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 3 June (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 4 June (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

Friday 5 June (afternoon) Badminton/Pickle Ball

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 +

Saturday 6 June (morning) Chester Makers Market Exchange

Chester Makers Market Exchange is a lively local market featuring independent traders, handmade goods, artisan food, and unique gifts in the heart of Chester.
Location: Exchange Square
Time: 10.00 - 16.00


Free

Sunday 7 June (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

Monday 8 June (afternoon) Kahoot!

Kahoot! is a fun, interactive quiz where participants answer questions in real time using their devices, making learning and competition exciting.
Meet: Common Room
Time: 16:15


Free

Tuesday 9 June (afternoon) Walk-and-Talk

Join our “walk and talk” in Chester — a relaxed way to practise English while exploring the city. Chat with others as you walk, build confidence, and improve your speaking skills in a friendly, real-life setting.
Meet: Office
Time: 16.30


Free

Wednesday 10 June (afternoon) Conversation Club

A great way to improve your communication skills, meet new students and discuss interesting topics.
Meet: Reception
Time: 16.00


Free

Thursday 11 June (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

Friday 12 June (afternoon) Chester Racecourse

A thrilling day of racing at Chester Racecourse, fast horses, big crowds, and a lively atmosphere at the UK’s oldest racecourse.
Location: Chester Racecourse
Time: First Race 13.30 - Last Race 16.10
Suggested activity


£20 +

Saturday 13 June (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

Sunday 14 June (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

Monday 15 June (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: 16:15


Free

Tuesday 16 June (afternoon) Spinners - Bowling & Activity Bar

A fun activity bar where social where students can relax, play games like virtual clayshot, interactive golf, and shuffleboard, meet new people while practising English in a lively, friendly atmosphere.
Meet: Office
Time: 16.00


£8 +

Wednesday 17 June (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 18 June (afternoon) Craft Club

A friendly craft club where students come together to learn and enjoy crochet, share ideas, and make simple handmade items in a relaxed, social setting.
Meet: Common Room
Time: 16.00


Free

Friday 19 June (afternoon) The Friday Uplift Group

The Friday Uplift Group at Storyhouse is a welcoming peer-led wellbeing group where people come together to share experiences, build confidence, and support each other in a positive and friendly environment.
Location: Meeting Room, Storyhouse
Time: 15.30 - 17.30


Free

Saturday 20 June (full day trip) Chester Zoo

A fun day out at Chester Zoo exploring animals from around the world, walking through different habitats, and learning about wildlife conservation.
Location: Chester Zoo, CH2 1EU
Suggested Activity


£37

Sunday 21 June (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


£77

Sunday 21 June (full day trip) Lake District Trip

The Lake District has been home to and inspiration for famous writers and poets such as Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth. The sightseeing tour takes you to beautiful hilly countryside in a National Park.
Book your ticket at ELC Reception!
Meet: Chester Railway Station
Time: 08:30


£60

Monday 22 June (afternoon) Chester City Walls Walk

Join the walk along the oldest, longest and most complete city walls of Britain. The walk provides fantastic views of the city and an insight into Chester's history.
Meet: Reception
Time: 16:00


Free

Tuesday 23 June (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

Wednesday 24 June (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 25 June (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