Built for history makers – explore County Hall, Preston

Step back in time with us on Saturday 20th September from 10am – 4pm for an exclusive journey through the history and architecture of County Hall, Christ Church chapel and Lancashire Archives, Preston.

Places on talks and tours are limited and must be pre-booked, but you are also welcome to just drop in and learn more about various council services as well as the chance to see original building plans and talk to representatives from local history organisations.

Café Archives will be open from 10.30am – 4pm in the Archives building with a selection of drinks and cakes available to purchase. All funds raised will go towards supporting Friends of Lancashire Archives.

Chamber Talks – County Hall: Explore the rich heritage, history, and architecture of County Hall in a captivating talk by Josh Mynott, Head of Democratic Services at Lancashire County Council — hosted in the impressive Council Chamber.

Chapel Talks – Christ Church Chapel: Christ Church Chapel talks with Conservation and Collections Manager, Heather Davis. A rare chance to step inside the extraordinary chapel designed in the spirit of 1960s modernism.

Archives Tours – Lancashire Archives: Lancashire Archives is home to millions of historical documents that help tell the amazing story of our county, from 1115 – the date of the oldest – to the Twenty first century. Come and learn more about how the team work to safeguard these for future generations in the iconic Record Office building.

Timings & Tours

Saturday 20 September:

Various times - see below for full details

Location & directions

County Hall, Fishergate Hill, Preston, Lancashire, PR1 8XJ

Directions:

County Hall, Preston, PR1 8XJ (Entrance via Pitt Street). Christ Church Chapel, Preston PR1 8XJ (Entrance via Bow Lane). Lancashire Archives, Preston PR1 2RE (Entrance via Arthur Street). Public Transport We encourage all attendees to use public transport where possible. The nearest rail station is Preston, from which County Hall is less than a 5-minute walk. Preston Bus Station is a 10-15 minute walk. Use the Preston Journey Planner here: https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/roads-parking-and-travel/ Parking The Arthur Street, car park (postcode PR1 8XB) will be available with a limited number of spaces - parking charges apply.

Contact on day:

Amy Hughes

Telephone number:

+447542508791

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking required

Booking conditions:

*All talks and tours must be pre-booked via our event site* Chamber Talks – County Hall Places are limited to 100 per talk. Entrance via the Pitt Street reception. Chapel Talks – Christ Church Chapel Places are limited to 30 per talk. Entrance via Bow Lane. Archives Tours – Lancashire Archives Places are limited to 15 per tour. Entrance via Arthur Street.

Booking website:

https://www6.apps.lancashire.gov.uk/w/webpage/all-events?service=ALL&q=chherods&matchOn=any

Booking opens:

08 Aug 2025 12:00 AM

Booking closes:

20 Sep 2025 12:00 AM

Accessibility details

We will do our best to fulfil your requirements to allow you to fully participate in this event. If you have any accessibility requirements, please let us know as you book your space or speak to staff on arrival if you need any assistance. A detailed access guide is available for county hall. Christ Church Chapel is accessible for wheelchair users when entering via Bow Lane reception – please ask staff on arrival to be directed via the appropriate route.

Additional information

Max no of people per tour:

100

Est. tour duration:

0 hour(s) 45 minute(s)

Check out our online channels

Back to results