Top 15 Things to Do in Preston for Students
Preston doesn't always make the headlines when students are choosing a university city, but that's part of what makes it great. It's affordable, compact, well-connected, and packed with things to do once you know where to look. Whether you're fresh off the train from Fresher's Week or halfway through your final year, this guide covers the best things to do in Preston for students from bouncy castle hire to canal walks, live music to late-night eats.
1. Hire an Inflatable for a Student Party with Wacky World Hire
If you're organising a flat party, society social, or end-of-year celebration, Wacky World Hire is the first place to check. Based in Preston, they offer inflatable hire including bouncy castles for adults and kids, a Velcro fly wall, Rock 'N' Roll Gladiator Duel, inflatable climbing wall, Meltdown inflatable, Hungry Hippos, and more. Prices start from £60 for a small bouncy castle, and free self-pickup is available if you want to keep costs down.
They also offer mascot entertainers to hire over 40 characters ranging from Spiderman to Shrek which is genuinely great fun for themed student nights or charity events. You can browse and book directly through website.
It's one of those things that sounds mad until you're actually in a bouncy castle at midnight with your coursemates, and then it makes perfect sense.
2. Explore Avenham and Miller Parks
These two connected parks sit right on the River Ribble and they're free to visit year-round. Avenham Park has a long history, it opened in 1861 and features formal gardens, a bandstand, and steep grassy slopes that are genuinely excellent for sledging in winter or lying in the sun in summer. The Victorian Japanese garden in Miller Park is worth a visit too.
Students from the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) often use the parks for a morning run, a picnic between lectures, or just a bit of fresh air during exam season. It's within walking distance of the city centre, so there's no excuse not to go.
3. Visit the Harris Museum, Art Gallery and Library
The Harris is one of the best free museums in the North West and it's right in the centre of Preston. The building itself is a Grade I listed Greek Revival structure, and inside you'll find fine art, local history collections, and regularly changing exhibitions.
As of 2024, the Harris has been undergoing a major refurbishment, with phased reopening planned. Check the Harris website for the latest on what's open before you visit. When it's fully open, it's the kind of place you can spend a whole afternoon in without spending a penny which is exactly the student budget vibe.
4. Walk or Cycle the Ribble Way
The Ribble Way is a 70-mile long-distance footpath that starts in Preston and follows the River Ribble up into the Yorkshire Dales. You don't need to do all 70 miles at once even a short stretch along the riverbank near Penwortham or Walton-le-Dale makes for a solid afternoon out.
Cycling is also an option along parts of the route, and Preston has several bike hire and cycle routes connecting to the wider Lancashire cycling network. It's a good way to clear your head mid-semester without spending anything beyond the cost of a packed lunch.
5. Catch Live Music at the 53 Degrees
53 Degrees is the student union venue at UCLan and one of the main spots for live music, club nights, and comedy in the city. It regularly hosts touring acts, themed nights, and student-run events throughout the academic year. Tickets are usually cheaper for UCLan students, and the atmosphere is relaxed in the way that proper student venues tend to be.
Keep an eye on the UCLan Students' Union events calendar to see what's coming up.
6. Shop and Eat at Preston Market
Preston Market is one of the oldest in England, with a charter dating back to 1179. The indoor market hall in the city centre sells everything from fresh produce and meat to clothing, flowers, and street food. For students on a budget, it's one of the best places in the city to buy cheap, fresh ingredients rather than relying on supermarket meal deals.
The market also has a good selection of hot food stalls if you're after a quick lunch that won't cost you much. Traders at Preston Market offer fresh local produce at prices you won't find in most city-centre supermarkets.
7. Try Bouldering at The Depot Climbing Centre
The Depot in Preston is a dedicated bouldering and climbing gym that's well-regarded in the local climbing community. Bouldering climbing without ropes on lower walls is easy to pick up as a beginner and costs less than a traditional climbing session because you don't need a belay partner or specialist gear beyond a pair of hire shoes.
A lot of students use The Depot as a regular fitness outlet. It's social, physically demanding, and doesn't require a long-term gym membership commitment if you're only in Preston for the academic year.
8. Watch a Game at Deepdale
Preston North End FC plays at Deepdale, one of the oldest football grounds in the world still in use for professional football. Match tickets are reasonably priced by Championship standards, and the atmosphere on a weekend afternoon is worth experiencing even if you're not a regular football fan.
Student concession tickets are available for most home fixtures. Check pnefc.net for fixture schedules and ticket prices.
9. Spend an Evening on Fishergate
Fishergate is Preston's main high street and evening hub. The pubs and bars along and around Fishergate including Wetherspoons, craft ale bars, and cocktail spots cover most student budgets. It's a manageable night out without the chaos of larger city centres, and the proximity of everything means you can easily walk between venues.
For a more relaxed evening, there are also independent restaurants along and just off Fishergate serving food from a range of cuisines, most of which won't put a huge dent in a student loan payment.
10. Visit Samlesbury Hall
Samlesbury Hall is a medieval manor house about four miles east of Preston that dates back to 1325. Entry is free, and the hall regularly hosts events including antique fairs, craft markets, ghost tours, and seasonal events. It's run by a charitable trust and is one of the more unusual and genuinely interesting things to do near Preston that most students overlook.
The hall is also reportedly one of the most haunted buildings in Lancashire, which makes it a solid choice for an autumn evening out.
11. Use the Guild Wheel Cycling Route
The Guild Wheel is a 21-mile circular cycling route around the edges of Preston. It's mostly traffic-free and passes through parks, along the riverbank, and through residential areas on good quality paths. You can hire bikes through several local providers or use your own.
It's a good way to see parts of the city you wouldn't normally reach on foot, and the full loop takes around two to three hours at a relaxed pace. Great for a weekend morning when you want to do something active without driving anywhere.
12. Attend UCLan's Free Public Events and Lectures
UCLan puts on a regular programme of free public lectures, film screenings, exhibitions, and community events that are open to all not just enrolled students. These range from academic talks and debates to cultural events, sports fixtures, and performances by student groups.
If you're a UCLan student, your student union also runs dozens of societies covering everything from hiking to board games to political debate. Getting involved is one of the most effective ways to actually enjoy your time in Preston beyond lectures.
13. Day Trip to the Ribble Valley
Preston sits on the edge of the Ribble Valley, which is one of the most scenic parts of Lancashire. The market towns of Clitheroe and Longridge are both easily reachable by bus or car, and the surrounding countryside is good walking and cycling territory. Pendle Hill is about 45 minutes from Preston and offers a short but steep walk with panoramic views across Lancashire and into Yorkshire.
For students who spend most of their time in the city, getting out into the countryside for even half a day makes a real difference.
14. Walk, Run, or Cycle at Cuerden Valley Park
Cuerden Valley Park is a 650-acre country park just three miles south of Preston city centre. It's free to enter, open year-round, and has a good mix of woodland trails, a large lake, and well-maintained paths that work for walking, running, and cycling. The park is managed by the Cuerden Valley Park Trust and draws a steady stream of locals who want proper green space without travelling far.
For students, it's one of the best spots near Preston to reset during a stressful week. The lake area is particularly good in the morning, and the longer trail loops give you enough distance to make a proper workout out of it. It's accessible by bus from the city centre, which matters if you don't have a car.
15. Catch a Film at Vue Preston
Vue Preston is in the Fishergate Shopping Centre and shows a mix of new releases, occasional screenings of classic films, and special event screenings. Student tickets are available at a discount with a valid student ID, and Vue also runs a regular cheap Tuesday offer that makes it one of the more affordable nights out in the city.
Going to the cinema mid-week between lectures is one of those student habits that sounds simple but actually does a lot for your mental health during a busy semester.
Frequently Asked Questions About Things to Do in Preston for Students
What are the best free things to do in Preston for students?
Some of the best free options in Preston include visiting Avenham and Miller Parks, walking along the Ribble Way, attending free public events at UCLan, and visiting the Harris Museum when it's open. The Guild Wheel cycling route is also free if you have your own bike.
Is Preston a good city for students on a tight budget?
Yes. Preston is one of the more affordable university cities in the North West. The cost of living is lower than Manchester or Leeds, there are free parks and outdoor spaces, a traditional market with cheap fresh food, and regular student discounts across venues, cinemas, and events.
What outdoor activities are available near Preston for students?
The Ribble Valley is right on Preston's doorstep, giving you access to walking routes, cycling paths, and scenic countryside. The Guild Wheel is a 21-mile off-road cycling route around the city, and Pendle Hill is about 45 minutes away for a half-day walk with great views across Lancashire.
Can students hire inflatables for parties in Preston?
Yes. Wacky World Hire offers a range of inflatable hire options suited to student events, including bouncy castles, gladiator duel inflatables, climbing walls, and more. Free self-pickup is available to keep costs down. You can book online at hire.wackyworld.co.uk.
What is there to do in Preston at night for students?
Fishergate is the main strip for bars and restaurants, and there are options across most price points. 53 Degrees at UCLan runs regular live music and club nights. Vue Preston has cheap Tuesday cinema tickets. For something different, themed student events using hired inflatables or mascot entertainers are a growing trend for halls and society nights.
