Apartment 8

Preston's town centre has undergone substantial regeneration in recent years. The former docks are now a leisure destination with independent shops, bars and a cinema, while the surrounding streets offer everything from high street chains to independent cafes. Apartment 8 sits in the midst of this, on the ground floor of a converted office building with its own parking space outside.

The apartment has two bedrooms, each with a zip-and-link king bed that can be split into twins on request. The open-plan living space combines a sitting area with a dining zone and a kitchen equipped for proper cooking—electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge and washing machine all included. A bathroom with bath and shower serves the property. Wi-Fi, heating, electricity, bed linen and towels are all provided; you need only bring yourselves. Smoking is not permitted.

The location works equally well as a base for exploring Preston itself or for reaching further afield. The Lake District National Park is roughly an hour away by car or train, as is the Yorkshire Dales. The Lancashire coast—Lytham St Annes, Formby and Cleveleys among them—lies within easy reach, and Blackpool is half an hour south. Closer to hand are the Ribble Valley's restaurants and countryside, and the 21-mile Guild Wheel cycling route that loops around the area.