A City, a Retreat: A Wellbeing Escape to Chester

While Chester is a city, you won’t feel the hustle and bustle of other metropolitan destinations. There’s a relaxed feeling to the city with its green spaces, peaceful promenades and proximity to Cheshire’s countryside. Chester is the perfect place to unwind and focus on your wellbeing – with a range of spas, walks, healthy eating spots and more, you can make your stay in Chester a real retreat. Here’s some inspiration on how to make your stay as rejuvenating as possible.

Unwind your body and mind at the spa

There are few better ways to relax and rejuvenate than at the spa. Luckily Chester is home to a number of serene spas where you can enjoy a spa day or stay. In the city there’s the Spa at the grand Chester Grosvenor as well as The Mill Hotel found right on the canal side. Not far from the city centre there are some more rural retreats like Spa by Kasia at the Grosvenor Pulford Hotel & Spa, Doubletree by Hilton, Rowton Hall, and Carden Park. Whether you want to immerse yourself in a thermal suite, relax with a deep tissue massage, or simply take some time to unwind, you have a lot of options in Chester.

Reconnect with nature

You’re never far from nature in Chester, and you can make the most of your stay by exploring all of this natural space. You can stroll around the meadows – the vast green space across the river Dee from the city centre. You can enjoy a walk or jog in some lush greenery while taking in the views of the river alongside some amazing architecture on the way. It’s one of Chester’s best places to reconvene with nature.

Set sail on the river Dee

As well as offering a relaxing space to promenade, the river Dee is another great option for some relaxation. You can simply watch the river flow or even set sail yourself. ChesterBoat offer 30-minute and 2-hour cruises up the Dee (with a fully stocked bar for that extra luxury) which offer some stunning views and a new perspective on the city. You can even rent a rowboat or paddle boat and gently navigate the Dee.

Cycle as you learn about the city

And if you want to explore Chester on two wheels, Chester Cycle Tours provide a gentle ride around Chester where you’ll visit some off the beaten track spots and explore the city’s history, too.

Enjoy plant-based perfection

Chester’s foodie scene is second to none and this doesn’t stop with plant based, vegan and sustainable restaurants. Try the zero waste cocktail and natural wine bar, koji, for a well-earned tipple. There’s vegan staple Shrub on the Rows who have an entirely plant based menu as well as cocktails and vegan bakes, Jaunty Goat where you can enjoy wholly vegan café culture with sustainably sourced coffee, and new to the scene there’s Pink Lettuce where you can enjoy plant based small plates, sharers and mains alongside vegan friendly beers, wines, and cocktails.

Embrace your creative side on Watergate Street

Along Watergate Street you’ll find a real creative hub. There are a range of galleries calling this street home where you can really embrace your creative side and enjoy some beautiful art, much of which is inspired by the city itself. There’s Watergate Street Gallery which showcases some of the best contemporary art as well as hosts exhibitions and events. Alison Bradley, a talented local artist, has a gallery showcasing her original oil paintings, charcoal drawings, and reproduction prints in a tranquil space. There’s Dogtooth Galleries who showcase art from emerging and established artists in a thriving creative space. And there’s Baron Fine Arts, who specialise in 19th -21st century oil paintings, watercolours, etchings and sculptures.