23 BEST THINGS TO DO IN CHESTER, ENGLAND - BUCKET LIST EXPERIENCES
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This post is about the top things to see and do in Chester, England
So you’re planning a trip to Chester, England and you need a little inspiration to get you started? Don’t worry - this list has you covered!
If you're anything like me, the mere mention of Chester sparks images of cobbled streets and picturesque Tudor-style buildings. I’ve spent alot of time in Chester over the years as I live a short drive away. It’s one of my favourite cities in the north of England.
It’s the county town of Cheshire and despite it being much smaller than nearby Manchester and Liverpool, there’s so many amazing things to see and do.
Chester is one of the most historic cities in England, as it was the capital during the Roman occupation. There are reminders of this all over the city such as the Roman Amphitheatre and the City Walls that are great to walk around.
The city centre has a unique vibe due to the famous Chester Rows, which are continuous half-timbered galleries, reached by steps, which form a second row of shops above those at street level.
If you’re wondering what to do during your time in Chester, keep reading!
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Chester Travel Top Picks:
Experiences: A few top-rated tours in Chester include:
Self-Guided City Sightseeing Treasure Hunt
Enjoy the sights of Chester from the water on this City Cruise
Learn about Roman Chester in the DEVA Experience
Click here for a full list of Chester tours
Accommodation: Find the best places to suit your style and budget here
Safety: Chester is a safe place for travel but you should still pack some travel safety essentials. A great item to take is a Personal Safety Alarm that can help scare away potential attackers. Other safety items you should consider are Hidden Pocket Scarves or Hidden Pocket Scrunchies and Clever Companion Hidden Pocket Pickpocket Proof Clothes.
WHERE IS CHESTER?
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Chester, with its cobblestone streets and medieval allure, is in northwest of England, more specifically the county of Cheshire.
Cheshire has an incredible landscape adorned with rolling green hills, dotted with charming villages that seem straight out of a storybook. Chester itself sits near the border with Wales, adding a touch of Celtic magic to its already captivating ambiance.
If you're plotting your journey on a map, you'll find Chester about 35 miles south of Liverpool and 17 miles north of Wrexham.
Getting to Chester is really easy which makes it an ideal destination for a weekend getaway or a more extended trip. The city is well-connected by road and rail, with the M56 motorway providing a direct route for road trippers. If you prefer the comfort of train travel, Chester's railway station is a major hub, offering excellent connections to major cities like Manchester, Liverpool and beyond.
WHY CHESTER IS A GREAT DESTINATION?
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Now, let's chat about why Chester is the perfect getaway. The city centre is simply stunning with it’s famous and unique Chester's Rows. These are the two-tiered shopping galleries you will find on the four main streets in the city centre. The rows house an array of independent boutiques, offering everything from vintage finds to contemporary treasures.
Chesters Roman past is clear to see all over the city. The cobblestone streets, the city walls and Roman amphitheatre ruins all show the rich history of the city.
There is stunning architecture all over Chester including the Gothic Chester Cathedral and the Eastgate Clock on the city walls is the second most photographed clock in the UK after Big Ben in London.
If you’re anything like me, you love a city with a river meandering through it. Chester has the River Dee that adds a wonderful element to the city. Take a leisurely stroll along the riverbanks, embark on a boat trip, or simply soak in the serene waterside views. The river creates a tranquil backdrop for your exploration.
This list is perfect whatever your interests and will give you ideas of the must see attractions, off the beaten path adventures, food and drink experiences and so much more so you can create your perfect Chester itinerary.
THINGS TO DO IN CHESTER
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1) Eastgate Clock
The Eastgate Clock is part of the city walls and is the second most photographed in the UK after Big Ben in London.
The clock really is beautiful and it’s an iconic image of Chester. It’s right in the centre of Chester and you really can’t miss it if you’re wandering through the town. It’s on Foregate Street which is the main shopping street in Chester. It was built in 1899 to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee.
I recommend seeing the clock from street level then heading up on the city walls as the clock links parts of the city walls together. Up at the clock is a great vantage point over Chester. You can see the Chester Rows clearly and it’s a great spot for some photos.
2) Roman Amphitheatre
Chester has deep Roman roots going back two millenia and the amphitheatre in the centre of the city is testiment to that. Only part of the amphitheatre has been excavated due to Dee House, a listed building hvaing been built on the site, but it’s still an impressive sight.
The amphitheatre was only rediscovered in 1929 which is pretty incredible. The council had to divert the ring road, which goes around the amphitheatre before they excavated it.
You can walk down some steps in to the amphitheatre and when you do the sheer size of it becomes clear. I like to think about all the history and everything that’s happened in the same spot I’m standing in. You can really get a sense of what it was like 2000 years ago when the gladiator battles took place.
3) Chester Rows
The Chester Rows are a quintessential part of the city's charm! The Rows are a series of covered walkways with shops on two levels, creating a unique medieval shopping experience.
They date from the 13th century, are on the four main streets in Chester and are unique to the town. They are an impressive sight and I never get bored of their unique look every time I visit Chester.
You can have a wonder around the shops by heading up the narrow sets of stairs that are all the along the Rows. There are many unique and independent shops so shopping there is a great way to support small businesses. You can also admire the architectural detail and the history of the rows.
A must see is a visit to Three Old Arches, which is the earliest shopfront still surviving in England today.
4) Chester Cathedral
I was simply blown away by my visit to Chester Cathedral and I believe it’s one of the best things to do in Chester.
The Cathedral is an imposing, impressive building from the outside set in small gardens that dates from 1093, although it has several modifications since it was first built.
Inside the Cathedral is simply stunning and I encourage you to walk around taking in the architecture of the place. The Grand Organ is absolutely amazing and one of the largest I’ve ever seen.
If you want to experience more than just walking around the Cathedral you can do a tower tour which, as the name suggests, takes you up to the top of the tower, which stands at 125 feet and gives you incredible views over Chester.
5) The Groves
The Groves is a riverside walk on the Northside of the River Dee in the centre of Chester.
If you’re in Chester during the summer months it’s definitely worth a wander down to the Groves where you can go on one of the many different boat tours. These are available from April to October, and you will learn a lot about the area.
Even if you’re in Chester during the colder months I’d still encourage you to wrap up warm and head to the Groves for a walk. There are many benches along the walk where you can stop for a spot of people watching if you’d like.
What makes the Groves one of the best things to do in Chester is that as well as a great walk there are lots of eateries around including pubs and cafes.
Places you can check out if you get a little hungry whilst exploring Chester are The Boathouse Pub and Hickory’s Smokehouse. The Boathouse offers traditional English pub grub, while Hickory’s is more American in style.
Both are great places to check out and are some of the best places to eat too!
6) Roman Walls
The centre of Chester is enclosed by walls that were built during the Roman occupation, as a means of keeping invaders out. They are the most complete Roman and medieval defensive town walls in Britain.
One of the best and most popular things to do in Chester is to walk the city walls and you can complete a full circumference of the walls which is around 2 miles in length and will show you some of the best sights in Chester as you go.
A walk around the walls is an excellent way to get an overview of Chester and you will be able to admire the city and as far as North Wales while you stroll around.
It’s one of the best free things to do in Chester! If you do want more information as you walk around you can get a guided tour or an audio guide which will give you some great insights in to the history and the significance of the walls.
7) Chester Castle
Chester Castle is located in the centre opposite the racecourse, which sits atop a hill overlooking the River Dee. Now I have to warn you that if you’ve visited other castles in England you may be a little under whelmed by Chester Castle as it’s not as spectacular to look at as some others. It is, however, an interesting visit and I recommend you spend an hour or so exploring it.
The castle was built in 1070 by the Second Earl of Chester and served many purposes such as being a military barracks until the present day.
Chester Castle has a mix of architectural styles, including medieval and neo-Gothic. Take the time to appreciate the architecture and the unique features of the castle.
There are several parts to the complex. The Crown Courts make up one part, with the Cheshire Military Museum to its left. The Military Museum provides insights into the military history of the region and can be a fascinating stop for history enthusiasts.
The castle is an interesting place to visit in Chester, and you learn a lot about the city’s role in conflicts down the years if you do.
8) King Charles Tower
If you walk the city walls you will stumble across King Charles Tower which stands at the Northeast corner of the City Walls.
The tower played an important role during the English Civil War.
The name of the tower comes from the tales that King Charles I stood on the tower as he watched his soldiers lose the battle of Rowton Heath. This is definitely questionned by many as to whether it actually happened or not and some historians believe he watched the battle from a tower in Chester Cathedral, but the nether-the-less the name of the tower remains King Charles Tower.
To get up to the tower you must climb a short staircase. Sometimes I’ve been and the tower is open to go in and other times it’s closed. Hopefully, you get lucky and it’s unlocked for you to be able to go inside.
9) Minerva Shrine
The Minerva Shrine is a pretty interesting thing to do when you visit Chester. It’s a little out of the centre and you’ll have to cross the River Dee to find it.
It’s located in Edgar’s Field, Handbridge, which takes around 10 minutes to walk to from the centre of Chester.
It is a shrine to the Roman Goddess of war, knowledge and craftsmanship, Minerva and is carved into the face of a sandstone quarry.
Quite spectacularly, it is the only monument of its kind in Western Europe that remains in its original location.
The carving has been weathered over the years, but you can just about make out the outline of Minerva. The shrine is beside what would have been the old Roman main road into the city.
10) Grosvenor Museum
The Grosvenor Museum is a great place to learn about Chesters rich history.
The museum is right in the centre of town so it’s easy to get to as you’re exploring the city centre. It has a range of exhibitions that will teach you more about the history of Chester from Roman times to modern day.
One of the great things about the Grosvenor Museum is that entry is free and I’m always up for a free activity when I’m visiting somewhere.
11) Grosvenor Park
Grosvenor Park is in the centre of Chester and is a great place to spend a sunny day in the city. Although this is England so you may not get a sunny day!
The park has a miniature railway which operates during the summer and it’s great watching the families and kids enjoying this activity.
You could take a picnic and enjoy the lush, green gardens as you relax away from the hustle and bustle of the town centre.
12) Chester Racecourse
Chester Racecourse is the oldest racecourse in England, which is still in use. Horse racing at Chester dates back to the 16th century.
If you’re visiting Chester during the summer visiting Chester Racecourse during a race weekend is one of the most exciting things to do.
The racecourse is only a few minutes’ walk from the city centre making it an ideal place to visit if you’re in the city.
Even if you’re in Chester on a non race weekend it’s worth heading to the Old Dee Bridge where you will get a fantastic view of the course from up high.
13) Sandstone Trail
If you’re a fellow hiker like myself you just have to don those walking boots and head to the Sandstone Trail. It is the ideal place to visit whilst you’re in Chester if you want a little less town and a little more countryside.
The trail is about 20 minutes from the city centre and is easy to get to.
The trail itself is 55km long and follows along sandstone ridges that run north - south from Frodsham in central Cheshire to Whitchurch just over the Shropshire border.
The trail is divided into three parts, with each track roughly 18 km (11.3 mi) in length.
On your walk you will be able to see some interesting landmarks such as Beeston Castle, Delamere Forest and Peckforton Castle.
14) Hoole
Hoole is on the outskirts of Chester and is one of the many villages in Chester. It has been dubbed ‘Chester’s oldest suburb’ and has a shopping district that has won a number of awards.
It’s one of the best places to visit if you want to enjoy some fantastic food and drink.
The area has gained a reputation as a great culinary destination in recent years and so has been dubbed Notting Hoole by residents. There are numerous great restaurants, bars and cafes in the area for you to enjoy.
Two of my favourites are The Little Yellow Pig and Bawn Lodge, who both offer really great food.
There is no need to drive or take public transport to Hoole as it’s only a short walk from the city centre. It is an ideal place to go if you’re wondering what to do in Chester outside of the city centre.
15) Gladstone’s Library
Gladstone library is in the village of Hawarden just outside of Chester. Its an interesting place to visit and is home to over 250,000 books.
Gladstone’s Library is a residential library named after the four times Prime Minister of Britain, William Gladstone.
It is Britain’s only Prime Ministerial Library and is the national memorial to the Victorian statesman.
William Gladstone founded the library in 1894 as a way of allowing disadvantaged children access to books which was a wonderful initiative back in its time.
As well as a library you can also fill your belly and rest your head. Food for Thought Cafe is a great eatery and you can also stay at the library in one of the 26 bedrooms.
This is of the best cultural things to do in Chester and a fascinating place to go if you love history.
16) St John’s Church
Right next to the Roman Amphitheatre there’s a small medieval looking building.
This is St John’s Church, which was originally Chester’s cathedral during the Middle Ages. The Church that stands today is smaller than the original as various parts of the building have collapsed over the years.
As you look at the church you can see where it may have collapsed and the different brickwork.
17) Chester Shot Tower
The Chester Shot Tower is an interesting place to visit whilst in Chester. There’s not much to do other than get up close and look at the structure as you can’t go up it.
It is one of only three shot towers remaining in the UK and it’s the oldest of the three. It is 168ft high built with red brick.
The tower was built in 1799 and was still in use up until quite recently in 2001.
The tower is now going to be developed into apartments so pretty soon you won’t be able to see the original tower.
18) Moel Famau
Moel Famau is one of the best places to check out around Chester. It is a beautiful hill is just over the border in North Wales and is a good place to go if you fancy a nice walk.
The hill itself and the country park is located in an area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB) and the peak of the hill (at 1818ft / 554m) offers fantastic views. Sitting proudly on the very top of Moel Famau is the Jubilee Tower – or at least what remains of it.
There’s a pleasant picnic area by at one of the car parks where you’ll find a number of picnic benches so it’s a great idea to pack a picnic and enjoy the area. There are toilets here too – there aren’t any at the summit.
The walk to the top of the hill is not too difficult, and you can do it in about 20 to 30 minutes. Once you get to the top, you will be rewarded with some spectacular views.
If you go up on a clear day, you can see as far as Blackpool. It’s not in Chester, infact it’s about a 30 minute drive to the hill but Moel Famau is so close, you simply have to visit whilst you’re in the area.
19) George Marsh Memorial
The George Marsh Memorial is a pretty interesting thing to do in Chester. Infact, there are two memorials to George Marsh in the city - one is in St John the Baptist's Church and the other is a granite obelisk erected in 1888 by the side of a road in Boughton.
George Marsh was a protestant martyr who was burnt at the stake in 1555, on a hill overlooking the River Dee in what is now Boughton.
He refused to renounce his protestant faith and convert to Roman Catholicism during the reign of Queen Mary I.
A memorial was built in 1888 by the side of the road in Boughton where he was burnt alive.
This site where Marsh was killed had been the site of numerous hangings before, during and after Marsh’s time. It was known as the bloodiest place in England at one point!
The second memorial to George Marsh at St John the Baptist’s Church in St Giles Cemetery is a site of a former Leper Colony.
There are some fantastic views towards the River Dee from the cemetery that you can enjoy.
20) Snowdonia National Park
Visiting Snowdonia National Park is one of the best day trips from Chester you can do, in my opinion. It’s a full days activity as it’s an hour and a halves drive away from the centre of Chester but it’s absolutely worth a trip, particularly if you love hiking.
Hiking Snowdon is one the most recommended things to do in the whole of the UK, so if you’re only 1 hour 30 minutes drive away it’s a must do! It’s a pretty challenging hike but the views are spectacular. There is a Snowdon Mountain Railway that runs during the peak season between April - October that will take you to the top if you don’t fancy the walk.
If you’re fit and able to though, I’d encourage you to try and hike up. I’ve hiked up there a few times and there’s a tremendous sense of accomplishment once you get to the top.
There are lots of activities to do in Snowdonia as well as climbing Snowdon, such as paddle boarding, zip-lining, surfing.
Maybe it’s pushing it a little to put visiting Snowdonia National Park on a things to do in Chester list but hey, it’s my list and I can add it on if I want!
If you’re in the area for a while it’s a great thing to add on to your itinerary for the area and it’s easily a place you can spend a few days.
21) Chester Zoo
Chester Zoo is one of the best zoos in Britain and a good place to visit when you’re in the Chester area.
The zoo is outside of the centre, but it’s easy enough to reach by car or public transport.
There are many animals to see at the zoo including elephants, rhinos and cheetahs.
Personally, I have a few concerns with zoos and how I feel about them but I’m not going to tell you whether you should go or not.
One thing I would say is to make sure you conduct your own research about how ethical the zoo is. I personally have my reservations and I would need to do more research in to whether I think it’s ethical and if they provide excellent habitats for all the animals.
Chester Zoo is a pretty expensive trip so I’d recommend spending a whole day there if you do decide to go.
Blue Planet Aquarium is just down the road, near Cheshire Oaks,which is another great place to visit. Again - look into how ethical you think it is before attending.
22) Take a ghost tour
If you’re not a big scardy cat like me Chester’s ghost tours may interest you as a great thing to do in Chester. There are many ghost tours that operate around the city after dark and if you’re up for a bit of a thrill I’d recommend you do one.
Chester has a huge haunted past and the tours take you through the ancient streets and tell spine-chilling tales of ghosts, ghouls and things that go bump in the night.
You can also do a self guided spooky ghost tour that takes you round the historic Chester streets and you’ll hear about the grisly tale of Chester's last public execution, the ghostly monk that haunts the city's spookiest passageway and Chester's only official exorcism
23) Chester Military Museum
The Cheshire Military Museum is another of the interesting museums in Chester you should visit when in town
It’s located next to the Crown Court and you will learn about the history of soldiers from Cheshire from the 17th century to the present day.
You will learn about their travels across the world during many great battles, the wars the Regiments of Cheshire fought and you can immerse yourself in their history and experiences.
Find out what life was like in the trenches for a World War One soldier or new recruit, in barracks or on the battlefield using film archive, interactive displays, scenes and settings.
The Cheshire Military Museum is a fascinating place and one I highly recommend visiting when in Chester. If you have even the vaguest of interests in history you’ll find the place fascinating.
It costs £5 per adult and £3 per child to enter.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO CHESTER, ENGLAND
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CHESTER, ENGLAND TOURS AND ATTRACTIONS
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What are the best tours in Chester?
The best tours in Chester are:
What are the best inexpensive tours in Chester?
These are the best activities when you are visiting Chester on a budget:
More Information for your Trip to the UK
If you’re struggling to decide other places to visit in the UK read Best Cities to Visit in the UK
I also have many other UK city guides and which you can read by clicking on the links.
ENGLAND: How to visit Liverpool from London, visit best beaches near Liverpool and find out the best things to do in Liverpool, must sees in Manchester, make the most of your time in Brighton. Visit the Roman city of Chester or head to the stunning Lake District.
SCOTLAND: Discover the best things to do in Edinburgh
WALES: Llangollen
Information About London
LONDON ITINERARY: In our article The Perfect 2 Days in London you’ll find a detailed itinerary for exploring London. If you only have one day in London you can find out the most important things to fit into your day in this 1 Day London Itinerary.
LONDON TRAVEL ADVICE: Here are the important things to know if it will be your first time in London. Included in this article are all my best hints and tips for visiting London for the first time. The Best 49 Things to do in London article will help you plan your London itinerary. If you’re wondering what foods you should try when in London read this Best British Foods You Have to Try.
WHERE TO STAY: If you’re unsure on the different areas in London and where would be best to stay make sure you read this Best Places to Stay in London article.
PACKING FOR LONDON: If you’re wondering what you should pack when visiting London read this Packing for London and the Rest of the UK Guide.
LONDON AT CHRISTMAS: For an overview of the best things to do in London at Christmas here are 15 things to do in London at Christmas. I also have guides to the best Christmas lights, best London Christmas window displays and best Christmas markets in London. Learn how to put it all together in this great London Christmas Itinerary.
Read all of my articles about England in the United Kingdom Travel Guide.
TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
Planning a trip? Here are some of the resources and tools I personally use to organise my travel plans to anywhere in world.
FLIGHTS : Find the best deals on flights using Skyscanner.
VISAS : Use iVisa to check if you need a tourist visa for wherever you’re going to and apply for an expedited visa online. Use OneWayFly to obtain proof of onward travel/hotel reservation for your visa application if needed.
TRAVEL INSURANCE : Insure your trip with my preferred insurance for single trip and annual cover HeyMondo
AIRPORT TRANSFER : Pre-book your hotel transfers from the airport.
ACCOMMODATION : Find the best hotel deals on Booking.com.
DAY TRIPS : Find the best city tours and day excursions on your travels on Viator or Get Your Guide.
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