northwest england anyone?

my fiance just got an amazing job in preston, lancashire and now we will need to move somewhere around that area. I was wondering if anybody knew of some really nice towns around there? we are looking for ideally moving a bit south of preston. a small town or village would be nice!

also, what are the main websites to find rentals in north west england?

thanks!

I don't really know anything about the NW (heck, I hardly know about the NE, and I live here!   ), but you could try www.rightmove.co.uk for rentals 

I understand Preston can be a bit rough but I don't know it well myself. I lived in Kendal, Cumbria - just over the county border for a while. Lancaster is good b/c it has a university so a lot more arts/entertainment. Once you get north of Manchester the northwest can be very, very sleepy compared to the rest of the country. It's beautiful tho!

Ooo - I came here thinking you were going to be asking for views about a certain airline and I find Preston instead!

I was born near Southport - about 15 to 20 miles from Preston down the coast - but left too early to have any memories of there;  I know that on visits back I've found Formby and Ainsdale (from which I have the old railway station signs) and Southport a sleepy delight - much better than Preston.

Have you come across Tarleton (and the village of Holmes near to it).  Until she passed away last year, my Godmother lived there - she was a market gardener and grew these wonderful greenhouses full of tomatoes.  But - in answer to your question - such a friendly and welcoming place.

haha your right about the airline thing, i have changed the subject.

thanks for all the advice! i will look into those towns!

I recommend Garstang. I have never lived there but have worked there occasionally and it seems a nice place. It is north of Preston though.

I live in Scotland, but bought my car in Garstang, so i had to make a few trips down there, and i agree... it did seem like a nice place.

Try Lytham-St Annes or Kirkham, just outside Preston  and very nice.  I've lived in St Annes and Lytham.