Monday 17 November (afternoon) Quiz Afternoon
Work in teams answering questions on international culture and general knowledge. Which team will win a prize!
Meet: Common Room
Time: 16:00
Free
Meet friends, have fun as you keep speaking English
The social programme is a weekly offering of popular activities designed to introduce you to Chester, to suggest fun activities and events for you to attend, and at the same time, make new friends easily, and complement your English language lessons.
Our social programme is a very important and much appreciated part of school life. Language and culture are closely linked so our programme of activities and excursions is designed to activate your English while you learn about British life and culture. You can visit many interesting places, share new experiences with students from all over the world, get to know your teachers outside of the classroom and have lots of fun.
Our Social Activities Organiser, a full-time member of staff, organises the social programme. When you arrive at the school in Chester on your first day, we’ll introduce you to our Social Activities Organiser, explain how activities work and what you have to do to sign up (reserve a place) on the activities, trips and excursions that you’re interested in.
The weekly social programme includes a range of activities, half-day excursions and full-day excursions at weekends. We also offer weekend excursions through a local company BusyBus.
- activities include a walking tour of Chester on your first day, conversation club, book club, cream tea. Activities typically cost between £6 and £15.
- half-day excursions include Anfield, Liverpool. They typically cost £15 to £30.
- full-day excursions include the Lake District, North Wales, Manchester. Excursions cost £25 to £60.
Once you’re in school, we can also help you to plan other things you might like to do independently.
Social programme
Tuesday 18 November (evening) Bowling
Enjoy two games of bowling at our local bowling alley.
Location: Tenpin Chester
Time: 16:30
£9
Wednesday 19 November (afternoon) Conversation Club
A great way to improve your communication skills, meet other students and discuss interesting topics.
Meet: Reception
Time: 16:00
Free
Thursday 20 November (afternoon) Table Tennis Tournament
A fun and fast-paced table tennis session where players can enjoy friendly matches and improve their skills.
Location: Coffee Room
Time: 16:00-16:45
Free
Thursday 20 November (evening) 12 Days of Christmas Parade
A joyful festive procession through Chester’s historic streets, filled with music, lights, colourful characters, and a special visit from Father Christmas.
Meet: Bridge Street, Chester
Time: 19:00
Suggested Activity
Free
Thursday 21 November (afternoon) Musicals Quiz
Come along to Picturehouse Chester for a lively musicals quiz—songs, shows, and plenty of theatre trivia!
Meet: Picturehouse
Time: 17.00
Suggested Activity
Free
Saturday 22 November (afternoon) Liverpool One Gravity Max
Gravity MAX is a huge entertainment venue in Liverpool ONE featuring e-karting, VR experiences, AR games, mini-golf, and a rooftop terrace with bars and live entertainment, perfect for fun with friends.
Location: Liverpool One L1 3DF
Time: 11.00-23.00
Suggested Activity
Price varies
Sunday 23 November (afternoon) Manchester City Etihad Stadium Tour
Immerse yourself in the City story on the Manchester City Stadium Tour. Visit areas of the Etihad Stadium not usually available to the public with a professional guide and hear interesting stories. Book through getyourguide.com
Meet: Meet at Ashton New Rd/City of MCR Stadium, Manchester M11
Time: Guided tours start from 10.00
Suggested Activity.
£26 +
Monday 24 November (afternoon) Games Afternoon
A fun and friendly club where students can relax, socialise, and enjoy a variety of board and card games.
Meet: Common Room
Time: 16:00
Free
Tuesday 25 November (afternoon) Pool
A welcoming club for students who enjoy playing pool, whether for fun or competition. It’s a great place to unwind, meet new friends, and sharpen your game!
Location: Riley's Sports Bar
Time: 16:30
£6
Wednesday 26 November (afternoon) Conversation Club
A great way to improve your communication skills, meet other students and discuss interesting topics.
Meet: Reception
Time: 16:00
Free
Saturday 27 September (afternoon) Write here, write now
A free, monthly creative-writing meetup for adults of all levels, held at Storyhouse. The activity involves writing prompts, blogging workshops, peer support, and motivation.
Location: Meeting Room Storyhouse
Time: 19:00
Suggested Activity
Free
Thursday 28 November (afternoon) Cream Tea
Enjoy a traditional English cream tea and chat in The Secret Garden Restaurant.
Meet: Reception
Time: 15:00
£6
Saturday 29 November (full day trip) Chester Christmas Makers Market
A festive monthly market in Chester’s city centre, bringing together over 80 local artisans. Expect handmade crafts, unique gifts, food, and live music all with a warm, community-driven atmosphere.
Location: Market Hall
Time: 10.00-17.00
Suggested Activity
Free entry
Sunday 30 November (full day trip) North Wales Trip
As part of the North Wales sightseeing tour you will visit charming Welsh seaside towns, an ancient castle, and an amazing National Park.
Book your ticket at ELC Reception!
Meet: Chester Railway Station
Time: 09:30
£60
Monday 1 December (afternoon) Table Tennis Tournament
A fun and fast-paced table tennis session where players can enjoy friendly matches and improve their skills.
Location: Coffee Room
Time: 16:00-16:45
Free
Tuesday 2 December (evening) Bowling
Can you get a strike!
Meet: Reception
Time: 16:00
£8
Wednesday 3 December (afternoon) Conversation Club
A great way to improve your communication skills, meet other students and discuss interesting topics.
Meet: Reception
Time: 16:00
Free
Thursday 4 December (evening) Winter Watch Parade
Dating from the 1400's, The Winter Watch Parade takes place around Chester City Centre and includes dance, fire breathing and sword fights! The parade takes place in Eastgate Street and in the Town Hall Square.
Meet: Town Hall Square
Time: 19:00
Suggested Activity
Free
Friday 5 December (afternoon) Cream Tea
Enjoy a traditional English cream tea and chat with fellow students.
Location: The Secret Garden Restaurant (Oddfellows Restaurant), 20 Lower Bridge St, Chester CH1 1RS
Time: 14:30
£6
Saturday 6 December (evening) The Christmas Orchestra
Experience a magical festive evening at Chester Cathedral with a 16-piece chamber orchestra performing Christmas classics and beloved film music, from Home Alone to The Polar Express, complete with lighting, sing-alongs, and a truly enchanting seasonal atmosphere.
Location: Chester Cathedral
Time: 18.00 - 19.15
Suggested Activity
£32 +
Sunday 7 December (full day trip) North Wales Trip
Explore the rugged mountains, historic castle, and picturesque villages of North Wales on a guided journey through its stunning landscapes and rich heritage.
Book your ticket at ELC Reception
Meet: Chester Railway Station
Time: 09:30
£60