Student guide to North West England: top 10 things to do

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Sports, history music and friendly people are just some of the things this region is famous for. If you’re thinking about going to uni here, keep reading for our top things for students to do in North West England.

1) Etihad Stadium

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Good for: Sports fanatics.

What it is: The home of Manchester City football club.

Why you should go: As well as football, the Etihad Stadium has staged rugby league matches, boxing world titles and summer music concerts. It’s an impressive feat of construction and a behind the scenes tour is a must-do for any City enthusiast or sports fan in general. You’ll be shown around by expert guides as you witness the magic of City come to life. Visit the changing rooms, walk down the players’ tunnel and onto the pitch and take a picture with Pep Guardiola in the press conference room.

2) Chester City Walls

Good for: Getting to know this historic city.

What it is: The most complete city walls in Britain.

Why you should go: This two mile walk is the perfect way to get your bearings when you’ve just started uni. The city walls are the oldest and longest in Britain, with some parts built by the Romans over 2,000 years ago. By walking the circuit you’ll take in great views of Chester, as well as getting an insight into its long history. On route explore the mediaeval remains of Chester Castle and learn more about it in the nearby museum. You’ll also see all four city gates, the famous Eastgate Clock, a Roman amphitheatre and Britain’s oldest racecourse.

3) St Johns Beacon

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Good for: Incredible views.

What it is: A 360 degree perspective of Liverpool and beyond.

Why you should go: St Johns Beacon is home to Radio City, one of the UK’s most popular radio stations. The station’s viewing platform is a unique way to marvel at the landscape of Merseyside, the Wirral and Lancashire. The panoramic views are amazing, and on a clear day you could even see as far as Snowdonia and Blackpool. Student tickets are £6.50 and the tower is open every day of the week. Brace yourself if you’re not a fan of heights, as you’ll be 400 feet above the city centre!

4) The Sugarhouse

Good for: Drinking and dancing the night away.

What it is: The Lancaster Student Union’s nightclub.

Why you should go: Based in a big warehouse, the Sugarhouse is Lancaster’s legendary student nightclub, owned and run by the Uni’s Student Union. Over the last 40 years it’s grown into the city’s biggest club with regular nights and guest acts. Entry and drinks are always cheap (as long as you’ve got your student card). Saturday is the main event, with RnB, house classics and hip-hop beats. Instead of queuing for a taxi home, catch the free Sugar Bus that runs between campus and the club to get home safely (and cheaply).

5) Cheshire Oaks

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Good for: Shopping ‘til you drop.

What it is: The UK’s biggest designer outlet.

Why you should go: Just half an hour from Liverpool and five miles from Chester is the ideal day out for all shopaholics. Browse your favourite brands at the McArthur Glen designer outlet, with amazing deals and discounts at over 140 stores. From sportswear like Adidas and lululemon, to footwear including Dr Martens and Converse, to designer clothing galore, there’s something for everyone. Then pick up some sugary treats at the Hotel Chocolat, Cadbury and Haribo stores. When you’re done shopping, you can go bowling or catch the latest blockbuster at the cinema.

6) River Cruise on the Mersey

Good for: Sightseeing and getting to know the area.

What it is: A river explorer cruise along the world-famous Mersey.

Why you should go: Sit back, relax and enjoy the views on board the Dazzle Ferry, an amazing pop art ship designed by artist Sir Peter Blake. This river cruise includes live commentary as you sail past some of Liverpool’s most iconic sights, such as the Royal Albert Dock, the 3 Graces and two cathedrals. You’ll learn about the historic part the ferries played in World War Two, as well as countless facts about the city's musical history. Why not hop off at the Wirral and make a day of it by visiting Birkenhead Park or New Brighton beach.

7) Albert Hall

Photo © David Dixon (cc-by-sa/2.0)

Good for: Live music in a beautiful location.

What it is: An iconic entertainment venue in Manchester.

Why you should go: This stunning converted chapel in the city centre is an unrivalled setting for music and theatre. Closed up and hidden away for more than 40 years, it was resurrected in 2013 and is now one of the best places to watch live music in the North West, if not the UK. The restored stained glass windows and ornate decorations create an incredible atmosphere. You’ll definitely want to experience this if you’re studying in the area. Past acts have included Mogwai, Annie Mac, Sam Smith and The Charlatans, and a huge variety of events are planned for 2023.

8) Ye Olde Man and Scythe

Good for: Some historic and haunted pints.

What it is: One of the oldest pubs in Britain.

Why you should go: This historic pub is known as the 4th oldest in Britain, as well as one of the most haunted. It’s in the centre of Bolton and opened way back in 1251. Some traditional features remain including wooden beams, leaded windows and stone floors. Its most famous ghostly resident is James Stanley, whose family owned the pub in the 1650s. Stanley was dragged from the pub and beheaded for his part in the Bolton Massacre, and it’s said he can be seen today causing mischief in the cellars.

9) The Lowry

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Good for: Soaking up some culture.

What it is: Manchester’s premier visual and performing arts centre.

Why you should go: The Lowry’s calendar is jam packed with events and exhibitions. Book tickets for theatre, comedy, dance, circus shows and loads more, with great discounts available if you’re under 30. It’s named after the artist L.S. Lowry, and you can see a selection of his paintings on show along with other artworks in temporary exhibitions. Part of The Lowry’s mission is to nurture creativity and work with local communities, so there’s always a host of creative workshops and activities on to get involved with.

10) Indoor Paintball Liverpool

Good for: An exciting, authentic military experience.

What it is: Paintballing without the mud.

Why you should go: This new approach to paintball will get your heart pumping and adrenaline juices flowing. Report for duty at the North West’s leading indoor paintballing venue, get kitted out and equipped with 200 paintballs. You’ll get two hours of close-quarter combat in a massive indoor playing area. Grab your mates and work together to fight through the military-themed challenges, including modes inspired by the Call of Duty video game. It’s just five minutes away from Liverpool’s centre and prices start at £22 per person.

Key info about North West England

Many of the North West’s universities rank highly in 2023 league tables, especially Lancaster University (Complete University Guide). Manchester and Liverpool are well known as two of the UK’s biggest student hubs. They’re both diverse, metropolitan and multicultural, meaning lots of industry links and new developments to get experience in.

As a student in the region, you’ll be well connected as it’s easy to get about the UK by train and ferry. Or, if you’re planning a trip further afield, Manchester Airport is one of the busiest in Europe. Life up in the North West is also cheaper than in the South, with more affordable average rental costs and nights out.

Thinking about studying in North West England but not sure what city is right for you? Start your research here.