Discover Long Preston

Long Preston lies on the southern edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. To the north, the landscape rises towards the fells, moors and picturesque valleys of the Yorkshire Dales; to the south lie the wetlands of the Ribble Valley. This north–south contrast gives the destination a distinct landscape setting: the Dales and the Ribble wetlands are different regional highlights that you can take into account when planning your stay.

Riverside Landscapes and Birdlife

In the upper reaches of the River Ribble lies the Long Preston floodplain, locally known as Long Preston Deeps. It covers approximately 766 hectares. The Long Preston Floodplain Project area is of national importance for breeding waders. These two details answer different questions: the approximate 766 hectares indicate the area’s size, while the national importance relates to the breeding waders in the project area. For your travel plans, the floodplain therefore combines a large-scale landscape setting with a clearly defined interest in birdlife.

Routes to the Floodplain and Nearby

The main access to the Long Preston Floodplain is via the Ribble Way, which can be reached from Long Preston. This route is therefore the main point of reference for visiting the river floodplain. A bird hide is accessible along the Ribble Way north of Cow Bridge. Parking near the area is limited; bear this in mind when planning your journey if you intend to visit the bird hide.

Another specific route detail concerns the return journey from Settle to Long Preston. It follows the Old Road and offers fine views across Ribblesdale to Pendle Hill. This means the route information can help with two different travel decisions: the Ribble Way is the main access to the Long Preston Floodplain, while the Old Road forms part of the return route from Settle to Long Preston. Check current trail conditions before setting out, as they can change.

Cattle Droving, Railways and Church Windows

Long Preston was an important centre for cattle droving in the early 18th century. A later chapter in its transport history began with the railway: the railway line through Long Preston opened to goods traffic on 30 July 1849 and to passenger traffic on 1 August 1849. Long Preston railway station was built by the North Western Railway Company (NWR). The chronology is clear: cattle droving reflects the area’s early economic significance, while the railway added a century later, with separate openings for goods and passenger traffic.

St Mary the Virgin also has its own art-historical connection: some of its stained-glass windows are by Capronnier of Brussels. The windows add a specific artistic attribution to the themes of economy and transport. If you are weighing up nature and history, you can therefore explore Long Preston through different interests: the river landscape and birdlife on the one hand, and cattle droving, railways and church windows on the other.

Discover more destinations: Rillington, Malton, Great Broughton, Castleton, Thornton Steward, Goathland, Embsay, Felixkirk

For the wider travel overview: North Yorkshire.