Liverpool International Jazz Festival

Liverpool is easy to reach by public transport. Liverpool Lime Street and Central stations welcome trains from across the UK. For example, direct trains from London take around 2.5 hours, and services from Manchester arrive in under an hour. Once in Liverpool, the Capstone Theatre at the university campus is only a short taxi or bus ride from either station. Visitors from nearby towns also have it covered: from St Helens (about 15 miles east of Liverpool), regular Northern trains take roughly 30-40 minutes to reach Liverpool Lime Street, and local buses also run between St Helens and Liverpool city centre.

For air travel, the nearest airport is Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LPL), about 7 miles south of the city centre. A regular bus service (for example, the 86A) connects the airport to central Liverpool in around 30 minutes, or a quick taxi ride can take you downtown. Manchester Airport (MAN) is also nearby, roughly a 45-minute drive or about 1 hour by train from Liverpool. Trains run directly from Manchester Airport station to Liverpool Lime Street, and National Express coaches connect Manchester Airport to Liverpool city centre as well. Once in the city, local buses and trains make it simple to reach the Capstone campus.

If you’re driving, Liverpool is accessible via the motorway network. You can approach via the M62 (from Manchester or the east) or the M6 (from the south and west). Follow signs to Liverpool city centre and then look for directions to Liverpool Hope University’s creative campus. The Capstone Theatre is in the Everton area, just minutes from central roads. Note that parking near the campus is limited; you might choose to use a city car park or a park-and-ride lot on the outskirts, then taxi or bus to the venue. For example, visitors driving from St Helens should take the M62 westbound into Liverpool and allow extra time for traffic. Parking apps or websites can help you find available spots near the campus if you plan to drive.

Liverpool offers many accommodation options. Staying in the city centre (around the Albert Dock, Queen Square or Hope Street areas) puts you close to both the festival venue and city attractions. For budget-friendly stays, consider hotels or B&Bs just outside the immediate centre. Nearby towns like St Helens, Southport or Preston have chain hotels at lower rates and still allow easy travel into Liverpool. (For example, St Helens is only about a 30-minute train ride from Liverpool.) Wherever you stay, book early as February events can fill rooms fast. And pack warm layers and a waterproof coat — Liverpool weather in winter can be unpredictable, so being prepared will keep you comfortable as you travel around.