Where to stay for a match or gig in Liverpool or Manchester

A city-centre hotel isn’t the only way to see a big match or concert in the North West. Warrington sits between Liverpool and Manchester, with trains and motorways running both ways, so you can stay in one place for a weekend that takes in a game in one city and a gig in the other. Here’s how to reach the main venues from the stations, and how to get back.

Why Warrington works as a base

Trains from Warrington Central reach Liverpool Lime Street in about 30 minutes and Manchester Oxford Road in about 25, with direct trains to Manchester Piccadilly too. From Warrington Bank Quay, the town’s other station, there are also direct trains to Manchester Victoria, right next to the AO Arena.

If you’re driving, the M62 runs between the two cities past Warrington, and the M6 and M56 are a few minutes away. After the event, you come back to a town that is usually quieter than either city centre on a big night, which makes the end of the evening easier.

Liverpool: Anfield, Hill Dickinson Stadium and the arena

Anfield, home of Liverpool FC, is about 15 minutes from the city centre on the 917 matchday express bus, which leaves from Commutation Row, close to Lime Street. There’s also a Soccerbus from Sandhills station before and after matches, and signposted walking routes from the city centre. Anfield is a residential area with a residents-only parking scheme, so the club recommends public transport or park and ride. Liverpool FC’s travel guide has the details.

Hill Dickinson Stadium, Everton’s ground at Bramley-Moore Dock, is on the waterfront to the north of the city centre. On matchdays the 919 shuttle bus runs from Commutation Row near Lime Street, and the 929 runs from Liverpool ONE bus station. By train, take Merseyrail’s Northern line from Liverpool Central (a short walk from Lime Street) to Sandhills, then walk for about 15 minutes. The club advises against driving to the stadium itself: park in the city centre or at Bootle Strand and carry on by shuttle bus, train or on foot. Everton’s Travel Hub lists any changes for each game.

The M&S Bank Arena, on the waterfront, hosts big concerts and shows. It’s about 20 minutes’ walk from Lime Street, or you can take the underground Wirral line from Lime Street to James Street and walk about 10 minutes from there.

Manchester: Old Trafford, the Etihad Campus and the AO Arena

From Oxford Road or Piccadilly, Metrolink trams do most of the work. Plan the tram leg on the Bee Network site, which also posts any planned closures.

Old Trafford, Manchester United’s ground, is about five minutes’ walk from the Old Trafford tram stop, on the line towards Altrincham. The Wharfside and Imperial War Museum stops on the Trafford Park line are a short walk away too, which helps spread the crowds after the match. The club warns that the roads around the ground are extremely busy on matchdays.

Emirates Old Trafford, Lancashire’s cricket ground, shares the same tram stop, which is directly outside the ground. Trams from Piccadilly, Deansgate-Castlefield and Victoria all run there.

The Etihad Stadium and Co-op Live stand next to each other on the Etihad Campus, east of the city centre. From Piccadilly station, a tram towards Ashton-under-Lyne takes about 10 minutes to the Etihad Campus stop. You can also walk there on a signposted route from Piccadilly in about half an hour. After an event, use the Etihad Campus stop itself, as the stops either side may stay closed for a while. Parking at Co-op Live is limited, so plan your journey home before you arrive.

The AO Arena is part of the Victoria station complex, with an entrance reached straight from the station. From Piccadilly it’s a short tram ride or about 20 minutes on foot.

Several of these grounds also host big summer concerts, and the travel advice is much the same as on a matchday.

Closer to home: the Wolves and Parr Hall

Not every good night out needs a train. Warrington Wolves play rugby league at the Halliwell Jones Stadium, a short walk from Warrington Central. If you drive, use one of the town-centre pay car parks and watch for the residents’ parking schemes on nearby streets. Fixtures and tickets are on the club’s own website.

Parr Hall, in the town’s Cultural Quarter, puts on live music, comedy, tribute acts and family shows. See what’s on through Culture Warrington, and our Warrington guide for more in the town centre.

Getting back: last trains, taxis and parking

The journey home is the part that catches people out, so a little planning helps.

• Check the last train back to Warrington on National Rail before you go, and again on the day. On Sundays the last trains leave earlier.
• Expect queues at the nearest stations and tram stops straight after the final whistle or encore. Trains back from the city can be busy too, so give yourself time.
• If you plan to take a taxi, book it ahead and agree a pick-up point a few streets away from the venue, where traffic moves more freely.
• If you drive, don’t count on parking near the ground. Use the venue’s recommended car parks or a park and ride, and never park on residential streets with permit schemes.

Where to stay in Warrington

For a group, the Modern 2-Bed Flat with Flexible Beds sleeps up to six, with two bedrooms that can each be made up as a double or twin and two bathrooms, so getting ready for a night out isn’t a queue. It’s about 15 minutes’ walk from Warrington Central. If you’re driving, the Stylish Central Warrington Stay sleeps five and has free parking.

Check-in is from 15:00, which leaves time to drop your bags before heading out, and both apartments are for quiet stays, so no parties. For a free day either side of the event, have a look at our day trips from Warrington or things to do in Warrington this weekend, then check dates and book direct.