Tuesday 29 September (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
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 30 September (afternoon) Sew Cool
A club for all crafters; whatever your age, ability level or favourite craft.
Location: Storyhouse
Time: 18.30
Suggested activity
Free
Thursday 1 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
Friday 2 October (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
Suggested Activity
Free
Saturday 3 October (full day trip) Full Day Tour
Choose a full-day adventure to North Wales or the Lake District, discover spectacular scenery, charming towns, and unforgettable views.
Meet: Chester Train Station
Time: North Wales 09.30/Lake District 08.30
£60
Saturday 4 October (full day trip) Yorkshire
Yorkshire provides a timeless journey through quaint traditions and gloriously green landscapes, taking you from Victorian market towns to Roman cities, stately homes to colourful fishing villages.
Time: 08:30
£60
Monday 5 October (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 6 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.
Location: Tenpin Chester
Time: 16.30
Suggested Activity
£9
Wednesday 7 October (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 8 October (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
Friday 9 October (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 10 October (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 11 October (full day trip) Full Day Tour
Choose from a full-day adventure in North Wales, the Lake District, or Yorkshire—from dramatic mountains and stunning lakes to historic towns and spectacular countryside, there's something for everyone.
Meet: Chester Train Station
Time: North Wales 09.30/ Lake District & Yorkshire 08.30
£60
Monday 12 October (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 13 October (afternoon) Halloween Mini Golf
Make your way to The Hole in Wand, mini golf with a Halloween twist!
Location: The Hole in Wand CH1 1LE
Time: 14.30
£10
Wednesday 14 October (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 15 October (evening) Games Night – Books, Pictures & Stories
An enjoyable and interactive evening of games inspired by books, pictures and storytelling. A fun opportunity to get creative, work together and meet other people in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Book tickets via Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/games-night-tickets-1989656672668?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
Location: Books on The Walls CH1 2JG
Suggested Activity
£5
Friday 16 October (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 17 October (full day trip) Yorkshire Trip
Yorkshire provides a timeless journey through quaint traditions and gloriously green landscapes, taking you from Victorian market towns to Roman cities, stately homes to colourful fishing villages. Book your ticket at ELC Reception
Meet: Chester Railway Station
Time: 08:30
£60
Sunday 18 October (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 19 October (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 20 October (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 21 October (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 22 October (afternoon) Football
A football game provides friendly competition, while having fun and staying active! Bring trainers and water.
Meet: Office
Time: 16:00
£5
Friday 23 October (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
Suggested Activity
Free
Saturday 24 October (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
Sunday 25 October (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 26 October (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 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
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 (choose…) 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 +