Unveiling Garstang Your Ultimate Guide to Markets, History, and Nature

Garstang got its Market Charter long ago, in 1310. Later, Charles II was very happy with Garstang’s fight against Cromwell. He made Garstang a Free Borough.

The town became a key stop on the London to Edinburgh route. Stagecoaches stopped there, and locals made the most of it. They had 13 pubs, earning money. In 2000, Garstang became a Fairtrade Town, the first in the world.

Garstang still has indoor and outdoor markets. The indoor market sells local goods, and the outdoor market runs Thursdays on High Street.

There are not 13 pubs anymore, but plenty exist. You can also find restaurants and cafes. Its Fairtrade status is famous, and other places copied it.

Garstang Market Hall welcomes visitors. Historic buildings are everywhere, like the Market Cross. The Historical Society has given many buildings Blue Plaques; follow them for a nice walk. Small alleys called Weinds branch off High Street. Explore them for local shops.

Many people enjoy walking by the River Wyre, which has lots of wildlife. You can watch boats on the Lancaster Canal. Millennium Green, by the river, won awards. It is pretty, and there are picnic tables for barbecues.

The River Wyre area is pretty and wins prizes, including in Britain in Bloom. Garstang hosts a painting contest each year called Painting Garstang. The contest is in early September, and you can see the art from late September to mid-October.

Garstang has many yearly events, including the Garstang Show. The town hosts a Children’s Festival and Arts Festival. There is even an Ice Cream Festival. Fall events include a play in November, and a Victorian Evening happens in early December.

Garstang has a good community and nice scenery. Crime is low, and there are various homes. Garstang is a popular place to live for families and retirees.

Margaret Robinson runs Robinson Seeds & Plants with her sister and nephew. Their great-grandfather started it in 1860. They won an award at the Southport Flower Show and featured heritage plants. This was their 60th time winning.

Patrick Grant loved their display. He is from The Great British Sewing Bee. He bought onion seeds. Alan Titchmarsh and Carol Klein are also fans.

Their Mammoth Onion is very big. It tastes sweet and mild, making it good in French Onion Soup. You can eat it raw, says Margaret. Then you keep your friends. Margaret saves customer photos that show off their Robinson produce.

The photos go into the archive. It contains her great-granddad’s papers. Those papers would be saved first in a fire.

Their website lists many plants, almost 700 kinds. It has Yard Long Climbing Bean and Sumo Pumpkin. Margaret likes Black Prince Tomato. It tastes like peaches.

People order all over the UK. Margaret likes when they visit. People ask what to plant. She suggests Garstang Garlic. They might write a cookbook.

Leonie Bull and Lynda Sutton run dog hydrotherapy. They use grilled sausages and dog biscuits. Patience helps a lot. They use a special underwater treadmill.

There are not many canine treadmills. Leonie started 20 years ago. They cost much money then. She runs Fit Dog Hydrotherapy and works with Lynda Sutton.

Leonie is a retired nurse. She started because her dog needed help. Nell had elbow issues. Leonie learned about canine treadmills and got special training.

They help dogs in many ways, including treating arthritis and spinal issues. They treat weight and fitness needs and help dogs after surgery. Some show dogs train there. All dogs must be referred by their vet.

Appointments last an hour. Dogs might use the tank briefly. Some do not enter at first. The team respects each dog and helps nervous dogs. Some dogs start easily, while others refuse to move.

Treats sometimes help. Most dogs like the water. The water is kept at 28 degrees. The staff dries them or wraps them up. Owners wish they could also use it. It is only for dogs and Leonie has treated 10,000 dogs.

Diane Nicholsby owns Crafty Diane’s. She had a MS diagnosis. She used to be a GP and then retired. It was time to start her dream. She wanted craft groups with expert help. She also wanted a gallery and shop.

Diane always liked crafts. She knows crafts are good for people, helping them connect. She is a glass artist. Crafts help mental health a lot, and help people meet and learn art.

Diane knew what she wanted. Finding the right place was hard. Then she saw an old chandlery. It was good and bright. She opened in 2022, and has already won an award.

Diane will reach out to many people. She will give talks and host kids’ parties. She will open at night.

Mental health is important always. They do events for companies. They offer cake. Diane offers Christmas craft courses where people can make wreaths and glass art.

People buy handmade gifts, and they also buy things for themselves. Diane makes sure everything is local. It must be crafted, beautiful, and affordable.

Dewlay Cheese started in 1957. George Kenyon started it. Now, his grandsons make cheese. They offer tours, and you must book them. The shop is open.

Bridgehouse Marina is on the Lancaster Canal. It has 150 spots for boats. The area has paths, birds, and flowers. You can rent a boat for the day. There is also a cafe.

The Arts Centre used to be a school. It has art groups and a cafe. Find the Wine Circle and Chess Club. See exhibitions and craft fairs.

Start cycling routes from Garstang Market Cross. Routes range from six to 34 miles. Try the Winmarleigh Round. It is flat and easy. The Barnacre Round has nice views.

The Royal Oak is in town, next to the Market Cross. This inn has nine rooms. All the rooms have bathrooms. Pets are welcome, and they serve meals.

Cleveleymere Lakeside Lodges has eight lodges. It is private and gated. It sits on 34 acres, making it good for trips. The site is surrounded by nature. There is a lake with activities.

Orchard Glamping has luxury pods. It won awards. A family runs it on their land, which they have owned for generations. Every glamping site has a bathroom, kitchen, and barbecue. It also has underfloor heating and a fire pit.

Garstang lacks a train station. Stations exist in Preston and Lancaster. You can take a bus to Garstang.

The town sits by the River Wyre. It is by the Lancaster Canal. It is on the A6 between Lancaster and Preston.

Take the M6 to Junction 32. Use Junction 33 from the north. Follow the A6. Garstang is on the B6430.