LANCASTER is a charming and compact city - the hustle and bustle of the likes of London could not seem further away as you walk across the cobbles of the pedestrianised city centre.

The hilltop location of Lancaster Castle makes it hard to miss and tourists dropping by the picturesque city would be missing out by not paying it a visit.

Our enthusiastic tour guide wasn't kidding when he described it as a castle with a difference.

Until March 2011 it was a category C prison and is still used as a Crown Court today.

Due to visiting the castle at the weekend, we were able to go behind the scenes and see the court rooms for ourselves.

The civil court has to be seen to be believed, it is a simply breathtaking room - a sharp contrast to the criminal court, which still has a metal holdfast in the dock to hold felons in place while they were branded with a hot iron.

The tour also visits the cells and visitors get the chance to voluntarily get shut inside a holding cell to experience what it would have been like to be plunged into total darkness while awaiting trial.

Knowledgeable guides run tours frequently throughout the day and cost £8 per adult.

Those with a thirst for local knowledge can also visit Lancaster City Museum.

Housed in the former Town Hall, the free museum has collections that bring to life the history and archaeology of the city and the surrounding area.

If that still isn't enough to satisfy history buffs, the Maritime Museum at St George's Quay, where for a small fee, tourists can explore the city's golden age and rich maritime and natural history.

After visiting the museum, which sits along the River Lune, the nearby Wagon and Horses (www.wagonandhorseslancaster.co.uk) is the perfect place to retreat.

This homely pub boasts a mouth-watering yet reasonably priced menu.

Many minutes passed by as I deliberated what to have before finally giving my order.

The duck spring rolls I ordered to start were soon delivered to my table and as soon as the plate was placed in front of me, I knew I had made the right decision. The generous portion was the best I have ever tasted, the tender shredded duck was surrounded with a crisp yet light batter and served on a bed of seaweed and leaves with a side dip - divine.

Shortly afterwards my main course appeared, chicken ballotine, locally sourced chicken breast filled with forcemeat, spinach and ricotta cheese and served with garlic fondant potatoes and a tarragon sauce, it looked like a work of art and tasted just as good. With room to spare, I then ordered a twist on an old favourite, white chocolate bread and butter pudding. The traditional pud hit the spot and with food that looked and tasted that good, it's not hard to see why the pub was full of happy customers.

During my time in Lancaster I stayed at The Borough (www.theboroughlancaster.co.uk), an award-winning gastro pub that boasts nine luxurious bedrooms.

The rooms are simply beautiful, with a lounge area to sit, relax, watch television and take advantage of the free wi-fi, a bedroom which had the most comfortable bed I have ever had the pleasure of sleeping in and a wonderful Italian marble en-suite wet room.

You certainly feel at home as bathrobes are provided in addition to a hairdryer and complimentary toiletries.

The breakfast served up each morning was divine and I think Gordon Ramsey would struggle to fault the presentation.

A buffet tables has a host of cereals, pastries and fruit to snack on while the hot food is prepared - I'd recommend The Borough Breakfast - a full English.

Those lucky enough to stay at The Borough on a Sunday will also receive a complimentary ticket to the Lancaster Comedy Club.

Each week at 8pm the pub's function room welcomes some of the finest comedians to entertain the crowds.

Those who are staying elsewhere needn't worry, tickets can be purchased at the bar for as little as £7, with meal deals available for £12.50.

To ensure I didn't spend a good part of my break stuck in traffic, I travelled to Lancaster via Virgin Trains, from Sandwell and Dudley.

The relaxing journey took approximately one hour, 43 minutes and first class return tickets for two, costs around £278.

Tickets can be purchased from www.virgintrains.co.uk.

For more things to do and see in Lancaster, visit www.visitlancashire.com or check out #discoverbreakaways on Twitter.