10 Things to do in Chester for £10 or Less
Saskia shares her top 10 things to do in Chester for students on a budget.
1. Scare yourself silly with a Ghost Martini
Calling all history buffs and people who just like a good drink, this one’s for you! Originally built in 1622, the King’s Head Pub is said to be one of the most haunted pubs in Britain. Having served drinks for over 400 years, you can be sure that you’re being served by the best. Make sure you try out the King’s Head’s speciality, a Ghost Martini…it’s spooktacular and under £10!
2. Be a typical tourist for the day and ride Chester’s Hop-On Hop-Off bus
We all love the feeling of being on holiday, but let’s be honest here; as students it may be a little out of our price range. However, don’t fret yet. I have an alternative. Take a ride on Chester’s Hop-On Hop-Off bus and tick off all of Chester’s major sites, with your very own complimentary audio guide. Surely it can’t get better than this? Oh wait, it just did! Students get discounted tickets, making it not only fun but affordable too. Don’t forget your Student ID badge though, you’ll need that for your big discount.
3. Cruise like Jane McDonald on the River Dee
Okay, so not quite like Jane McDonald but the next best thing. Cruise the River Dee on the ChesterBoat and discover Chester with a different view. Learn about Chester’s ancient history and truly relax whilst you take in the spectacular sights that the city has to offer. There’s no better way to get to know your new home, and guess what? ChesterBoat offers a student discount too.
4. Student ghost hunters at the ready
This is for all you paranormal enthusiasts; have a terrifyingly good evening doing the Chester Ghost Tour and delve deep into Chester’s troubled past. Step back in time and learn about all the spooky happenings and trembling paranormal encounters that have scared people to their very core in ‘The Ghost City’.
5. Chester’s just a walk in the park
Excuse the pun, I couldn’t resist! Looking for something less spooky? Me too. Take a stroll through Grosvenor Park – we all love a crisp autumn walk, but this is something you can do any time of the year. Whether you have family visiting, are looking for something to do with friends, or just want some alone time, Grosvenor Park is the place for you. Better yet, it’s free to enter. Look out for the local squirrels, I’ve heard they’re very friendly.
6. Relax in front of the big screen at the Storyhouse Theatre
There’s no better way to unwind after a long day of studying than to have a nice cuppa and watch a great film; you can do both at the Storyhouse Theatre, Chester’s very own boutique cinema. And even better, that nice cuppa I mentioned is totally and utterly free. Students get free tea and coffee at the Storyhouse Theatre if they present their student ID badge. You can even watch a blockbuster whilst you’re there. It’s a no-brainer and under £10.
7. Can you walk-the-walk?
If you’re looking for a free activity, take a stroll along Chester’s City Walls and tick off the sights as you go along. If you’ve ever wondered what the best way to see Chester is, then this is it! See Chester’s nearly 2,000-year-old history for yourself at your own pace. Don’t forget to take lots of pictures – Chester is full of Instagram hotspots that are sure to make all your followers jealous.
8. Picnic like a pro at the Roman Amphitheatre
Let’s be honest, we all love going to a fancy restaurant and having a nice evening out. Unfortunately, money does not always allow us to do this. However, I don’t know about you but I really love going for a picnic with my friends instead, especially when you can go to such a historic and beautiful place as the Roman Amphitheatre. It’s steeped in history and is a lovely place to go and socialise with friends and family. It was also part of an archaeological excavation, so who knows what treasure you could find.
9. Sick to Death: Chester’s goriest attraction
Are you brave enough to delve into the dark side of medicine? Take a self-guided tour around the museum to revisit medicine’s grisly past, as well as learn about all things magic. It’s not all grim, but beware, this one is not for the faint-hearted.
10. Dance the night away at Rosie’s Nightclub
I haven’t forgotten about all you party animals. Rosie’s Nightclub is the ideal place for students to get their groove on. It’s cheap, cheerful and they host student nights. This is a great way to indulge in Chester’s vibrant nightlife. One Direction said it best, “Live while we’re young!”