Mill Farm Stadium

Mill Farm Stadium sits just outside Preston and is home to FC United of Manchester, a club with a proper story behind it. The ground itself is functional rather than fancy - a modest football stadium that punches above its weight in terms of atmosphere, especially on match days when the away fans travel up from Greater Manchester.

You're looking at a traditional non-league ground where fans actually talk to each other and know the stewards by name. It's the sort of place where football still feels like it's about the game rather than corporate hospitality. On a matchday, you'll get proper pies, a proper crowd, and the kind of banter you won't find at Premier League grounds. The stadium holds around 5,000, so it never feels overwhelming.

For families with football-mad kids, it's excellent value. The ground is compact enough that even younger children can see the pitch from most angles, and the pace of non-league football keeps things moving. Casual visitors expecting stadium tours or facilities beyond the basics will be disappointed - this is match day only, really.

The caravan parks within walking distance - Mowbreck Park and Ribby Hall Village are less than two miles away - make it easy to base yourself nearby if you're planning to catch a match. Check their fixture list before booking, though. Location-wise, Preston itself offers plenty to keep you occupied on non-match days. It's worth a weekend if you're genuinely into football; less essential if you're just after a day trip attraction.