Explore Chester for Less

Christmas can take its toll on budgets and as we all feel the pinch in the aftermath, we now want to enjoy the new year to the fullest while getting the best value for money. Luckily in Chester there are a variety of ways to explore that won’t break the bank. There’s a host of affordable events, attractions and more, plus some completely free things to do. We’ve put together a selection of ways to explore Chester for less.

Take in a show and save

Enjoy some top comedy at Storyhouse for as little as £13.50 a ticket or enjoy some live music in the kitchen for FREE!

Experience the Rows

One of the most fascinating and unique parts of Chester is the Rows. These two-tiered timber-framed galleries line the main streets of the city. Brimming with the city’s history, they are waiting to be explored this winter. There are a few ways in which you can make the most out of your visit to the rows. Either with our self guided walking and audio trail, which is broken down into six sections representing each row. Or you can solve clues left by Cestrians of the past to save Chester from the mysterious Time Watchers with our FREE family friendly Treasure Hunt Trail.

Step back into the past

There are many cost effective ways in which you can discover Chester's 2000 years of history. Firstly, book your place on one of the many themed walking tours around the city, learn about the romans, mediveal times, the supernatural, Victorians, Tudors and Stuarts or the famous women of Chester, all for £10 or under per person. 

Head over to the Visitor Information Centre and pick up one of their FREE themed trail guides, written and illustrated by the team during COVID lockdowns to help give you a warm welcome to the city. Or for something quirky, download the Mini Murals self guided tour, which leads you around 17 painted BT cabinets throughout the city, all converted into unique, creative pices of inner city artwork.  

Visit one of Chester's museums, Grosvenor Museum is completely FREE to enter and is full of artefacts about Chester's history, places and people, or head over to the newly re-opened Deva Roman Experience where you will be taken on a voyage through time 2000 years ago to Roman Britannia with 7 actor led shows, special effects, cutting edge projection mapping and REAL archaeology on site, all for £10pp (£6 for kids). Or if you dare, a visit to Sick to Death is a must, explore the gory story of medicine through time, learn and laugh at this gross but family fun attraction, for just £7pp (£4.50 for kids).

Hungry?

Head over to Chester Market on Tuesdays as all the traders have come together to offer customers a range of discounts to choose from each week! On other days, there are plenty of cafes and tearooms to choose from for a low budget yet delicious lunch, many with Vegan, Vegetarian and Gluten Free options. If you like Mexican food, Death by Tacos is a must visit with their tacos all costing under £10. Check out some of the best food and drink offers in Chester here.

Other things definitely worth a visit in Chester are the spectacular Chester Cathedral (FREE admission but donations welcome), a wander around the the oldest, longest and most complete city walls in Britian, a half hour cruise along the river on a heritage boat for just £7.50pp or enjoy a film at the newly opened Picturehouse Cinema.

Throughout January 2024 Chester Park & Ride is FREE! Find out more here.

Stay in Chester for less

Find some of the best accommodation offers here, whether you want a city centre hotel, serviced apartment, B&B or camp site.

Travel by rail and save

You can also save on train travel and save the stresses of driving. Transport for Wales operate regular services to Chester from Cardiff, Shrewsbury, Birmingham, and more, and you can save by booking direct and in advance. Kids under 16 travel FREE!