10 Best Things to Do in Chester

This arched gate is a prominent part of Chester’s city walls and is topped by an elegant clock that towers into the air. This was the location of the original entrance to Deva Victrix, Chester’s Roman fort built in AD 1. It’s easy to find Eastgate in the centre of Chester. Book your hotel in central Chester to be within walking distance of the clock,  Chester Cathedral and the banks of the River Dee.

Chester Cathedral is a central landmark in the city. It’s beautiful to view from the outside, but you should join a tour of the cathedral. The highlight of the tour is the opportunity to climb 125 feet to the top of the spire for great views of the city and the surrounding countryside. Parts of the cathedral have been standing for almost 1,000 years so there are lots of fascinating details to discover. The gardens surrounding the cathedral are a lovely spot to relax in nice weather.

Covering an area of around 128 acres, Chester Zoo is one of the largest wildlife attractions in the UK. It’s zoological gardens and over 35,000 animals attract around 2 million visitors per year. You’ll see a diverse range of exotic and endangered mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, amphibians and plants at Chester Zoo. One of the newest exhibitions, the Asiatic Lion Habitat, is adored by kids and adults alike.

It can take up to 2.5 hours to walk around Chester Zoo without stopping to look at anything, so you might want to set aside a full day to visit this top-rated attraction. Visit the Islands of Chester Zoo to learn about wildlife conservation programmes in the Philippines, Indonesia and Sumatra.

Grosvenor Park is a great place to take the kids. You will find all sorts in here, including a miniature railway that will delight toddlers, a playground, and an open-air theatre that is one of the nicest spots in Chester on a sunny day. 

The wide expanse of grass and trees is home to squirrels and birds. Grosvenor Park is located along the River Dee, and there’s a row of nice restaurants on the waterfront. When booking your accommodation, be sure to browse the family-friendly hotels in the area.

Chester was an important city for the Ancient Romans, and these sandstone walls are among the finest remaining Roman defences in England. Chester City Walls are so well preserved, you can walk along them for long stretches. The walls were reconstructed several times after the Romans left Britain, but you can see part of the original construction running along the Chester Canal. Don’t miss King Charles Tower for great views.

Chester Amphitheatre is the largest Roman spectator arena found in the UK, which would have been used for such gruesome sports as gladiatorial combat and bull fighting. These days, the excavated site is far more relaxed, with the grassy embankments used for picnics and a 50-metre trompe l'oeil mural that imagines how the amphitheatre must have looked thousands of years ago. You shouldn’t expect anything on the scale of Rome’s Colosseum, but for anyone with an interest in history, the Chester Amphitheatre is still a fascinating place to visit. Head to the Dewa Roman Experience museum nearby for more information on the days of the Roman Empire.

This arcade of half-timber houses has shops on 2 levels, with a diverse range of stores and cafés to explore. This Tudor building has been part of Chester for hundreds of years, offering a rich combination of culture and shopping when compared to the more modern shopping centres nearby. 

Shopping highlights at Chester Rows includes Debenhams department store, men’s fashion brand Reiss, and one-off gifts and jewellery in independent Harriet & Dee. Look out for sweet little cafés on the 2nd floor of the building.

The Blue Planet Aquarium is one of the largest freshwater and marine parks in the UK, opened by the Queen in 1998. It’s home to more types of shark than anywhere else in the nation. Themed areas include Tropical Rivers, Lakes and Ponds, Seas and Oceans, and Where Land Meets the Sea. Overall, there are around 260 species of marine creatures in the aquarium and over 4,000 individual animals.

Watch a plethora of fish and sharks swimming above you by walking through a 71-metre-long underwater tunnel. Or, get up close and personal with sharks by going on a diving encounter, suitable for adults and juniors. With exhibitions specifically geared towards young students of all ages, the Blue Planet Aquarium is just as educational as it is spectacular.

The River Dee flows to the south of the city and out into the Irish Sea. You can take to the water in a variety of ways – everything from pedalos and kayaks to cruise boats that will sail you out to the mouth of the river. On board the larger boats, you can enjoy some themed events, such as a curry & quiz night or a 3-hour party cruise. You’ll find plenty of boat operators on The Groves, a footpath that runs alongside the river.

The Storyhouse is a theatre in Chester that hosts a variety of cultural performances. You might see opera, Shakespearean theatre, or some modern plays from up-and-coming writers. It’s easy to find in the centre of Chester, walking distance from the shops and Chester train station. Don’t miss the rooftop Garret Bar for pre-show cocktails with a sweeping view. There’s also a cinema, library-cum-cafe, and a restaurant.