Come and visit Chester – you won’t be stuck for things to do
What a beautiful city we find ourselves in! – there are so many things to explore in Chester. When I talk about my city now it isn’t just as a history-focused tourist destination.
What is it, then that brings people to our city, and keeps them coming back?
I often go into Chester on my day off (sad but true). I have a riverside walk, ogle the big houses, enjoy the Grade Listed Victorian Park, grab a couple of beers, wander on, get a bagel and then I people watch. Chester has that village feel but with buzz of a city; there’s so much going on if you know where to look.
Visit Chester these days and you’ve the opportunity to take in fashion events, art exhibitions, live music, theatre at Storyhouse and Grosvenor Park, Cathedral exhibitions, food festivals, lectures, pop ups, constant tours and talks. The list goes on. It’ no longer only Chester’s unique history reeling people in, it’s our vibrant arts and culture scene and the inspiringly diverse food on offer. Not forgetting a good night out. We’re home to the winner of Taste Cheshire’s Best Bar award – Craft and Co – with new and interesting venues opening all the time; Planeterra, Flat Earth Bar and TBC to name but a few.
Anyway, down to business.
- A GREAT and potentially the best thing to do in Chester is a Chester on a Plate Food Tour…
You won’t end up walking around aimlessly. No wondering where the best places to eat are, what there is to learn about the city and where’s best to visit. It’s the perfect way to combine sightseeing, history, culture and a mind-blowing array of the city’s gastronomic delights into your day. Plus, food & drinks are all included in the ticket price (excellent non-alcoholic alternatives!)
The best of the rest!
So many attractions, so many activities, and as a tourist or a local, tick these off your days out in Cheshire list.
This is the biggest, the best, the most beautiful attraction in Chester if you are an animal lover. The zoo has a strong ethos when it comes to conservation. Chester zoo is active in research and education globally and has over 37000 animals. It’ll take days to explore, and with Heart of Africa now open, you can stay at their stunning reserve.
A stunning place to visit all year round. Chester Cathedral is home to instalments, exhibitions and these days evening music events. From symphony orchestras to Tina Turner tributes! However, one of the best experiences is getting up to the top of the tower. It’s 216 steps, and once there you can see Chester in all its glory, plus 5 other counties and Wales. Worth the climb!
For years we were without a cinema or a theatre in Chester, and now we have both housed in the superb Storyhouse. Not to mention a library, restaurant and a cultural and creative space where you can catch comedy shows, Broadway productions, poets such as John Cooper Clarke and stars arriving for the Chester Literature festival. The independent cinema shows select films, old and new, and the theatre extends to outdoor shows in July and August in Grosvenor Park. If you’re looking for inspitring things to do in Chester, factor this in!
An institution in Chester. Take a trip along the iconic River Dee and enjoy cruising past the Duke of Westminster’s estate. Plenty of party boats running through Spring and Summer so give it a look!
If you’re looking for something to do in Chester in the evening, try one of our ghost or dark Chester tours. As the third most haunted city in the UK, there’s plenty of spinetingling tours running right through the year.
One of the best things to do in Chester once night falls, or even if it doesn’t, is Rooftop Social. On top of Pepper Street carpark sits a bar and street food pop up venue. The roof is retractable so from 12pm you can bask in the sun, sip a cocktail and play games like corn hole and ping pong. Come nighttime, the roof slides over, the heaters come on and its drinks, music and food for a couple of hours!
Out of the city…
Take the train from Chester to this ancient forest. Whether it be walking, cycling, an activity such as Go Ape or one of the incredible music and cookery events to be found in Delamere, this is a great half day trip from Chester. If you like getting into nature, this is for you.
A visit to Chester will keep you busy for days. Trust me, you’ll want to come back. One of the most interesting places not far from the city is Jodrell Bank. Take in this UNESCO World Heritage Site home to the UK’s largest telescope and prepare to have the best day. If you’re a space fan you cannot beat Jodrell Bank. This is one of the best things to do with children too if you are visiting for a long weekend. It’s mind-blowing, fun and beautiful, with the planetarium a definite highlight.
Yes, we have a Hop On-Hop Off Bus, but this is different. Want to visit the Lake District, Yorkshire and North Wales for a day trip, then the Busy Bus will take you. If Chester is your base and you’re looking to relax rather than drive, this is ideal. It’ll even take you for a shopping trip to Cheshire Oaks.
Visit Chester – this is 10 of a million fun, interesting, exciting things to experience here.
There are also the races, the Roman gardens, the River Dee and the Groves, not to mention Escapism, the Breakout room, an epic Grosvenor Afternoon tea. No shortage of fun activities, history, good food or relaxation. Nobody goes home disappointed once they’ve seen our stunning city. After visited once, I bet you return back again and again, and hopefully hop on a food and drink tour with me and Chester on a Plate Food Tours. Nothing not to love!
