Location: Chester
Top Things to do in Chester
Top 10 Things to do in Chester, England
A gem of a city easily reached by rail from Liverpool. Small yet packed to the rafters with history, culture and stylish cafe/bar culture. At its heart, the historic black-and-white timbered "rows" provide a shopping experience like no other place on the planet.
Restaurants in Chester
1. The Antiques Shop
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 122 reviews
The Antiques Shop, located at street level, within the Rows of Chester. Established in 1989. Owned and run by the same Antiques Dealer, for nearly 30 years, selling genuine British Antique and Vintage items. The shop building is a late 13th century great medieval stone town house, circa 1290-1300. Although the facade is imitation 17th century, within the building there are substantial remains of the medieval town house. 38-42 Watergate Street is one of the most interesting buildings in Chester. Rarely has the medieval fabric of a building survived so intact as in the upper levels, and rarely has a building been so thoroughly investigated.
Reviewed By 204DavidR - Chester, United Kingdom
I went in this little shop looking for an early antique map of Cheshire. The owner was really helpful and knowledgeable. There were several to choose from and I left with a particularly nice example. I was nearly tempted to buy an exceptional piece of vintage leather luggage but I was spent up. This shop is a real treasure trove of interesting antiques, Being local I will definitely be back before Christmas.
2. Chester Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15,328 reviews
We're the UK's number one charity zoo, with over 21,000 animals and 500 different species, including some of the most endangered species on the planet. With 1.9 million visitors every year, the zoo is an all-year round, full-day visitor attraction for everyone. We're open daily from 10am, except for Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Car parking is free and on site. Facilities for disabled visitors, including self-drive electric scooters and wheelchairs.
Reviewed By C740IWjaneb
Every time I come to this zoo I see a different animal so I have a different experience meaning that an annual pass is the best value for money. The zoo is a great all weather attraction because of all of the indoor areas which includes the monkey house, the tropical house, the jaguar house, butterfly house, bat house, the new Islands house and the aquarium. You can also hop on the monorail to get a different view of the enclosures out of the cold. Plenty of picnic area if you don’t want to buy food with huge play zones for children The elephants are always impressive. What a privilege to see the zoo everyone is talking about since the series secret life of the zoo was aired! A great educational experience.
3. Chester Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,247 reviews
Chester Cathedral is many things to many people: a vibrant community of worship, an ancient abbey, an archaeological treasure, a cultural hub, a centre of musical excellence and a unique blend of medieval and modern history.
4. River Dee
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,458 reviews
Reviewed By carlandviv - Warrington, United Kingdom
We went on the lady diana boat trip down the river Dee, I had someone disabled in a wheelchair, the staff was very helpful, they made us feel very welcome, they made the day to remember, I like to thank all the staff on th lady diana for all there help and making my disabled cliant day
5. Grosvenor Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 461 reviews
Reviewed By BarryB194 - Hoddesdon, United Kingdom
This is a welcome green space by the river in central Chester, and is well worth the detour. The VE garden in impressive, simple and thought provoking. A great example of civic gardening hitting the right note. The park is slowly emerging from hibernation due to COVID, with the cafe still closed and the miniature railway being refurbished with a view to reopening shortly. Some good memorials, one to RAF squadron 610, another to the D Day veterans. In the centre of the park is a statue to the 2nd Marquis of Westminster, the benefactor of the park. A great oasis in an historic city.
6. Eastgate & Eastgate Clock
7. Chester Rows
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,374 reviews
Reviewed By Missboovier
great historic buildings and architecture, we love having a walk around Chester whether its for a night out or shopping in the boutiques and jewellers this is a lovely place to visit.
8. Grosvenor Park Miniature Railway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 193 reviews
Reviewed By sarahcJ4479AE - Tarporley, United Kingdom
Had a wonderful trip on this miniature railway last week with my hubby and two children. It’s been on our radar for a while to visit and have a go and I have seen plenty of recommendations for it for days out in Chester. It did not disappoint. The service was super, very friendly people who run it, quick, easy and simple to book on, reasonably priced, no queuing when we went and even got a ride on our own as it was quiet. Discount was available for more than one ride too. We loved it and will be sure to be going again next time we are in the area. Many thanks.
9. Grosvenor Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 741 reviews
Reviewed By NB1957
I was lucky enough to book an advance time slot as understandably entrance is currently restricted. All very sensibly and carefully managed for social distancing and somehow it made the experience so much better as there was plenty of room to see the exhibits easily. I am so glad that I had a chance to visit this museum as there was so much to see and it delivered far more than I had expected. Where to start......the hoards that had been discovered were really a surprise, how much had been found and the stories behind their discovery, a stunning collection of Chester silver and a fascinating insight into the history of the city and how it had changed since Roman times, the local wildlife, geology and so much more besides. There was also a really striking exhibition of illustrations of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight by Clive Hicks-Jenkins. Wonderful museum and as I said I was so pleased to be able to visit it.
10. Storyhouse
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 339 reviews
Storyhouse is Chester's brand new theatre, cinema, library, restaurant and bar. A renovation of an Art Deco 1930s Odeon, the building houses two theatres, with a home-produced summer season and an autumn touring season encompassing comedy, drama, music and dance. Latest releases and independent film can be found in the cinema, whilst an upstairs bar has panoramic views of Chester.
Reviewed By U6921NZemilyh - Chester, United Kingdom
The story house has been a long time coming but it has been worth the wait. I have been multiple times since opening, for food, a drink, a lecture, a play, a musical and a school trip and every time it has been outstanding. from great shows to delicious food the story house has it all, even a fabulous library and learning space. love it!
