Things to do in Garstang
We are right on the doorstep of some of the best scenery in Lancashire. Garstang is a proper market town sitting on the banks of the River Wyre, with the Forest of Bowland just a short distance away. It is an area known for its scenic walks, and we often see people starting or finishing their day with us.
If you are looking to make a day of it, you can head out from the pub to explore some of the local history. There are medieval trails to follow through the town, leading to landmarks such as the ruins of Greenhalgh Castle and the old grammar school, which now serves as the Arts Centre.
The Lancaster Canal also runs right through the area. Originally built for freight back in 1791, it is now a much quieter spot for long walks, fishing, or just watching the boats go by. Whether you are heading out for a morning stroll or you are looking for somewhere to settle in after a day of exploring, we have plenty of room for you to relax and grab a bite to eat.
Walk the ‘Black and White’ Canal
The Lancaster Canal is just a short distance from our front door and is well worth a visit while you are here. It is often called the ‘Black and White’ canal, a name it earned from the days when it was used to carry coal and limestone between the local towns.
These days, things are much quieter. It is a great spot for a gentle stroll where you can take in the local history. If you keep an eye on the water, you might even spot some of the local wildlife, including herons and the occasional kingfisher. It is one of our favourite routes for a walk with the dog before heading back to the pub for a pint and a bite to eat.
Garstang Arts Centre
You will find the Garstang Arts Centre right in the middle of town. It is housed in the old grammar school building, which dates back to 1756, and today it serves as the main hub for local artists and creators.
It is a great place to stop by if you want to see work from the local community, as it is home to the Garstang and District Arts Society. Whether you are interested in the history of the building itself or you want to see the latest exhibition, it is a key part of the town’s character and well worth a visit while you are exploring.
OTHER NEARBY JW LEES PUBS
Boot & Shoe
Heading north into Lancaster, you will find the Boot & Shoe. It is a great spot on the edge of the city, perfect for a stop-off if you are visiting the university or the city centre.
Bluebird Inn
If you are travelling south-east toward the Ribble Valley, the Bluebird Inn at Balderstone is well worth a visit. It is a classic country inn with plenty of character, ideal for a quiet meal or a relaxing stay in one of their rooms.
Halfway House
If your journey takes you further south toward Preston or Chorley, the Halfway House is another great spot to keep in mind. Located in Clayton-le-Woods, it is a proper community pub with a big focus on quality food and a friendly atmosphere. Like us, they have plenty of room for families and are always ready with a well-kept pint of JW Lees ale, making it an ideal place to pull into if you are on the road.
Our Brewery
As a JW Lees pub, we take plenty of pride in the beer we pour. We carry the full core range from our brewery, so whether you are after a classic cask ale like JW Lees Bitter or a cold pint of Manchester Craft Lager, we always have something fresh on the taps.
If you want to try something a bit different, we also host seasonal ales and small-batch brews from The Boilerhouse. This is where our brewers get to experiment with new styles and flavours, making it a great choice if you are looking for a new favourite. We have nearly two centuries of brewing experience behind us, and we ensure that every pint is kept and poured exactly as it should be.