Garstang

Garstang, the World’s Fairtrade Pioneer Nestled between Preston and Lancaster, on the banks of the River Wyre, sits Garstang; an area which became the world’s first Fairtrade town in 2000.

This idyllic market town epitomises some of the traits that best define Lancashire: picturesque towns and villages, lush countryside and serene rivers.

Attached to Garstang is a rich history dating as far back as the 11th century and the Domesday Book, in which the town is called Cherestanc.

Also rich in tradition, Garstang holds a market every Thursday, a practice it has upheld since 1310.

Another relic from the distant past that remains a part of Garstang’s present is the ruins of Greenhalgh Castle, built in 1490 by the Earl of Derbyshire. In 1646, Greenhalgh was besieged by Cromwell’s army, and it was later dismantled. All that remains today is a tower. Visitors can view the tower on a number of free or guided walks led by the Wyre Borough Council.

Garstang boasts a variety of activities, promising something for everyone. For instance, you can play golf or go fishing or bird watching. Of course, there’s the nearby Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Beauty, which spans Lancashire as well as North Yorkshire and includes the famous Pendle Hill, the site of the Pendle Witch Trials, Richard Towneley’s barometer experiment and George’s Fox acclaimed visitation, which led to the establishment of the Quaker movement.

Today, Pendle Hill is a favourite launch site for paragliders and hang gliders. Bowland offers some of the most rugged walking opportunities in the Lancashire area as well as providing grounds for cycling and horseback riding.

If you are lucky on your visit to Bowland, you just might come across a plethora of birds, bats, moths and hares. Bowland is easily accessible from Garstang directly by the B12 bus. However, this route only runs during the summer, on Thursdays until the last Thursday in October. Other times, Bowland can be reached via Preston or Lancaster by the number 40 bus route, which runs every half hour from Garstang.

Throughout the year, Garstang hosts a wide selection of festivals including the Arts and Music Festival, the Victorian Festival, the Food Festival and the not-to-be-missed Garstang Show in August.

The Garstang Show is held for one day only from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m., attracting about 15,000 spectators. If you are headed to the Garstang Show you can be sure to find a host of activities and attractions including multiple breeds of cows and of sheep, rabbits, pigeons, pygmy goats and a dog show as well as a Young Farmer’s Club display, a horticulture section and craft tent and a display of modern and vintage tractors and farm machinery. Parking is free at the show and admission is just £10 for adults and free for those 16 and under.

In terms of aesthetics, Garstang is the proud recipient of 16 Britain in Bloom awards. Britain in Bloom is one of the largest horticultural campaigns in Europe and it seeks to create a cleaner and greener Britain. Garstang is a finalist for the award again this year, a direct reflection of its beautifullandscape and well-cultivated outdoor areas.

In addition to all of this, Garstang offers a wide selection of local produce and shops including bridal boutiques, clothing shops, general stores, home stores and toy shops.

You can also find many of your every-day services in Garstang such as spas, hairdressers and barbers, opticians, financial advisers and cheesemakers.

Tucked away in the heart of Lancashire is the gem of Garstang, a town full of character, history, charm and excitement.