Things to do in Chester

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Chester featuring heritage elements, a monument and a square or plaza
Chester featuring street scenes, a city and night scenes
Chester showing heritage elements, street scenes and a city
Chester showing street scenes, a city and signage
Chester Cathedral which includes heritage architecture, interior views and religious aspects

Chester Attractions

If you're chasing exciting things to do in Chester, get ready to be busy. This thriving city knows how to entertain. No matter your tastes, you'll be wowed by the array of attractions to sink your teeth into here. Read on to discover a few of our favorites.

Find out what makes Chester tick with the very best tours & day trips. Look into our {160 fun activities in Chester fun activities in Chester}, and book with confidence knowing that we offer free cancellation and no added fees.

Chester must see attractions

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 featuring zoo animals and railway items

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 which includes heritage elements and chateau or palace

3. Chester Racecourse

Join the racegoers that dress up, sip champagne and place bets on horse races while visiting Chester Racecourse. Established in 1539, Chester Racecourse is the proud recipient of a Guinness World Record award for being the oldest still-operating course in the world. Curiously, the ground on which Chester Racecourse stands was once an island and important Roman harbor. Today it attracts thousands of spectators, who come to enjoy some of England’s most prestigious races.
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Chester Racecourse which includes a sporting event as well as a large group of people

4. 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 showing heritage architecture, a church or cathedral and a park

5. 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 buidling and heritage elements

6. 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 garden as well as a small group of people

Recommended things to do in Chester

Number of things to do
160
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Self Guided Walking Tour of Liverpool Landmarks and Legacy: $7
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

What to do in Chester

Free Things to Do in Chester

They say the best things in life are free. Be sure to visit the following around Chester:

Grosvenor Museum - Brimming with fascinating displays and objects, this place is a wonderland for curious minds.

Newgate - Get to grips with some of the history of the region through this attraction.

Eastgate Clock - Speak to a few locals and find out why many travelers stop to visit this place.

St Peter's Church - Get a better understanding of local religious beliefs at this spiritual place.

Roman Amphitheatre - You're sure to feel connected with Mother Nature at this awe-inspiring spot.

Chester Roman Gardens - If you relish nurturing your garden, this place will satisfy your inner green thumb.

Things to Do in Chester with Kids

There's fun for all the family wherever you roam in Chester. Here are a few family friendly experiences to try together that'll make your getaway unforgettable:

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Chester? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Chester

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

Chester Zoo

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 a bridge and heritage elements

Chester City Walls

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 featuring a sporting event as well as a large group of people

Chester Racecourse

Watch jockeys ride thoroughbred horses around the world’s oldest operating racecourse, attend a polo match and dine at varied restaurants.

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

Chester Cathedral

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 buidling and heritage elements

University of Chester

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 which includes a garden

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
Chester Town Hall taken yesterday afternoon. Taken on a Sony a6000 with a with a 7artisans fisheye lens.

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 featuring a river or creek and a bridge

River Dee

Cross historic bridges, stroll along waterfront promenades and see Chester on a boat cruise at this waterway, which weaves around the city center.

River Dee
Chester Castle featuring heritage architecture and chateau or palace

Chester Castle

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

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Chester

Royal Liver Building which includes a city and heritage architecture

Liverpool

Wrexham showing street scenes

Wrexham

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

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 "Rowton" by Mike Harris (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Mike Harris (CC BY-SA)

Rowton

Photo "Rossett" by Dave Dunford (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Dave Dunford (CC BY-SA)

Rossett

Frequently asked questions

Is Chester worth visiting?
Renowned for its walking trails and watersports, discovering cool things to do in Chester is a cinch. Remember to add Chester Zoo to your itinerary while here.
How do I spend a day in Chester?
Once you've visited top attractions like Chester Zoo and The Ice Cream Farm, spend the rest of your day exploring the food and retail options in Chester.
What is the top tourist attraction in Chester?
Chester Zoo is one of the top tourist attractions in Chester and deserves a place on every sightseeing itinerary of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Chester?
Three days will be enough time to tick off the leading city sights, including Chester Zoo, Chester Cathedral and Crocky Trail. The average stay in Chester is two days. If you have the urge to extend your break, Liverpool isn't far away.
Is Chester a walkable city?
That depends on what you want to see and do in Chester. Several key sights, like Chester Zoo and Chester Cathedral, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a wander around some of Chester's best neighborhoods, Christleton is 2 miles away from downtown, while Blacon is 2 miles away from the city center and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Chester with kids?
If you're looking for tours and attractions for all ages, take a look at these awesome ideas for what to do in Chester with kids.

What to do in Chester for adults?
Chester City Walls and Chester Town Hall are just a few of the things to do in Chester. With loads of activities available, there's something here for everyone to experience.
Are there free things to do in Chester?
From visiting parks to strolling around vibrant neighborhoods, it's a breeze to find free things to do in Chester. If you need new ideas, ask a local tour guide for some tips. Chester Cathedral is a great spot for anyone looking to save on their travel adventures.

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