20 Best Things to Do in Chester
1. Chester Zoo
Address: Chester CH2 1LE
Open Time: 10:00-18:00
- Day tickets: Adult £34–38; Child (3–15) £26–28
Chester Zoo is a 128-acre conservation site with large, immersive habitats and indoor houses (butterfly house, aquatics, primates). Plan at least 4 hours to see the highlights; route signage and maps make navigation straightforward but the site is big and spread out. The zoo runs animal talks and feeding times that help you pick the best route.
Tips:
Book timed tickets online in advance to avoid queues.
Wear layers (many exhibits are outdoors).
Check daily feeding/talk timetables on arrival.
2. Chester Cathedral
Address: St Werburgh St, Chester CH1 2DY
Open Time: Mon–Sat 09:30–18:00; Sun 10:00–18:00
- Day tickets: free for most of the year
Tips:
Check for special closures (services/events) before visiting.
Donations help upkeep — bring a card/donation if you can.
Ask at the desk about short guided tours or tower access.
3. Chester City Walls
Address: City Walls, Chester CH1 2JH
Open Time: Open year-round
- Day tickets: Free (public access during daylight)
Tips:
Wear comfortable shoes; some steps are steep.
Start early or late afternoon to avoid busiest times.
- Combine sections with stops at Eastgate and the amphitheatre.
4. Sick to Death
Address: East, Bridge Street Bridge Saint Row, Chester CH1 1NW
Open Time: 10:00–18:00
- Day tickets: Adults £8, Students £6, Children (5–15) £4.50; under 5s free
Tips:
Card payments only (check onsite notices).
Booking not usually required but consider pre-booking at peak times.
Noted sensory effects (lights/smells) — check content warnings if sensitive.
5. Chester Rows
Address: 46 Watergate St, Chester CH1 2LA
Open Time: 24/7
- Day tickets: Free
Tips:
Check individual shop opening times (many close earlier than bigger stores).
Use the Rows to cross the city centre without getting wet in poor weather.
- Look for small laneways and undercrofts — great for photos.
6. River Dee / ChesterBoat Cruises
Address: Souter’s Ln, The Groves, Chester CH1 1SZ
Open Time: 11:00–16:00
- Day tickets: Adult ~£9.50 online / £10 on the quayside
Tips:
Book online for the cheapest fares and to guarantee a spot.
Bring a light jacket — it can be breezy on the water.
- Check weather/seasonal schedules for the longer Iron Bridge cruise.
7. Deva Roman Experience
Address: 1-2, off Pierpoint Ct, Chester CH1 1NL
Open Time: 10:00–18:00
- Day tickets: Adult £8, Student £7, Child £5, under-5s free
Tips:
Check daily slots/times — performances run on a timetable.
Some effects (lights/noise/water) are used; check warnings if sensitive.
- Book online for guaranteed entry at busy times.
8. Grosvenor Museum
Address: Chester CH2 1LE
Open Time: Tue–Sat 10:30–17:00; Sun 13:00–16:00; Mon closed
- Day tickets: Free
Tips:
- Free entry but bring a donation if you can.
- Check current temporary exhibitions before you arrive.
- Combine with a walk to the nearby Roman amphitheatre and Roman Gardens.
9. Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre
Address: 54Q8+RF, Chester CH1 1QX
Open Time: Seasonal (summer)
- Day tickets: Priced vary per show
Tips:
Arrive early for a good central spot or bring a low chair/blanket if allowed.
Buy tickets from Storyhouse; membership gives booking priority.
- Check weather-policy (performances may be adapted or cancelled).
10. Chester in LEGO
Address: Exchange Square, Northgate St, Chester CH1 2AR
Open Time: 8:00-22:00
- Day tickets: Free
Tips:
Visit during market opening hours for full access.
Great for photos — low glare inside the market.
- Usually free but check for special event pricing.
11. Grosvenor Park
Address: Chester CH2 1LE
Open Time: Open year-round
- Day tickets: Free
Tips:
Check noticeboards for events (fetes, film nights).
The Lodge Café has been a regular refreshment stop (check current trading status).
- Paths are stroller-friendly in most areas.
12. Cheshire Military Museum
Address: Chester CH2 1LE
Open Time: Thu–Sun 11:00–16:00
- Day tickets: Tickets: Adult £5, Concession £3, Family £10
Tips:
- Check seasonal opening changes (some days closed).
- Combine with a walk around Chester Castle grounds and the amphitheatre.
- There’s a small museum shop for regimental books and prints.
13. Chester Racecourse (The Roodee)
Address: Chester CH2 1LE
Open Time: Event timings vary by fixture
- Day tickets: £10–£17
The Roodee is the oldest racecourse in continuous use in the UK; fixtures range from May’s big festivals to casual race days. Race days offer a lively atmosphere, food traders and multiple enclosures (varying dress codes). Check the racecourse website for fixture dates, ticket tiers and hospitality options.
Tips:
Book tickets for a specific fixture — prices vary widely.
Check dress codes for premium enclosures.
- Public transport and parking info are on the racecourse site for event days.
14. The Antiques Shop (Old Leche House)
Address: 21 Watergate St, Chester CH1 2LE
Open Time: 11:00–17:00
- Day tickets: Free
Tips:
- Phone ahead if you’re searching for a specific item.
- The building itself (Old Leche House) is photogenic — respect any owner/staff photo rules.
- Combine with Rows shopping on the same street.
15. Eastgate & Eastgate Clock
Address: 41-45 Eastgate St, Chester CH1 1LE
Open Time: 24/7
- Day tickets: Free
Tips:
Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best light.
Combine with the nearby Rows and Roman Gardens.
- Access the walls near Eastgate for elevated photos.
16. Chester Roman Gardens
Address: Pepper St, Chester CH1 1DQ
Open Time: 09:00–18:00
- Day tickets: Free
Tips:
Free entry — a quiet spot at golden hour for photos.
Combine with a visit to the nearby Amphitheatre.
- Benches and paths make it stroller-friendly in places.
17. St John the Baptist Church
Address: Vicar’s Ln, Chester CH1 1QX
Open Time: 10:00–16:00
- Day tickets: Free
One of Chester’s oldest buildings (early medieval origins), St John the Baptist stands close to the Roman amphitheatre and offers atmospheric architecture and historical plaques. The church’s small café and tranquil interior make it a compact cultural stop — allot 20–40 minutes.
Tips:
Check the church’s own site or phone for exact opening times.
The building is in a busy area — quiet visitors’ hours may be limited.
- Combine with the amphitheatre and Roman Gardens nearby.
18. The Ice Cream Farm
Address: Drumlan Hall, Newton Ln, Cheshire, Chester CH3 9NE
Open Time: 09:30–18:00
- Day tickets: £2.50
Tips:
Book play passes/activities in advance for busy weekends.
Arrive mid-afternoon to avoid morning queues for cones.
- Good parking on site — ideal as a short countryside diversion.
19. Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet
Address: Kinsey Rd, Wirral CH65 9JJ
Open Time: Mon–Fri 10:00–20:00; Sat 09:00–21:00; Sun 09:00–19:00
- Day tickets: Free
Tips:
- Check individual store opening times (Sunday trading rules apply).
- Use the visitor deals page for coupons/discounts.
Good choice for bad-weather days or extended shopping time.
20. Beeston Castle
Address: Chester CH2 1LE
Open Time: 10:00–16:00
- Day tickets: Free
Tips:
Wear good shoes; paths can be steep and uneven.
English Heritage members normally have free entry — check dates & ticketing.
- Bring water and weatherproof layers for exposed hilltop conditions.
Recommended Weekend Itinerary in Chester
Saturday — Heritage & City Highlights
Chester City Walls — 60–90 minutes
Walk the full circuit to read Chester’s layers of history: Roman foundations, medieval gates and repeated photo viewpoints down into the city and across the River Dee. Start early to avoid crowds and wear comfortable shoes.
Eastgate Clock — 15–30 minutes
Pause beneath Chester’s ornate Eastgate Clock for the classic shot; the clock sits above the original Roman gate and is one of the city’s most photographed landmarks. Visit mid-morning or late afternoon for the best light.
The Rows — 45–90 minutes
Explore the unique two-tier timbered galleries that run along the main shopping streets. Duck into antique shops, independent boutiques and covered walkways on the upper level — it’s history and retail in one stroll.
Chester Cathedral — 60–90 minutes
Allow an hour to admire the nave, cloisters and gardens; the cathedral often runs short guided tours and occasional exhibitions — check opening times before you go.
Sunday — Nature & Relaxation
Chester Zoo — 4–6 hours
Treat Sunday as a nature day: Chester Zoo is expansive and merits a half- or full-day visit. Check opening times and book tickets in advance to make the most of the exhibits and indoor houses.
Grosvenor Park & The Lodge Café — 45 minutes
After the zoo, return to the city for a gentle wander through Grosvenor Park — a restored Victorian park with riverside views and a small café in the refurbished lodge if you want tea or a snack.
ChesterBoat (River Dee cruises) — 30 minutes–2 hours
A half-hour city cruise is a relaxed way to see riverside homes, the meadows and parts of the Duke of Westminster’s estate; longer two-hour cruises run seasonally and offer a different countryside perspective. Book ahead for weekend sailings.
Grosvenor Museum — 45–75 minutes
If the weather softens and you want a compact history stop, the Grosvenor Museum houses Roman finds and local exhibitions; check current opening hours as times vary by season.
Student Stays Near Chester’s Highlights
Looking for a convenient base while you explore the 20 things to do in Chester? uhomes.com lists student-friendly flats and studios close to the walled city, many within easy reach of the Rows, Eastgate and Chester Cathedral — and a short bus or bike ride from Chester Zoo and Cheshire Oaks. Ideal for placements, short-term study trips or a weekend discovery stay, the platform lets you filter by location, price and amenities so you can prioritise proximity to the city’s best sights. Search uhomes.com to find secure, flexible student accommodation that keeps Chester’s attractions on your doorstep.
Conclusion
FAQ
What are the must-see things to do in Chester for a single weekend?
Focus on the city walls, Eastgate Clock and The Rows, Chester Cathedral, a River Dee cruise, and a half-day at Chester Zoo. Add a stroll through Grosvenor Park, a visit to the Grosvenor Museum or Deva Roman Experience, and an evening at Storyhouse. This mix balances history, riverside views and a big outdoor attraction so you’ll get a full sense of the city in two days.
Is Chester walkable and how should I organise walking between things to do in Chester?
Yes — Chester’s compact centre is very walkable. Plan a loop that links the city walls, Eastgate, The Rows and the cathedral, then cross to the Groves for riverside walking. Use Grosvenor Park and the Roman Gardens as short green breaks. Wear comfortable shoes, allow extra time for stairs on the walls, and group nearby stops together (e.g., Rows + Eastgate + cathedral) to minimise backtracking.
How much time should I allow to enjoy key things to do in Chester?
Allow at least one full day for the city centre (walls, Rows, cathedral, boat) and another for Chester Zoo or an out-of-town visit like Beeston Castle or Cheshire Oaks. Shorter stops (Eastgate, Roman Gardens) take 15–30 minutes; cathedral and museums 45–90 minutes; zoo and Beeston Castle need 3–6 hours. Build in coffee or lunch breaks so the weekend feels relaxed, not rushed.
Are there seasonal considerations for planning things to do in Chester?
Yes — many outdoor attractions (walls, river cruises, Grosvenor Park events) are best in spring–early autumn, while festivals, Christmas markets and indoor exhibits shape winter visits. Chester Zoo and open-air theatre have peak-season timetables. Check opening times and advance-booking for popular sites; bad weather makes indoor options like Storyhouse, Grosvenor Museum or the Sick to Death exhibit especially appealing.
What transport options help me reach the top things to do in Chester?
Chester is well served by train (direct from major cities) and coach; the station is a short walk from the walled centre. Within the city, most highlights are walkable, with local buses and taxis for zoo or Cheshire Oaks journeys. Driving gives flexibility for out-of-town sites like Beeston Castle but factor in parking. For river activities and centre sightseeing, plan on on-foot connections and short local rides if needed.
