Re‑imagined in 2022 as the anchor of Chester’s £72 million Northgate regeneration, the new Chester Market pairs the heritage of a traditional market with a light‑filled, Scandinavian‑style food hall and 40+ independent traders – from award‑winning street‑food kitchens to zero‑waste grocers.
Chester Market opening times 2026 & best times to visit
| Day | Market Hall | Produce Stalls | Food & Drink Stalls | Insider tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tue–Sat | 08:00–22:00 | 08:00–18:00 | 11:00–22:00 | Arrive before noon mid‑week for shortest queues |
| Sunday | 10:00–21:00 | 10:00–18:00 | 11:00–21:00 | Sunday brunch is lively but tables turn fast |
| Monday | Closed (open Bank Holidays 10:00–21:00) | – | – | Check social for pop‑ups |
Getting to Chester Market
Where is Chester Market?
Exchange Square, off Northgate Street, Chester CH1 2AR – 2 minutes’ walk from the Town Hall.
Where to park for Chester Market (New Market Parking)
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800‑space, award‑winning multi‑storey on Hunter Street with direct lift access into the market.
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Height limit 2 m; 40 EV chargers; £3.50 up to 1 h, £10 over 6 h, £4 flat after 18:00.
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Blue‑Badge holders (CW&C residents, micro‑chipped badge) park free up to 4 h.
Arriving by train, bus or bike
Chester railway station is a 15‑minute walk or 5‑minute bus ride (routes 1, 1A, 3) to the Town Hall stop. Secure cycle hub for 50 bikes with free e‑bike charging sits inside New Market Parking.
Chester Market food stalls & independent traders
Whether you fancy Neapolitan pizza fired in 90 seconds, Venezuelan arepas, Welsh lamb shawarma or plant‑based cookie dough, the line‑up changes often but typically includes:
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Big Lola’s Taqueria – Instagram‑loved birria tacos
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Death by Tacos – spicy vegan options
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Thai by Thai – crowd‑favourite khao soi
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Fresh by Rich – sustainable fish‑mongers
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Jeffrey’s Books – second‑hand treasures (perfect rainy‑day browsing)
Trader directory updated on the official site; check for seasonal pop‑ups.
Is Chester Market dog friendly & family friendly?
Yes – well‑behaved dogs on a lead are welcome throughout the hall (water bowls by Digby & Champ pet boutique), making it a popular stop on a dog‑friendly Chester itinerary. Highchairs, accessible toilets with baby‑change and plenty of buggy space make it equally easy with kids.
Events & what’s on at Chester Market 2026
Free live music most Friday and Saturday evenings (19:30 start); look out for the Richard G Jones Trio, local singer‑songwriter Stephen Lockhart and monthly Latin dance nights on Exchange Square.
Facilities & accessibility – everything you need to know
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Level access throughout; lifts link car park and market floor.
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Automatic doors, contrasting flooring, hearing loop at the information desk.
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Accessible toilets & Changing Places facility.
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Cash accepted but contactless preferred at 95 % of stalls.
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Free public Wi‑Fi and plentiful sockets for laptop workers pre‑dinner.
Things to do near Chester Market
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Chester City Walls walk – jump on at Northgate Bridge for Roman views.
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Picturehouse cinema – six‑screen complex next door (rainy‑day plan).
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Storyhouse arts centre – 3‑minute walk for theatre and library.
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Chester Cathedral falconry & nature gardens – 5‑minute walk for families.
- Visiting in late Nov–Dec? Check out our Chester Christmas Market guide runs right by the Town Hall—perfect to pair with Chester Market.
Top tips for visiting Chester Market
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Beat the crowds – arrive before 11:30 AM Tuesdays or Wednesdays.
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Grab a buzzer – many hot‑food stalls give pagers so you can nab a seat first.
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Split & share – order smaller plates to sample multiple kitchens.
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Bring containers – most produce traders encourage BYO tubs for zero waste.
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Check socials (@newchestermarket) for flash events and trader holidays.
Final thoughts
From artisan coffee at dawn to craft beer after dark, Chester Market has evolved into a destination in its own right – a place where Roman history meets 21st‑century street food. Use this guide, grab an empty stomach, and experience why locals say it’s the tastiest spot inside the city walls.
Happy exploring!
Chester Market – Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chester Market dog friendly?
Yes — well‑behaved dogs on a lead are welcome throughout the hall and water bowls are provided.
When did the new Chester Market open?
The new market hall opened on 8th November 2022 as part of the £72 million Northgate scheme.
What are Chester Market opening hours in 2026?
Tuesday–Saturday 8 am‑10 pm (hot‑food traders from 11 am) and Sunday 10 am‑9 pm. Closed Mondays except Bank‑Holiday Mondays (10 am‑9 pm).
Is Chester Market open on Bank Holidays?
Yes — when a Bank Holiday falls on a Monday the market opens 10 am‑9 pm.
Where exactly is Chester Market?
Exchange Square, Northgate Street, Chester CH1 2AR, two minutes’ walk from the Town Hall and Storyhouse.
Where can I park for Chester Market and how much does it cost?
Use the 800‑space New Market Parking multi‑storey on Hunter Street (direct lift into the market). Tariffs start at £3.50 for one hour, rising to £10 for over six hours; after 6 pm it’s a flat £4. Blue‑Badge holders with a micro‑chipped badge park free for up to four hours. EV chargers and a secure cycle hub are on site.
Does Chester Market take card payments or is it cash only?
Almost every trader accepts contactless card and phone payments, and the hall even hosts a tap‑to‑donate scheme. Still, bring a little cash for the occasional produce stall that’s not yet gone digital.
Are there vegan or gluten‑free options at Chester Market?
Plenty — 100 % plant‑based kitchens such as Vegan House plus many stalls that clearly label GF dishes mean you’ll never go hungry.
Does Chester Market have toilets, baby‑change and accessible facilities?
Yes. You’ll find level access, automatic doors, accessible toilets, a Changing Places facility and baby‑changing within the hall.
Can I book a table at Chester Market?
No — seating is communal and first‑come, first‑served, but many food stalls give you a pager so you can grab a spot while you wait.
How do I get to Chester Market from Chester rail station?
Walk 10‑15 minutes along City Road and Northgate Street, or hop on any city‑centre bus (routes 1, 1A, 2, 3) to the Town Hall stop, three minutes from the entrance.
