Find your summer for less

1. Walk the Walls (Absolutely Free!)

Start with Chester’s famous City Walls, the oldest, longest, and most complete in Britain! A free walk with a priceless view—what’s not to love? From Roman gates to medieval towers, it’s 2 miles of Instagrammable history.

2. Follow the Rows Audio Trail

Ever browsed 700-year-old shopping malls? Welcome to The Rows! Listen to the audio trail and uncover stories of plague doctors, secret chambers, and Tudor traders. Great for curious minds—and totally free!

3. Grosvenor Park & Miniature Railway

Take a breather at Grosvenor Park, one of the finest Victorian parks in the North West. Bonus points for hopping on the Miniature Railway just £1.50 for adults and £1 for children per ride—small train, big smiles! Don’t forget to pack a picnic!

4. Walking Tours Under £10

Whether you fancy being spooked on a Ghost Tour, time-travelling with a Viking, or gossiping with an Edwardian Lady, these themed walks bring Chester to life for less than a tenner. Find tours of Chester

5. Cruise Along with ChesterBoat

Feeling nautical? Hop aboard ChesterBoat for a relaxing river cruise. Adults ride for £9.50, kids for £4.50, and under-5s sail free! Family tickets are only £25, so sit back, see the sights and wave to the ducks in style.

6. Deva Roman Experience – Adults £8, Children £5

Step into your sandals and go full Centurion at the Deva Roman Experience. Smell the herbs, touch the armour, and maybe dodge a gladiator or two.

7. Sick to Death – Adults £8, Children £5

Love the gross stuff? Dive into the gory past of medicine, plague, and surgery at Sick to Death. It's surprisingly educational (and disgustingly fun).

8. Hole in Wand – Magic for Under £9 for adults, £7.49 for children

Channel your inner wizard at Hole in Wand, a magical 9 hole mini-golf adventure that’s spellbinding and under a tenner. Plus each player receives a FREE potion drink for their adventure.

9. Grosvenor Museum – 100% FREE

From Roman tombstones to Victorian art, Grosvenor Museum offers a fascinating—and free—window into Chester's colourful past.

10. VIC Trails – Pick One for Just £1

Stop by the Visitor Information Centre and grab one of their many themed Trail Guides for just £1 each. Choose from Romans, Victorians, Tudor, The Rows, Medieval Chester, the Civil War, animals and morel!

11. Treasure Hunt Chester – £23.99 for up to 6

A mobile-phone-powered Treasure Hunt Adventure where your group of up to six sleuths solve clues, crack puzzles, and discover hidden gems around the city.

12. Snugburys by the River

No Chester trip is complete without a walk along the River Dee with a scoop of Snugburys Ice Cream. It’s practically a local law. (Okay, not really—but it should be.)

13 & 14. Paddle Boats (£27) & Rowing Boats (£17)

Channel your inner boat captain with a river paddle or row. Up to four people can share a boat, so split the cost and float along like 18th-century aristocrats.

15. Chester Cathedral – Free to Enter (donations welcome/small entrance fee in Summer and Christmas)

Explore the awe-inspiring beauty of Chester Cathedral for free! From the whispering cloisters to the soaring ceilings, it’s a peaceful (and photogenic) slice of history.

16. Sandy Lane Aqua Park – Splash Time!

Kids will love cooling off in the Sandy Lane Aqua Park, a free splash zone perfect for summer giggles. Bring towels! Plus there is a play area that looks across the River Dee and plenty of space to bring a picnic.

17. City Sightseeing Bus – £25 Family Ticket

Hop on, hop off, and hop around Chester’s must see landmarks. The red sightseeing bus is great value for families and includes audio guides.

18. Storyhouse – Crafty Weekends (FREE!)

Chester’s cultural hub Storyhouse isn’t just about theatre—it hosts free family crafts every weekend. Rainy day? Sorted.

Head to Grosvenor Park this summer for free face painting, crafts, rhymetime and more, all courtesy of the team at Storyhouse. You can even join animal expert Lyndsay to learn about all sorts of creatures from cute and fluffy to creepy and crawly.

19. Go Quest Adventures – £28.95 per team

Think urban escape room meets scavenger hunt with Go Quest Adventures. It’s interactive, affordable, and a fab way to explore Chester with friends or family.

20. Pack a Picnic

We’ve mentioned a couple of great picnic spots already but people are welcome to bring their own food to enjoy at the Roman Gardens, the Countess of Chester Park and the Meadows along the banks of the river Dee.

21. Explore the countryside

Chester offers a variety of scenic walking and cycling routes that are perfect for free or low-cost days out. Caldy Valley Nature Park is a tranquil 12-hectare nature reserve features wetlands, woodlands, and meadows, providing a peaceful escape close to the city centre. A 1.2 km circular trail with a firm, accessible surface makes it ideal for families, wheelchair users, and those seeking a gentle stroll

The Whitegate Way stretched for 6 miles (10 km) from Winsford to Cuddington, this former railway line has been transformed into a flat, wide path suitable for walkers, cyclists, and horse riders. The route meanders through woodlands and open countryside, with highlights including the restored Whitegate Station, which now houses a community-run café, picnic areas, and accessible facilities

Walk this 3.3-mile (6 km) loop that offers a comprehensive tour of Chester's historic and scenic spots. Starting at the Visitor Information Centre, the route follows the Shropshire Union Canal, passes through Grosvenor Park, skirts the River Dee, and circles the racecourse, providing a rich blend of urban and natural landscapes.

22. Family Fun Day at Chester Racecourse – Kids go FREE!

Move aside grown ups, it’s time for the little racegoers to have some fun!

The much-loved Family Fun Day will take place on Sunday 3rd August at Chester Racecourse and as always, promises to be filled with exciting entertainment from start to finish. This raceday has a range of activities for the little ones including fun fairs, inflatable play zones, music workshops, craft activities and much more!

Last season Bluey and Bingo were special VIP guests – who’s coming this year?

Where to Stay on a Budget (But With Style!)

Moxy Chester – Chic, fun, and affordable with a bar that mixes cocktails and personality.

Egerton Manor Farm B&B – Countryside vibes just minutes from the city. Wake up to birdsong and homemade breakfast.

Manor Wood Caravan Park – Great for families and nature-lovers. Bring marshmallows!

Roomzzz – Stylish studios with kitchenettes, perfect for extended stays or families on the go.

Birch Bank Farm - Nestled in stunning Cheshire countryside, 10 minutes from Chester, offering the ideal spot for a family retreat.