21 of the Best Things to do in Chester

Chester, the second largest city in Cheshire, is located close to the England-Wales border. It’s one of the UK’s most famous heritage cities with an impressive history dating back over a thousand years. The origin of this fabulous city began when the Romans settled and built their fortress of Deva Victrix around 79 AD. Chester is also home to the UK’s largest known amphitheatre where spectacular gladiator games were once held for entertainment during Roman times. This extensive history is just one of the many reasons Chester welcomes over 8 million tourists annually!

There’s plenty to see and do in Chester ranging from the iconic Rows, a collection of medieval two-tiered buildings that house some of the city’s best shops and cafes, to the fabulous Roman walls surrounding the city. So, you’ll never be short of things to do, whether you’re looking for a day out with the kids, family activities, or a weekend away. There’s something for everyone. 

Here’s our lowdown on our Top 21 fun things to do in Chester:

1) Chester Zoo is one of the largest wildlife attractions in the UK covering a staggering 128 acres. With over 35,000 animals and fabulous zoological gardens, it attracts around 2 million visitors a year. Make your way through the multiple habitats and islands of the park by foot, monorail, or even on a lazy river boat, as you catch a glimpse of elephants, jaguars, or orangutans along the way. There’s lots to do and see so it’s best to spend the whole day here.

2) Chester City Walls. Impressively, Chester is the only city in Britain that proudly retains the full circuit of its ancient defensive walls. If you’re feeling energetic why not walk the complete 2-mile loop and enjoy splendid views down into the city? The walls are accessible from any of the four main gateways - Northgate, Eastgate, Watergate and Bridgegate. It’s well worth stopping off at the Eastgate Clock en route to climb the spiral staircase to the top and take in the stunning panoramic views of the city and the surrounding countryside. Interestingly, it’s the second most photographed clock in the UK after Big Ben so get your camera at the ready!

3) Chester Cathedral is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city and a must-see for every visitor to Chester! This fabulous medieval cathedral has over 1000 years of history and is a testament to the impressive architectural skill of the time. Originally built as a Benedictine monastery in the 10th century, after being destroyed by a fire in the 12th century, it was then rebuilt in the stunning Gothic style you see today. Make sure you take the opportunity to climb the spire and admire the spectacular views over Chester from the top.

4) Chester Roman Amphitheatre located in the heart of the city is a must see on your to-do list. It’s Britain’s largest amphitheatre, giving you a glimpse of what was once the thriving centre of Roman life. It was built in the late first century AD and was used for entertainment such as gladiator shows, as well as military training. In 2004-2005 excavations by English Heritage and Chester City Council revealed two successive stone-built amphitheatres. Both differed from each other and all other British amphitheatres, highlighting the significance Roman Chester had in the period. The grounds make a great spot to enjoy a picnic in the summer so pack some goodies! 

5) Grosvenor Museum. Just a short stroll away from the amphitheatre is this impressive museum which is home to collections exploring the history of Chester, art, and silver heritage, as well as natural history. It’s the perfect place to discover life during the Roman military occupation. If you’re interested in the history and culture of Chester, the Grosvenor Museum is the place to be.

6) Chester Bowling. Tenpin bowling is the perfect activity to enjoy whatever the weather, both as a family and with friends. The newly opened Tenpin entertainment centre is perfect for showing off your bowling skills and enjoying competitive fun with loved ones. Plus, there’s a whole range of other activities to enjoy such as karaoke, laser tag and escape rooms, as well as 2 cocktail bars, plus tasty food options to refuel. So, you’ll have everything you need for a day or night out in Chester.

7) River Dee. The river is 70 miles long and stretches through Wales and Chester. It’s a lovely spot for a walk or to enjoy one of the many boat trips during the warmer summer months. Why not hire a motor, paddle or rowing boat and take yourself on a journey along the river admiring the sites along the way?

8) Chester Racecourse. Established in 1539, Chester is the oldest racecourse still in operation in the world! You can’t beat a day at the races and Chester runs 15 fixtures each season between May to October. So why not get dressed up and pick up your race card for a day of fun and socialising? Hopefully, you’ll pick some winners!

9) Grosvenor Park covers 20 acres and is a great place to take the kids. There’s plenty to do including a miniature railway, a playground, and an open-air theatre. It’s located along the River Dee with a row of restaurants along the waterfront where you can stop off and enjoy a bite to eat.

10) The Chester Wheel is in the heart of the city, standing at 55 metres tall. It’s the perfect place for you to take in the breathtaking views of this beautiful city. From the top, you’ll get the chance to see some of the city's most iconic landmarks including the historic cathedral, the picturesque River Dee, and the fantastic city walls.

11) Laser Tag is the ultimate adrenalin-filled sci-fi adventure! Aim at the enemy with infrared guns and avoid getting zapped yourself on your laser quest for victory with sound and lighting effects adding to the atmosphere. Head to the newly opened Tenpin in Chester to get your laser tag action started.

12) Chester Rows are in the heart of the city lining Chester's four main streets. They are half-timbered galleries, reached by steps, which form a second row of shops above those at street level. Home to both independent and high-street named shops, they take retail therapy to a whole new level. Plus, with a range of cafes and restaurants, the Rows are the perfect place to take a break and enjoy a coffee or a meal.

13) Cheshire Military Museum located within Chester Castle, tells the story of the Cheshire Soldiers from the 17th Century right through to the present day. For hundreds of years, Cheshire soldiers have been involved in conflicts that have shaped world history, and the museum contains plenty of material to bring it to life. You can even experience what it was like in the trenches during World War One. Yet another reason why Chester is a mecca for history buffs!

14) The Storyhouse is Chester is a multi-award-winning theatre welcoming the best of the UK’s and international touring shows during the autumn and spring. In the summer and Christmas time, it transforms into a 500-seat thrust stage to show the Storyhouse’s home-produced shows. Away from the main building, the Storyhouse also runs a series of festivals plus the popular Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre and Moonlight Flicks. Keep an eye on which shows are coming up by heading to their What’s On page.

15) Karaoke. Try the karaoke rooms at the new Tenpin in Chester. Make singing in the shower a thing of the past and release your inner pop star with thousands of karaoke songs to choose from to get you into the mood. If you’re looking for the perfect activity for a hen do, a night out with friends, or a great time with family, karaoke is always a big hit.

16) The Ice Cream Farm is set in picturesque Cheshire countryside between Beeston and Peckforton Castles and is perfect for a family day out. It brings together the world’s largest ice cream shop, and indoor and outdoor play attractions for children of all ages. There are plenty of areas for the kids to enjoy including mini golf at Strawberry Falls, soft play in the Fun Factory, and quad bikes at SilverCone. Plus, there are over 50 award-winning Cheshire Farms ice creams to choose from!

17) The Blue Planet Aquarium is a short drive away in Ellesmere Port and has one of Europe's largest collections of sharks, which you can view from one of the longest underwater viewing tunnels in the world! There’s plenty to see and the huge collection of fish includes clownfish, regal tangs, anemones, seahorses, rays, snakes and so much more. A real aquatic treat for everyone.

18) Beeston Castle. Just a half-hour drive from the city is this fabulous castle. It’s the perfect place to learn about 4,000 years of history, plus enjoy spectacular views, delightful woodland walks, and a bite to eat in the cafe.

19) BeWILDerwood Cheshire is a huge woodland adventure that the whole family can enjoy. There’s plenty to experience including the zip wires, a storytelling stage, the sky maze, and you can even build a den, which the kids will love. Based on a series of magical children’s books by Tom Blofeld, you’ll discover the story of BeWILDerwood as you enter a magical world full of adventure.

20) Escape Rooms. Chester has several escape rooms but the immersive escape room experiences by Houdini’s at Tenpin are without a doubt the best! So get ready to test your ability to work as a team, using your skills and knowledge to see if you can solve the clues and puzzles to secure your freedom. Just perfect for a challenge with your mates or the family.

21) Chester Experience Sightseeing Bus. If you fancy taking the weight off your feet, why not explore Chester on a double-decker bus? Take in Chester’s famous landmarks including the City Walls, Chester Racecourse, Chester Cathedral, and the Old Port as you listen to your audio guide. Enjoy all that historic Chester has to offer with the option to Hop On and Hop Off at your leisure.

So that’s our roundup of the Top 21 Things to Do in Chester. There’s certainly lots to shout about.

Now over to you. Let me know what you think by heading over to our social pages. Maybe there’s something I missed. I’d love to hear your thoughts!