What to Do in Chester
What to Do in Chester: A Visitor’s Guide
Chester is a charming historic city in northwest England, boasting Roman walls, medieval architecture, peaceful riverside walks, and more. If you’re wondering what to do in Chester, this guide will help you make the most of your time—whether you have just a day or several.
1. Walk the Chester City Walls
One of the best things when considering what to do in Chester is to begin with the city walls. Chester’s city walls form one of the most complete circuits in Britain.
You can stroll along nearly two miles of red sandstone walls, passing historic gateways such as Eastgate, Northgate, Bridgegate, and Watergate.
From the walls you’ll get excellent views over the city, rooftops, the River Dee, and landmarks like Phoenix Tower.
2. Explore the Historic Rows & Streets
Another essential part of what to do in Chester is exploring the famous Chester Rows. These are unique medieval, two-level shopping galleries set above street level in parts of Northgate, Eastgate, Bridge Street, and Watergate.
Below and above the Rows you’ll find independent shops, cafés, and historic buildings. Also wander down Watergate Street and Lower Bridge Street to admire half-timbered houses such as Bishop Lloyd’s House and Stanley Palace.
3. Visit Chester Cathedral
Visiting Chester Cathedral is a top choice when thinking what to do in Chester.
Built on the site of older churches and a Benedictine abbey, its architecture spans Norman and Gothic styles.
Inside, look for its intricately carved choir stalls, misericords, the Lady Chapel, and peaceful cloister.
There are occasional tours and special events and sometimes falconry displays on the grounds.
4. Experience Chester Zoo
If you’re planning what to do in Chester with family or wildlife interests, Chester Zoo is a must.
This large zoo (51 hectares of grounds) is home to over 35,000 animals across 500+ species.
One of its newest attractions is the “Heart of Africa” zone, which aims to replicate African habitats and hosts giraffes, zebras, rhinos, and more.
You can easily spend half a day or more here, walking through themed zones, watching feeding sessions, and attending educational talks.
5. Relax in Grosvenor Park
When wondering what to do in Chester if you need a quieter break, head to Grosvenor Park.
This 20-acre Victorian park overlooks the River Dee and is beautifully landscaped.
In summer, it hosts an open-air theatre (produced by Storyhouse), and there’s a miniature railway for families.
6. Take a River Dee Cruise or Kayaking
One of the more relaxing options under what to do in Chester is enjoying the city from the water.
You can take a boat cruise on the River Dee, or try kayaking along calmer stretches of the river.
This gives you a different perspective of Chester’s bridges, riverbanks, and green spaces.
7. Enjoy the Arts — Storyhouse
For cultural refreshment, include Storyhouse in your what to do in Chester itinerary.
Storyhouse is a multipurpose arts centre combining theatre, cinema, library, café, and community spaces.
It’s located in a remodelled former Odeon cinema and hosts regular plays, film screenings, festivals, and events.
8. Discover Hidden & Unusual Spots
If you want to go beyond the typical when deciding what to do in Chester, try these:
- Visit the Chester Shot Tower (Boughton Shot Tower) — built in 1799, it’s one of the few surviving shot towers in the UK.
- Climb to Phoenix Tower (also called Newton or King Charles’ Tower) on the city walls for views and historic ambiance.
- Check out Atlas Obscura’s list of quirky attractions: a painting made on spiderweb canvas in the cathedral, or a rare wooden coffin embedded vertically in a church ruin
9. Attend Events & Seasonal Festivals
What to do in Chester also depends on timing: the city hosts numerous events throughout the year.
Popular events include literary festivals, open-air theatre in Grosvenor Park, local food markets, and seasonal celebrations like Christmas markets. Chester.com+2VisitBritain+2
Check local listings (e.g. via VisitChester or VisitCheshire) to see what’s on during your visit.
10. Sample Local Food & Stroll Historic Streets
No visit is complete without savoring the local cuisine. As you consider what to do in Chester, make sure to:
- Enjoy a traditional British afternoon tea in a cosy tearoom
- Try local pubs for hearty meals (e.g. Sunday roast)
- Wander through Chester’s historic streets in the evening, particularly in the Rows, to see buildings lit up and soak in the ambiance
Sample One-Day Chester Itinerary
Here’s how you might structure what to do in Chester if you have just one full day:
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Morning | Walk the city walls; visit Phoenix Tower; explore the Rows & historic streets |
| Midday | Lunch at a café, then visit Chester Cathedral |
| Afternoon | Head to Chester Zoo or take a river cruise / kayaking |
| Late afternoon | Relax in Grosvenor Park |
| Evening | Dinner + a show or film at Storyhouse |
If you have more time, spread out attractions and include hidden spots or events.
Here’s a FAQ section to go with your article on “What to Do in Chester” — it’s SEO-friendly, informative, and written in easy, natural English.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about What to Do in Chester
1. What is Chester famous for?
Chester is famous for its well-preserved Roman city walls, Chester Rows (unique two-tier medieval shopping galleries), and its beautiful cathedral. It’s also known for Chester Zoo, one of the best in the UK.
2. How many days do you need to explore Chester?
You can see most of Chester’s main attractions in one full day, but staying two to three days allows you to enjoy the zoo, museums, parks, and nearby countryside more comfortably.
3. What are the best free things to do in Chester?
If you’re looking for free things while deciding what to do in Chester, you can:
- Walk along the city walls
- Visit Grosvenor Park
- Explore the Rows and historic streets
- Step into Chester Cathedral (entry is donation-based)
- Enjoy the River Dee promenade
4. What is the best time to visit Chester?
The best time to visit Chester is spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) when the weather is mild and crowds are smaller. Summer is lively with open-air events, while winter brings festive Christmas markets.
5. How do you get around Chester?
Chester is a compact and walkable city. Most attractions are within the city centre. You can also use local buses, taxis, or riverside boat rides for short trips. Cycling is another good option.
6. Is Chester good for a family trip?
Absolutely! Chester is one of the most family-friendly cities in England. Kids love Chester Zoo, miniature railway rides in Grosvenor Park, and exploring the city walls. Many cafés and museums also welcome families.
7. Can you do Chester as a day trip from London or Manchester?
Yes. From Manchester, it’s about a 1-hour train ride, and from London, roughly 2 hours by train. It makes a perfect day or weekend getaway destination.
8. Are there any hidden gems in Chester?
Yes — beyond the main sights, try visiting Phoenix Tower, God’s Providence House, and the Roman Amphitheatre ruins. You can also find local art galleries and peaceful riverside spots away from the main streets.
9. What should I not miss when visiting Chester?
When planning what to do in Chester, don’t miss:
- Walking the full city walls
- Exploring the Chester Rows
- Visiting Chester Cathedral
- Spending time at Chester Zoo
- Relaxing by the River Dee
10. Is Chester worth visiting?
Definitely! Chester blends Roman history, Victorian charm, and modern culture beautifully. Whether you love history, shopping, architecture, or family adventures, there’s always something memorable to do in Chester.
