Sandwiched Between Manchester And Liverpool Is A Quaint Town With Tasty Restaurants And Shakespearean Charm

"All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players," Shakespeare wrote in 1599. For centuries, this idea has appeared in therapy sessions, drama auditions, and "whoa, are we always just playing a role?" revelations in smoky dorm rooms. In Prescot, a historic town between Liverpool and Manchester, the construction of a Shakespearean-style playhouse has turned this destination into an unexpected stage for a new generation of players.

On the surface, Prescot looks like a traditional quaint market-turned-industrial town. Charming buildings from the 17th through the 20th centuries line its streets. A moving 1610 red-bricked church borders its main shopping street, while the 18th-century town hall denotes the marketplace. This all belies Prescot's fascinating past as the ticking battery of Britain's 18th-century watch-making industry. That history is seen today in its 19th-century watch factory that's now a housing development and the old clock-making workshops around town. It was also a center for pottery and home to one of the world's biggest cable factories that supplied power to countries all over.

Prescot was long known as a sleepy industrial town on the verge of being forgotten due to austerity measures and global competition that weakened its industries. That started changing in the 2010s with the opening of a renowned bakery, followed by the arrival of a (now-closed) eatery run by Gary Usher, one of the U.K.'s most renowned restaurateurs. Steakhouses, Thai restaurants, and upscale pubs soon followed. In 2022, the opening of the Shakespeare North Playhouse with its interior replica of a 17th-century theater brought  new life to Prescot. Hundreds of thousands have now come to answer the question: to be or not to be...in Prescot? Based on this mix of Shakespearean charm, tasty restaurants, and unique history, we'd say it's not even a question.

A visit to Prescot means an inevitable encounter with Shakespeare. The man is everywhere: His face is painted on the sides of buildings, he's the namesake of businesses, and his quotes line the streets. Perfect your cackle if you want to tackle the town's art trail, where you can search for 14 sculptures of the animals mentioned in the witches' chant in "Macbeth." Prescot isn't the quaint medieval town where Shakespeare was born. So, what's with all the Shakespeare? 

Well, Prescot once had the only purpose-built indoor theater outside of London, open from about 1595 to 1609. It was supported by the fifth Earl of Derby of Knowsley Hall (a.k.a. Lord Strange), a patron of an acting company whose players worked with Shakespeare. It's likely that Shakespeare visited Knowsley Hall, home of the Earls of Derby, and that the Prescot theater put on his early work. "A Midsummer Night's Dream" was performed for the first time at the sixth Earl of Derby's wedding in 1595. Explore this history with a visit to the Shakespeare North Playhouse. Besides performances, it also offers guided tours exploring different themes like love, witchcraft, and queerness, all framed by Shakespeare.

It's not just about the theater at Prescot, however. The town's main shopping thoroughfare, the historic Eccleston Street, is lined with stores, restaurants, and medieval elements. With a hearty 4.8 stars on Google Maps, Maturo is a Turkish steakhouse loved by both locals and visitors alike due to its excellent food and lovely staff. The highly rated Thai Route Restaurant and Cafe is a family-run restaurant owned by two brothers whose parents cook its delicious and authentic Thai food. And just off Eccleston, you'll find Albion Bakehouse, a local fixture since 2015 thanks to its tasty baked goods and warm service.

History is certainly alive in Prescot, so why not stop at the Prescot Museum to learn more about the town and its wide-ranging influences? Housed in an 18th-century Georgian building that was once home to a bank and a cockfighting pit (not at the same time, thankfully), the Prescot Museum is free and open every day except Sundays. You can also take a self-guided heritage walk through the town's center, where you will find a mix of medieval, Victorian, and Georgian buildings.

For a history break, check out the Knowsley Safari just outside of town. Opened in 1971 by the 18th Earl of Derby and stretching for 5 miles, this is the longest safari drive in the U.K., where you'll find rhinos, ostriches, camels, and antelopes. Speaking of the Earls of Derby, Knowsley Hall is just a 10-minute drive from Prescot. Built in 1495, this sprawling private estate has been the home of the Earls of Derby for centuries and is indelibly intertwined with the history of Prescot. It hosts private and public events, as well as guided tours and overnight stays for large groups. 

Prescot is just 10 miles from Liverpool, or about a 15-minute drive without traffic. You can also take a direct 20-minute train ride from the Liverpool Lime Street station. The underrated artistic hub of Manchester is just an hour away by car or train. Although Manchester's airport is unfortunately considered one of the worst in the world, it's a convenient connection to Prescot, whether you go by car, train, or plane.