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Preston North End
Directions
Leave M6 at Junction 31 and follow signs Left for Preston.
Go up a steep hill (often a police speed trap on the hill, so stick to 30) and
follow the road down to a mini roundabout (speed camera by the BP garage on the left). At
the roundabout with the Hesketh Arms turn
right into Blackpool Road. Go straight on over three sets of lights and just before a
fourth set, the ground appears set slightly back on the left. Parking is mainly in the
streets surrounding the ground. Thanks to Ian, an exiled Birmingham City fan in Preston
for the directions.
Mike Holroyd adds; 'as you turn right at the Hesketh Arms
roundabout into Blackpool Road and then pass a park on the left there is now
another speed camera to watch out for. The Police also sometimes set up another
mobile speed trap on the forecourt of the fire station on the left, so watch
your speed. Plus as you near the ground don't be tempted to park up on the grass
verges, you are likely to find after the game that you have been given a ticket
for it!' Steve Thornley
informs me; 'Parking for cars is available for £3 a car at Moorfields Special
School. The car park is manned by volunteers from the school
and all proceeds go into school funds.
Just follow the directions above and at the last set of
traffic lights
continue
straight on for about 200
yards, and you will see
the school on the left near Moor Park'.
Pubs
The closest pub to the ground is the 'Sumners' which is
further up Tom Finney Way
(which used to be called Deepdale Road) from the ground.
The atmosphere in Sumners is
friendly,
with both home and away supporters mixing freely (although note that away
fans are not admitted when there is a local derby). There is a good sized
beer garden & car park at the pub. Sometimes the pub does charge for
parking but this can be redeemed against a purchase at the bar. Good food
is available and children are allowed in. James Pritchett adds to get to
the Sumners; 'Make sure you go towards Sainsburys and
away from the Town Centre and it should take five minutes. As you go past
Sainsburys turn right at the lights and it is half way up the hill.
It should be full, but friendly. The pub welcome
a mix of away and home support and are friendly towards families.
It
serves Theakstons on draught.'
Paul Billington adds; 'In all honesty visiting fans should avoid town
centre pubs simply because the police will move you on quickly if they see
you and most pubs will refuse to serve away fans. If you arrive by train I
would recommend the Vic and Station not for the decor but simply
convenience.' Otherwise alcohol is served within the ground.
By Train
Preston station is around a mile and a
half from the ground and takes around twenty five minutes to walk,
although you will pass some good pubs on the way. Leave
the Preston railway station via the main entrance, and head right at the top
of the drive. This is the main High
Street. Continue along the High
Street, passing all the regular
big name shops. Some
good pubs and eateries can be found down side streets off the
High Street, so if you
have time, take a look. Try the Old
Black Bull, and
Academy, the later being about the last place on
the High Street that will allow away supporters before you get to
Deepdale. Colours are not recommended around town.
The High Street (or
Church Street/Fishergate as it's known) is about a mile long, and you will
pass a church and a bike shop as you come to its end. Simply
carry on walking along this street, and when you reach the ring road, you
head straight over the large traffic lights, heading towards
Preston Prison. Turn left at the
Prison into Church Street, then left into Deepdale Road. Continue straight along
Deepdale Road, passing the Tom Finney sports bar, on
the left which a home
fans only pub, but if you have no colours you may get in.
The ground is now another half mile in a straight line along this road
on the right.
Thanks to Kevin Wrenn for
supplying the directions and general information.
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