Nestled in Lancashire, with its charming Georgian buildings and quaint cobbled streets is the city of Lancaster.

The often-overlooked UK city is bursting with history, a thriving high street despite and a loved Christmas market.

The compact yet characterful high street, resembling a village more than an urban area, is packed with popular chain stores alongside independent shops, cosy bookstores, and inviting coffeehouses, such as The Coffee Hopper. While it may have one of the shortest high streets in the country, stretching a mere 160 metres, Lancaster delightfully boasts more than 170 independent businesses.

Despite its size, the city boasts a thriving food scene, featuring independent cafes, bakeries, and restaurants, with street food also at the heart of its flavors. Some of the notable eateries in the area include Seven Sins, Merchants 1688, with its dining area in a cellar, Aquila Wood Fired Pizza, and the oldest pub in the city, The Three Mariners.

Street food can be found at its lively Charter Market that graces the city centre every Wednesday and Saturday, offering anything from fresh baked treats, international spiced dishes, vegetarian and vegan meals, to something a little sweeter. Elsewhere in the market, visitors can browse crafts and gifts, or wander through the 18th-century Assembly Rooms Emporium, described as an "Aladdin's cave of period and vintage clothing, collectables and unusual items".

If that's not enough gift inspiration ahead of the festive season, Lancaster is welcoming back its Christmas market, which will be held at the Lancaster Brewery from Friday, 28 November to Sunday, 30 November. Stalls will be packed with some of the region's best makers, bakers, and creators, while visitors will be able to feast on more flavourful street food, enjoy a warming mulled wine, and wander around to the sound of live music.

The annual Christmas Market is a beloved event in the area, as one resident wrote on Facebook: "Fantastic!!! Cannot wait! Always a cracking event!!! We'll be there with plenty of free tasters and festive vibes!!!" Another shared: "Sounds like a fabulous event."

Elsewhere in the city, Lancaster is renowned for its Medieval castle, which sits on a hilltop in the city centre. Once used as a jail and courthouse, the castle now offers guided tours through historic cells, courtrooms, and towers, sharing tales from centuries past.

Not far from the castle and city centre is Williamson Park, which houses the spectacular Ashton Memorial - frequently dubbed the "Taj Mahal of the North." Built by wealthy industrialist Lord Ashton as a memorial to his wife, the structure stands tall above the city, offering breathtaking views across the surrounding countryside.

As you stroll through the city, you'll feel as though you're walking through a history book, with its Victorian buildings and fascinating architecture, cobbled lanes, and narrow alleys leading to hidden gems scattered throughout the city. Its flourishing high street is certainly a highlight and what makes Lancaster so special, along with its ease to explore on foot and the tranquil river walks that provide an idyllic start to any weekend.

Visitors have long praised Lancaster, despite its overlooked status, as one wrote on TripAdvisor: "Lancaster City Centre is a wonderful city centre that's busy. Marked out by its great architecture and the amazing amount of retail outlets, there's also lots of pubs, bars, cafes and restaurants to enjoy in this predominantly pedestrianised area of Lancaster, it's very popular and most definitely well worth checking out if you're in the area or planning a trip to Lancaster."

Another mentioned their Lancaster castle tour and said: "A fascinating tour of a castle full of centuries of interesting history. A must for any visitor to the city, and if you are lucky, you will be looked after by the amusing and knowledgeable guide, Gregory."