Chester's short-let calendar is built around its racecourse. The May Festival opens the season, and race days continue through the summer, most of them on Fridays and Saturdays. Add Christmas and a steady flow of visitors to the walls, the Rows and the zoo, and Chester weekends fill all year.
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Key takeaways
- Chester's short-let calendar is built around its racecourse.
- The May Festival opens the racing season.
- Race days continue through summer, mostly on Fridays and Saturdays.
- Christmas and visitors to the walls, the Rows and the zoo fill weekends all year.
- Plan for race-day guests and your neighbours.
Contents
- When is Chester's May Festival?
- When are the summer race days?
- Do visitors come to Chester all year?
- Is Christmas busy for short lets?
- Do business and contractor stays fill weekdays?
- What do race-day guests want?
- What happens in the quieter months?
- How should you price around Chester's calendar?
- What does this mean for you?
- Let us price your calendar
- Frequently asked questions
When is Chester's May Festival?
The May Festival at Chester Racecourse runs from Wednesday 5 to Friday 7 May 2027. It is one of the biggest dates in the city's year. In 2025, the three days drew a total crowd of 39,197, the highest attendance since Covid.
- Open your May Festival dates now, and price them well above a normal week.
- Many racegoers come in groups, so homes sleeping four to six do well.
- Screen group bookings and set a clear no-parties rule.
When are the summer race days?
After the May Festival, racing continues on the Roodee through the summer, and the racecourse says the majority of fixtures are on a Friday or Saturday. That makes race weekends a regular summer peak. Check the fixture list as soon as it is published, and raise prices on every race day.
Do visitors come to Chester all year?
Chester draws visitors all year to its city walls, the Rows, the cathedral and Chester Zoo, one of the UK's most visited zoos. Families visiting the zoo often stay a night or two, especially in school holidays. Mention how far your home is from the zoo and the station in your listing.
Is Christmas busy for short lets?
December brings Chester's Christmas market and shopping trips, with weekends booking first. Set a minimum stay across New Year and price it separately.
Do business and contractor stays fill weekdays?
Midweek, business travellers and contractors working across Cheshire and North Wales fill homes near the station and the ring road. For longer stays, see our guide to monthly stays.
What do race-day guests want?
Racegoers often arrive dressed up and leave late. They value a full-length mirror, good lighting, space to hang clothes, and walking distance to the Roodee. Groups want enough bathrooms to get ready at the same time. These details show up in reviews and bring guests back next season.
What happens in the quieter months?
January and February are usually the quietest weeks. Use them for deep cleans, repairs and new photos, and lower weeknight prices rather than leaving nights empty.
How should you price around Chester's calendar?
- When the racecourse publishes its fixtures, mark every race day.
- Price the May Festival and Saturday race days highest.
- Add school holidays for zoo visitors, and Christmas weekends.
- Fill weeknights with business and contractor stays.
What does this mean for you?
- The May Festival is Chester's biggest earning week.
- Summer race weekends are a regular peak.
- Screen groups to protect your home and your neighbours. See Airbnb rules in Chester.
Let us price your calendar
Our Chester Airbnb management team adds every race day to your calendar and prices your nights to match. Get your free valuation to see what your home could earn. For costs, see council tax and costs for Chester short lets.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Chester May Festival?
In May, opening the racing season.
When are Chester race days?
Through the summer, mostly on Fridays and Saturdays.
Is Chester busy outside race days?
Yes. Christmas and visitors to the walls, the Rows and the zoo fill weekends all year.
What do race-day guests want?
Easy access to the racecourse and a comfortable place to get ready.
Do business guests book in Chester?
Yes, business and contractor stays help fill weekdays.
Related guides
Sources
This is general information, not legal or tax advice. It is our own interpretation of the rules and figures as they stand on the date shown above, and they can change. Speak to a qualified solicitor or accountant before you act on anything here.