Boltholes to Escape the Everyday in Chester

Boltholes; a refuge from the everyday. You may be in need of somewhere to go to get away from it all. It could be anywhere from a cosy nook to that special walkway and our historic city is full of great options that you may not know about. So we’ve pulled together a great selection of places to escape the everyday in Chester this festive season.

Hypha

Hidden away on the walls of Chester, Hypha offers produce focused dining using sustainable food systems. This Michelin grade restaurant offers a delicious gourmet menu with a focus on seasonal options which highlights the seasons bests produce.

Minerva Shrine in Edgar’s Field

Cross over the Old Dee Bridge into Handbridge where you can find Minerva’s Shrine carved into sandstone outcrop, which dates back to the early second century. The shrine is the only one of its kind in Western Europe that is still in its original location and is a English Heritage Grade I building. Although it has faded over time you can still see a faint outline of Minerva, the Roman goddess of war, knowledge and arts, grasping a spear with an owl on her right shoulder. In Roman Times, offerings for a safe passage across the River Dee where given at this cave.

The Boathouse Inn & Riverside Rooms

The Boathouse is located along the River Dee, making it the perfect place to spend the night and unwind after exploring Chester. Inspired by their location, their rooms all furnished to a high standard with a tranquil, nautical theme. Enjoy your meals in comfortable indoor dining or relaxing outdoor seating.

Breakout Chester

Tucked away on the historic rows, Breakout Chester is a live escape room where you can get locked away in a variety of rooms. You will have 60 minutes to find clues and solve puzzles to escape. Working together is a must if you want to escape in time!

Artichoke

Situated along the canal in a former mill, Artichoke is a funky bistro offering craft beers, wine, cocktails, and high-quality food. Their modern bistro dining uses the finest of local suppliers to be enjoyed inside with bare brick and iron columns or al fresco with a view of the canal.

St John the Baptist Church

The Church of St John the Baptist was the Cathedral and Collegiate Church of this City of Chester from 1075 until the Reformation in 1541. Hidden in the ruins on the side of St Johns is a coffin placed high near an archway. While you are there, step inside to see then stunning architecture which is a blend of fine Norman, Early English, Romanesque and Gothic.

Chef’s Table

Situated near the Cathedral, Chef’s Table offers menus focused around produce and microseasonal which means they change every few weeks with special dishes that change daily with each service. On Sundays, a roast is added to their lunch offering.

Edgar House

Enjoy a peaceful riverside getaway at this luxury accommodation perched on the famous Roman Walls overlooking the River Dee. Each boutique bedroom is spacious and individually designed with sofas and bespoke furniture that is locally made. During your stay, enjoy an award winning 2-course breakfast that is included each morning with your stay.

The Green House

Wander down Godstall lane to the newly opened Green House Restaurant & Bar where you can sit in their fresh and flowery indoor garden. The Green House is a small European Tapas restaurant and cocktail bar which offers a depth of European street food and flavourful cocktails.

Grab a drink to go from Popcorn and have a picnic in the Roman Garden

Across from the Amphitheatre grab a hot drink to take away for a picnic in the Roman Garden next to the remains of the Amphitheatre. The charming garden is constructed in a Roman Style alongside the city walls with an ancient bath located near the path that runs through the garden from Pepper Street to the River Dee.

Overleigh ‘Old’ Cemetery and Dukes Drive

Hidden away in Handbridge on the South side of The River Dee you can find Overleigh Cemetery where the oldest area is Grade II listed in National Register of Historic Parks and Gardens. At the end of the cemetery, you will find the gates leading to Dukes Drive which was originally the main entrance to the Grosvenor Estate and now offers a lovely woodland walk.