24 Things to Do in 2024

Think you know Cheshire? Here are 24 things to do in Chester and Cheshire that you might not have done before! Now is the time to try new experiences, events, food and drink, places to explore, and much more. Whether getting out and about this spring or planning for the year ahead, we’re bringing you some of our top picks for what to look out for this year.

1. Re-discover Jodrell Bank
 

Think you know Jodrell Bank, think again! There are now four pavilions to explore, the newest one is the First Light Pavilion which opened in 2022. The architecturally stunning building is at the heart of a £21.5m project to open up the awe-inspiring heritage of Jodrell Bank to even more people.

Unearth inspirational stories of Jodrell Bank’s pioneering scientists in the new permanent exhibition, explore the depths of space in an immersive planetarium experience, and enjoy views of the Jodrell Bank arboretum from the First Light cafe terrace.

Find out more about the mind-blowing science of Jodrell Bank at the Space Exhibition within the Space Pavilion. Listen to the sounds of the big bang, print a live reading from the Lovell Telescope, hear from Jodrell Bank scientists about their work, and much more.

---

2. Sister Act - Storyhouse
 

This June, the diving musical comedy Sister Act comes to Storyhouse. Don’t miss this eagerly anticipated brand new production of the Broadway and UK award winning musical direct from London.

All your prayers have been answered with a stunning cast, including Coronation Street and theatre legend Wendi Peters as Mother Superior and West End star Landi Oshinowo as Deloris, everyone’s favourite nun on the run!

---

3. Fantastic festivals and events 

Where the flowers bloom & the foodies flock. Where the dogs go wild & the vintage cars are admired. Chester & Cheshire, with the cinema under the stars & the theatre in the park, boast a vivid year-round calendar with exceptional events for all! Look out for our annual favourites like DogFest, the RHS Tatton, Rewind at Capesthorne Hall, Deva Fest, Just So to name a few. We've also got some newer festivals returning, Womanifest, an empowerment and wellbeing festival for women and teen girls, Cheshire Balloon Fiesta at Bolesworth and Dubbed Out in July at the Cheshire Showground. Keep an eye on our ever evolving list of Festivals here. 

---

4. Explore Macclesfield 

Macclesfield grew as one of the main silk centres of the country, renowned for the skill of its designers and for its richly patterned woven fabrics. Fashionistas will love discovering the story of Macclesfield’s textile heritage as told at the Silk Museum and the Heritage Centre. 

These days Macclesfield boasts bijoux art galleries, great shops and an award winning brass band. The perennially popular Treacle Market takes place on the last Sunday of every month and showcase the finest local produce, contemporary art, vintage clothing and much more. Look out for the fantastic mural of one of Macclesfield’s finest musicians, Ian Curtis.

Macclesfield is perfectly placed to enjoy a weekend break in the Peak District. Within minutes of the town centre you can escape to the Peak District National Park and enjoy spectacular views across Cheshire. Find out more about Macclesfield here.

---

5. Get on your Soapbox 

In July, the Soapbox Derby comes to Crewe! This free to attend event will bring all manner of fun, exciting races and activities to Crewe whilst raising substantial funds for local charities at the same time. The award-winning Krazy Races aim to deliver accessible, enjoyable and experiential events that create unique moments in time for audiences that last a lifetime. 

Krazy Races are also coming to Warrington in June. Come and join thousands of spectators from across Warrington and beyond to cheer on the krazy, wacky and outrageous soapbox downhill racers at Warrington Krazy Races. Launching themselves down through the centre of Town in their carefully hand-crafted karts racers will tackle the track with chicanes, obstacles, water and more.

---

6. Summer at Chester Cathedral
 

Due to popular demand after three successful years, Making Tracks will return to Chester Cathedral from 1-31 August. It will run Mondays-Saturdays (except 16 August) and be located in the Nave with a similar size layout to the first Making Tracks in 2021. 

Summer entry will admit visitors into the Cathedral to experience both Making Tracks and 'Your Kaleidoscope', which is two immersive art installations by British artist Liz West (Liz created Our Colour Reflection in 2018 at the Cathedral). More details coming soon!

---

7. Picturehouse
 

The highly anticipated Picturehouse cinema at Chester Northgate is now open! A treat of a cinema boasting six screens and a cafe bar, not to mention a stunning mural created exclusively by artist Murugiah that'll greet you when you arrive. You will be dazzled by the interior design, in enviable shades of pink and blue, inspired by the great Wes Anderson. 

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city, relax into a comfortable seat, grab a barista-made coffee or a slice of fresh pizza and enjoy in the cosy spaces.

---

8. Visit the Snow Leopards at the Zoo

New for 2024, Penguin Breakfast at the Zoo. Begin your day with a guided tour of the much-loved Humboldt penguins with an exclusive talk from rangers, followed by a delicious breakfast at The Oakfield.

See the Snow Leopards, Nubra and Yashin, in their new home at Chester Zoo for the very first time! There are large indoor viewing windows and spacious outdoor viewing platforms, meaning you’ll have every opportunity to spot the snow leopards roaming around their carefully crafted habitat.

---

9. Discover Chester’s history and heritage 

There are more ways than ever to discover the 2000 years of history and heritage in Chester. Walk along the walls, go exploring up on the rows, take one of the many themed walking tours, go on a heritage cruise along the river or even hop on an open top bus. 

Discover Chester's dark side on a ghost tour, Dark Chester tour or with a visit to Sick to Death, a museum not for the faint hearted! Not forgetting the newly re-opened Deva Roman Experience where you will be taken on a voyage back through time 2000 years ago to Roman Britannia, with 7 actor led shows, special effects, cutting edge projection mapping and REAL archaeology on site. And if that's not enough, Chester celebrates with the annual Heritage Festival in June with walks, talks, exhibitions, family friendly events and more.

---

10. Britfest 2024

For the first time Great British Festivals presents Britfest at Ashley Hall Showground featuring a plethora of big names such as Kim Wilde, Scouting for Girls, Heather Small, The Feeling, Toploader, Hot Chocolate, Reef to name a few. Hosted by Mike Toolan and Jenny Powell in July, celebrating the very best of British music.

---

11. Dinosaurs Unleashed at Gulliver’s World Resort
 

Get up close and personal with roaming dinosaurs during two days of Jurassic family fun at Gulliver's World Resort.

Say hello to baby dinosaurs, accompanied by expert rangers, look out for fearsome velociraptors and beware of an eight-foot tall herbivore. Look forward to a day out that's full of dino surprises and fabulous theme park experiences!

---

12. (Re)discover The Rows

Chester’s historic and mysterious Rows are experiencing a renaissance. The unique structures are part of Historic England’s ambitious Heritage Action Zones project, which seeks to breathe new life into Britain’s historic high streets. There are new ways to explore the Rows like the free family-friendly Rows Time Travelling Treasure Hunt trail that encourages kids to find hidden clues on the Rows and is a perfect compliment to the Discover the Rows walking audio tour. To find out more go to visitchester.com/rows

---

13. Pride in Cheshire 

Celebrate Pride with one of Cheshire's many Pride events throughout the year. Ellesmere Port 2nd June, Nantwich 20th July, Congleton 20th July and Chester 17th August. 

---

14. See the ponies for less than a pony – Chester races for £10

From 8 May the racing season at Chester’s historic Roodee will begin again. The oldest functioning racecourse in the world will host the Boodles May Festival, which is always a firm favourite. The racecourse has also announced a new pricing structure with entry starting at just £10. This will apply to all 2024 fixtures, giving guests a great value day out.

---

15. Embrace Warrington’s cultural scene

Warrington is providing plenty to look forward to this year with a stellar line-up of culture courtesy of Culture Warrington. At both Pyramid and Parr Hall there’s an exciting calendar of comedy performances from big names including Rhod Gilbert, John Bishop, Ben Elton, Katherine Ryan and Ed Byrne plus musical performances from Alexander O'Neal, The Drifters, Russel Crowe, Al Murray, Scouting for Girls. Peter H'oock & the Light and Toyah Wilcox. These events compliment the town’s thriving arts calendar with the Andie Airifx and Warrington Art Festival exhibitions at Warrington Museum and Art Gallery. You can find out more at culturewarrington.org/whats-on

---

16. Experience the sounds of the forest (Forest live)

Returning from 13-16 June, Forest Live is a unique experience for music lovers and certainly one to try if you haven’t already. The forest becomes a stadium as world-class acts come to Delamere to perform under the stars. This year Becky Hill will perform on Thursday 13 June, Police frontman Sting is confirmed for Friday 14 June, Grammy Award winning songwriter, composer, producer, arranger, and guitarist Nile Rogers will take the stage on Saturday 15 June and chart-topper Bryan Adams will be performing on Sunday 16 June. These concerts sell out fast and tickets are on sale now at forestryengland.uk/music

---

17. See the best stories on stage 

Some of the best West End and Broadway musicals are coming to Cheshire's theatres this year as are some of comedy's top performers. Check out what's on at Cheshire's theatres for an unmissable evening of entertainment: Crewe Lyceum, Storyhouse, Parr Hall and Pyramid and The Brindley.

---

18. Find a luxury hideaway 

Cheshire's newest glamping site is Blakemere Hideaways, a luxury 5* retreat nestled within a hidden clearing, consisting of 9 small and 3 larger lodges all with ensuite bathrooms and private hot tubs on their decked gardens. For those who want to get out into the great outdoors but still retain a lot of luxury, one of Cheshire's luxury glamping sites could be a perfect escape this year.

---

19. Find your Happy Place 
 

It's always good to take stock and focus on health and wellbeing, both physical and mental. With this in mind, Tatton Park will be welcoming back Fearne Cotton’s hugely popular Happy Place wellness festival from 31 August - 1 September. The festival promises to help you unwind and unlock your inner happiness with a weekend of inspiring and uplifting experiences involving immersive workshops, enriching talks, food and drink, and a schedule of top-tier guests and speakers.

---

20. Get married in the Zoo

Chester Zoo is always embracing the new, whether this is new species, new arrivals, or new events and experiences. The Square is a brand-new wedding and events space. Situated at the Grade II listed stable block that was once home to some of the zoo’s first animals such as lions, bears and chimpanzees, this could be the perfectly unique venue for your event this year.

---

21. Beat the blues by walking an Alpaca! (Walton Gardens)
 

Walton Hall and Gardens are offering a unique remedy to any seasonal blues with their beloved alpaca walks. Alpacas are popular as therapy animals and a walk with these furry South Americans can be a great way to relax. Take in the beautiful Cheshire estate while enjoying the company of Walton’s resident alpacas Mally, Jim and Topaz.

---

22. Say hello (again) to Chef’s Table

One of Chester’s best restaurants has made a welcome return to the city. Chef’s Table, has opened a much larger new restaurant Twenty Eight on Pepper Street, The AA Rosette and Michelin Guide accoladed restaurant is once again serving their local produce focussed, seasonal menus to residents and visitors alike. 

---

23. Treat yourself to a spa day

After the stresses and strains of the working week, do you need to refresh? This is the perfect opportunity to do some much-needed self-care and indulge in a spa day or stay. Cheshire is luckily home to some of the best spas in the country including Carden Park, Champneys Mottram Hall, The Chester Grosvenor, The Mere and many more. Explore Cheshire’s spas here

---

24. Get outdoors and enjoy the Cheshire countryside

Here in Cheshire we are lucky to have some of the best countryside and forestry around. This year it’s time to get out and explore the beauty on your doorstep. From the outstandingly beautiful Sandstone Ridge and Delamere Forest to the Cheshire Peaks and the sprawling plain, make some time this year to embrace Cheshire’s gorgeous outdoors.

---

There’s much more than 24 things to do this year, so make sure to come back for all your Chester and Cheshire inspiration for 2024 and beyond.