What’s new this summer in Chester and Cheshire?

Whether the sun is shining or not, Cheshire is the perfect place to get out and about this Summer. Chester and Cheshire has got some great new attractions and events coming up to keep boredom at bay and stop the little ones climbing the walls.

Step into medieval life at Beeston Castle, find different ways to play at a National Trust property or celebrate an incredible summer of sport with animal inspired activities and games at Chester Zoo.

Go swashbuckling with pirates at Anderton Boat Lift, see the new dome show at Jodrell Bank or get ready for a summer firework spectacular at Gulliver’s World Resort.

Take control of an original former British Airways B747-400 flight deck and experience a simulated flight, with a trained operator / co-pilot with the newly opened 744 Experience or navigate your way around an enchanting new mini-golf course, themed around wizards and magic, providing a fun and whimsical activity for all ages.

Travel by rail with Transport for Wales this summer and enjoy discounts at various attractions near Chester station. These include buy one, get one half price at Chester Zoo, discounted tickets for Chester Ghost Tours and discounted tickets for guided tours of Chester Cathedral. Only valid on day of travel with proof of a valid ticket.

Chester Zoo

Chester Zoo is one of the UK's largest and most beloved zoos, home to over 35,000 animals and 128 acres of award-winning zoological gardens. It's a fantastic day out for families and animal enthusiasts alike.

This summer, test your agility, go head-to-head with a cheetah, and look out for daily prizes. Celebrate an incredible summer of sport with animal inspired activities and games, where having a competitive edge will bring you an advantage! Who can run the fastest? Lift the most? Jump the furthest? Compete with your friends and family and see who will top the leader board.

Plus don’t forget to go meet the zoo’s latest arrivals, Snow Leopards Yashin and Nubra.

Delamere Forest & Go Ape!

Plan a day out in Cheshire’s favorite woodland, Delamere Forest this summer. Enjoy scenic walking trails, traffic-free bike rides, a gorgeous café with stunning views, and Gruffalo activities for the kids.

Plus located within the heart of Delamere Forest, boasting three high ropes activities above the forest floor and an all-terrain Forest Segway experience, is Go Ape Delamere, the perfect place to have fun and create unforgettable memories.

Whether you are a thrill seeker looking for action-packed fun or simply after some quality time with friends and family, a Go Ape experience not only boosts your sense of well-being, it's great for self-esteem and keeps you active.

Jodrell Bank

There’s so much going on at Jodrell Bank this summer with a whole universe to discover for astronauts of all ages, interactive exhibitions, live science demonstrations and immersive planetarium shows all summer!

Come along to the newest show in the hugely popular Curious Kids series, the Solar System Spectacular! Featuring even more hair-raising experiments, fantastic facts and tricky trivia, this new science show is sure to spark curiosity in kids of all ages as the team of Explainers become your trusty guides on this trip across the known Universe!

Little ones can explore the Solar System with Ted’s Space Adventure in the First Light Pavilion Dome – it’s one small step for Ted, one giant leap for little astronauts. A charming new show with interactivity, music and rhyme, the show is a must for preschool children!

Plus a new Dome Show debuts this summer! Prepare for a journey from the sun-scorched surface of Mercury to the icy expanses of Pluto and beyond on a breathtaking tour of the solar system that reveals just how precious our home planet really is. Book online and return FREE for 12 months!

BeWILDerwood

BeWILDerwood Cheshire is a huge outdoor adventure park and it’s the perfect day out for ALL the family!. Discover the story, make memories, and run WILD in the enchanted 70-acre woodland.

BeWILDerwood is home to super slippery slides, extra-long zip wires, massive mazes, magical treehouses, den building and lots, lots more.

BeWILDerwood is based on the magical book series written by author and creator Tom Blofeld. As you explore the woods you’ll spot hints of the curious characters and stories, from the huge wooden play structures high in the trees, to the Storytelling Shows where you can watch the stories of BeWILDerwood come to life!

The adventure park is ideal for families with children aged between 2-12 years, plus grown-ups play too! Enjoy early bird discounts at BeWILDerwood this summer! Simply book your summer adventure at least 4 weeks in advance for the biggest savings, with discounts up until 1 week before your visit. The earlier you book, the more you SAVE!.

Play and picnic all summer at Tatton Park for just £14

Buy a summer parkland saver (before 31 July) and you can enjoy a whole month of play in 1000 acres of parkland this August. (usual cost £24)

Plus enjoy a whole host of special events at Tatton Park this summer, including a Summer of Adventure at the farm, the Summer Country Faye at the Farm, Family Smartphone Photography workshop and new for 2024 Old Hall Family Open Days where families can explore and play in the grounds of this Medieval site and Tatton’s oldest surviving building. Pack a picnic and enjoy outdoor lawn games. 

Gulliver’s World

Book in advance and get tickets from just £20 or book an afternoon (2pm – 5pm) for just £15. Look forward to amazing rides including the new-look Wriggler coaster, the classic antelope and many more!

Plus celebrate another magical summer season at Gulliver's World Resort Warrington with the Summer Sparks Spectacular! Enjoy extra ride time with extended opening hours (10:30am - 8:30pm) ahead of a fantastic fireworks display starting at approximately 8:45pm!

Pirate Weekender at Anderton Boat Lift

Ahoy me hearties!

The Conwy Pirates will be storming Anderton this summer. Visit the Lift for a pirate themed weekend of free activities, treasure hunts, games, displays, live music, mermaid song and stories of the high seas.

National Waterways Museum

Lot’s to enjoy at National Waterways Museum this summer including the Traditional Village Fete & Dog Show, Living History events, Viking Day, Yarn Fest and more. Plus over the bank holiday weekend in August local breweries will be show-casing their beers with supporting live entertainment and delicious BBQ at the Beer Festival.

Beeston Castle

Perched atop a rocky crag, Beeston Castle offers stunning panoramic views of the Cheshire countryside. This historic site is steeped in over 4,000 years of history, from its origins as a Bronze Age hill fort to its role in the English Civil War. Explore the ruins, wander through the ancient woodland, and take in the breathtaking scenery. Beeston Castle is perfect for history buffs and those who appreciate a good hike with a view.

See medieval history brought to life in July. Soak up the sights and sounds of the living history encampment as medieval folk go about their daily lives. A fun day out for all!

Or in August, experience an all-action contest as teams of knights battle it out for victory in a gruelling test of strength and skill. Between the breathtaking bouts, you can soak up the gentler atmosphere in the medieval encampment. Smell food cooking over an open fire, see colourful banners flutter in the wind and listen to musicians playing tunes from the Middle Ages.

A jam packed Summer of Play with the National Trust

Cheshire boasts several National Trust properties that are perfect for summer visits. Lyme, Quarry Bank, Hare Hill, and Dunham Massey are just a few of the stately homes and gardens you can explore. Each property offers beautifully manicured gardens, impressive architecture, and a glimpse into the past.

This summer you can discover days jam-packed with different ways to play with the National Trust. Make music at Dunham Massey, take on an obstacle course at Quarry Bank and more at Lyme and Hare Hill.

Freedome

For those seeking a more adrenaline-fueled experience, Freedome in Cheshire Oaks is the place to be. This indoor trampoline park offers a range of activities including free jumping, dodgeball, and obstacle courses. It's an excellent way to burn off some energy and have a blast, no matter your age. Freedome also offers fitness classes and sessions tailored for younger children, ensuring fun for the whole family.

744 Experience

Three years of restoration and professional engineering are complete and it’s great to see that the most advanced and complete Boeing 747 Flight Simulator and Upper Deck experience in the UK is now open here in Cheshire.

Utilising large original sections of the retired British Airways B747 fleet, this is a passion project with an unparalleled level of detail and finish. An experience as close to flying on the real aircraft as is possible.

Fly fixed base simulated flight to a choice of multiple global destinations, with state of the art 220 degree visuals and an experienced and friendly instructor at your side. 

No previous flying experience is necessary, it’s the perfect activity to keep teenagers (age 14+) out of trouble during the holidays!

The Hole in the Wand

For a magical experience, visit The Hole in the Wand in Chester. This enchanting mini-golf course is themed around wizards and magic, providing a fun and whimsical activity for all ages.

Get set for a magical adventure, along the way there will be a twists and turns as you solve the quest visiting the famous Chester Cathedral, Eastgate Clock and the spirit of Alderley Edge.

At the end of your adventure you will find out if you have the magical powers of a Serpent, Basilisk, Unicorn or Wizard and every player will receive a magic potion gift to take home worth £3.49. It's a perfect blend of fun and enchantment right in the heart of Chester.

Viking Tours of Chester

Explore the historic city of Chester from a unique perspective with a new Viking Tour.

Invaders from across the North Sea swept across much of Britain over 1000 years ago and seized and stole whatever they could find.

Come on tour with a Viking warrior or Shield Maiden and uncover the lasting impact they made on our city and beyond.

You’ll find out about flying cats, ‘zombies’, wolf warriors and the naughty god Loki!

It’s an unforgettable and unmissable adventure for everyone to enjoy. You will also receive a replica Viking coin as a souvenir of your tour.

In Cheshire, there's something to make every summer day special. So pack your bags, gather your loved ones, and get ready to explore the fun and exciting attractions and events that Cheshire has to offer this summer.

Find out what else is happening this summer in Chester and Cheshire here.