Travel to Chester by Train

Near the Wales-England border lies Chester, a contemporary city with a rich heritage.

Immerse yourself in 2,000 years of history, sample the shops, cafes and restaurants, relax on the river or spend a day at the races. Chester has something for the whole family. Arrive by train and it’s just a ten-minute to the city walls.

 

Visit Chester Christmas market

Chester Christmas market is a 15-minute walk from Chester railway station. It’s open until 22 December at the Town Hall Square. You’ll find a new arcade and 70 traders offering unique handmade crafts, local food and drink and more.

 

Trains to Chester

Catching the train to Chester? We run services from different parts of the country to this popular town, including Manchester, Cardiff and more. Find some of our most popular routes to Chester here. You can use your railcard or buy Advance tickets for discounts. Travel with us today.

 

Must see attractions in Chester

  • Cathedral at Height - tour behind the scenes of gothic Chester Cathedral and get the best views in the city from the top of the tower.
  • The Rows - delve into shopping heaven in these 700 year old medieval galleries - two tiers of shops from household names to tiny independents.
  • River cruises - get a completely different view of the sights on a city cruise or afternoon tea cruise along the River Dee with ChesterBoat.
  • Chester Races - experience the thrill of raceday or take in a polo match at Britain’s oldest racecourse - 25 minutes’ walk from the station.
  • Chester Zoo - explore 125 acres of habitats and over 21,000 exotic and endangered animals, a couple of miles north of the city.

 

Chester Zoo ticket discounts

Chester Zoo is one of the most popular days out for the whole family in the Chester area, and it’s no surprise as it houses over 21,000 exotic and endangered animals to visit and educate your little ones on.

We have an amazing deal to offer our customers visiting Chester Zoo. Buy a ticket for the zoo and show your train ticket or proof or travel with TfW when you arrive to get a second one half-price.

Taking the train to Chester Zoo is easy. Take the X1 bus from outside Chester railway station and arrive at the zoo in just 15 minutes to enjoy your day out. Buy your zoo tickets today.

  • Terms and conditions

      • One half price ticket for every full price ticket purchased. For example - 2 adults can bring 2 children (aged 1-17 years) for half price.

      • Under 12 months always go free.

      • Children under 14 need to be accompanied by an adult.

      • Must show a valid same day TfW train ticket between Welsh origin station and Chester for each member of the visiting group.

      • Pre-booking not required, this offer is available on the day and redeemed from ticket sales at the zoo gates. 

      • Offer excludes free carer tickets and is only valid with full paying adult or child tickets.

      • Chester Zoo have the right to withdraw this offer at any time.

 

How to spend a weekend in Chester

Chester has been voted one of Europe’s prettiest cities, and it’s not hard to see why. Rain or shine, there’s plenty to keep you busy.

Discover Roman history on a walk around the oldest, longest and most complete city walls in Britain. Download the Chester Walls Quest app for challenges, interesting facts and stories along the way, or take a guided Roman Tour with your own Centurion. Enter the country’s largest Roman Amphitheatre for free and lose yourself among the archaeological relics at Grosvenor Museum.

Get up close to some magnificent birds of prey with a falconry experience for the whole family in the grounds of the cathedral. There are daily flying displays, reptiles, beautiful grounds and children’s nature trails.

Shop for treasures and bargains

Chester is bursting with boutiques, independent shops and high street stores. From the covered timber walkways of The Rows to the Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet mall just north of the city, you’re sure to find something special whatever your budget. Or head to Chester Indoor Market for everything from fresh local produce, books and music, to fancy dress, garden and homewares.

Enjoy festivals and shows with a year-round programme of events for all the family. There's an open-air theatre by the river in the summer, a varied series of festivals: food, music, film and literature, and the Storyhouse theatre, library, restaurant and cinema. Plan your trip and find out what’s on in Chester today.

 

Travel to Chester in First Class

Our First Class service between Cardiff and Holyhead stops in Chester. Why not spoil yourself a little on your adventure? Our First Class dining service includes classic dishes served with charm and warmth.

First Class tickets are available for travel between Chester and selected locations. Find out if they’re available for your journey by buying your train tickets online.

You can buy a First Class ticket on our app and website, from your station ticket office or ticket machines.