St Francis Hill Chapel

The chapel sits on top of St Francis Hill, a proper climb up from Preston if you're making the pilgrimage on foot. It's a modest stone building, the sort of place that rewards walkers more than casual visitors - you're really coming for the walk itself and the views across Lancashire rather than spending hours inside. The structure dates back centuries and has a quiet, contemplative feel, which appeals to history types and anyone seeking a bit of peace away from the town centre.

You'll want to allow a good hour or two if you're walking up from Preston, depending on your fitness. There's something satisfying about tackling the hill itself - it's steep enough to feel like proper exercise without being a full fell walk. The surrounding countryside opens up as you climb, and on a clear day you get decent views back towards Preston and across the moorland.

It works well as part of a broader walking itinerary if you're staying at one of the nearby parks like Wigwam Holidays Kidsnape Farm or Beacon Fell View, both close enough to make this a half-day outing. Neither kids nor non-walkers will get much from a visit here - it's really for those who enjoy the journey as much as the destination. Admission details are thin on the ground, but assume it's either free or a modest donation. Go on a day when the weather's decent; there's no shelter up there once you've arrived.