Few away days carry as much historic weight as a trip to Preston North End. As one of the founding members of the Football League, PNE has footballing heritage in its DNA. Deepdale, their home since 1875, is one of the oldest continuously used football grounds in the world — but don’t let its age fool you. The stadium has been smartly modernised and offers visiting fans a comfortable, atmospheric matchday experience in the heart of Lancashire.

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Getting There

Preston is well connected by train, car, and coach, making it one of the more accessible northern away days.

• By Train: Preston station is on the West Coast Main Line, with direct services from Manchester (40 mins), Liverpool (1h), Birmingham (2h), and London Euston (2h 10m). From the station, it’s around a 25–30 minute walk to Deepdale, or a short taxi/bus ride. Local buses 19, 19A, or 100 from the city centre stop close to the ground.
• By Car: The stadium is about a 10-minute drive from the M6 (Junction 31 or 31A). Matchday parking is available at nearby schools, clubs, and industrial estates (£5–£10). Street parking is limited, so it’s wise to arrive early or pre-book a space.
• By Coach: Away coaches are parked in Moor Park Avenue, right next to the away turnstiles. This is the easiest and safest option for groups.

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Where to Drink

Preston has a lively pub scene, with plenty of options for travelling fans both near the station and en route to the ground.

• City Centre: The best pre-match atmosphere can be found in the city centre around Church Street and Friargate. The Grey Friar (a Wetherspoons) and The Old Vic are away-friendly and popular choices. The Twelve Tellers offers a relaxed setting with affordable food and drink.
• Near the Ground: Most pubs immediately around Deepdale are home-fan dominated, so away supporters are better off drinking in the city centre before making the short journey to the ground.
• Alternative Options: The Adelphi near the university is often welcoming to visiting fans and has a good selection of beers and food.

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The Ground: Deepdale Stadium

Deepdale is steeped in football history but has been fully redeveloped into a smart, modern venue with a capacity of around 23,400. Its four all-seater stands provide excellent views and an intimate, traditional atmosphere.

• Away Section: Visiting supporters are housed in the Bill Shankly Kop, with an allocation of around 5,000 (though it varies depending on the fixture). The stand is large, with great sightlines and a good roof for amplifying away chants.
• Facilities: Deepdale’s concourses are modern and well equipped, offering pies, burgers, hot dogs, chips, and hot drinks. Alcohol is served in the away section, though restrictions may apply for high-profile games. Toilets are clean and easily accessible.

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Food Options

Preston has plenty of food options both in town and near the ground.

• Near the Ground: Takeaways along Deepdale Road serve traditional matchday food like burgers, kebabs, and fish and chips. There are also several local cafés within a 10-minute walk.
• City Centre: The town centre has a wide range of restaurants and fast-food outlets including Nando’s, Subway, and Greggs. The Fishergate Shopping Centre and St George’s Centre both have food courts ideal for a quick bite.
• Local Specialties: Lancashire is famous for its hearty pies and pasties, and Deepdale doesn’t disappoint. The steak and kidney pie at the stadium kiosks comes highly recommended by regulars.

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Making a Weekend of It

If you’re planning to stay overnight, Preston and the surrounding area offer plenty to see and do.

• Nightlife: The city centre has a good mix of pubs, bars, and clubs. Friargate and Church Street are the main nightlife hubs, with lively atmospheres on Friday and Saturday nights.
• Culture & Attractions: The Harris Museum and Art Gallery offers local history and culture, while Avenham Park provides scenic walks along the River Ribble. For those interested in football history, Deepdale also houses the National Football Museum Hall of Fame exhibit.
• Day Trips: Preston is ideally located for exploring the North West. Blackpool (30 mins), the Lake District (1h), and Manchester (50 mins) are all easy to reach by train or car.

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Away Day Tips

• Arrive Early: Parking and public transport can get busy on matchdays, so plan ahead to avoid delays.
• Drink in the City Centre: Most pubs near Deepdale are for home fans only. The city centre offers a safer and more welcoming atmosphere.
• Bring a Jacket: The wind can whip through Deepdale in winter, so wrap up if you’re heading to a cold-weather fixture.
• Try the Pies: Deepdale’s matchday pies are among the best in the league — worth arriving early for.

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Final Whistle

A Preston North End away day blends tradition, passion, and modern comfort. Deepdale is one of the most historic stadiums in English football, yet offers all the facilities and atmosphere of a modern ground. The passionate local support, welcoming city centre pubs, and the stadium’s football heritage make this a fixture to look forward to every season.

From pre-match pints on Friargate, to singing in the Bill Shankly Kop, to exploring Preston’s nightlife or nearby Lancashire countryside afterwards, a trip to Preston North End delivers everything a football fan could want from an away day — history, atmosphere, and heart.