10 Things to Do in Chester
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You may not have known this, but we are based in the heart of Chester & we like to think we know some of the best things to do around the beautiful historic city.
When it comes to things to do in Chester, you certainly won’t find yourself running out of options. To make things a little bit easier for you, we have researched the best Chester attractions and compiled a list of 10 entertaining and enjoyable things to do while in Chester.
10 Things to Do in Chester
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1. Chester Cathedral
An amazing historical and holy building which took over 275 years to rebuild into a Gothic style around 1250, Chester Cathedral is right in the heart of Chester. It is a buzzing attraction for both the locals and visitors.
The cathedral is a hub not only for religious purposes such as prayer and communion but also hosts many musical, cultural, and educational events, making it the perfect place to visit while in and around Chester.
You can even book a tower or ground-floor tour to explore and learn about the magnificent building and its history. When you are finished, why not sit down in the refectory café and treat yourself to some delicious food and drinks?
If you don’t fancy what the café offers or would rather dine elsewhere in Chester, look at the best restaurants in Chester and see if any of those take your fancy!
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2. Chester Zoo
Chester is proud to be home to one of the country’s largest, most visited, and best zoos, also known as Chester Zoo. With over 21,000 animals to see and 125 acres of zoological gardens to explore, it would be a shame not to be part of the 1.9 million visitors the zoo welcomes yearly.
Chester Zoo believes in a “modern zoo concept,” meaning you won’t see animals caged up. Their enclosures have moats and ditches to stop escapees rather than locking them in unnatural caged environments. You can even take a boat tour around the Islands at the zoo, which is perfect for sunny days!
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3. Afternoon Tea at Chester Grosvenor
Take some time out of your day to go to the Chester Grosvenor and treat yourself to some delicious afternoon tea. This well-established venue has been serving the finest afternoon tea since 1882, so it’s easy to say you’ll have a flawless and relaxing time there.
Perfect for any occasion, afternoon tea at Chester Grosvenor will indulge you with many sweet creations put together by award-winning chefs, along with finger sandwiches, scones, fresh fruit, strawberries and cream, tea, coffee, and much more! So, for a sophisticated, classy, and luxurious afternoon dining experience, make sure to visit Chester Grosvenor.
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4. Walls of Chester
Originally built to defend Chester against attacking enemies in 80AD, the Walls of Chester have become a place for relaxing and socialising since the 1760s. While walking the walls, you will come across beautiful views of Chester, such as the racecourse, amphitheatre, hills, and much more.
To make things more exciting and educational, you can download an app on your smartphone device called Walls Quest, which will take you part in challenges at various points around the wall and throw some interesting facts out along the way. Did you know Chester was founded in 74-5AD as a Roman Fortress called Deva?
You’ll need a decent amount of energy to make it the full way around the walls, so why not treat yourself to the best breakfast in Chester before exploring?
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5. Chester Racecourse
Known for being the oldest racecourse still in England, Chester Racecourse welcomes over 300,000 visitors annually and has received many awards for being such a great venue, so why wouldn’t you want to visit it?
You don’t have to worry about visiting on a race day as there are plenty of things to do when there are no racing events, such as wine and dine at the amazing 1539 Restaurant or The White Horse and stay overnight at Holiday Inn Express with views overlooking the course. Chester Racecourse hosts various events all year, giving you even more reasons to visit. Why not head to one of the best clubs in Chester after the races?
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6. Chester Rows
The perfect Roman environment for a good shopping trip, Chester Rows are galleries that give people access to a second row of shops positioned above street level along main city centre roads. Along the rows, you will find a variety of shops, including high-street gems, designer brands, and independent stores.
Chester Rows are one of the city's most distinguishing features. They combine Medieval, Georgian, and Victorian architecture and simplify retail therapy.
Eastgate St, Bridge St & Watergate St
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7. Storyhouse
Opened in 2017, Storyhouse is a combination of a theatre, library, and cinema, making it a cultural hub for the community and visitors. It even has its own amazing restaurant inside! With over one million visits within its first year, Storyhouse has continued to draw in plenty of visitors, including Her Majesty the Queen and The Duchess of Sussex.
Storyhouse always has amazing activities throughout the year; there are over 2,000! So, if you fancy attending a festival, watching a live theatre performance or reading a book, then Storyhouse is certainly the best place.
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8. Grosvenor Park
A Victorian park like no other, Grosvenor Park is full of rich history and 5.8 hectares of green open space, which attracts many visitors every year. This park isn’t just a standard park you can find anywhere else, as it is home to an activity zone, miniature railways, a lodge café and an open-air theatre.
Take a stroll through the park's luscious green areas and make your way to the riverfront or perhaps St John’s Church, where you will find some ruins and amazing architecture. No matter what time of year, you can’t go wrong with visiting Grosvenor Park; it keeps its glory and attraction all year.
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9. Go for an Ice Cream at the River
70 miles long and a popular destination for all in Chester, the River Dee is an amazing place to visit anytime during the year. Still, it is extra special during warmer weather when all the ice cream parlours open up.
You’ll be spoilt for ice cream choices as various stands and shops serve plenty of delicious cones and lollies, along with a modern Snugbury’s, a café-style ice cream shop. Sit on a bench and take in the amazing views as you treat yourself to a cheeky ice cream.
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10. Chester Bus Tour
With the Chester Bus Tour, you can take a tour around the whole of Chester without the disadvantage of aching feet. Hop on at one of the designated stops and relax as you make your way to the hotspots of Chester on an open-top sightseeing bus.
Some main destinations are St John’s Church, The Groves, Pepper Street and much more, where you can hop off the bus and stroll around or maybe participate in a little retail therapy. The buses run from 9:30 am until 5:48 pm and restart every 30 minutes, so you’ll have plenty of time to give it a go!