Garstang, a delightful market town equidistant between Preston and Lancaster, is used to putting itself on the map. It received its Market Charter in 1310 and later, Charles II was so pleased with the fight they put up against Cromwell, that he made Garstang a Free Borough. Later, the town became a central location on the London to Edinburgh stagecoach route. The inhabitants capitalised on this, providing 13 pubs and making themselves prosperous in the process and in 2000, Garstang became the world’s first Fairtrade Town.
It still has two markets. The indoor market is well known for its local produce and the outdoor market lines the High Street every Thursday. It hasn’t quite retained all 13 pubs but there are still plenty; along with a variety of restaurants and coffee shops and its Fairtrade status has been lauded and copied all over the world.
Many visitors enjoy strolling along the banks of the River Wyre, with its abundance of wildlife or watching boats on the Lancaster Canal. Millennium Green, by the river, has won prizes for its environmental impact and has stunning views. It also has barbeque friendly picnic tables if autumn chills are biting and you fancy rustling up something hot.
Garstang’s annual social calendar is packed with events including the Garstang Show, The Children’s Festival, The Arts Festival and even an Ice Cream Festival. Autumn events include the Cabus Players’ production in November and the town’s Victorian Evening which this year takes place on December 4-5.
The sense of community, picturesque surroundings, low crime rates and variety of housing, make Garstang a very popular place to live, both for those wishing to bring up a family and for those looking for the perfect spot to retire to.
Margaret Robinson, with sister Susan and nephew Adam, are the fourth and fifth generation to run Robinson Seeds & Plants, established by their great grandfather in 1860. Highlighting heritage varieties, they won the Challenge Cup at this year’s Southport Flower Show for the 60th time.
One visitor who could barely tear himself away from their magnificent display was Patrick Grant, presenter of The Great British Sewing Bee.
‘He loved our legendary Mammoth Onion and bought some seeds. We do have other famous fans, like Alan Titchmarsh and Carol Klein,’ says Margaret.
The Mammoth Onion weighs between five and ten pounds, with a sweet and mild flavour and caramelises beautifully in French Onion Soup.
‘It’s the only onion you can eat raw and still keep your friends,’ says Margaret who keeps all the pictures that customers post of their Robinson produce.
‘They become part of our archive. It includes great granddad’s papers and yes, they would be the first thing rescued in a fire,’ says Margaret.
Their website, featuring almost 700 fabulous varieties, is somewhere many hours can be lost. It features wonders such as the Yard Long Climbing Bean, Sumo Pumpkin and Margaret’s favourite, Black Prince Tomato, which has purple skin and sweet peach like flesh.
‘Customers order from all over the UK but it’s nice when people visit. At this time of year, the most common question is what to plant – we reply the wonderful Garstang Garlic. We’re also asked, will we write a cookbook? Maybe. If we have time,’ says Margaret.
Lightly grilled organic sausages, dog biscuits and masses of patience are just some of the things needed to run a successful dog hydrotherapy – that and a state-of-the-art underwater tread mill.
‘There aren’t many underwater canine treadmills around. When I started, over 20 years ago, they were rare and very expensive,’ says Leonie Bull who owns and runs Fit Dog Hydrotherapy with assistant, Lynda Sutton.
Leonie, a retired nurse, began when her own dog, Nell, who suffered with elbow dysplasia needed something more powerful than a dog pool. She investigated the use of canine underwater treadmills and underwent specialist training.
‘We treat dogs with many conditions: arthritic and spinal problems, weight problems, dogs needing to get fit before an operation and those recovering from surgery. We sometimes treat show dogs who want to be fit before a show but every dog must be referred by their vet,’ says Leonie.
‘Appointments last an hour but the dog may only be in the tank for a few minutes and sometimes, on a first visit, may not get in at all. We respect the dog and if they are nervous, we address that first,’ says Lynda, explaining that some dogs just happily begin, while others stubbornly plant their paws, refusing to move.
‘Sometimes treats are used to persuade dogs to walk but most take to it like a dog to water. Water is maintained at 28 degrees and afterwards, they’re blast dried or wrapped in a warm towel. Some owners are envious and ask if they can have a go but it’s exclusively for dogs,’ says Leonie who has treated over 10,000 canine clients.
Diane Nicholsby, of Crafty Diane’s, was a highly successful GP until she was diagnosed with MS and retired. That’s when she decided the time was right to realise a long-held dream – a space where crafting groups and expert tuition would combine with a gallery and shop.
‘I’ve always loved crafts and as a former GP, I know how important they are for bringing people together,’ says Diane, who has a reputation as a talented glass fusion artist. ‘It’s extremely beneficial for mental health, whether it’s meeting to craft and natter or learning how to produce canal art.
‘I knew what I wanted but finding it wasn’t easy until I visited Bridgehouse Marina and discovered an old chandlery. It was perfect for the bright, airy and homely space I wanted,’ says Diane, who opened in 2022 and who has already won the Business in the Community Award.
Diane is determined to reach out to as many people as possible: giving talks, children’s birthday parties and opening in the evening.
‘Mental health care doesn’t stop at 5.30. We also do corporate events and, as an added incentive, home-made cake is sometimes provided,’ says Diane who will be offering Christmas craft courses such as rag wreath making and fused glass Christmas ornaments.
‘People also come to buy handmade gifts by local artisans, although they frequently pop in an extra gift for themselves. I know I do,’ says Diane who ensures everything passes The Diane Test: local, hand-crafted, beautiful and affordable.
FOUR THINGS TO DO IN GARSTANG
Enjoy cheese
Dewlay Cheese was founded in 1957 by George Kenyon and today, his grandsons carry on the tradition of making award-winning cheese. There are guided tours of the dairy and viewing gallery but these must be pre-booked with a minimum number of people. The shop is open to the public.
Bridgehouse Marina
A beautiful location, connected to the Lancaster Canal, with 150 moorings. The tranquil surroundings are perfect for walks, spotting water birds and wildflowers. If you really can’t resist getting on the water, then maybe hire a self-drive Day Launch for the day. There is also a café on site.
Arts Centre
Situated in the picturesque Old Grammar School, it’s home to Garstang and District Arts Society and a very nice café. It hosts heaps of special interest groups, including Garstang Wine Circle, Chess Club and Garstang Folk Dancers and always has something going on from exhibitions to craft fairs.
Cycle
There are several cycling routes starting from Garstang Market Cross with distances ranging from six to 34 miles. The most accessible route is The Winmarleigh Round which is on flat terrain and suitable for all the family. The Barnacre Round is a mile longer, giving fantastic views of the coast.
THREE PLACES TO STAY IN GARSTANG
Situated in the heart of the town, adjacent to the ancient Market Cross, the Royal Oak is a welcoming inn, with nine en-suite bedrooms. Each comfortably furnished room is pet friendly. Traditional meals are served on the premises.
Eight luxury lodges situated on a private, gated 34-acre site, a perfect location for family holidays or romantic breaks. Surrounded by stunning, peaceful countryside, there is also a 24-acre lake offering many water-based activities.
The three luxury pods have won a host of awards, including Channel 4’s Four in a Bed and are run by a farming family on land they have owned for generations. All have bathrooms, kitchens, underfloor heating, built-in barbecue and firepits.
How to get there
Garstang does not have a railway station but there are stations in Preston and Lancaster, with bus connections to Garstang.
The town stands beside the River Wyre, the Lancaster Canal and the A6 mid-way between Lancaster and Preston.
To drive: take the M6 to Junction 32 (if coming from the south, use Junction 33 from the north) then follow the A6. Garstang is well signposted along this route to the B6430, which will take you to the town.
