We know that coming to university is a great opportunity to make friends and get involved with the local community, so we have pulled together a list of some places you might want to visit during your time here.
We want this to be your one-stop place to find things to do near your campus, with suggestions of places, shops, and organisations you can get involved with in the local areas around where you’re studying.
Free Community Activities and Venues
Lancaster
Friends International Events
Friends International is a friendly and active community of students from both of Lancaster’s universities.
Download the Friends International app to see a calendar of events including times, dates, and locations of upcoming events.
Examples of events they have held include:
International dinners
Outings to local areas including Kendal
Easter celebration
Gregson Community Centre
A welcoming and lively space in the heart of Lancaster with lots of events and social opportunities.
They offer:
- Special deals and discounts for students
- Volunteering opportunities to help with events, bar work, administration, and more.
- Clubs, events, and activities to get involved with, and a chance to meet locals from outside the University - https://gregson.co.uk/whatson/
- Free, regular film nights in the secret cinema.
Lancashire Library
Lancashire County Council library has a range of libraries, including Lancaster, Preston, and Burnley.
At the main Lancaster library, they run a range of free events, including an English Conversation Group every Tuesday, and they also run craft groups, chess and board game clubs, a Korean Culture and Language group, and more.
Carlisle
Carlisle Cathedral
One of Carlisle’s most popular and prestigious venues, the Cathedral is open daily for free walk-in visits. They do guided tours and have pop-up market stalls, as well as a café. The Cathedral is also where all Cumbria students will graduate at the end of their degrees!
‘Bookends’ Bookshop
‘Bookends’ is a popular independent bookshop selling an amazing selection of new and antique books. The shop also has a café, “Cakes and Ale”, which serves a selection of hot and cold drinks, lunch, and snacks. The café also hosts a range of talks by local authors.
‘The Source Collective’
A very popular and student-friendly community hub in Denton Holme. The Source hosts concerts by comedians, bands, and other performers, along with Open-Mic nights. There is an excellent café-bar, and they have other activities such as games and musical instruments to play.
Ambleside
There are so many wonderful things to do in and around Ambleside. Along with the beautiful scenery and outdoor activities including hiking and wild water swimming, there are also lovely shops, cafes, arts venues, community hubs, and more!
Ambleside Parish Centre
The Parish Centre is a vibrant and inclusive venue that supports events and community led activities, including a Community Food Club and Café to help build community and prevent food waste.
They run a range of cheap (and often free) events, which can be found on their ‘What’s On’ page.
Zeffirelli’s
A wonderful cinema with regular film showings, including live streamed theatre, opera, and ballet from around the world.
They also have a vegetarian restaurant, a café, and a jazz bar!
Wordsworth Museum at Grasmere
A short bus ride away from Ambleside, you will find Wordsworth Museum, where you can explore the literary history of the area. The Museum grounds also have a garden, café, and shop.
If you buy a ticket, you also get free return entry for a year, and they offer a student discount!
A Train Journey Away
For an exciting day out, you might want to take the train to Blackpool and visit Blackpool Pleasure Beach, which has 10 rollercoaters, over 20 rides, and family friendly entertainment. Blackpool also has three famous piers overlooking the Irish Sea, with amusement arcades, classic gaming machines, and more.
Finding More Near You
Tripadvisor is a useful website and app to use to find restaurants and activities near to wherever you live if you are commuting to your campus, or you can use it to explore the rest of the country over the weekends and during holidays.