Alston Hall College is about 6 miles east of the border of Preston and holds residential and day courses mainly art, craft, pottery, music, nature, astronomy and local history sort of thing. In 2010 it has obtained a Wedding License and has updated its accommodation for business conferences and to offer tourist accommodation.
It is set in a very attractive location overlooking the Ribble Valley and is quite isolated from traffic although not far from Junction 31a of the M6. It's a very homely place, nicely decorated and very clean. At peace with the world except that it seems to be eternally worried about where its finance is coming from.
It was originally a Victorian house but was purchased by Preston Council and became a teachers training college for a while. It then became a College of Further Education. There is a sad story related to its first Principal who was killed in a road accident near the college only a few months after marrying in 1966, his wife, who was deputy became the next Principal and was, it seems, revered and has just died herself a had a large obituary (September 2007).
A day course there is a very pleasant experience especially if the weather is kind and you can wander round the gardens and enjoy the lush view across the Ribble Valley. There are always a lot of good cakes and biscuits freely available at breaks.
A special feature are the meals which are very good. There is also a bar, and bedrooms for residential courses.
We went on an astronomy course several years ago that was very interesting as there are large telescopes and a planetarium and it's very dark round there.
A group called the Friends of Alston Hall put out a newsletter and have events, talks and working parties. They also get advance information and booking of courses.
There are courses 7 days a week and a regular programme.
Alston Hall College
Alston Lane
Longridge
Preston
PR3 3BP
In 2010 Alston Hall has obtained a wedding license which will make use of the chapel and a Wedding Fayre will be held in October 2010. Alston Hall is also upgrading it's accommodation to improve conference facilities. Also obtaining a Tourist Board Star Rating to offer dinner, bed and breakfast, which will be a treat.
Link to Alston Hall website
