Chester’s Cultural Hotspots

Chester is a city brimming with historical sites and cultural hotspots that you, as a student, can take advantage of. We’ve put together a list of all the most enriching and artistic gems for you to visit before and during your studies, along with the University’s connections to them:

1. Storyhouse

Storyhouse is an independent arts centre and creative hub in Chester which incorporates a library, a mid-scale theatre, a studio theatre and a cinema. The company also runs an open-air theatre every summer in the city’s Grosvenor Park. The University partners with Storyhouse to co-deliver a number of initiatives, including:

• Chester International Film Festival- Our Centre for Student Exchange and Language Development has close ties in supporting this event.
• Storyhouse Climate- Our Humanities, Culture and Environment supports with delivering informative sessions on our ever-changing climate.
• Festival of Ideas- A suite of free, inclusive and accessible public events taking place across multiple days across Chester and in Storyhouse. The events cover a wide range of themes in and around Chester and you can learn something new while taking part in events that will change your perspective on the world around you.
• Plus, the University and Storyhouse carry out joint research projects and support for international students and communities in Chester.

2. CASC Gallery

Contemporary Art Space Chester (CASC) is the operational name for a range of pop-up and permanent exhibition spaces in and around the University of Chester and the city of Chester. Spaces include the Foyer Gallery at Creative Campus Kingsway and the CASC gallery space in Grosvenor.

These spaces display work from current lecturers, community members, and also undergraduate and postgraduate students. We recently held our end of year degree show in this fantastic space, hear about what that experience was like from student, Marta.

3. Bars and Taprooms Performance Spaces

Chester’s live music scene has bled into the nightlife of some of our great independent taprooms, pubs, and bars. For a laid-back atmosphere, the Cornerhouse is a great place to sample an array of wines, gins and casks ales while enjoying live music. With regular Friday and Saturday performances, expect almost every music genre under the sun, from blues, folk and jazz, to soul, indie and pop. Put your general knowledge to the test in their weekly quiz night every Sunday. Awarded UK Cider and Perry Pub of the Year 2024, That Beer Place has also got you covered. Keep an eye out for their comedy nights or the chance to get on the decks yourself. If electronic music and DJ sets are more your thing, then Spookton Brew Co. Taproom is where to go. Even better, 5p from every pint or can sold goes straight towards local causes.

4. oH Foundation

Located on Bridge Street, oH Design Foundation is a creative hub of local designers and creators. Staff and students from the University played an active role in its set up and opening, with some of our graduates exhibiting their work and taking part in their inaugural catwalk show. We’ve also hosted helpful drop-in careers advice sessions for students currently studying with us in conjunction with the oH Foundation.

5. Alexanders Live

Serving up music, theatre, poetry, comedy and more all under one roof, Alexander’s Live is the place to be if you’re looking for some entertainment after lectures. The venue hosts weekly open mic nights and has welcomed an array of performers in the past, such as Bill Bailey, Duffy, and even Ed Sheeran in his early days! So, if you’re after a sing song, want to practice your stand-up material, or simply enjoy the local creative scene, there’s something for everyone.

Alexander’s also shares close ties with the University’s music and creative writing subject areas. Our students often perform a piece of music or a spoken word piece at one of our open mic nights in this fantastic venue.

6. Telford’s Warehouse

Situated on the Shropshire Union Canal, Telford’s Warehouse is a much-loved live music and arts venue providing the perfect backdrop for soaking up some rays in the summer or cosying up in the winter with one of their delicious Sunday roasts. There’s always the opportunity to catch a performance on their stage, which has seen the likes of Coldplay and Catfish and the Bottlemen, just to name-drop a couple! Head upstairs and you’ll find a restaurant serving up hearty pub classics, as well as a contemporary art gallery showcasing work of different local artists.

It’s also easily accessible on foot via the Greenway Gate from Exton Park campus, ideal if you’re fancying a stroll to one of the city’s cultural gems.

7. Creative Campus, Kingsway

Home to the School for the Creative Industries, Chester’s Creative Campus, Kingsway, which features some of the most outstanding facilities for our art, design and performance-based courses. Our campus offers state-of-the-art studios, TV production suites, fashion design workshops, animation suites, and an outdoor amphitheatre.

Thinking about joining our bustling creative scene at Chester? Come and see where you could be studying at one of our upcoming Open Days, or take a tour yourself of the venues mentioned in this blog!