Gladiators Descend on Chester: A Half Term Adventure Like No Other

Meet the Champions: Past and Present

On Wednesday 29th October, the Grosvenor Museum, together with Heritage Chester, is hosting an unmissable day that bridges two millennia of gladiatorial excellence. From 10:30am to 4:30pm, families can step back in time to meet an authentic ancient Roman gladiator and trainer, complete with genuine equipment and thrilling stories from the arena.

But the excitement doesn't stop with history. Chester is also welcoming Amanda Wah, the BBC Gladiators 2025 winner, for two high-energy family workout sessions that will put your gladiator skills to the test!

Amanda Wah's Family Fitness Sessions

Morning Session: 11am-12pm at Exchange Square
Kick off the day outside Chester Market with Amanda's expert-led fun fitness activities. This outdoor session is perfect for burning off that half-term energy, and the first 15 visitors will receive exclusive goodie bags!

Afternoon Session: 1pm-2pm at Grosvenor Museum
Can't make the morning? Join Amanda inside the museum for another chance to train like a champion. Both sessions include meet and greet opportunities with the BBC Gladiators winner herself.

Train Like a Warrior: Gladiator School

Want to experience what it was really like to be a gladiator? Join the FREE hands-on Gladiator School sessions running throughout the week. These training sessions at Chester's Roman Amphitheatre – Britain's largest – are perfect for children aged 5 and above (no experience needed!).

Meet at the Grosvenor Museum and walk together to the amphitheatre for your training. In bad weather, sessions move indoors to the museum. Each session is limited to 16 child participants, so booking is essential for children taking part (adults and under-5s don't need to book but must accompany participants).

Step Back in Time: Family Friendly Gladiator Tour

For a truly immersive historical experience, join an expert costumed gladiator guide on a journey through 2,000 years of Chester's Roman past. This guided tour takes you through:

The atmospheric Roman Gardens

Britain's largest amphitheatre

The imposing angle-tower that once defended the fortress city of Deva

Young warriors can don mini bear hoods and engage in padded shield combat training with the battle-hardened guide, while adults delve into fascinating stories of conquest, combat, and daily life in Roman Chester. Come in costume if you're feeling brave! Tours depart from the Grosvenor Museum foyer.

Get Creative: Roman Fresco Comic Making

Budding artists can unleash their creativity in special craft sessions at the Grosvenor Museum. Taking inspiration from the Gladiators of Britain exhibition, families can create their own gladiator characters and immortalise them in Roman fresco-inspired comic strips.

Design your warrior, decide their fate – will they defeat the beast or face the ultimate challenge? All materials are provided, and you can take your masterpiece home. Perfect for children aged 5 and above who want to combine art with history.

The Great Helmet Hunt: A City-Wide Quest

The gladiatorial action extends beyond the museum walls with an exciting trail that turns the entire city centre into a treasure hunt playground.

The Challenge: Track down 12 hidden Roman helmets displayed in businesses throughout Chester city centre. Each helmet bears the name of a different gladiator – can your family discover them all?

How to Join:

Pick up your FREE trail map from Picturehouse Chester café (available from Monday 27th October)

Hunt for helmets in participating shops and businesses

Write down each gladiator's name as you find their helmet

Return your completed map to enter the competition

The Prize: Every completed trail will be entered into a grand prize draw to WIN a family cinema ticket to Picturehouse Chester!

The trail runs until Sunday 2nd November, giving families plenty of time to explore Chester's streets while learning about the city's incredible Roman past.

Why Gladiators Matter to Chester

These events celebrate the Grosvenor Museum's Gladiators of Britain exhibition, showcasing the real stories of gladiatorial combat in Roman Britain. Chester, once the Roman fortress of Deva Victrix, was home to one of the largest legionary fortresses in the empire, making it the perfect location to bring these ancient warriors back to life.

From interactive historical experiences to modern fitness challenges and city-wide adventures, Gladiators of Chester offers something for everyone – whether you're a history buff, fitness enthusiast, or just looking for a memorable family day out this half term.

Are you ready to answer the call of the arena?

For more information about all the Gladiators of Chester events, visit visitchester.com/gladiators