Located on the northern outskirts of Chester, Upton is one of the most desirable residential suburbs combining a strong sense of community, village identity and excellent access to the city’s amenities as well as the wider regional road and rail network. Dating back to the Doomsday Book of 1086, Upton appeals to growing families, professionals and those seeking a quieter pace of life within easy reach of Chester city centre.
Pubs, Restaurants & Local Amenities
With several pubs, restaurants and local shops serving the area, it’s no wonder that Upton is popular with the locals, and those looking for a home there. The Mill is a much-loved family-friendly destination pub, serving award-winning ales alongside an extensive food menu whilst The Wheatsheaf Inn on Upton Lane is another established local, popular for its community atmosphere, sports viewing and honest pub food at accessible prices.
National award winners, Fish & Chips @ Weston Grove consistently make headlines for all the right reasons, whilst places like The Indian Brasserie make up for other tastes in the area.
Day-to-day shopping needs are comfortably met within the area. A Morrisons supermarket at the Bache provides a large weekly shop close at hand, complemented by a post office, convenience stores and a selection of independent traders. With Chester on the doorstep, you are never too far away from city centre shopping.
Recreation & Green Spaces
Upton is exceptionally well served on the recreational front. In the heart of the suburb is Upton Park providing a well-maintained open green space and is a focal point for the local community throughout the year. The area also benefits from a bowling green and a Royal British Legion Club, both adding to the strong community fabric of the village.
Golfers will love this. Founded in 1934, Upton-by-Chester Golf Club is located within the suburb itself — an established 18-hole parkland course with mature tree-lined fairways, strategically placed water hazards and USGA specification greens that keep the course playable throughout the year. It is widely regarded as one of the best courses in England.
And finally, perhaps Upton’s most celebrated attraction is Chester Zoo. Sitting directly in the parish boundary it is one of the largest and most visited zoos in the United Kingdom and is often cited as one of the “finest in the world”. For residents, such a star attraction on the doorstep of the city is a privilege and a unique selling point as well.
Schools & Education
There are four primary schools within the civil parish; Acresfield Academy, Mill View Primary School, Upton Heath Church of England Primary School and Upton Westlea Primary School, giving families a genuine choice of setting to suit their preferences.
Upton High School is the local, co-educational state secondary, an above-average-sized school with an on-site sixth form and recently expanded sports facilities serving both pupils and the wider community. The well-regarded Christleton High School is also within reach for families living towards the southern edge of the parish.
Independent schooling is well represented more widely, The King’s School, The Queen’s School, The Firs School & Abbeygate College located across the city providing strong independent options as well.
Transport & Connectivity
Upton is perfectly positioned for transport in and out of city, both on road and rail. Bache railway station, less than a mile from the village centre, sits on the Merseyrail Wirral Line and provides regular services into Chester city centre and onwards to Birkenhead and Liverpool, making it a highly convenient option for daily commuters. Chester railway station, accessible within minutes by road or taxi, offers regular direct services to London Euston just over two hours, with fast connections to Liverpool Lime Street, Crewe, Manchester Piccadilly and beyond.
By road, the A41 Chester to Ellesmere Port trunk road runs directly through the area, providing swift access north towards the M53 motorway and the Wirral, whilst the A5116 Liverpool Road connects to the wider Chester ring road and city centre. The M53 and M56 motorways are both within a short drive, opening up daily travel to Liverpool, Manchester and North Wales with ease. Chester Business Park, Deeside Industrial Park and Wrexham Industrial Estate are all readily accessible for those employed in professional and commercial sectors.
Liverpool John Lennon Airport lies approximately 22 miles to the north, whilst Manchester Airport is around 35 miles via the M56. Hawarden Airport, catering for private and corporate aviation, is within 10 miles to the east.
Key Mileage Distances
• Chester City Centre — 2 miles
• Chester Railway Station — 2.5 miles
• Bache Railway Station — 0.8 miles
• Chester Zoo — 0.5 miles
• Chester Business Park — 4 miles
• M53 Motorway — 4 miles
• M56 Motorway — 7 miles
• Hawarden Airport — 9 miles
• Crewe — 20 miles
