Fulwood: The History of the Barracks and Natural Woodlands

Fulwood combines historic architecture with natural woodland landscapes. Specific points of interest include the former Fulwood Barracks infantry barracks, the Lancashire Infantry Museum housed there, and Masons Wood and Asda Wood. If you are looking for a hotel in Fulwood, you can base your choice of area on whether you are more interested in a military historic site and an extensive museum collection or in different woodland landscapes. The following features show how these points of interest differ.

Fulwood Barracks and the Lancashire Infantry Museum

The former Fulwood Barracks infantry barracks were built from 1842 to 1848 by Major T Foster RE for the Ordnance Board. This period gives the site a clearly defined historical context. At the same time, the original layout, with two parade grounds within a fortified perimeter wall, has largely been preserved. Thus, alongside the construction period, the spatial arrangement and fortified enclosure are also defining features of the site. The plan connects the two parade grounds with the perimeter wall to form a complete complex, offering another way to explore its architectural history. Those interested in military architecture can use both the construction period and the preserved layout as points of reference.

The Lancashire Infantry Museum is housed in the historic Fulwood Barracks in Preston. Its collection includes objects from early conflicts such as the American War of Independence, as well as from modern conflicts, such as the one in Afghanistan. This brings two distinct time perspectives together: the construction of the barracks between 1842 and 1848, and a collection featuring examples from conflicts spanning widely separated periods. This distinction is useful for visitors: the architectural history relates to the site itself, while the collection offers a view of objects from a broad range of conflicts.

Woodland Landscapes in Fulwood

Masons Wood is an ancient, natural woodland in Fulwood and is one of the Woodland Trust’s Top Ten Bluebell Woods. These features describe different aspects: its classification as ancient, natural woodland identifies the type of woodland, while its Bluebell Woods designation highlights its seasonal flowering. The flowers vary by season. If bluebells are a consideration for your trip, take this seasonal variation into account when planning.

The terrain is the defining feature of Asda Wood. The wood is in Fulwood East Preston, immediately south of the Asda supermarket, on a steep sandbank above Savick Brook. The best access to Asda Wood is via the Asda supermarket car park. Check the current access arrangements before your visit, as these may change.

The two woods have different points of interest: Masons Wood combines its woodland type with seasonal flowering, while Asda Wood is defined by its terrain and location beside Savick Brook. This allows you to match your interests in natural woodland, flowering seasons or distinctive topography more closely to your choice of destination.

Discover more destinations: Broughton, Sabden, Heysham, Chorley, Waterloo, Wilpshire, Fleetwood, Newchurch.

For the wider travel overview: Lancashire.