Chester Student Guide: Things to Do, Eat, Stay and Explore

Whether you’ve got an afternoon to fill, a visiting family to entertain, or you’re just getting to know the city, Chester delivers. Here are some of the best ways to spend your time.

Get Out on the Dee

There is no better way to see Chester than from the water. Paddle the Dee offers kayaking and paddleboat hire on the River Dee, with guided tours available for all experience levels. Whether you want a peaceful solo paddle or a group outing, the Dee’s gentle waters and stunning river views make it one of the most memorable ways to spend a sunny afternoon in the city.

Mini Golf, Games and a Good Laugh

Fancy a challenge? Hole in Wand brings a dose of wizarding-themed mini golf to Chester, making it perfect for a group night out or a lighthearted afternoon. For escape room thrills, both Escapism Chester and Breakout Chester put your teamwork and quick thinking to the test. If you’d rather stay above ground, Spinners and Challenge Point offer a fantastic range of social games for groups of all sizes.

Chester Zoo

The UK’s most visited zoo outside London, Chester Zoo is home to 35,000 animals and over 700 species, with world-class conservation at its heart. It’s just ten minutes from the city centre and is genuinely unmissable - the kind of place you’ll return to again and again.

Get Creative

Chester has a brilliant creative scene for hands-on experiences. Deva Glass offers glassmaking workshops where you can create something truly unique. The Pottery Rooms let you get your hands dirty on the wheel. And if painting with a glass of something in hand sounds more your style, Pictura Studios and Paint Republic host relaxed sip-and-paint sessions that are as sociable as they are creative.

Axe Throwing

For something a little more dramatic, Axt Haus brings axe throwing to Chester. Satisfying, exhilarating, and surprisingly good fun for a group night out.

Cinema

Tucked into the Chester Northgate development, Picturehouse Cinema is a six-screen independent cinema with a stylish café bar - perfect for a rainy afternoon or a proper evening out.

Shopping

Explore The Rows - Chester’s unique 700-year-old galleried shopping galleries - for independent boutiques and hidden finds, or head to Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet for designer names at outlet prices. It’s the largest designer outlet in the country and just a short trip from the city.

Chester’s live music scene punches well above its weight for a city of its size. From intimate venues to packed-out gig rooms, there’s always something on.

Telford’s Warehouse - A canal-side institution. A proper music venue in a converted warehouse on the waterfront, with a brilliant atmosphere and a packed programme of live acts across all genres.

Live Rooms - One of Chester’s most popular live music venues, with a strong line-up of touring acts and local talent.

Alexander’s Live - A much-loved Chester staple. Great live music in a relaxed, characterful setting that has launched plenty of careers over the years.

Keep an eye on visitcheshire.com/locations/music-in-chester for the full live music listings.

Chester knows how to have a good time. Whether you’re after rooftop cocktails with a view, a cosy pub with a great pint, or a proper late-night dance floor, the city has you covered. Chester is also a proud and inclusive city.

Chester Pride takes place on 15 August and is one of the North West’s most celebrated Pride events - a joyful, vibrant day of entertainment, performance, and community. Chester also hosts the Chester Disability Pride Parade, celebrating disabled people and their allies in an inclusive, empowering event that is unique to the city.

Chester’s food scene has never been more exciting. From award-winning street food to sit-down restaurants from around the world, the city is a genuine foodie destination.

Chester Market

Chester Market is the place to start. The city’s award-winning market at Chester Northgate has welcomed over eight million visitors since opening in 2022, and it’s not hard to see why. Open six days a week from 11am through to 10pm for food and drink traders, it brings together an extraordinary range of global flavours under one roof, with inside and al fresco seating and free live music most Friday and Saturday evenings. Shop local, eat global.

Restaurants and Cafes to try

Acai Grove - Fresh, healthy acai bowls and smoothies.

Bean & Cole - Speciality coffee and great food.

Death by Tacos - Brilliant tacos, massive flavours.

Maray - Middle Eastern-inspired small plates. Vibrant, punchy, delicious.

Shrub - Plant-based and zero-waste cooking done right.

Stile Napoletano - Proper Neapolitan pizza.

Panda Mami - Live cooking stations and buffet dining.

Koconut Grove - Amazing cuisine inspired by India's stunning Kerala region.

Chai Station - Vegan and Vegetarian Indian dishes.

SlowBoat - A Chinese and Southeast Asian Restaurant.

Siam Thai & Teppan Yaki - Authentic Thai cuisine and teppanyaki theatre in one.

Find more places to eat at visitcheshire.com/locations/eat-drink-chester.