5 accessible things to do in Chester

Are you planning a trip to Chester? The first UK city to win the Europaean Access City Award in 2017. There are so many things to see and do in this historic part of the UK. Whether it’s learning more about the city’s past, immersing yourself in art and culture or seeking a fun day out for all the family, there really is something for everybody.

But what about if you’re a disabled person? When you have access needs, sometimes it can take a lot of extra planning and preparation to make every little adventure possible. However, AccessAble is here to help.

Maybe you need step-free access, level paths and smooth terrain. Perhaps you require venues to have a hearing loop and staff trained in sign language. If you have a visual impairment, you might prefer attractions that have information in Braille or large print. Even something as simple as knowing the distance from the car park to the attraction can make a positive difference.

Are looking for accessible things to do in Chester? The following information is from the AccessAble’s Detailed Access Guides. They contain facts and figures, helpful photographs, and detailed information provided by trained AccessAble surveyors. These surveyors check out every single place in person to verify the information is correct and ensure you can easily find what you’re looking for.

In this post you’ll find some of our top recommendations in and around Chester. For each place, we have included a link to the Detailed Access Guide, so you can find all the accessibility information you need. We hope you enjoy your trip!

Chester Zoo
 

Chester Zoo is the leading, most-visited zoo in the UK. As well as being home to over 21,000 animals and 500 different species, it offers a one-of-a-kind day trip for families and friends. You can say hello to the creatures in their enclosures and listen to talks from the experts, grab food and drink at one of the many themed cafés, and even take a boat trip down the Lazy River inspired by South East Asia.

There are accessible pathways throughout the grounds and mobility aids you can hire, and staff are also trained to recognise hidden and less-visible disabilities. There is a downloadable social story on their website so visitors know what to expect during their visit, and Sensory Bags available to aid focus and relaxation for neurodivergent people. All documents can be provided in large print, and you will usually find a member of staff trained in BSL on duty.

Chester Zoo prides itself on being an exciting destination with excellent access provisions in place. Visitors can enjoy their day to the fullest, in the knowledge that this environment is also supporting important conservation work to reduce future extinction.

View the detailed Access Guide for Chester Zoo

Storyhouse - Accessible & Inclusive Award Winner at the Cheshire Tourism Awards 2022/3

Storyhouse is the home of creativity in Chester. The venue incorporates a vibrant library, two theatres to showcase touring productions and in-house shows, a boutique independent cinema, and plenty of community spaces to bring people together. Here you can always find a thriving programme of events to enjoy, and there’s even an on-site relaxed restaurant where you can sit down to a delicious meal afterwards.

This venue strongly believes that the arts should be welcoming for all. All strands are accessible for people using mobility aids and there are accessible toilets throughout, including Changing Places facilities on the ground floor. There are also regular access performances taking place, including relaxed performances which accommodate people with sensory difficulties. There are also shows with audio description, and captioned and BSL performances – you can even request that a staff member with BSL training is available during your visit.

If you want to purchase tickets or keep updated, you can sign up to Storyhouse’s Access Register to receive further information about upcoming access performances and support with booking tickets. With so many diverse productions taking place, there’s something for everybody at Storyhouse.

View the detailed Access Guide for Storyhouse.

Chester Cathedral

Chester Cathedral is a vibrant place of worship that showcases a unique blend of medieval and modern history, and welcomes thousands of visitors from all over the world. You can wander into the venue take in the magnificent surroundings, attend a service, or book onto a guided tour to learn even more about the building’s architecture and cultural significance.

Despite the Cathedral being founded in 1092, there are many accommodations in place that enable wheelchair users to visit. There’s level access inside, a lowered section of the desk in the reception area, and mobility scooters are permitted in all parts of the venue. There is also a fixed loop hearing assistance system that the staff are trained to use, and the design features and written information inside are presented in contrasting colours to accommodate visitors with visual impairments.

As well as regular services and tours of the premises, there is always an exciting itinerary of events planned at Chester Cathedral. Make sure you check their Events Calendar before you visit so you can see what’s on!

View the detailed Access Guide for Chester Cathedral.

Grosvenor Museum

If you’re in the mood for art and culture, Grosvenor Musuem is for you. The grand building is full of unique collections exploring the natural and social history of Chester, and also hosts regular talks from leading experts in the field. There is also a Heritage centre on-site, with computers available for further learning and research.

There is an on-site wheelchair that people can borrow during their visit. The second floor of the museum is accessed via steps, and so this section of exhibits is not accessible for wheelchair users. However, the vast ground floor offers level access throughout. This means that people using mobility aids can access the first exhibition gallery, lecture theatre, ground floor of the display Period House, the Roman Galleries and the accessible toilet facilities.

If you’re visiting, don’t forget to stop by the gift shop and quirky café before you leave. These Tea Rooms serve delicious meals and snacks to eat-in or takeaway – the ideal opportunity to grab a cup of tea with loved ones and discuss your visit!

View the detailed Access Guide for Grosvenor Museum. 

Chester Racecourse

Everybody knows that the Chester Races are a big deal. Established in 1539, Chester is the oldest racecourse still in operation anywhere in the world. Going to the races gives you the perfect opportunity to dress up in your finest clothes and enjoy socialising with others, and of course experience the excitement of seeing the races happen live, right in front of you.

Despite its historical roots, Chester Racecourse has excellent accessible facilities for disabled attendees. Accessible viewing platforms are available in every enclosure, to ensure wheelchair users have a great view of the grounds without being obstructed by other people. There are accessible toilets throughout the venue, and a free Companion Pass can be obtained by any ticket holder who requires a carer or PA. The organisation can provide Digital Racecards for attendees with visual impairments so that the information can be dictated, and there is a Quiet Room available where people with Energy Limiting Conditions or sensory challenges can escape to for some respite from the crowds.

If you want to visit Chester Racecourse, you can find the dates of upcoming Race Days and book tickets and packages online. Don’t forget to snap plenty of photos!

View the detailed Access Guide for Chester Racecourse.

If you’re heading to Chester, we hope you enjoy your visit. Don’t forget to visit AccessAble’s website and download the app to find Detailed Access Guides for shops, restaurants, attractions and more while you’re on the go!