The Ashton Memorial is one of the most eccentric buildings in England: a vast baroque dome rising from the wooded hilltop of Williamson Park, visible from the motorway and from as far as the Lake District. Built between 1906 and 1909 by local industrialist Lord Ashton (James Williamson, who made a fortune in linoleum), it was commissioned as a monument to his late wife. The architect was John Belcher, who gave it an exuberance that the setting deserves.
Williamson Park itself is worth the walk up — 54 acres of terraced gardens, woodland paths, and good views over the city to Morecambe Bay and the Lake District hills. The park also contains a butterfly house, a café, and an open-air theatre that stages performances in summer.
The memorial is open to visitors; climb inside for views from the upper gallery. Entry to the park is free; there is a small charge for the memorial interior and butterfly house.