Ye Old Kings Head Chester is one of the city centre’s most characterful historic pubs, occupying a distinctive timber-framed building at 48–50 Lower Bridge Street, close to Bridge Street, Chester Castle and the River Dee. Officially branded Ye Olde Kings Head, the venue combines a traditional pub and restaurant with a much older building whose surviving fabric includes medieval elements. Historic England records it as a Grade II* listed building, with origins around 1208 and substantial later rebuilding.
Today, visitors can call in for drinks, lunch, dinner or Sunday lunch, while the upper floors are associated with My Haunted Hotel, an overnight paranormal investigation experience. This guide covers opening hours, food, accessibility, booking, parking, transport, the building’s history and what visitors should know before arriving.
Quick overview
Ye Olde Kings Head stands at the lower end of Lower Bridge Street, one of the most atmospheric parts of Chester’s historic centre. From the outside, the black-and-white timber framing, projecting upper floors and leaded windows immediately distinguish it from a conventional modern pub.
The building deserves attention even if you have little interest in its paranormal reputation. Historic England identifies the property as a Grade II listed former town house and hotel*, with medieval stonework surviving within the building and later timber-framed additions. The official listing dates the earliest phase to around 1208.
On the ground floor, the Kings Head operates as a pub and restaurant. The official website describes the venue as family-friendly and currently lists a main food menu, children’s menu, wine menu and Sunday lunch menu.
Upstairs, the building has become closely associated with My Haunted Hotel, where guests take part in organised overnight paranormal investigations rather than simply booking an ordinary hotel stay.
Key facts
Official name: Ye Olde Kings Head
Address: 48–50 Lower Bridge Street, Chester, Cheshire
Postcode: CH1 1RS
Telephone: 01244 324855
Email: yeoldekingsheadchester@gmail.com
Current pub opening hours:
Sunday–Thursday: 12pm–11pm
Friday–Saturday: 12pm–12am
Admission: No general admission charge applies to enter the pub. Food, drink and special paranormal experiences are charged separately.
Recommended visit duration: Around 60–90 minutes for drinks or a meal; considerably longer for Sunday lunch or a booked My Haunted Hotel experience.
Booking: Not normally necessary simply to enter for a drink, but booking a table is sensible at popular meal times. My Haunted Hotel must be booked separately; its booking information states that tickets must be booked online at least 24 hours in advance.
Nearest railway station: Chester.
Parking: No general customer car park is advertised. The venue’s official accessibility information states that private parking on Castle Street is available for Blue Badge holders.
Accessibility: Ground-floor bar and restaurant facilities are available, but this is a very old listed building and several areas include steps. The bedrooms used by My Haunted Hotel are reached by stairs.
Official website: Kings Head Chester.
Special experience: My Haunted Hotel overnight paranormal investigations.
Details checked: 16 August 2026.
Why Ye Olde Kings Head is historically important
It is easy to describe the Kings Head simply as a 400-year-old pub, but the building itself is considerably more complicated.
Historic England’s statutory listing describes it as a town house with an undercroft at street level dating from around 1208, originally associated with Peter the Clerk. The property was subsequently rebuilt and altered during the fifteenth, sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries, including work associated with Randle Holme I. It underwent heavy renovation in 1935.
The result is a mixture of periods rather than one untouched seventeenth-century building. Historic England records medieval stone walls within the cellars together with extensive timber framing, leaded casement windows, projecting upper floors and later alterations.
That history is useful context when visiting. The slightly irregular proportions, beams, changes in floor level and relatively intimate internal spaces are features of an adapted historic building rather than a purpose-built contemporary pub.
What to expect at Ye Olde Kings Head Chester
Approaching from Chester Cross, walk south down Bridge Street and continue onto Lower Bridge Street. The street gradually descends towards the River Dee, with historic buildings and independent businesses lining both sides.
The Kings Head occupies the corner with Castle Street. Its black-and-white upper storeys and projecting timber-framed façade make it straightforward to recognise.
The main entrance is on Lower Bridge Street. According to the venue’s official accessibility guide, reception is effectively within the ground-floor bar area, and both the main restaurant and bar are on the ground floor. Flooring is a combination of tile and carpet.
Expect a traditional rather than minimalist interior. The historic character of the property is part of the attraction: lower lighting in the evenings, timber detailing and relatively enclosed spaces suit visitors looking for an old Chester pub rather than a large open-plan bar.
The official access guide notes that the seating includes both lower seats and upright chairs, while restaurant tables and chairs can be moved where required. Full table service is available within the bar and restaurant.
Main things to see and do
Have a drink in one of Chester’s historic pubs
For many visitors, the simplest reason to call in is to experience the building itself over a drink.
The Kings Head sits in a particularly good part of the city for anyone exploring Chester’s historic pubs. Lower Bridge Street retains a strong sense of the medieval and post-medieval street pattern, and the pub is within a few minutes’ walk of Chester Cross, the Rows and the city walls.
You do not need to take part in a paranormal event to visit the ground-floor pub.
Stop for lunch or dinner
The current official menu is broad traditional-pub territory, including fish and chips, sausage and mash, pies, steaks, burgers, salads and vegetarian and vegan dishes. The menu currently identifies both vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free choices.
At the time of checking, examples included fish and chips, pea and mint risotto, steak and ale pie, beef burgers and vegan burgers. Prices change, so use these as an indication of the style of food rather than a permanent price list.
Try Sunday lunch
Sunday lunch has its own menu and is currently advertised as being served from 12pm to 7pm.
At the time of checking, roast options included beef, chicken, gammon and pork alongside a nut roast and sweet potato roulade, each listed at £16.95.
Menus and prices can change, particularly around Christmas and other seasonal periods, so check the current menu before making a special journey.
Look closely at the historic building
Visitors interested in architecture should take time to look beyond the pub signage.
Historic England specifically records the timber framing, leaded windows, projecting upper storey and medieval stonework associated with the building. The Old Kings Head Hotel was first formally listed in 1955 and is currently Grade II*.
This makes the Kings Head particularly easy to combine with a walk around nearby Bridge Street, the Rows and Chester City Walls.
Discover the haunted reputation
The Kings Head actively promotes its reputation for paranormal activity, but it is best to distinguish between documented architectural history and supernatural claims.
The building’s age and Grade II* status are matters of historical record. Claims about ghosts are part of the pub’s folklore, reputation and commercial paranormal experience rather than independently verifiable historical fact.
The official Kings Head website describes the building as one of the UK’s most haunted and identifies it as the home of My Haunted Hotel.
Book My Haunted Hotel
My Haunted Hotel is a separate, organised overnight paranormal experience using the upper parts of Ye Olde Kings Head.
Participants investigate the property and then stay within the bedrooms while monitoring equipment and cameras are used as part of the experience.
Current booking information states:
- advance online booking is required at least 24 hours beforehand;
- standard check-in is 8.30pm;
- check-out is at 12 noon;
- most rooms accommodate up to two guests;
- participants should bring their own sleeping bags and towels;
- alcohol is not permitted during the investigation;
- the standard overnight experience is restricted to over-18s.
This is therefore very different from simply reserving a conventional hotel room.
Who is Ye Olde Kings Head best suited to?
Couples
The combination of historic surroundings, food, drinks and a central Chester location makes it particularly convenient for couples spending a day or weekend in the city.
History enthusiasts
This is arguably the strongest reason to visit beyond eating and drinking. The Grade II* building contains fabric from several periods and sits in one of Chester’s most historically rewarding streets.
Paranormal enthusiasts
The connection with My Haunted Hotel makes the Kings Head one of Chester’s most obvious stops for visitors interested in ghost stories and organised paranormal investigations.
Families
The official website describes the restaurant as family-friendly and provides a dedicated children’s menu.
The standard overnight My Haunted Hotel experience, however, is for adults aged 18 and over. Separate junior paranormal events have also been staged for ages 10–17, but these are date-specific and should never be assumed to be available without checking current listings.
Older visitors
The ground-floor pub may suit older visitors well, and upright seating is available. However, anyone with limited mobility should read the accessibility section carefully because of the age and configuration of the building.
Disabled visitors
The pub provides a detailed accessibility statement and encourages visitors to contact staff before arrival if they need assistance. The ground-floor restaurant and bar are much more accessible than the upstairs accommodation, which requires stairs.
How long should you spend at Ye Olde Kings Head?
For a drink and a look around the historic ground-floor pub, 45–60 minutes will normally be enough.
Allow around 90 minutes to two hours if you are eating.
A Sunday roast or relaxed evening meal may take longer, especially at busy periods.
My Haunted Hotel is an entirely different proposition: the current experience runs overnight, with check-in from 8.30pm and check-out at midday the following day.
Tickets, prices and booking
There is no admission ticket for the ordinary Kings Head pub and restaurant.
You pay for whatever food and drink you order.
For dining, the official website provides a booking option. Advance table booking is particularly sensible for:
- Friday evenings;
- Saturdays;
- Sunday lunch;
- bank-holiday weekends;
- Chester Racecourse meeting days;
- December and the Christmas-market period.
Food prices vary by menu. At the time of checking in August 2026, main courses on the official menu were generally in the mid-teens to mid-£20s, while Sunday roasts were listed at £16.95.
My Haunted Hotel has its own ticketing system and must be booked separately. Current instructions require online booking at least 24 hours in advance.
Prices and menus checked: 16 August 2026. Always check the official booking page before travelling because prices and availability can change.
Ye Olde Kings Head Chester opening times
The official Kings Head contact page currently lists:
Sunday: 12pm–11pm
Monday: 12pm–11pm
Tuesday: 12pm–11pm
Wednesday: 12pm–11pm
Thursday: 12pm–11pm
Friday: 12pm–12am
Saturday: 12pm–12am
Third-party directories sometimes show slightly different Sunday hours, so the official Kings Head website should take priority.
Food-service hours do not necessarily match the pub’s full opening hours. For example, Sunday lunch is currently advertised from noon until 7pm.
Christmas, New Year, bank-holiday and event-day hours can change.
How to get to Ye Olde Kings Head Chester
Address
Ye Olde Kings Head
48–50 Lower Bridge Street
Chester
Cheshire
CH1 1RS
Walking from Chester city centre
From Chester Cross, follow Bridge Street downhill. Bridge Street becomes Lower Bridge Street, and the Kings Head is further down on the right-hand side at the junction with Castle Street.
This is one of the easiest ways to reach the venue if you are already sightseeing in central Chester.
By train
Chester railway station is the nearest main station.
National Rail currently classifies Chester as a Category A step-free station, with step-free access to every platform, lifts, accessible toilets, a Changing Places toilet and baby-changing facilities.
From the station, most visitors will either walk through the city centre or use a taxi.
By bus
Chester Bus Interchange at Gorse Stacks serves many local services. From there, continue through the central shopping area towards Chester Cross and Lower Bridge Street.
Routes and timetables change, so check the relevant operator or Cheshire West and Chester Council journey information before travelling.
Park and Ride
Park and Ride can be convenient when Chester city centre is busy.
The council currently lists operating routes from Wrexham Road, Boughton Heath and Upton, while the Sealand Road Park and Ride service is suspended until further notice. Services connect with central stops including the Bus Interchange and Foregate Street; the Wrexham Road route also serves Pepper Street and Grosvenor Road.
Park and Ride services do not operate on Christmas Day, Boxing Day or New Year’s Day.
Taxi
A taxi is useful for people arriving with luggage, visitors with limited mobility, or participants attending an evening My Haunted Hotel experience.
Ask for Ye Olde Kings Head on Lower Bridge Street rather than simply “Kings Head”, as similarly named pubs exist elsewhere.
Cycling
Central Chester is relatively compact, but the immediate historic streets can be busy with pedestrians and vehicles. Use designated cycle parking rather than attaching bicycles to historic structures or street furniture where restrictions apply.
Parking near Ye Olde Kings Head Chester
There is no general customer car park advertised for ordinary pub visitors.
The venue’s official accessibility guide states that it has private overnight parking on Castle Street for Blue Badge holders only, with the hotel entrance approximately one minute away.
For other visitors, public city-centre parking is usually the practical choice.
Little Roodee Car Park
Little Roodee is useful for this end of Chester because it sits close to the castle and River Dee.
The council currently lists it as open 24 hours a day. The August 2026 tariff is £6.50 for up to 12 hours for cars arriving before 6pm, £9.50 for more than 12 hours, or £2 for arrivals after 6pm.
These charges can change, so always check signage and the council website when parking.
Blue Badge parking
Cheshire West and Chester Council states that Blue Badge holders can use disabled bays subject to the restrictions displayed at each car park. Separate local concessions may apply depending on the car park and badge arrangements.
Accessibility
Accessibility requires a little more planning here than at a modern purpose-built venue.
The Kings Head publishes its own detailed accessibility guide and invites guests who require assistance to contact the reservations team before arriving.
Ground floor
The main entrance, reception, bar and restaurant are on the ground floor. Flooring is partly tiled and partly carpeted. There is a choice of lower seating and upright chairs, tables can be moved, and full table service is available.
Menus can also be enlarged on request.
Toilets
The men’s and women’s toilets are on the ground floor but the official guide notes one step from the bar to each. It does not currently specify a separate fully accessible WC in the published access statement, so wheelchair users should contact the pub directly before travelling if accessible toilet provision is essential.
Bedrooms and My Haunted Hotel
The bedrooms are on the second floor.
The official access guide states that there are 14 steps to the first floor followed by another 17 steps to the second-floor accommodation.
This is an important limitation for visitors unable to use stairs.
Assistance dogs
The venue states that recognised assistance dogs are accepted and that bowls and beds can be provided if requested in advance.
Hearing, sensory and visual considerations
The official guide notes that evening lighting in the bar and restaurant is generally lower, enlarged menus are available and bedroom televisions offer subtitles.
No dedicated hearing loop, sensory room or quiet room is identified in the published access information, so contact the venue if any of these facilities are essential.
Food and drink
Food is a significant part of the current Kings Head offer rather than an incidental bar snack menu.
The main menu currently includes starters, sharing plates, sandwiches and wraps, pub classics, burgers, pies, bar snacks, desserts and hot drinks.
Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free dishes are clearly identified on the current menu. Examples include pea and mint risotto, a vegan burger and plant-based pie.
The official accessibility guide asks customers to inform staff of dietary requirements when booking.
Anyone with a serious allergy should discuss requirements directly with the pub rather than relying solely on online menu symbols.
Sunday lunch
Sunday is particularly relevant for visitors searching for a traditional pub meal.
The current Sunday menu is available from 12pm until 7pm and includes meat and vegetarian roast options alongside selected pub dishes.
Booking ahead is sensible if Sunday lunch is the main reason for your visit.
Toilets and visitor facilities
The men’s and women’s toilets are on the ground floor, although each is accessed via one step from the bar.
The Kings Head does not have an on-site shop or leisure facilities. Essential toiletries can be requested from reception for overnight guests.
There are also three outside tables at the front of the building, where the venue says customers can take drinks.
The official information reviewed did not confirm lockers, a cloakroom, public Wi-Fi, a dedicated baby-changing room or a cashless-only policy. Visitors who specifically need any of these facilities should contact the pub before arrival rather than assuming they are available.
Visiting Ye Olde Kings Head with children
The ordinary pub and restaurant is described by the venue as family-friendly, and a children’s menu is provided.
Families may particularly enjoy combining lunch here with nearby historical attractions rather than treating the pub as a standalone full-day destination.
Pushchair users should bear in mind that this is a historic building and internal circulation is less straightforward than in a modern restaurant.
The standard overnight My Haunted Hotel experience is strictly for over-18s. Separate My Haunted Academy junior investigations have previously been offered for 10–17-year-olds, but these are special scheduled events rather than a permanent everyday attraction.
Best time to visit
For a quieter drink
Early afternoon on a weekday is usually a better choice than Friday or Saturday evening if your priority is appreciating the building rather than nightlife.
For food
Arrive within normal lunch or early-evening dining periods and book ahead if eating is important to your plans.
For Sunday roast
Reserve a table rather than relying on walk-in availability, particularly during autumn and winter.
During Chester Racecourse meetings
The city centre can be significantly busier around race meetings. Lower Bridge Street is within walking distance of the racecourse, so allow extra time for parking and consider Park and Ride or public transport.
At Christmas
Chester’s central streets become much busier during the Christmas shopping and market period. A pre-booked table and Park and Ride can remove much of the uncertainty.
For paranormal enthusiasts
Book the formal My Haunted Hotel experience rather than assuming ordinary pub customers can access the upstairs investigation areas. The experience operates separately and requires advance booking.
Nearby attractions
Ye Olde Kings Head is particularly well placed for building into a walking itinerary around historic Chester.
Chester Castle
The castle complex lies close to the lower end of the city centre and fits naturally with a visit to Lower Bridge Street.
Grosvenor Museum
The museum on Grosvenor Street is only a short walk away and is a logical companion attraction for visitors interested in Chester’s archaeology and social history.
Chester City Walls
Access points onto Chester’s historic walls are nearby. A walk along the southern section provides views towards the River Dee and historic centre.
The River Dee and Old Dee Bridge
Continue downhill from Lower Bridge Street towards the river for the Old Dee Bridge, riverside walks and the Groves.
Chester Roman Gardens
The Roman Gardens are another straightforward city-centre stop and work particularly well as part of a history-focused walking route.
Chester Cathedral and the Rows
Walk uphill through Bridge Street towards Chester Cross to reach the Rows, Eastgate area and Chester Cathedral.
A useful half-day itinerary
For first-time visitors, one practical route is:
Start around Chester Cross and the Rows, walk downhill along Bridge Street and Lower Bridge Street, stop at Ye Olde Kings Head for lunch or a drink, continue to Chester Castle, then walk towards the Old Dee Bridge and River Dee.
From the river, return through the Roman Gardens and join the city walls.
This keeps most of the day on foot and avoids repeatedly crossing the city centre.
Local tips
Use the official spelling when booking. The venue calls itself Ye Olde Kings Head, although many people search online for “Ye Old Kings Head Chester”.
Do not confuse the pub with My Haunted Hotel. Anyone can visit the ordinary ground-floor pub subject to normal opening conditions; the paranormal overnight experience is separately ticketed.
Look at the building, not just the bar. Much of the interest comes from the unusual timber structure and the layers of architectural history recorded by Historic England.
Use Little Roodee for longer visits. It is convenient for this part of Chester and avoids hunting for short-stay street parking.
Check accessibility before booking an overnight experience. The bedrooms require two flights of stairs, so My Haunted Hotel will not suit everybody with mobility limitations.
Book Sunday lunch. The dedicated Sunday menu runs for a limited period rather than throughout the pub’s full opening hours.
Treat ghost stories as stories and experiences rather than established historical fact. The medieval structure and Grade II* listing are independently documented; paranormal claims are part of the venue’s reputation and entertainment offer.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Ye Olde Kings Head Chester?
Ye Olde Kings Head is at 48–50 Lower Bridge Street, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 1RS, close to Castle Street and within walking distance of Chester Cross and the River Dee.
What are Ye Olde Kings Head Chester opening times?
The official website currently lists Sunday to Thursday from 12pm to 11pm and Friday and Saturday from 12pm until midnight. Holiday hours may vary.
Does Ye Olde Kings Head Chester serve food?
Yes. The pub has a full food menu, children’s menu and separate Sunday lunch menu, with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free choices currently listed.
Is Ye Olde Kings Head Chester really haunted?
The pub has a longstanding reputation for alleged paranormal activity and is home to the My Haunted Hotel experience. Paranormal claims cannot be treated as established fact, but the building’s age and Grade II* listed status are independently documented.
How old is Ye Olde Kings Head Chester?
Historic England records the earliest phase of the building as dating from around 1208, although it was extensively rebuilt and altered in later centuries.
Do you need to book Ye Olde Kings Head Chester?
You do not need an admission ticket to visit the pub. Booking a table is advisable for busy dining periods. My Haunted Hotel is separate and its tickets must currently be booked online at least 24 hours in advance.
Is Ye Olde Kings Head Chester suitable for children?
The pub describes its restaurant as family-friendly and provides a children’s menu. The standard overnight My Haunted Hotel experience is restricted to guests aged 18 and over.
Is Ye Olde Kings Head Chester wheelchair accessible?
The bar and restaurant are on the ground floor, but the historic building contains steps. The toilets have one step from the bar, and the second-floor bedrooms require 14 steps to the first floor followed by another 17 steps. Contact the venue before visiting if step-free facilities are essential.
Is there parking at Ye Olde Kings Head Chester?
General customer parking is not advertised. The official accessibility guide states that private Castle Street parking is available for Blue Badge holders. Other visitors can use public city-centre car parks such as Little Roodee.
What is My Haunted Hotel Chester?
My Haunted Hotel is an organised overnight paranormal investigation held within Ye Olde Kings Head. Guests investigate the building before staying overnight while camera equipment is used to monitor the property.
Does Ye Olde Kings Head serve Sunday lunch?
Yes. The current Sunday lunch menu is advertised from 12pm until 7pm and includes meat and vegetarian roast options.
Is Ye Olde Kings Head a listed building?
Yes. Historic England lists The Old Kings Head Hotel at 48–50 Lower Bridge Street at Grade II* under list entry number 1376307.
Final verdict
Ye Olde Kings Head Chester is best approached as three experiences in one: a traditional Chester pub, a genuinely significant historic building and the home of a separately bookable paranormal attraction.
For casual visitors, its greatest advantage is location. It fits easily into a day exploring Bridge Street, Chester Castle, the city walls and River Dee without requiring a special journey across the city.
History enthusiasts have more reason than most to look closely. Behind the familiar black-and-white façade is a Grade II* building whose recorded fabric stretches back to approximately 1208.
The main limitation is accessibility. Ground-floor dining is considerably easier to access than the upstairs accommodation, and some toilet access also involves a step.
For food, a drink or an atmospheric stop during a Chester walking tour, little advance planning is necessary beyond checking the current opening hours. For Sunday lunch, peak weekends or My Haunted Hotel, booking ahead is strongly recommended.
