Itinerary Planner

Family Fun in Chester

Day 1

Explore the city

There are many ways to explore Chester and its rich heritage, hop aboard an open top bus tour with City Sightseeing or enjoy a different side to Chester as you sail along the river dee on a river cruise. Step back in time with Roman Tours as a Roman Soldier takes you on an exciting city adventure or discover the fortress of Deva at the Dewa Roman Experience. Visit The Grosvenor Museum, its full of surprises which tell the stories of Cheshire from pre-history to the 20th century or pick up a trail map from the Visitor Information Centre and explore the city at your leisure. 

Head down to the River Dee

Enjoy a delicious ice cream, or if you’re feeling adventurous and energetic hire a rowing boat or a pedalo and power yourself down the river. Walk over Queen’s Park Bridge and take a stroll (or run) through ‘The Meadows’ green open space that is great for picnics and running off some excess energy.

Watch the Town Crier Proclamation

Chester is the only place in Britain to have retained the historic tradition of regular midday proclamations from a fixed point. It’s free, fun and totally unforgettable.

Proclamations take place Tuesday to Saturday at 12noon (11am on Chester race days) June to August.

Explore Grosvenor Park

Grosvenor Park was given to the city by Richard Grosvenor, 2nd Marquess of Westminster and is regarded as one of the finest examples of Victorian Parks in the UK.

The Park has tree lined avenues to explore as well as benches and grass to sit on and relax or enjoy fun games. It is also home to Grosvenor Park Miniature Railway, built in 1996 to commemorate the centenary of the Duke of Westminster’s railway at nearby Eaton Hall. Open some weekends and during school holidays, Grosvenor Park Miniature Railway is loved by people of all ages.

During the summer the fabulous Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre brings the park to life with wonderful performances in a purpose built setting. If you’re visiting during July and August you should definitely get tickets for a performance.

Walk the walls

Take a gentle 2.2 mile stroll around the most complete city walls in Britain, a perfect way to see the city.

Stop off at the famous amphitheatre, pose for a picture by the Eastgate Clock, take in the stunning views over the oldest racecourse in the country and try your luck on the Wishing Steps.

Explore ‘The Rows’ and enjoy some retail therapy

Famous the world over, Chester’s Medieval two-tiered galleries or ‘The Rows’ as they’re known, are home to some of the city’s most fascinating shops including what is thought to be the oldest shop front in England which can be found on Lower Bridge Street.

Day 2

Visit Chester Zoo

Chester Zoo is home to over 35,000 wonderful animals including some of the most endangered in the world!

From magnificent elephants and rhinos to delicate butterflies, there are different animals to see around every corner. Islands takes you on a unique expedition through six different south east Asian island habitats. Travel over bridges to pass between the islands and you can also take a jungle river cruise as part of the experience. Explore the indoor rainforest and walk-through aviary giving you the chance to get up close to the plants and animals.

Although an outdoor attraction there’s plenty to do indoors making it perfect whatever the weather. Take a butterfly journey through the UK’s largest zoo-based butterfly house where more than 30 species of butterfly and moths fly around you; or brave Fruit Bat Forest where three species of bats fly around as you walk through the forest at twilight  – an experience not to be missed!

The zoo is on the outskirts of the city and if you don’t have your car there is a regular bus service which runs from the train station, alternatively it’s just a short taxi ride.