48 Hours in Chester

Day 1:

Morning: Explore and Discover

Start your visit with a guided Welcome to Chester Walking Tour at 10am for an adventure through time and 2,000 years of history. From Roman walls and Medieval rows to Victorian charm and Edwardian elegance, along with modern-day marvels, this tour brings our city’s rich history to life.

Afterwards, spend some time at Chester Cathedral, exploring its stunning architecture, peaceful cloisters and gardens. For those feeling adventurous, climb the 216 steps to the top of the tower, offering panoramic views across two countries and five counties. Along the way, visit the former Bell Ringing Chamber and other hidden spaces, discovering fascinating stories behind this remarkable landmark.

Indulge in a delicious lunch or Afternoon Tea

Head to Oddfellows to enjoy a perfectly odd Afternoon Tea. Step through the looking glass and into a world where sense takes a nap and wonder runs the show. Alice’s Parlour is a topsy-turvy escape from the ordinary – a place where the ceiling wears harlequin diamonds, roses grow straight out of the tables (yes, really), books hover mid-air as if deep in thought, and candlelight flickers from teacups that refuse to stay grounded. Begin your journey with their signature Drink Me, a house-made Bubble Tea like no other. Savour a wonderful selection of premium teas from their favourite local supplier before diving into a stand of delights the Mad Hatter himself would be proud of.

Alternatively head down to the riverside to Hickory's Smokehouse for a hearty lunch, where authentic Southern American BBQ comes alive with slow-smoked Texas-style brisket, Memphis baby back ribs, and a mouth-watering Smokehouse Platter perfect for any BBQ lover. Or visit Chester Market, offering a vibrant selection of authentic global food stalls where everyone can grab just what they fancy (plus on Tuesdays there are some great discounts and offers to take advantage of!)

Sightseeing and Shopping

After lunch, it's time for some sightseeing and what better way to see Chester than with a leisurely cruise along the River Dee? Depending on how much time you have, you can choose a half-hour or two-hour cruise. The shorter trip glides under Queen’s Park Suspension Bridge, past the Boathouse Inn and Grosvenor Park, and through the picturesque suburb of Boughton, all while you take in wonderful views and listen to fascinating stories from Chester’s past. If you have more time to spare, the longer cruise is highly recommended. You’ll pass some spectacular riverside homes and gardens, including the ancestral home of the Duke of Westminster, and can sit back with a hot or cold drink as you sail.

Once you are finished cruising why not use this time to explore Chester's famous rows. These two-tiered timber-framed galleries line the main streets of the city. Brimming with the city’s history, they are waiting to be explored. Throughout much of the city’s history, the Rows are where the city’s residents would come to trade, drink, dine, and more. Explore the Rows today and you’re continuing this legacy as you’ll find them home to some of the quirkiest independent shops, restaurants, bars, and attractions.

Time for Dinner

Chester’s dining scene really comes into its own in the evening, with everything from fire-cooked feasts to sun-soaked Mediterranean flavours and sociable small plates. For a refined yet relaxed dinner, The Forge at Hotel Indigo pairs wild, sustainable British ingredients with cooking over charcoal and flame, serving perfectly grilled dry-aged meats and seasonal dishes in an elegant, open-kitchen setting. If you’re in the mood for something lighter and more Mediterranean, Artezzan brings a bright, contemporary feel with an “escape to the Med” vibe, serving pasta, grilled meats and vibrant salads alongside cocktails in a buzzy city-centre space. For a more casual, graze-as-you-go evening, Salt House Tapas offers Spanish-inspired small plates that are ideal for sharing, so you can sample a little bit of everything with a glass of wine or a G&T before or after an evening stroll around the city.

After Dinner Fun

It could be time to retire to your hotel, but if you are still in the mood, Chester has plenty of after-dinner fun to keep the evening going. Lean into competitive chaos at Axt Haus, where you can test your aim with axe throwing under the guidance of expert coaches, or puzzle your way through immersive challenges and head-scratching missions at Challenge Point. Keep the friendly rivalry going with shuffleboard, interactive darts or other social games at Rooftop Social, ideal for a few more drinks with a view, or embrace the magic at The Hole in Wand, a wizard-themed mini-golf experience that’s as photogenic as it is playful. For a more relaxed night, you could sink into a cosy seat for the latest release at Picturehouse, or round off your day with live theatre, comedy, music or dance at Storyhouse, Chester’s award-winning cultural hub.

Rest your head

End your busy day in Chester by choosing from a selection of stylish and comfortable hotels that cater to every taste and budget. Designed to reflect the city's unique neighbourhoods from its famous architecture to the oldest racecourse in the UK Hotel Indigo Chester is just a short walk from Chester’s iconic Rows. The Chester Grosvenor, a 5 AA Red Star hotel renowned for its timeless elegance, blends modern luxury with traditional charm. Meanwhile, the Queen at Chester, situated opposite the railway station, is famous for its rich heritage, stunning public areas serving great food, afternoon teas, and signature cocktails. Its hidden gem is the terrace, a tranquil oasis in the heart of the city.

If you're looking for something different, Oddfellows offers a topsy-turvy escape from the ordinary with some of the most exclusive boutique bedrooms in the city. The Leonardo Hotel puts you right in the thick of the action, within walking distance of Chester’s popular attractions and surrounded by some of the best places to eat. Finally, for guests who are part of the Accor loyalty programme, the nearby Mercure Abbotts Well Hotel offers a convenient option to stay and earn points.

Day 2:

Morning: A wild adventure awaits

No visit to Chester is complete without a visit to our famous Zoo, named by Tripadvisor as the best zoo in the UK. Home to over 30,000 animals, Chester Zoo brings you face to face with roaring big cats, free-flying birds, colourful reptiles and so much more.

Explore 128 acres of immersive habitats - from dense rainforests and tropical caves to open wetlands and Himalayan mountains. Don’t forget to visit the spectacular Heart of Africa. Inspired by African landscapes, species and culture, it brings giraffes, painted dogs, warthogs and more in a space that replicates the African savannah – designed to connect you with the wonders of the natural world. For something special, why not take part in one of their special tours or animal experiences, where you can go behind the scenes and get up close and personal with the animals.

Time for lunch

Did you know that Chester Zoo has its very own pub onsite serving freshly prepared locally sourced food and hand-picked beers, wines and spirits. The Oakfield has been lovingly restored and the garden room offers incredible views of the award-winning zoological gardens.

Designer deals await

After lunch it's time to do some serious shopping. Just outside of the city centre you will find McArthur Glen Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet, the UK's largest designer outlet with over 150 designer stores where visitors can enjoy up to 60% off the recommended retail price. Guests can explore a wide range of iconic names, including Burberry, Polo Ralph Lauren, Nike, Adidas, Marks & Spencer, Mulberry, Crocs and many more – all conveniently located in one place.

Dinner delights

Time to head back to the city centre for dinner before you head home. Why not try noted, one of Chester's newest restaurants, specialising in farm-to-fork cuisine crafted with seasonal produce from their sister site’s farm, “Sow,” in Worcestershire? It's inspired by flavours and techniques from around the world. Or pop into Maray, another exciting new opening, an award-winning Middle Eastern and Mediterranean-inspired small plates restaurant drawing from the eclectic Marais district in Paris. If you just fancy a good steak, head to Upstairs at the Grill, which combines the appeal and charm of an upmarket Manhattan steakhouse with the best local produce.

Whether you're a history buff, foodie, or adventure seeker, these 48 hours in Chester deliver the perfect blend of heritage, flavour, and fun, leaving you eager to plan your next visit.