The Ashton Memorial is a folly in Williamson Park, Lancaster, Lancashire, England built between 1907 and 1909 by the millionaire industrialist Lord Ashton in memory of his second wife, Jessy, at a cost of £87,000.
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The crown jewel of Williamson Park, Lancaster. This building can be seen from miles around. Built from 1907-1909. Commissioned by Lord Ashton (millionaire industrialist) in memory of his wife. It's as impressive close up as it is from a distance. I couldn't give it 5 stars due to it being intermittently open. I've only ever been inside once. It's an architectural photographer's dream. The hill to get up to it is quite steep on both sides. Wheelchair users will definitely need assistance, unless you've got serious hill climbing arms & a good bit of stamina. There's a cafe behind it with toilets. Even if you can't get inside the tower it's worth the visit just for the view over the bay towards the Lake District.
There's a small car park off the main road that runs past the main gate but I've always been lucky enough to find street parking opposite the car park. I'd recommend visiting in late Spring, Summer & when the leaves are turning colour. Winter can be a bit dreary but there are a large number of evergreen trees...
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A beautiful landmark and a great place to spend an afternoon. Having visited Ashton memorial a number of times over the past few years, it’s great to see its still a well kept and accessible place.
There are a number of activities to do as well as just enjoy the views from the hilltop monument. There is a small zoo, with a butterfly house, mini beasts and meerkats. Outside here is a small cafe serving teas and coffees, along with sandwiches and cakes.
The park is a decent size for kids and has wheelchair accessible pathways. Beware some of the hills are quite challenging though, especially if you’ve walked from Lancaster city centre. I recommend the bus.
The monument itself is open to the public unless booked out for an event. We’ve been lucky enough to attend a wedding there. This seated at least sixty people and the coastal views made for a really nice wedding backdrop.
If you’re in Lancaster and you want a cheap outdoor activity, try out Ashton memorial and the surrounding park. I...
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I made a visit to Lancaster recently and as with most of my journeys, usually I do a lot of planning. This day trip was no exception.
One of the parts of Lancaster I was desperate to see was Ashton Memorial. Located in Williamson Park and completed in 1909, this was designed as a tribute to Lord Ashtons late wife, Jessy.
It’s a striking building that offers the most spectacular views and one not to be missed.
On site, close to the memorial there is a coffee shop including toilet facilities. With indoor and outdoor seating it’s a very pleasant sit off after all the walking you will have done just to get there.
If you decide to walk from the centre of Lancaster to the memorial, be prepared for a very long walk uphill. However, for those fit enough to do it, the view at the top more than makes up...
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