Places to visit in Chester

Welcome to the only city in Britain that’s retained​ the full circuit of​ its original Roman defending walls – and walking around them is one of the best things to do in Chester. It takes around an hour to complete this 1.8-mile (2.9​ ​km) circular trail from any of the walls’ four ​     ​gates; expect birds’-eye views down into the city, from an eyrie rooted in ​AD ​70. 

With its abundance of local designers, hand-made jewellery and independent boutiques, shopping in Chester is a city-break favourite. While you’re browsing, look out for the half-timbered shopfronts and archways of ​t​he Rows: 48 Bridge Street has the oldest shop​​​ ​front in England, dating back to the 1200s. Check out the free audio tour, too.

With its dainty sandwiches, hand-made cakes and loose-leaf tea, the afternoon tea at The Chester Grosvenor is true to its five-star hotel status. We also recommend staying here tonight – and if you fancy a treat, booking into its spa for an ELEMIS facial or aromatherapy massage. Elegant and traditional, and right in the heart of the city. 

Yes, you’re in Chester – but you’re also in Deva, the mighty Roman city built on this spot 2,000 years ago. Many Roman relics remain in Chester: you’ve seen the walls, but there’s also the amphitheatre, the Roman Gardens and more – and the best way to see them is with Roman Tours, led by a “Roman soldier” in full armour. Informative, fun and very surreal, one of the best things to do in Chester! Tours depart at 2.30pm. 

Start your day on a high, by climbing the 216 steps to the top of Chester Cathedral on a guided tower tour. Dating back ​more than​ 1,000 years, this city monument soars over Chester: on a clear day you’ll be able to see across five counties and as far as Wales. The tour also takes you into behind-the-scenes nooks of the cathedral, and inside its former bell-ringing chamber. Once you're back on solid ground, pop into Café 1092 in the Refectory for a coffee and slice of cake. With stained​-​glass windows and ancient tapestries, this is far from your average caf​e​.

This morning, you have two options: the first is a River Dee boat tour with ChesterBoat, ideal if you’re looking for ​​accessible things to do in Chester, or want to rest your legs after this morning’s tower climb​.​ On the two-hour Iron Bridge Cruise (departs at 12pm), you’ll sail from city to countryside, through the Duke of Westminster's Eaton Estate and up to Aldford Iron Bridge – looking out for kingfishers, cormorants and herons as you go.  

Up for adventurous things to do in Chester? Get closer to the river and its wildlife on a guided trip with Dee River Kayaking – with a choice of a serene paddle through the city, or a thrilling white-water expedition through the Dee Valley. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro paddler, there are tours for every ability, as well as SUP trips if you prefer paddleboarding instead.  

Chester Market is the perfect spot for anyone who gets serious food FOMO. It’s packed with an eclectic mix of vendors serving everything from fresh seafood to artisanal ice cream – plus plenty of market stalls to browse while you snack. You’re on holiday, so why not start with some tacos, follow up with a wood-fired pizza or a sizzling Bangladeshi curry, and finish things off with a scoop (or two) of locally-made ice cream?

Home to more than 20,000 animals across 400 different species, visiting Chester Zoo is one of ​any ​animal lover​’​s top things to do in Chester. ​​​E​xplore the habitats by foot, monorail or boat, spying giraffes, elephants, meerkats, jaguars and more. Where is Chester Zoo? It’s a 10-minute drive from central Chester. ​