Chester is a city with 2000 years of history where every cobblestone and building has a tale to tell. If you find yourself strolling through this charming city and wondering what to do with your time, we have a few options to share.
Whether you're seeking family fun, a shopping spree, or exploring its past, Chester has it all. Read on for our selection of the best things to do in Chester.
Find the best things to do in Chester
Discover the diverse attractions Chester has to offer. From family adventures to exploring history and unique shops, there's something for everyone here.
Fun things to do in Chester with kids
There are plenty of top things to do in Chester for young adults and children of all ages. To start, take a trip to Chester Zoo.
As one of the UK’s premier zoos, it invites visitors to embark on a wildlife adventure. Encounter a fantastic array of animals from around the globe, from majestic lions to playful primates.
You can also learn about important conservation efforts and create lasting memories during a day of exploration.
For those looking to follow their imagination, BeWILDerwood Cheshire offers an enchanting escape. This outdoor park invites children to climb, slide, and zipline across it. There are also winding mazes and captivating storytelling sessions to keep them entertained, too.
Here, kids are free to lose themselves in their imagination in a fun woodland setting.
Best shopping spots in Chester
Experience a shopping adventure unlike any other within the iconic Chester Rows.
These historic two-tiered shopping galleries blend independent shops, boutiques, and familiar high-street brands. Explore the charming passageways and uncover unique treasures within their distinctive setting.
If you venture beyond the Rows, you will discover Chester's thriving independent shopping scene. Here you can discover quirky gift shops and specialty stores brimming with locally-made products.
With retailers like About You and Independent Gems, you’re sure to find a bougie souvenir of your Chester trip.
Chester’s entertainment venues
For a bit of culture, head to Storyhouse, a restored and revitalised 1930s Odeon building now housing Chester’s multi-award-winning £37m theatre, library, restaurant and cinema. Here, you can catch some of the UK’s best comedians and most popular West End musicals.
For the latest flicks, head over to Picturehouse, a six-screen cinema with a café-bar. Upon arrival, you’ll see a stunning pink and blue interior, created with Wes Anderson in mind with a beautiful mural created exclusively by artist Murugiah.
Journey through Chester’s history
Chester invites you to step back in time with a guided walking tour along the well-preserved Roman Walls. Immerse yourself in the city's rich history as you explore Chester's origins as a Roman fortress.
For an even deeper dive into the past, you can also visit the Grosvenor Museum. Explore fascinating Roman artefacts, including intricately carved headstones and stunning mosaics. You can even journey through the city’s medieval and Georgian eras and see how it developed into a crucial port and trading hub.
With so much history to discover there is no better way to explore the city than a sightseeing tour, board a double-decker bus, go aboard a river cruise or join a character or two on a themed walking tour. You can also pick up self-guided trails from the Visitor Information Centre to discover the city at your leisure.
Chester Cathedral is also a must-visit destination. Not only a vibrant community of worship and ancient abbey but an archaeological treasure, Chester Cathedral is a cultural hub and a centre of musical excellence, serving as a unique blend of modern and medieval history.
Don’t forget to take a Tower Tour which takes you behind the scenes at the Cathedral and up on the roof for stunning views across Cheshire and even out to North Wales.
