Cheapest way to go to Chester from Manchester?

kawan2

Hi,

Thinking of going to Chester from Manchester for a day trip. Does anyone know the cheapest mode of travel for 2 adults and one 7-year old. As we are in Manchester from Friday to Tues, we can travel either on a weekday or weekend.

Would also appreciate the sort of things one can do at Chester. Also heard there's an outlet mall near Chester. Is it easy to get to?

Thanks.

dzug1

A cheap day return on the train is £12.10 each - half fare for the child. No advance purchase savings that I can see

£7.20 on National Express - but rather an infrequent service

Peter2006

I presuming you haven't got a car, in which case train will be the best option.

Trains to Chester leave from Manchester Piccadily and take just over an hour (no changes). They run quite frequently (3 or 4 an hour) so no problems there.

Cost wise, I'm sure somebody else can better fill you in, as there's bound to be some sort of family ticket you can buy, particularly if you go on a weekend.

As for the shopping outlet, well it is quite a way outside Chester, but you can get there by bus using either the No 1, 36 or 111 service apparently.

Here's the link to their website:

http://www.cheshireoaksdesigneroutlet.com/consumer.asp

Personally whenever I go to Cheshire Oaks, I go by car as it's a lot easier, but I've seen the buses stopping there, so I'm sure they'd be fine.

As for stuff to do in Chester:
- There's plenty of shops!
- Chester Zoo - on the outskirts of town, but you can get a bus there and it is very very good.
- City Walls - you can walk around the city on the old walls, which give great views, plus they're free!
- Roman Amphitheatre - again free

Donniedodo

Just a quick note if you're thinking of going to the zoo, there is a NE coach from Manchester that takes you right there. There's only one return trip a day (leaving 10am, returning about 6-ish) but it's saving us the bother of getting into Chester and trying to find the zoo when we go to see the red pandas tomorrow I think it was about £7.50 each for a return.

kathleenryd

Think about getting a family railcard. you might get it discounted if you apply on line. I had an email recently offering it at a big discount - might have been half price. I will look for it and let you know.

Family & Friends Railcard online - code DAILYM12 half price till 31st July - saves 1/3 on rail cost.

K

kawan2

Hi,

Thanks for all the replies.

Donniedodo - As we are going to Berlin at the end of August and thinking of visiting Berlin zoo, we are going to give Chester zoo a miss. Thanks for the tip anyway.

Peter2006 - You are right. We don't have a car with us. Travelling to Manchester on the cheap Virgin railfare (£4 return from London). Looks like it is toss up between using the train to get to Chester or bus to Cheshire Oaks.

crowlands

Hi, personally I would give Cheshire Oaks a miss - it is just like any old shopping outlet, of which there are 100's all over the country. Whereas there is only one Chester, and it is a lovely city. It is a small city and can easily be walked around in one day, the two-tiered shopping 'rows' are unique and all the usual shops can be found there. If you do decide to walk the walls you could take a detour down by the river and then walk back up to the centre through the park. Everything is signposted and there is a tourist information office by the Town Hall. I do hope that you enjoy it

kawan2

kathleenryd - Thanks for the code for the half-price railcard.

Crowlands - I'm leaning towards seeing Chester as I'm more of a sightseeing person rather than shopper.

Does anybody know how far it is to walk from Chester Railway station to the Chester city centre. Alternatively, is there a bus I can catch. Bus number, price and where to catch it will be useful if anybody knows.

Thanks.

jonesMUFCforever

kawan2 wrote: »

kathleenryd - Thanks for the code for the half-price railcard.

Crowlands - I'm leaning towards seeing Chester as I'm more of a sightseeing person rather than shopper.

Does anybody know how far it is to walk from Chester Railway station to the Chester city centre. Alternatively, is there a bus I can catch. Bus number, price and where to catch it will be useful if anybody knows.

Thanks.

There is a free bus from the train station to the city centre if you show a valid rail ticket.

kawan2

jonesMUFCforever - Thank you for the info about the free bus.

Jordie1983

Just a quick one for others reading this thread that the free bus is free even without a rail ticket!