Local authority district in Lancashire, England
| Coordinates: | 53.82, -2.71 |
|---|---|
| OS grid ref: | SD 53 36 |
Preston sits on the north bank of the River Ribble in central Lancashire, north‑west England. The district covers a compact city centre and a patchwork of suburbs and former industrial areas, with Penwortham just across the river to the south.
Once a centre of textile manufacture during the Industrial Revolution, Preston still shows its Victorian civic architecture and museums, notably the Harris Museum and Art Gallery. The city is also known for the long‑running Preston Guild, the rare civic celebration held every 20 years, and for attractive riverside green spaces such as Avenham and Miller Parks.
The University of Central Lancashire is one of the district’s biggest employers and gives the place a lively student presence, while retail, public services and light industry make up the local economy. Good rail and road links, including the major junction at Preston railway station, connect the city to larger urban centres and support ongoing regeneration and a diverse local community.