into Lancaster’s oldest townhouse to explore Georgian elegance, Gillows furniture, childhood nostalgia, and a complex local history beneath the castle walls.
The Cottage Museum
1.5 km
Step into 18th-century Lancaster at The Cottage Museum, a tiny immersive home showcasing working-class life and rich local history.
Lancaster Castle
1.6 km
Discover the rich history and stunning architecture of Lancaster Castle, a must-see historical landmark in the heart of Lancaster, England.
Lancaster Maritime Museum
1.8 km
Explore Lancaster’s maritime heritage and the city’s complex history in immersive Georgian quay buildings by the River Lune.
Lune Aqueduct
2.6 km
Discover the breathtaking Lune Aqueduct in Lancaster, a stunning feat of Victorian engineering and a picturesque tourist attraction.
Halton Castle (Remains)
3.6 km
Explore the ancient earthworks of Halton Castle, a Norman motte and bailey fortress overlooking the scenic River Lune valley near Lancaster.
Eric Morecambe Statue
6.4 km
Celebrate British comedy legend Eric Morecambe with this iconic bronze statue overlooking Morecambe Bay’s stunning seaside promenade.
THE RE STORE
6.9 km
Discover unique gifts and support local skills at The Re Store, Morecambe’s community-centered shop with a heart for sustainability.
Glasson Dock
6.9 km
Historic maritime dock and peaceful marina village offering scenic canal walks, wildlife spotting, and a glimpse into Lancashire’s seafaring heritage.
Stone Jetty
6.9 km
Historic stone jetty with stunning bay views, interactive art, and a charming café on Morecambe’s scenic seafront.
Essential places to dine
The Quarterhouse
1.1 km
Seasonal British small plates and cocktails in Lancaster’s stylish city-center bistro with a warm, contemporary vibe.
The Waterwitch
1.2 km
A welcoming canal-side gastropub in Lancaster blending traditional English fare with standout vegan options and a lively community vibe.
Merchants 1688
1.5 km
Historic 17th-century wine cellar pub serving modern British cuisine with local ingredients beside Lancaster Castle.
Quite Simply French - Restaurant with Rooms
1.8 km
Elegant French dining and boutique rooms on Lancaster’s scenic St George’s Quay, blending classic cuisine with modern comfort.
Bay Horse Inn at Bay Horse
8.4 km
Historic 18th-century gastropub blending traditional charm with locally sourced cuisine in a scenic Lancashire village setting.
The Fenwick
9.4 km
Historic 250-year-old gastro pub and charming country inn in Claughton, offering fine seafood, cozy rooms, and warm Lancashire hospitality.
The Patten Arms
12.3 km
Historic Lancashire pub blending traditional charm with modern comfort, renowned for hearty local cuisine and a welcoming atmosphere year-round.
The Barn at Scorton
12.6 km
A charming blend of dining, garden centre, and gift shop delights in the heart of Scorton, Lancashire.
Stepping Stones
12.8 km
Charming riverside British restaurant in Garstang offering classic dishes and stunning views in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.
Pipers
16.0 km
Experience traditional English cuisine with modern flair in the heart of Garstang’s historic High Street at Pipers Restaurant.
The Wheatsheaf, Beetham
18.2 km
Historic country pub and inn in Milnthorpe offering hearty British fare, cozy rooms, and warm, dog-friendly hospitality in scenic Cumbria.
L'Enclume
20.7 km
Experience Simon Rogan’s three Michelin-starred farm-to-table masterpiece in Cartmel, where seasonal British ingredients shine in innovative tasting menus.
The Farmers Arms Great Eccleston
22.1 km
A charming Lancashire gastropub offering fresh seafood, hearty British classics, and a welcoming atmosphere in the heart of Great Eccleston.
Gibbon Bridge Hotel and Restaurant
24.0 km
Elegant four-star country hotel with fine dining, scenic gardens, and cozy suites nestled in the Forest of Bowland near Preston.
The Pickled Goose
24.1 km
A lively British pub and restaurant in Barton, Preston, blending countryside charm with modern dining and a vibrant social bar.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
GB Antiques & Furniture Centre
0.5 km
Over 100 dealers, thousands of treasures, endless browsing in Lancaster's premier antiques marketplace.
The Arndale Shopping Centre
6.2 km
Morecambe’s only covered shopping centre offering everyday retail and discount stores in a convenient town centre location.
Beach Bird
6.4 km
Discover unique antiques, vintage fashion, and artistic homewares at Beach Bird, Morecambe’s beloved artisan gift shop on the scenic promenade.
Carnforth Bookshop
9.4 km
Discover Carnforth Bookshop, a family-run independent haven of books, gifts, and local heritage in the heart of historic Lancashire.
Kitty Brown Boutique
9.4 km
A warm, independent women’s fashion boutique in Carnforth, offering curated clothing, footwear and accessories with comfort, style and sustainability at heart.
THE FOSSIL STORE
12.3 km
A unique design studio and shop in the Forest of Bowland, transforming rare fossils into bespoke art and jewellery.
Dream
16.1 km
Distinctive gifts in the heart of Lancashire's historic market town.
The Hive
16.1 km
Discover unique gifts and warm hospitality at The Hive, Garstang’s beloved local gift shop nestled in a charming historic setting.
Rufford's Country Lifestyle
19.0 km
Discover premium British country wear and footwear at Rufford's, your stylish gateway to authentic country living near Preston.
The Book Lounge
21.2 km
Discover a cozy haven of books, puzzles, and community spirit in the heart of Kirkby Lonsdale’s historic Main Street.
Hillside Toys -Farm Models & Toys
23.3 km
Discover a nostalgic world of farm models and classic toys at Hillside Toys in Ingleton, where agricultural heritage comes to life.
Blossom Boutique
24.2 km
Independent women's fashion boutique blending curated style with genuine hospitality in Thornton.
Muse Boutique
26.3 km
Unique and affordable ladies' fashion boutique in the heart of Ulverston’s historic Market Street.
Squirrel A store of buried treasure
26.4 km
Discover unique gifts and artisanal treasures in a charming converted pub at the heart of Ulverston’s Market Street.
Pretty Things Boutique
26.5 km
Discover unique ladies’ fashion and personalized styling at Ulverston’s charming Pretty Things Boutique on King Street.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Bowerham
1.0 km
A historic Grade II listed pub in Lancaster offering great food, live music, and a welcoming community atmosphere near beautiful parkland.
Fylde Bar
4.1 km
The Mill at Fylde College is Lancaster University's lively on-campus sports bar, perfect for affordable meals, live sports, and social gatherings.
Smugglers Den Morecambe
6.0 km
Historic 1740s pub in Morecambe offering friendly service, quality ales, and a cozy atmosphere at great value.
Bellflower
16.3 km
A historic and family-friendly country pub in Garstang offering home-cooked British classics, award-winning ales, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Th'Owd Tithe Barn
16.3 km
Historic 1701 canalside pub in Garstang offering traditional ales, seasonal dishes, and a charming garden retreat by the vibrant Garstang Basin.
The Horns Inn
18.3 km
A stylish and welcoming country pub in Churchtown offering quality food, real ales, and a vibrant social atmosphere.
Clockwork Bars
19.0 km
A lively and welcoming bar in Preston’s Beacon Retail Park, offering diverse drinks, live events, and a relaxed social atmosphere.
The Vault Bar & Lounge
25.2 km
Historic charm meets modern cocktails in Thornton-Cleveleys’ unique Vault Bar & Lounge, a welcoming spot for crafted drinks and lively nights.
GlassHouse Cocktail Bar
25.4 km
A vibrant cocktail bar and bistro in Thornton-Cleveleys offering expertly crafted drinks, gourmet burgers, and lively weekend music nights.
The Stags Head
25.9 km
A charming Lancashire gastropub blending traditional British fare with warm hospitality in the heart of Goosnargh village.
Strickland Arms
26.0 km
Traditional British pub with hearty fare and warm hospitality nestled near Kendal’s scenic Lake District gateway.
The Stage Door
26.3 km
A cozy, rustic bar and restaurant in Longridge offering expertly crafted cocktails, stone-baked pizzas, and a welcoming atmosphere for relaxed and lively nights.
Wheatsheaf Inn, Brigsteer
28.4 km
A charming countryside pub and boutique inn in Brigsteer offering rustic comfort, excellent food, and warm hospitality near Kendal.
The Plough Grimsargh
28.5 km
A friendly village pub in Grimsargh serving classic British dishes, excellent beers, and hosting lively community events in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
The Number Three Cocktail Bar Function Room
30.3 km
A lively Blackpool cocktail bar with affordable drinks, friendly staff, and a spacious function room perfect for events and live music nights.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Manhattans Nightclub
30.0 km
Barrow-in-Furness’s top nightclub for themed parties, DJ nights, and vibrant late-night entertainment on Cavendish Street.
Hollywood Nightclub
30.0 km
Experience the vibrant late-night pulse of Barrow-in-Furness at Hollywood Nightclub, where music and dance light up Cavendish Street.
The Lounge C9
30.1 km
Experience Barrow-in-Furness’ vibrant nightlife at The Lounge C9, where music, drinks, and community come alive every weekend.
Funny Girls
30.5 km
Discover the magic of Blackpool's Funny Girls, where dazzling performances meet delightful dining in an unforgettable night out.
Club underground
30.6 km
Experience Blackpool’s authentic old-school basement club with vibrant music, friendly crowds, and late-night energy on Talbot Road.
Sanuk Nightclub
30.7 km
Experience Blackpool’s vibrant nightlife at Sanuk Nightclub, a premier venue with six rooms and a lively house music scene on the iconic promenade.
Trilogy Nightclub
30.8 km
Experience Blackpool’s vibrant nightlife across three floors of music, lights, and energy at Trilogy Nightclub.
Popworld - Blackpool
30.8 km
Experience retro pop hits and vibrant party vibes at Popworld Blackpool, the iconic two-floor nightclub on the Promenade.
The Tache Rock Club
30.9 km
Blackpool’s spirited rock nightclub offering authentic music, friendly vibes, and late-night energy in a casual setting.
Hush Nightclub
31.0 km
Experience Blackpool’s vibrant RnB and Afrobeats nightlife at Hush Nightclub, where music, cocktails, and atmosphere come alive.
Switch Nightclub
32.1 km
Energetic and affordable nightlife hub in Preston, popular with a middle-aged crowd and known for its lively atmosphere.
Popworld - Preston
32.3 km
Popworld Preston: Where cheesy pop tunes meet vibrant nightlife and unforgettable party vibes in the heart of the city.
The Warehouse
32.4 km
Three floors of diverse music and vibrant nightlife in Preston’s welcoming alternative club scene.
Rendezvous Nightclub & Resteraunt
35.1 km
Vibrant nightclub and restaurant in Whalley offering lively weekend events, diverse music, and friendly service in Ribble Valley’s heart.
Wheelhouse Nightclub
36.4 km
Experience vibrant weekend nightlife with dynamic music, drinks, and dancing at Wheelhouse Nightclub in scenic Bowness-on-Windermere.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Family Friendly
- Unique
- Tranquil
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Historic
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Scenic Backdrops
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Locally Managed
- Wildlife Habitat
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Nature Escape
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Cultural Heritage
- Festival / Event Nearby
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
- Requires Hike
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
