9 Things to Explore in Chester Midweek

There is always something to do with the family in Chester, even midweek! Below we have pulled together a selection of fantastic attractions to enjoy together, and we have even added in some family-friendly accommodation options to ease the stress of planning.

Chester Zoo

Set across 128 acres of zoological gardens, the 35,000 animals from majestic elephants to wacky penguins and gentle giraffes, mean there is always something new to explore and discover at Chester Zoo. As well as being the UK’s most visited zoo, it is also a leading conservation and education charity committed to preventing extinction, meaning your visit will be both enjoyable AND meaningful! For the youngest visitors, be sure to visit the Madagascar PLAY, and Manado Play for some exhilarating fun, create a Handimal, get your face painted, and then Ape Around!

When it is time for a break, rest assured that the onsite dining facilities are outstanding. Whether it is the Manado Street Kitchen and its sensational South-East Asian food, the Bembe Kitchen and its hearty classics, or June’s Food Court that takes your fancy to name a few, you will certainly leave Chester Zoo full if you so wish!

Midweek Chester Zoo always opens at 10am, although closing times vary according to the time of year, between 3pm and 6pm.  Ticket prices also vary according to the season, although you can expect to pay upwards of around £20 per person, excluding those aged 2 and under, and carers, who are free.

For accessibility, many of the animal exhibits are fully wheelchair and pushchair friendly, and accessible toilet and baby changing facilities are available across the site. Wheelchairs and scooters can also be hired for free (with a £25 refundable deposit). Whilst Assistance Dogs are permitted, the zoo must be contacted in-advance to do so.

Storyhouse

Incorporating a library, theatre, and cinema in the heart of Chester, Storyhouse is a must-visit whilst in the stunning city. The venue boasts the longest opening hours of any UK public library, being open daily until 11pm.

Storyhouse has a designated children’s area, filled with colourful books and quirky furnishings, and has a vast events programme with activities for young and old alike! Equally exciting is the spacious dining area, nestled inside the library, serving a delicious fusion of exotic, Eastern-European dishes.

With lavish, spacious seating, enjoy a great film in the onsite cinema. Being independent, it shows not only blockbuster hits, but international releases and small-scale productions too, giving its visitors a huge choice of shows! The theatre is equally impressive, and Storyhouse welcomes both touring and in-house productions, many of which are suitable for the whole family!

As expected, the library itself is free to enter, although the cinema and theatre productions have associated costs. Featuring spacious interiors and elevators, the venue is fully accessible.

The Grosvenor Museum

Open midweek Tuesdays through Fridays between 10.30am and 1pm, and 2pm and 5pm, The Grosvenor Museum makes it easy to explore the history of Chester in a fun, engaging way! With exhibits ranging from prehistoric to modern times, alongside art, silver, and natural history collections, there is so much to learn and take in! Not to mention the regular craft events onsite, allowing for creative minds to thrive. This well-reputed museum also boasts a VisitEngland ‘Quality Assured Visitor Attraction’ badge, meaning your visit will be of the highest possible quality.  

Please note that some exhibits cannot be accessed with wheelchairs and pushchairs due to The Grosvenor Museum not featuring a lift. A disabled access guide can be seen here, however.

Treasure Hunt Chester

If you are looking for a fun, engaging way to discover the City of Chester, this self-guided treasure hunt may be just the midweek activity for you. This trail takes you across the Roman walls, along the River Dee, and past the Cathedral, and much more all the while you’re solving clues and learning about the fascinating history of the city. What's more, you go at your own pace as it’s all on your phone and the whole route is pushchair friendly, avoiding steps or showing step-free alternative routes.

Sick to Death

Join the Grim Reaper and Asclepius, the ancient Greek God of medicine, as you venture throughout Sick to Death, the brand-new Chester attraction which shares the gory story of medicine throughout time. As you travel through the family-friendly exhibits, you will have the chance to experience the past in a fun, interactive, and unique way, learning the answers to questions such as “Why does the plague doctor wear a strange mask?” and “Are magic potions real?”.

Currently, the only midweek dates offered are Thursdays and Fridays between 10am and 6pm, and pre-booking is essential. Please note that Sick to Death is fully accessible, although its raised location may prove problematic in physically accessing it. Buggies can be pushed around the attraction, and support dogs are welcome.

The Ice Cream Farm

Based on the outskirts of Chester, the Ice Cream Farm is the PERFECT location to let off some steam, enjoy the colourful aesthetics of the Strawberry Falls, Honeycomb Canyon, and Gemstone Cove, and indulge in award-winning ice cream from a choice of 50 flavours in the world’s largest parlour!

Those on a budget should consider grabbing a ‘Play Pass’, a ticket allowing for attraction bundles and lower prices! Further pocket-friendly is the free parking onsite!

The majority of the Ice Cream Farm is accessible to those in wheelchairs and pushchairs, and limited disabled parking spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Escapism

With five carefully themed escape rooms including ‘Radioactive’ and ‘Amphitheatre’, Escapism offers the perfect challenge for novices and experts alike! Join forces with up to five other people as you hunt clues, crack codes, and solve puzzles to escape each room within 60 minutes!

Monday to Thursday, each game costs between £13 and £18 per person, whereas, on Fridays, this increases to £15 to £20 per person. Individual costs are determined by the number of players. Whilst there are no strict age limits, Escapism is best enjoyed by those over 10, and any players under 16 must have an onsite guardian with them. Only ‘Amphitheatre’ and ‘The Missing’ are unsuitable for wheelchair users.

Backford Belles Ice Cream

Located just north of Chester, Backford Belles is home to the finest jersey ice cream around, and features dairy and gluten-free options too! As well as these scrumptious offerings with flavours including ‘White chocolate and passion fruit’, and ‘Orange marmalade’, Backford Belles boasts calves, hens and ducks to see, and countless play areas, allowing for a fun-packed day out for all!

Disabled parking is available onsite, and Backford Belles is breastfeeding-friendly. Baby changing facilities can be found here too.

ChesterBoat

Priding itself on its cruises showcase Chester from the River Dee, ChesterBoat offers the ideal activity for young and old alike! The family-run organisation’s half-hour City Cruise allows guests to admire the stunning riverside surroundings and learn about Chester’s rich heritage from aboard the Lady Diana, Mark Twain, or Jackie, and is short enough to maintain the attention of even its youngest guests! For comfort, the cruises all feature fully stocked bars, meaning you can enjoy hot and cold beverages throughout your voyage.

Cruises embark from The Groves, and tickets should be purchased online for the best price! Online, tickets for under 5s are free, and the most expensive options are those for families, at £18. The Lady Diana and Mark Twain are wheelchair and pushchair accessible, although the toilets are too small to accommodate such aids.

So now you have read all about Chester’s fantastic midweek attractions, the only thing missing is somewhere to stay…

Crowne Plaza Chester

Located on the city’s main ring road, the Crowne Plaza Chester is extremely accessible, and with midweek breaks starting from just £92.15 per night, it is budget-friendly too!

The Crowne Plaza’s stylish rooms can cater to families, and with free Wi-Fi and other home comforts, you can be sure your accommodation will suit your needs. When not in your room, why not indulge in a delicious meal in the onsite Stables Restaurant and Grill with views of the Welsh Hills, or go for a quick dip in the extensive swimming pool? No need to keep an eye on the time either, as late check-out options are available!

Secure parking is offered at £10 per night, and the hotel boasts two fully accessible bedrooms. Please note that the Crowne Plaza Chester does not permit pets.

Carden Park Hotel

Situated in 1,000 acres of rolling Cheshire countryside, Carden Park Hotel not only boasts glamourous accommodation, but a range of onsite attractions too! Its family rooms offer spacious retreats, each featuring a 39-inch HD plasma television, en-suite bathroom or wet room, and complimentary toiletries and Wi-Fi to name a few! With a choice of three onsite restaurants permitting children, you can dine on anything from AA Rosette delights in Redmond’s Restaurant, to pub classics in Morgan’s Bar.

With an onsite swimming pool, giant chess, children’s playground, and segways to enjoy, alongside the brand-new climbing wall and high-ropes course Vertigo, there is never a dull moment at Carden Park.

Midweek rates are significantly cheaper than those at weekends, typically starting from £159 upwards per night.

Hopefully we have inspired you to take a midweek break in our magnificent county of Chester. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below and be sure to tag us in your Cheshire photos on social media using #Chester!