Williamson Park and Ashton Memorial, Lancaster
Williamson Park & Ashton Memorial: A Grand Day Out from Blackpool
Just 40 minutes from The Belmont Hotel in Blackpool, Williamson Park in Lancaster is a scenic and cultural gem worth the short drive inland. Sitting high above the city, this 54-acre park offers woodland trails, landscaped gardens, and panoramic views over Morecambe Bay.
The park’s crown jewel is the Ashton Memorial, an impressive Edwardian domed structure often dubbed the "Taj Mahal of the North." Built in the early 1900s, it serves as both a historic landmark and an elegant viewing point. Visitors can climb to the top for breathtaking views stretching across the bay and even as far as the Lake District on a clear day.
Williamson Park also houses a charming butterfly house and mini zoo, home to meerkats, birds, reptiles, and tropical butterflies. It’s a hit with families, and the park’s café and picnic areas make it an ideal day trip destination.
Whether you’re after nature, photography, architecture, or a relaxing walk, this Lancaster highlight delivers. It provides a welcome change of pace from Blackpool’s vibrant coastal attractions — while still being within easy reach of your stay at The Belmont Hotel.
