The Ashton

Activities

• Lancaster is rich in culture and history: visit the Judges Lodgings Museum, a 17th century townhouse which was once home to witch hunter Thomas Covell, and now a museum of antiques, including Gillow furniture. The Maritime Museum in Custom House on St Georges Quay gives an interesting account of the port and of Morecambe’s fishy past, including 4 restored fishing vessels complete with sounds and smells.
  
  
• Walk in the park: Williamson Park, created out of a former quarry by Lord Williamson in the 19th century, is just up the hill. His son, linoleum millionaire Lord Ashton, built the large green-roofed folly – the Ashton Memorial – that you can see from bedrooms in the front. Lancaster’s answer to the Taj Mahal was built in 1906, and on a fine day from its viewing gallery you can see right across Morecambe Bay to the Lakeland fells. Great homemade cakes in the café too
  
  
• Hiking. Turn right out of the hotel and you are in the lovely Lune valley, drive south and you get to the Forest of Bowland. Alternatively the Lakeland fells are only half an hour’s drive north. James can also book you a place on guided walks at Morecambe Bay
  
  
• Shopping. Great independent shops and art galleries in Lancaster itself. Or Kirkby Londsale, 15 minutes’ drive away, has a fantastic selection of small boutique shops and delis, including Churchmouse Cheeses
  
  
• Cycling. Lancaster has an extensive network of cycling routes, including one that runs all along the seafront. Or take to the hills just outside the door of the hotel. The Forest of Bowland is great for cycling too. James can arrange bike hire
  
  
• Fishing. Great fishing spots in the Forest of Bowland, or there’s sea fishing at Morecambe Bay
  
  
• Treat yourself to a massage in the treatment room inside the hotel – book it in advance. Different types of massage are available, as well as reiki and reflexology
  
  
• Golf. The top place is Lancaster Golf Club, with great views over the estuary. Heysham comes a close second