The Shakespeare is the last survivor of a dozen inns and taverns that lined the ancient route of St Leonardsgate into the city of Lancaster. It serviced the shipyards and their associated maritime industries when Lancaster was a bustling seaport at the end of the 18th Century together with the travellers and coaching services moving up and down the country for whom a stop at Lancaster was essential until the arrival of the railway made a nights stop less of a necessity.
The Shakespeare features in business registers and church records of the Georgian era, and the name reflects the early importance of the Grand Theatre (now the third oldest working theatre) in the country) which first opened across the road in 1782, and where Mrs Sarah Siddons performed in many of the Shakesperian tragedies (and where her ghost has lived on ever since).
Today The Shakespeare is a rather more sedate seven-roomed Bed and Breakfast, close of the heart of Lancaster's city centre, with the Grand and the Dukes theatres within two minutes walk and with a dozen excellent eating places within five minutes on foot.
For those visiting Lancaster University the main bus station is less than 3 minutes walk away and the train station ten minutes walk through the pedestrianised centre of the city.
For over two centuries The Shakespeare has aimed to make every guest's stay as pleasant and as comfortable as possible, and the same tradition is carried forward today as strongly as ever.
The Shakespeare offers 2 Single, 2 Twin and 3 Double Rooms at prices from £32 per person per night. All rooms are ensuite and the establishment is non-smoking throughtout.
Grading: VisitBritain 4 Stars Guest House
Highlights
Traditional 4 Star B & B in Lancaster City Centre
Used extensively by visitors and parents to Lancaster University
Pictures
Facilities
Rooms:
Family Rooms:
0
Single Rooms:
2
Double Rooms:
3
Twin Rooms:
2
Disabled Facilities: There are no disabled facilities.
Pet Facilities: Pets are not allowed.
Special Diets Provision: Special diets are catered for.
Smoking Facilities: Smoking is not allowed.
Directions
If driving, follow clockwise round the one-way system following the signs to the City Centre until in North Road, then be in the left hand of the two lanes when passing the Lord Ashton public house, follow round the stiff left hand bend at the restaurant Ask and turn immediately left at the Friary church on the left 50 metres ahead, into St Leonardgate. The Shakespeare is 50 metres up St Leonardgate on the left.
Walking from the train station walk up the slope to Meeting House Lane and follow signs to the City Centre, cross over the one-way system at Waterstons (3 minutes), walk down Market Street to St Nicholas Arcade (4 minutes), turn left into Cheapside and turn right at the next junction (1 minute) down Church Street - St Leonardgate is then directly opposite on the other side of the one way system (2 mintues).
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