Tuesday 27 October (afternoon) Bowling
Whether it’s your first time or you’re a regular, come along, have fun, and enjoy two games of bowling at our local bowling alley.
Meet: Office
Time: 16.00
£9
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
Wednesday 28 October (afternoon) Conversation Club
A great way to improve your communication skills, meet other students and discuss interesting topics.
Meet: Office
Time: 16.30
Free
Thursday 29 October (afternoon) Cursed Carnival Escape Room
Step into a mysterious carnival where a strange prize has placed a curse on your team! Work together to solve puzzles, uncover clues and return the prize before time runs out. With just 60 minutes to break the curse, this spooky escape room is a fun and challenging team activity.
Location: Breakout Chester CH1 1NN
Time: 16.30
Suggested Activity
£26
Friday 30 October (evening) Hocus Pocus
A special Halloween outdoor cinema screening of the classic Disney film. Enjoy the Sanderson Sisters’ spooky adventures on a giant LED screen under the open sky, with street food, drinks and a relaxed rooftop atmosphere overlooking Chester.
Location: Rooftop Social Club CH1 1DF
Time: 19.00
Suggested Activity
£14
Saturday 31 October (evening) Lord Mayor's Spooktacular Fireworks
Enjoy a spectacular Halloween evening at Chester Racecourse, with a funfair, entertainment and a spectacular fireworks display lighting up the sky above the historic racecourse.
Location: Chester racecourse CH1 2LY
Time: Opens 16.30 - Main fireworks display 19.30
Suggested Activity
£13 +
Sunday 1 November (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
Sunday 1 November (evening) Halloween Murder Mystery
Step into a thrilling murder mystery inspired by Jack the Ripper. Follow the clues, uncover dark secrets and help solve the case in this interactive Halloween experience.
Meet: Garret Bar, Storyhouse
Time: 19.30
£29
Monday 2 November (evening) Games at Riley's
Join us for a game of pool, snooker, darts or even shuffleboard!
Meet: Riley's
Time: 16:00 - 17.00
Suggested Activity
£5
Tuesday 3 November (afternoon) Bowling
Whether it’s your first time or you’re a regular, come along, have fun, and enjoy two games of bowling at our local bowling alley.
Location: Tenpin Chester
Time: 16.30
Suggested Activity
£9
Wednesday 4 November (afternoon) Conversation Club
A great way to improve your communication skills, meet other students and discuss interesting topics.
Meet: Office
Time: 16.00
Free
Thursday 5 November (afternoon) Badminton/Pickleball
Fun, relaxed sessions for all skill levels. Play, move, and meet new people in a friendly and active environment.
Meet: Office
Time: 16.00
£5
Friday 6 November (afternoon) Cream Tea
Enjoy a traditional English cream tea and chat with fellow students.
Location: Oddfellows CH1 1RS
Time: 14.15
Suggested Activity
£8
Saturday 7 November (afternoon) Liverpool: Beatles Explorer Bus Tour
Explore Liverpool’s musical heritage on the Beatles Explorer Bus Tour, discovering famous Beatles landmarks, iconic locations and the places that inspired the band’s songs. Learn about the Fab Four’s lives and rise to fame while enjoying an entertaining guided tour of the city.
Meet: Gower Street Royal Albert Dock, Liverpool L3 4AS
Time: 12.00 or 14.00
Suggested Activity
£20
Sunday 8 November (afternoon) Manchester: Museum of Illusions
Step into a world of optical illusions, mind-bending rooms and fun photo opportunities at Manchester’s Museum of Illusions!
Meet: 58-66 Market St, Manchester M1 1PW
Time: 12.00
Suggested Activity
£25
Monday 9 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!
Meet: Reception
Time: 16:00
free
Tuesday 10 November (afternoon) Mini Golf
Make your way to The Hole in Wand, mini golf with a magical twist!
Location: The Hole in Wand CH1 1LE
Time: 14.30
Suggested Activity
£10
Wednesday 11 November (afternoon) Football
Join us for a fun football session! Enjoy playing with other students, practise your skills and make new friends in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.
Meet: Goals Off Bumper's Ln, Talbot Way, Chester CH1 4LT
Time: 16:00
Suggested Activity
£5
Thursday 12 November (afternoon) Conversation Club
A great way to improve your communication skills, meet new students and discuss interesting topics.
Meet: Reception
Time: 16.00
Free
Friday 13 November (afternoon) Lanterns and Light
Experience the magic of Christmas at Lanterns and Light at Chester Zoo, a spectacular evening trail filled with glowing lanterns, dazzling light displays and festive illuminations. Enjoy a magical walk through the zoo and soak up the festive atmosphere!
Meet: Chester Zoo, Chester CH2 1LE
Time: 16.30 - 20.00
Suggested Activity
£12 +
Saturday 14 November (full day trip) Lake District
Discover the stunning lakes, charming villages, and rolling fells of England’s Lake District on a guided journey through its natural and cultural highlights.
Book your ticket at ELC Reception
Meet: Chester Railway Station
Time: 08:30
£60
Sunday 15 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 16 November (afternoon) Games Afternoon
A fun and friendly club where students can relax, socialise, and enjoy a variety of interactive, board and card games.
Meet: Common Room
Time: 16:15
Free
Tuesday 17 November (afternoon) Escapism
Work in teams to solve puzzles and uncover clues to escape a themed room before time runs out.
Meet: Office
Time: 16:00
£15
Wednesday 18 November (afternoon) Conversation Club
A great way to improve your communication skills, meet other students and discuss interesting topics.
Meet: Office
Time: 16.00
Free
Thursday 19 November (afternoon) Badminton & Pickleball
Fun, relaxed sessions for all skill levels. Play, move, and meet new people in a friendly and active environment.
Meet: Office
Time: 16.00
£5
Friday 20 November (afternoon) Lunch Club
Join our friendly lunch club! Relax, make new friends, and enjoy fun conversations over a buffet lunch in a welcoming setting.
Location: Panda Mami
Time:13.30
£15
Saturday 21 November (afternoon) Official Liverpool Football Club Museum and Stadium Tour
Discover the history of Liverpool FC with an exciting stadium tour and museum visit. Explore Anfield, see the players’ areas, walk through the press room and learn about the club’s legendary players, trophies and unforgettable moments. A must for football fans!
Meet: Anfield, Liverpool L4 0TH
Time: 12:00
Suggested Activity
£26
Sunday 22 November (full day trip) York Christmas Market
Enjoy a festive day trip to York Christmas Market, where you can explore charming wooden chalets selling seasonal gifts, handmade crafts and delicious festive treats.
Meet: World Museum Liverpool L3 8EN
Time: 08.30/10.30
Suggested Activity
£50
Monday 23 November (afternoon) Craft Club
A friendly craft club where students come together to learn new skills, share ideas, and make simple handmade items in a relaxed, social setting.
Meet: Common Room
Time: 16.00
Free
Tuesday 24 November (afternoon) Bowling
Whether it’s your first time or you’re a regular, come along, have fun, and enjoy two games of bowling at our local bowling alley.
Location: Tenpin Chester
Time: 16.30
Suggested Activity
£9
Wednesday 25 November (afternoon) Conversation Club
A great way to improve your communication skills, meet other students and discuss interesting topics.
Meet: Office
Time: 16.30
Free
Thursday 26 November (afternoon) Travel Club
Discover new destinations as students promote a short trip to their home country, sharing its popular sights, local cuisine and cultural highlights to inspire others to visit.
Meet: Common Room
Time: 16.00
free
Friday 27 November (afternoon) Cream Tea
Enjoy a traditional English cream tea and chat with fellow students.
Meet: The Cross
Time: 14.15
£8
Saturday 28 November (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
Sunday 29 November (full day trip) Lake District Trip
The Lake District sightseeing tour takes you to beautiful mountainous countryside in a National Park.
Book your ticket at ELC Reception!
Meet: Chester Railway Station
Time: 08:30
£60
Monday 30 November (evening) Pool
Join us for a game of pool, snooker, darts or even shuffleboard!
Meet: Riley's
Time: 16:00
£5