Distance from the Swansea.com Stadium: 239 miles ~ 4 hours 30 minutes.
Address: Deepdale, Sir Tom Finney Way, Preston. PR1 6RU
Telephone: 0344 856 1964
Web Site: www.pnefc.net
What’s Deepdale Like
Deepdale is a cracking ground – the stands have a likeness of a past player outlined on the seats and named after that player, including Tom Finney and Alan Kelly.
The Bill Shankly stand can hold up to 6,000 away fans at one end of the pitch. The view of the playing action is great with fans close to the pitch.
The concourses have TVs showing the game and the bars are open during the game. A wide range of food is available including burgers and pies with a pint and a pint deal.
Preston fans like their footy and there’s always a good atmosphere there.
Visiting Preston
Blackpool isn’t too far away, with the many attractions and nightlife that the town has to offer.
Manchester and Liverpool are within travelling distance too, so there are quite a few options open to those who want to make a mini-break of it.
There is also the Travelodge Preston Central, which is near the city centre and only just over a mile from the stadium.
What’s on in Preston
You are in some respects spoilt for choice, as Blackpool isn’t too far away, with the many attractions and nightlife and neither are Manchester and Liverpool.
The Continental (PR1 8JP) has The Hellfire Preachers, an alternative country rock band on the Friday at 8pm, £4 on the door. The Saturday at 8pm brings Calypso George, reggae & ska singer. Tickets are £10.
Friday sees a Summer Roadshow, Mill Lane Park (PR2 3HD) from 12-3, free entry for music, food, and fun, no booking is needed.
Sunday has Outreach Opera Last Night at the Proms, Hoghton Tower (PR5 0SH) tickets at £20 (£10 child), an open-air concert in the Wilderness Garden. Songs from musicals to traditional British anthems.
Booking is essential. Gates open 6pm with a 7pm start. There is no interval. Bring your own chairs or rugs and wear outdoor clothing, Picnics and alcohol are allowed. Ice cream and hot drinks are available to buy.
Eating and Drinking in Preston
There’s a few pubs to choose from with St Gregory’s Social Club (PR1 6XD) being just 0.2 miles from Deepdale. Entry is £1 with cheap drinks, pies, and Sky TV, £3 parking.
The White Hart (PR2 8AD) is another option and is 0.9 miles from the ground.
There’s Moor Park Sports & Social Club (PR2 3AE – 1 mile), £3 parking and the Hesketh’s Arms (PR1 4SY – 1.2 miles). It’s a large pub serving food all day with pool, darts and a large TV.
Emmanuel Social Club (PR1 7HU – 1.4 miles) offers free parking nearby for cars and coaches. Hot food booked in advance with John Singh on 07804 – 657415.
For those coming by train, the best option is The Old Vic (PR1 2UH) which is near the train station and 1.9 miles from the ground.
Police are not keen on away fans in the town centre and encourage moving to the area of the stadium quickly.
Parking near Deepdale
Keep an eye open for speed cameras around the stadium.
Nearby across Sir Tom Finney Way (behind the Main Stand) another car park costing £7, or Moorfields School (PR1 6AA) offers parking at £5 with proceeds going to school funds; otherwise its mainly street parking.
After the game, it’s quicker to head down Deepdale Road instead of Blackpool Road.
Turn left out of the ground, at the end of this road, turn right then immediately left and you’re on the A6. Stay on the A6 for 3 miles and you join the M6/61/65 at the big roundabout with traffic lights.
This brings you out 5 miles south on the motorways and avoids the crazy traffic jams on Blackpool Road.
You can also choose from a selection of private car parking spaces near Deepdale – including around 28 reservable parking spaces from just £4.00 for the day.
Train to Preston
Preston station is 1.5 miles from the ground, a 25-minute walk, with some good pubs on the way (or a taxi for about £5).
Trains from Swansea take around 4 and a half-hours to get to Preston. There are no trains back after the game so you’ll need an overnight stay.
If you are going to watch the Swans, then have a browse of the Preston North End v Swansea City head to head statistics when the sides have played at Deepdale.
For the Travelling Jacks making the trip – Be Loud, Be Proud and Be Positive!