Best Things to Do in Chester, England
In this post, I’ve rounded up the best things to do in Chester, England.
One of England’s prettiest cities, Chester is a place I know well — I lived there for years and still visit family every year. Think of this as your local insider’s guide!
1. Explore the River Dee & The Groves
Kicking off my list of best things to do in Chester is the beautiful River Dee.
It’s one of my favorite spots in the city.
On a spring or summer’s day, it’s a lovely place to take a walk and sit and watch the river.
There’s usually a busker or two, street artists and plenty of benches to relax on while you enjoy an ice cream from Snugburys on the River (Cheshire ice cream really is the best!)
You can see the Chester Weir, the Old Dee Bridge, Queens Park Suspension Bridge and an ornate bandstand (built in 1913) that still hosts brass and jazz concerts on Sundays in the summer.
But to really experience the river, I recommend getting out on the water.
You’ll see the city from a completely different perspective – it’s well worth it.
Cruise the River Dee
I recommend you take a short river cruise with ChesterBoat.
They offer half-hour cruises along the River Dee, departing from The Groves.
The cruise takes you upriver, under the suspension bridge, past Grosvenor Park, the Earl’s Eye, and finally to the The Meadows, before turning around and heading back.
It’s a picturesque journey (with commentary) and you’ll likely see some local wildlife along the way.
Kayak Tour on the River Dee
If you’re feeling adventurous, I recommend this guided River Dee Kayaking Tour.
If you are traveling with teens, they will love this!
You’ll paddle past the City Walls, Old Dee Bridge and Chester Weir, surrounded by beautiful nature.
2. Take a Walking Tour: Best Things To Do in Chester, England for First-Time Visitors
Next on my list of the best things to do in Chester is to take a city walking tour.
Even though I had lived in Chester for many years, I’d never taken a walking tour.
That is until my American girlfriends came to visit and I was deciding how to show them the best of Chester.
It turned out to be a fun, inexpensive way to explore a city I thought I knew!
I recommend the The Heart of Chester Walking Tour.
It costs just $16 per person and is led by a certified Green Badge guide.
On this 1.5-hour guided tour, you’ll explore Chester’s streets and learn about its history from Roman times to the present day.
The pace is thoughtful and the commentary is engaging!
You’ll leave with a much deeper understanding of Chester than you’d get from wandering around on your own, or even from a guidebook.
3. Visit Chester Zoo: Best Things To Do in Chester, England For All Ages
When most people think of Chester, two things usually come to mind: the Roman Walls and Chester Zoo!
It doesn’t matter if you’re visiting Chester with young kids, on a couples trip, traveling solo or in your 70s — a trip to Chester Zoo is perfect activity for everyone.
I’ve spent countless hours here when my daughter was young.
In my opinion, few attractions remain this impressive year after year.
The zoo focuses on excellent animal care, conservation education, and enriching habitats.
It’s the UK’s #1 charity zoo and has over 21,000 animals and 500 species.
Getting to Chester Zoo: Buses, Taxis, and Parking Tips
If your wondering, “where is Chester Zoo?”, it sits about 15 minutes drive outside of Chester’s city center.
Getting there is easy.
If you’re using public transport, take the X1 bus from Chester Bus Interchange, book a private taxi, or Uber.
Driving is straightforward. Take Liverpool Road from Chester City Center and you’ll be there in 15 minutes, depending on traffic.
It’s also easy to get to from the M56 if you’re coming from Liverpool or Manchester.
Parking is free.
Want to know the best places to stay near Chester Zoo? I’ve rounded up my favorite hotels and accommodations: Where To Stay In Chester, England: Best Areas & Hotels
Chester Zoo Insider Tips: Best Times, Tickets, and Dining Options
I recommend you arrive when the zoo opens at 10 AM.
There’ll be fewer crowds and the animals are likely more active in the mornings.
Midweek, outside UK school holidays are usually the quietest.
Skip the dining options. In my experience, the food’s not that great and a bit overpriced. Instead, head back to Chester or nearby Hoole to eat.
If you’re traveling on a budget, you can take a picnic into the zoo, and there are plenty of picnic spots available.
Plan to spend at least half a day exploring. The zoo is large, beautifully maintained, and worth a relaxed wander.
Chester Zoo entry ticket prices start £34.00 for Adults and £26.00 for Children aged 3 and up. Book tickets in advance for the best price.
4. Don’t Skip Chester Cathedral
Next up is Chester Cathedral, a must-see on your visit to Chester.
I recommend you take the Tower Tour.
It’s only 1-hour and you get to climb the Cathedral’s 216 steps to the top, stopping at several viewing galleries along the way.
You’ll not only see the city before you, but also the country of Wales, and five other counties!
You’ll also visit a few secret behind-the-scenes areas, and learn fascinating facts along the way.
One of my favorite Chester Cathedral hidden gems is the carving of an elephant in the Cathedral Quire that was originally carved in 1380.
The carpenter created it based on word of mouth without an image for reference – go check it out!
5. Walk Chester’s City Walls: One of the Best Things To Do in Chester, England
I never get tired of walking Chester’s walls.
Almost 2,000 years old, they are the oldest, longest, and most intact city walls in Britain.
It’s worth visiting Chester just to see them alone!
They’re easily accessible from four main gateways:
- Northgate: At the northern end of Chester’s city centre, marking the start of Northgate Street.
- Eastgate: Located on Eastgate Street, it’s famous for the Eastgate Clock.
- Watergate: Found on Watergate Street at the southeast of the city centre.
- Bridgegate: Marks the southwestern entry near the Old Dee Bridge.
To help you, I’ve added the locations to this Google Map.
Walking the walls offers great views of the city, including the famous Chester Racecourse.
Check the Chester Visitor Site for accessible ramp entries and to see if any sections are temporarily closed for repairs — they’re ancient, after all!
The circuit is less than 2 miles and usually takes about an hour to complete.
Make sure to stop off at Huxley’s Cafe and Bar near the Eastgate clock for a coffee or ice cream, it’s been there forever and is locally owned.
6. The Chester Rows
If you’re in Chester, you’ve got to check out the Chester Rows — they’re unlike anywhere else in Britain.
These medieval two-level walkways (as seen on the right) date back to the 13th century.
Shops, cafés and restaurants sit on both the street and the upper level, letting you stroll above the streets.
The Rows are full of character and charm, and a must-see on your visit to Chester.
7. Deva Roman Experience: Best Immersive Things To Do in Chester, England
What did the Roman’s do for us? If you’re of a certain age, you’ll get the Monty Python reference — if not, stick with me!
One of the best things to do in Chester, England is the Deva Roman Experience.
This hour-long tour is seriously fun for all ages.
It’s an immersive experience where you hear stories about real Roman soldiers, gladiators, and life in Roman Britain — the sights, sounds, and even smells!
It’s perfect if you’re not a fan of traditional museums.
As with any walking tour, make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
8. Grosvenor Park: Best Outdoor Thing To Do in Chester
This is another of Chester’s lovely outdoor spaces you should try to get to on your visit.
It’s a fully renovated 20 acre Victorian park with an open air theatre, miniature railway, cafe that’s open year round.
It sits just outside the city walls and overlooks the River Dee.
It’s especially good to visit in summer when it hosts outdoor performances.
Check the performance schedule before visiting so you don’t miss out.
9. Chester’s Roman Gardens
Tucked just behind The Groves and near the Roman Amphitheater, Chester’s Roman Garden is a small, charming spot full of history.
The garden leads from Newgate down to the riverside and contains Roman artifacts from around the city.
Artifacts include columns from the old Roman gymnasium and carved stonework from the Deva Victrix fortress.
Chester started out as a Roman fortress around 70 AD and was rebuilt a couple of times over the next two centuries.
When the Romans left, the settlement that grew around the fort eventually became the city we know today.
It’s a peaceful little slice of history right in the city centre — perfect for a stroll.
The gardens are free to visit.
9. Wrap-Up: The Best Things To Do in Chester, England
From riverside walks and historic city walls to Roman gardens and Chester Zoo, there’s no shortage of things to do in Chester, England.
Whether you’re visiting for a day or a long weekend, this city has history, charm, and plenty of experiences to make your trip unforgettable.
How To Get From London to Chester
If you’re traveling to Chester from London, the easiest option is the train from London Euston.
Most journeys require a quick change at Crewe, and you can be in Chester in as little as 2 hours 10 minutes.
I use the UK train network a lot, and I always recommend booking in advance to get the best fares and secure a seat.
Rail Europe is a great place to compare prices and reserve tickets.
Off-peak trains are usually the most affordable, and the best deals tend to show up 6–8 weeks before your trip.
FAQs
Everything you need to know about visiting Chester, UK.
Is Chester in Wales or England?
Chester is in the northwest of England, right on the border with Wales.
Is Chester castle worth visiting?
Chester Castle is a worthwhile stop while you’re walking the city walls. Just don’t expect a large, impressive castle like those found in nearby North Wales!
What is Chester famous for?
Chester is known for its Roman history, the City Walls, the Rows, Chester Zoo and its beautifully preserved medieval architecture.
What are the best free things to do in Chester, UK?
There are so many free things to do in Chester. You can walk the City Walls, explore the Rows, wander around Grosvenor Park, visit the Roman Garden and stroll along The Groves and the banks of the River Dee.
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