“We have been using St Mary’s for years now - it is perfect for our needs and the nearby parking is so convenient on performance nights.”
Chester Music Society
The Venue
St Mary’s really is something of a gem, and its precious setting certainly helps it shine. Tucked away in a charming and unexpected area of the city that even many locals have not discovered, walking into St Mary’s Hill is like stepping back a few decades.
Frequently Asked Questions
Interior Spaces
Interior Spaces
As a former church, St Mary’s “on the hill” is not only a beautiful building on the outside, its equally stunning and impressively spacious interior also offers an extraordinarily atmospheric creative environment, whether for large dynamic groups, or the smaller ensembles who enjoy the focus of its quieter corners. The marvellous acoustic is well-suited to musical and theatrical performances.
Our Building
The present church building dates from the 14th and 15th centuries, but a previous church on the site was built by the Normans and served Chester castle. Built around 1443, the south chapel was originally owned by the Earl of Shrewsbury, and was damaged in 1645 during the civil war, collapsing in 1661 and being rebuilt in 1693. Later, in order to provide a clear line of fire during the Jacobite rebellion of 1745, the upper stage of the tower was demolished by Lord Cholmondeley. In 1861-62 the church was restored by James Harrison, and again by J.P. Seddon in 1890-92, when the north porch was rebuilt in memory of Randle Holme III. In 1930 the aisle roofs were rebuilt. The church was decommissioned in 1972.
Getting Here by Road or on Foot
Entering Chester from any direction, look for the brown signs to Chester Castle or the Grosvenor Museum and use our map below or your smartphone app to locate St Mary’s. The palisade at the University of Chester and Crown Court building entrance and the circular HQ building opposite are distinctive landmarks which should help you find us.
Note: Some blue pedestrian signs still say “Saint Mary’s Centre”
Entering Chester from any direction, look for the brown signs to Chester Castle or the Grosvenor Museum and use your smartphone app to locate St Mary’s. The palisade at the University of Chester and Crown Court building entrance and the circular HQ building opposite are distinctive landmarks which should help you find us.
Note: Some blue pedestrian signs still say “Saint Mary’s Centre”
St Mary’s Creative Space
St Mary's Hill
Chester
CH1 2DW
(It is not possible to receive mail at this address)
Parking info
We ask our visitors NOT to park on the roads and parking bays around the venue but to use the local car parks very nearby…
Castle Square - CH1 2AN
There is ample parking here, in front of the Crown Court building Mon to Fri after 3pm; Sat and Sun £5 to park until 3pm, free after 3pm. Just walk through the arch in the rear corner to St Mary’s.
Little Roodee - CH1 1SL
Alternatively, this Pay & Display is the closest option (arrivals after 6pm: £1.50). Once parked, just follow the path through the gap to the left of the Crown Court building and you will see St Mary’s on your right.
Click the map to get directions by road, public transport or foot. This will open a Google Maps page in a new browser window.
Coming by Train
Chester Station is 1 mile away, so around 20 minutes on foot or 9 minutes by bus (every 8 mins using services 1, 3, 3A, 4, X44 or X55 from stop S9).
About Chester
Chester is one of Britain's most historic and visually appealing cities with its famous black and white timbered buildings, winding streets and alleys. The ancient boundary walls, pretty river and esplanade of this compact former market town of Cheshire is brimming with historic sights and excellent shopping. Two thousand year-old Roman artefacts, medieval galleried Rows, Georgian terraces and Victorian splendour are all part of Chester’s charm. A fantastic choice of restaurants, and some fine bars and pubs, offer tempting options for pre- and post-performance food and drink – and there are plenty of hotels, to suit all pockets, for the occasional stop-over or special weekend!
