Things to do in Chester

Activities, attractions and tours

Chester showing heritage elements, a monument and a city
Chester which includes heritage elements, night scenes and street scenes
Chester featuring a city, street scenes and heritage elements
Chester showing signage, a city and street scenes
Chester Cathedral featuring heritage architecture, interior views and religious aspects
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Top places to visit

1. Chester Zoo

Chester Zoo is an enormous complex with recreations of terrain and eco-systems from around the world. The acclaimed site has been voted one of the best zoos in the world due to its excellent facilities, vast enclosures and range of animals. Get around the 125-acre (50-hectare) site by monorail and take in views of some of the 12,000 creatures on display.
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Chester Zoo which includes railway items and zoo animals

2. Chester City Walls

Chester City Walls are relics of the Roman ramparts that surrounded the central part of the ancient commune. Walk along the 2-mile (3.6-kilometer) circuit for excellent views of the old medieval city.
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Chester City Walls showing heritage elements and a castle

3. Chester Cathedral

Chester Cathedral is a majestic religious structure with a fascinating medieval history. Formerly a Benedictine abbey, the church has melded many English architectural styles, from Norman to perpendicular Gothic. Explore the large complex to discover its freestanding bell tower, monastic buildings and scenic grounds.
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Chester Cathedral featuring a fountain, a park and a church or cathedral

4. University of Chester

The University of Chester is a historic college on the banks of the city’s picturesque canal. Founded in 1839 as a small training facility for teachers, it has expanded to incorporate many faculties and now has six campuses. Explore the Parkgate Road campus to the north of the Chester City Walls to discover its magnificent Victorian-era buildings.
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University of Chester showing an administrative building and heritage elements

5. Grosvenor Park

The spacious public gardens of Grosvenor Park are laid out in the charming Victorian style. The park’s vast 20-acre (8-hectare) grounds are decorated by floral displays and ornamental shrubs. Stroll through the park and enjoy riverside views or find a grassy spot to sit and relax in this serene open area.
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Grosvenor Park which includes outdoor eating and a park as well as a small group of people

What to do in Chester

Popular places to visit

Chester Zoo which includes kayaking or canoeing, zoo animals and a river or creek

Chester Zoo

4.5/5(197 reviews)

Traverse bridges, islands and replicas of distant lands in these gardens. See more than 400 species of rare and exotic wildlife.

Chester Zoo
Chester City Walls showing heritage elements and a bridge

Chester City Walls

4.5/5(295 reviews)

Follow in the footsteps of the Roman soldiers, Norman warriors and Georgian civilians who traversed these walls over the centuries.

Chester City Walls
Chester Racecourse

Chester Racecourse

4.5/5(95 reviews)

You can take time to visit Chester Racecourse during your travels to Chester. Stroll along the riverfront or visit the shops in the area.

Chester Racecourse
Chester Cathedral showing a church or cathedral, heritage architecture and a garden

Chester Cathedral

4.5/5(286 reviews)

Climb to the top of a landmark bell tower for views of the city or watch birds of prey flying overhead at the falconry in this historic church.

Chester Cathedral
University of Chester showing an administrative building and heritage elements

University of Chester

5/5(1 review)

Take a campus tour of one of England’s oldest higher education institutions to see an intriguing blend of Victorian architecture with modern features.

University of Chester
Grosvenor Park showing a park

Grosvenor Park

Watch a Shakespearean play in an open-air theater, explore medieval arches and ride a miniature train in this Victorian-era park.

Grosvenor Park
River Dee

River Dee

4.5/5(23 reviews)

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at River Dee during your travels in Chester. Make time to visit the area's shops or simply enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

River Dee
Chester Town Hall

Chester Town Hall

Chester Town Hall is just one of the places to see in Chester, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Make time to visit the area's spas or simply enjoy its lively bars.

Chester Town Hall
Chester Castle

Chester Castle

4/5(4 reviews)

Take a guided tour of the tower and ruins of this 11th-century castle, which served as a Royalist stronghold during the English Civil War.

Chester Castle
Liverpool

Liverpool

Wrexham which includes street scenes

Wrexham

Arley Hall And Gardens showing a house, a small town or village and heritage architecture

Northwich

Photo by David Evans

Runcorn

Photo by Sam Griffin

Ellesmere Port

Photo "Hoole" by BrianP (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by BrianP (CC BY-SA)

Hoole

Photo by John Southern

Tarporley

Photo "Pulford" by John S Turner (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by John S Turner (CC BY-SA)

Pulford

Frequently asked questions

Is Chester worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in Chester is visit Chester Zoo. Tick this top attraction off your agenda, then experience more of this area's walking trails and watersports.
How do I spend a day in Chester?
Chester Zoo and The Ice Cream Farm are two awesome places to kick-start your sightseeing adventures. Be sure to check out the dining and shopping options in Chester while you're in town too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Chester?
The top tourist attraction in Chester is Chester Zoo, so be sure to add it to your sightseeing list.
Is three days enough to stay in Chester?
You can easily enjoy leading attractions like Chester Zoo, Chester Cathedral and Crocky Trail with a three-day escape to Chester. On average, most travellers book two days here. There's plenty to discover nearby too, so stay a bit longer and head to Liverpool.
Is Chester a walkable city?
Some top attractions in Chester, including Chester Zoo and Chester Cathedral, are within walking distance. You can also enjoy several of the city's neighbourhoods on foot. Only 3 kilometres from the city centre of Chester is Christleton and Blacon is 3 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Chester with kids?
Deciding what to do in Chester with kids has never been so easy. Whether you're getting away with toddlers or teenagers, there's no shortage of family-friendly attractions to keep everyone busy here.

What to do in Chester for adults?
There are loads of things to do in Chester, with experiences for adults of all ages. Round off your day with a visit to Chester City Walls or Chester Town Hall.
Are there free things to do in Chester?
In Chester, Chester Cathedral is a must-see spot for anyone looking to experience the city without taking their wallet out. Also, check out the parks and other neighbourhoods, and ask a local tour guide for tips. It's a good way to learn about the best free things to do in Chester.

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