Let’s first talk about Chester and then, we will explore the best parking spots there, both free and paid.
Chester is a walled cathedral city located on the River Dee in Cheshire, northwest England. Chester, founded in 79 AD as a Roman fort, has a rich 2000-year history that can still be seen throughout the city today. The city walls, built around 70-80 AD, are Grade I listed and the only full-circuit city walls left in Britain.
Chester became more well-connected during the Industrial Revolution as new railways and canals expanded across the country, allowing the city to grow and develop.
There are still a few medieval buildings around, as well as Victorian restorations of them. The remaining neoclassical buildings on the ancient Chester Castle site are also historically significant, as is Chester Cathedral, a stunning Grade I listed building made of New Red Sandstone. Other notable landmarks include the 19th-century Gothic Revival town hall and the medieval Rows shopping street.
Chester’s history and culture can be explored through one of its many museums, including the Grosvenor, the Deva Roman Discovery Centre, and the Military Museum.
Chester is also known for its massive zoo, which has over 11,000 animals and receives over a million visitors each year. There is also a vibrant nightlife and music scene, as well as several annual cultural events, such as the Chester Literature Festival and a summer music festival. The city has produced notable figures such as actor Daniel Craig and footballer Michael Owen.
The city now has a population of 80,000 and receives more than 8 million tourists each year. With the center made up of ancient, narrow streets, it can be difficult to accommodate all of these visitors.
One of the most common problems people face is finding a place to park, particularly one that is inexpensive. On this page, we’ve compiled a list of all the free parking options we could find for your convenience. Check out the map below for a quick overview, or read on for more information, including the cheapest paid parking options.
Important Note:
While UKFreeParking.com takes every step to ensure that the parking information provided is accurate at the time of writing, local ordinances, parking availability, parking prices, and parking regulations change with time.
UKFreeParking.com accepts no responsibility for any fines or tickets received as a result of using our website.
Please ensure that you park your vehicle safely and responsibly every time, making sure to adhere to local parking rules, signs, and regulations.
Free Parking in Chester
Residential Streets
If you know where to look, parking on residential streets is a lesser-known way to park for free in the city. However, this is difficult for those unfamiliar with the area. So we compiled a list of Chester’s residential streets that allow for unrestricted parking. We have included postcodes for your GPS as well as the walking distance to the city’s geographical centre.
North
Parking to the north of Chester is convenient for those visiting the Countess of Chester Hospital or the University of Chester. The walk into the city will take you over the canal and through the city walls, putting you near Chester Cathedral, the Forum shopping center, and the city’s main shopping district.
- Grange Road CH2 2AN – 0.8 miles
- Dicksons Drive CH2 2BR – 1.1 miles
- Cousens Way CH1 4DA – 1.2 miles
- Wordsworth Crescent CH1 5UF – 1.5 miles
- Mayfield Road CH1 5HY – 2.1 miles
East
If you want to park on a residential street, the east side of Chester is probably your best bet. The Chester railway station, as well as several historical landmarks, including the Chester Shot Tower, are located on the road to town. Grosvenor Park, a lovely green space just off the beaten path, is a short walk from the city centre. To get to the actual center, you must cross the canal and the ancient city walls once more.
- Dee Lane CH3 5AH – 0.7 miles
- West Street CH2 3PS – 0.9 miles
- Ermine Road CH2 3PN – 0.9 miles
- Halkyn Road CH2 3QD – 0.9 miles
- Derby Place CH2 3NP – 1 mile
- Kilmorey Park CH2 3QS – 1.1 miles
- Hamilton Street CH2 3JQ – 1.2 miles
- Vicarage Road CH2 3JA – 1.3 miles
- Panton Road CH2 3HX – 1.3 miles
- Beech Grove CH2 3HJ – 1.4 miles
- Canadian Avenue CH2 3HQ – 1.5 miles
- Hoole Lane CH2 3ES – 1.9 miles
When parking on a residential street, please follow all of the usual on-street parking rules. Do not block driveways, entrances, or junctions. Never park on double-yellow lines, and before leaving your vehicle, check for any parking restrictions. Remember that you are leaving your vehicle on a public road at your own risk, and please keep noise and disruption to a minimum out of respect for those who live there.
Free Overnight & Sunday Parking in Chester
- Chester Racecourse CH1 2LY – on Sundays after race days and every last Sunday of the month
- Christleton Road CH3 5WA – free after 5pm and on Sundays
Park & Ride Services in Chester
Parking at Chester’s Park & Ride sites is completely free. Though you must pay a fare to take the bus into the city, the tickets are valid all day and you can hop on and off as many times as you want. It’s a convenient service, with buses arriving every 12 minutes (or every 15 minutes on Sundays), and dedicated bus lanes make the journey much faster. Using the Park & Ride also relieves the stress of driving in city traffic. Chester’s Park & Ride buses all come with free Wi-Fi and USB charging ports.
The available Park & Ride car parks are:
- Upton Park & Ride CH2 4BB – north of Chester
- Boughton Heath Park & Ride CH3 5QD – southeast of Chester
- Wrexham Road Park & Ride CH4 9DQ – southwest of Chester
The bus fare is also very reasonable. A day ticket costs £2.00, and up to three children under the age of 16 can travel free with a single adult ticket. And if you travel after 2 p.m. on Wednesdays, your bus ride is completely free!
Cheapest Paid Parking Options in Chester
If you’re more concerned with finding a convenient place to park and prefer the added security of an official car park, there are still affordable paid parking options. These locations are also closer to Chester’s main attractions, making it easier for people who struggle to walk from the more distant residential streets. Here’s a list of the cheapest car parks in Chester, some of which are within the city walls and more convenient for getting right into the thick of things:
- Market, St Martins Way CH1 2HS – £3.00 for 2 hours
- Canal Street CH1 4EJ – £1.50 for 2 hours
- Garden Lane CH1 4EN – £2.00 for 2 hours
- Delamere Street CH1 3EQ – £3.00 for 2 hours
- Chester Race Course CH1 4JH – (pre-book only) £2.00 for 2 hours
- Brook Street CH1 3HU – £2.00 for 2 hours
- Hoole Road CH1 3ET – £1.40 for 2 hours
Though parking in Chester’s city centre can be difficult without spending money, there are still plenty of options for free or low-cost parking when you visit. We hope the information on this page saves you money or time (or both!), allowing you to fully enjoy your time in this fascinating, ancient city.
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