Though lol @ “Blackburn with Darwen” as the unitary authority of my birth has about as much influence as Liechtenstein.
Thoughts on Lancaster? Very nice, quite elegant and historic, and you’re so close to some amazing countryside in the Lake District, Ribble Valley/Forest of Bowland and (grits teeth ) Yorkshire Dales. Had a lot of friends from sixth form who went to the university but nearly two decades ago so I can’t comment massively on the place in 2023, it felt a bit cut off from the town/city centre but the campus is so big and well integrated with library, shops, social venues etc. it feels like a town in itself so if your son likes that kind of set-up, he might love it
Had a great night out in Lancaster with the lad yesterday. Ate at the Sun based on @AttackDuck recommendation, and a couple of beers at The Stonewall Tap and The Accidental Brewery, both with a massive selection of awesome beers. Even the lad had a half and he doesn’t drink.
I’m half hoping he chooses to go to Uni there just for my weekends away drinking.
) Yorkshire Dales. Had a lot of friends from sixth form who went to the university but nearly two decades ago so I can’t comment massively on the place in 2023, it felt a bit cut off from the town/city centre but the campus is so big and well integrated with library, shops, social venues etc. it feels like a town in itself so if your son likes that kind of set-up, he might love it 
the food is excellent