The Wordsworth Hotel

Leighton Moss Nature Reserve

by peachfront

You can easily catch a train from Lancaster to Silverdale and find the Leighton Moss Nature Reserve. At the time of my visit, no one pays to enter the reserve if you arrive on foot, bike, or public transport. So you really only pay to enter if you bring a car, 4.5 pounds at the time of my visit in late September 2008. Get a map. The reserve is discontinuous, and you don't want to miss anything. Off the beaten path? Probably to the folks who don't realize the bird wealth of the area. However, I visited on a gorgeous day, and there were birders a-plenty, not just tourists but locals too with a picnic lunch.

I have a full review with some photos here if you scroll down to the section called "Tuesday, September 23:"

http://peachfront.diaryland.com/noengl1.html

The sound of the winds in the reed bed is most atmospheric, and who knows? You may see such rarities as Bittern and Bearded Tit. I got my life Goldcrest here.

Photographers also like the reserve because the blinds make it easy to get good close photos of the birds.

Lancaster

by benquan

"Pubs!"

Lancaster has become a historical, university town... 1/4 of the population is composed by Lancaster University Students which ligten up the night. The town itself is very nice, small town. Houses made of stone and a very well kept castle on the west bank.

"Lancaster University"

Where I am currently studying my MBA (master in Business Adminsitration) one of the top UK universities, exelent program, great teachers and located on a nice town! what else do you want!

"Sugarhouse"

A big disco full of University students... Gets pretty crowded on weekends...

Williamson Park

by MartinSelway

"Overview"

The imposing Ashton Memorial folly dominates the Park and can be clearly seen from miles around. On the second floor in the Williamson Gallery, a series of exhibitions is held throughout the year, and many works of art are for sale.

The Edwardian Palm House now serves as a Tropical Butterfly House where exotic species flutter amongst lush foliage in the warm, humid atmosphere of a tropical forest. The safari continues through the mini-beast cave and free-flying bird enclosure, situated behind the Butterfly House, and into our small animal garden.

Originally the site of a 1907 bandstand, the Lancaster Sundial has now become is a fascinating and intriguing feature of the park.

The Park¹s original 38 acres has been supplemented by almost 16 acres of land, this area, known as Fenham Carr, provide less formal rustic walks.

Special events and theatrical performances are held throughout the year, all bookings can be made by contacting the Park Office.

The refurbished ornamental lake allows visitors to enjoy the water features of the park as they were intended. A footpath follows the Lake as it winds its way from the tranquil glade of the Waterfall, past the fountain and under the stone bridge.

Complementing the Ashton Memorial, the restored Temple Shelter stands on a small knoll about 100 yards away, allowing visitors glimpses of the superb stonework on the upper stories of the folly.

Cleaned and gilded, the Park Gates welcome everyone to share in this beautiful park. More than just an area of flowers, trees and shrubs the park is clean and pleasant oasis of tranquility which we hope that visitors will enjoy and respect.

All around the Park you will find amidst the lanscaped lawns spectacular flower beds, regularly maintained to reflect the changing seasons and providing a palette of nature's colours from which to draw inspiration and calm.
The Dell, a natural amphitheatre is the setting for many outdoor concerts during the year.

(Taken from www.wiliiamsonpark.com)

"Butterfly House"

Live exotic butterflies fluttering and feeding amidst the flowers, trees and vines in the tropical rain forest housed in the former Palm House. Walk amongst some of the world¹s most beautiful species, including brilliant swallowtails, and cleverly camouflaged Owl butterflies within a natural habitat. The pupae of new butterflies can be seen in a special display case and you may even see a butterfly emerging from its chrysalis!

In the stream that flows around the forest you will also find a variety of lively fish.

"Sundial"

Originally the site of a copper-domed oak Bandstand, built in 1907 but now transformed into the Lancaster Sundial. The observer becomes the gnomon, standing on the centre of the plinth and telling the time by casting their own shadow on a series of bronze panels, sponsored by companies representing the diverse trades and professions of the area and designed by pupils of Ripley St. Thomas School.

The Lancaster Sundial was made possible by the generous support from local companies.