Your Family Summer Break in Chester

Cheshire is renowned for its selection of world class family days out and Chester is no exception. There’s something for the whole family whenever you choose to visit, from Chester’s world-famous Zoo and legendary Roman heritage to plenty of green spaces and even the Ice Cream Farm (yum!). With longer days and nights and perhaps some sun, this summer is the perfect time to visit Chester with the family. And by visiting Chester this summer you can save with a whole host of hotel deals, attraction discounts, family food and drink offers and completely free things to do. If you’re in need of inspiration, we’ve put together some ideas for your family break in Chester this summer.

Where to Stay
 

Chester is full of family friendly places to stay with everything from urban boutiques and rural retreats to self-catering and glamping spots where the family can reconnect. Your family can find the perfect place to stay without breaking the bank with a range of hotel and accommodation offers. Here’s a few of our top picks, but make sure to check out our summer hotel deals page for more.

Crowne Plaza

With a convenient central location overlooking the racecourse and just round the corner from Chester’s Northgate Street, the Crowne Plaza is a great option for families. The 160-room hotel offers onsite dining, comfy rooms for the family to unwind as well as complimentary leisure facilities including a pool for the family to make a splash. Now school’s out, why not book midweek and save on their best available room rates?

The Grosvenor Pulford Hotel & Spa

If your family is coming to visit the world-famous Chester Zoo, you may want to consider this unmissable offer from the lush Grosvenor Pulford Hotel & Spa. Found just a stone’s throw outside the city centre in Pulford, the hotel has a wide range of rooms, two onsite restaurants, leisure facilities including a pool with dedicated kids swimming times, as well as Spa by Kasia. The Chester Zoo Family Break package is for 2 adults and 2 children (age 15 years and under) and includes overnight accommodation in a family bedroom, full English breakfast, £25 per adult dinner allowance with kids eating free from the Children’s Menu, full use of the leisure facilities and tickets to Chester Zoo, all from just £280 per family.

Pitch & Canvas

Perhaps you and the family want to reconnect with nature but do so with a touch of luxury. You can enjoy the city with a real Cheshire rural twist at Pitch & Canvas – a family run and family-oriented camping and glamping site found just outside Chester in Tattenhall. Located on a working dairy farm the family can enjoy a range of ways to stay from camping and caravanning to glamping pods and tepees. You can save by booking midweek, where the family can book the Bluebell tent, which sleeps up to four, for two nights for just £150. What could be more perfect than roasting some marshmallows over the fire pit with the family in the great Cheshire outdoors?

See more Summer accommodation offers

Things to Do
 

With such an abundance of things to do for the family in Chester, perhaps you need a little inspiration. From discounted entry and offers to our world class attractions to completely free things to do, here are a few ideas.

Chester Zoo

A firm family favourite, Chester Zoo promises an unforgettable day out for the family. With over 35,000 animals and 125 acres of zoological gardens to meet and explore, Chester Zoo is a perfect family day out. With animals from some of the remotest corners of the globe, the kids can learn as they meet these wild creatures. And the zoo has a commitment to global conservation, investing in preserving natural habitats and preventing extinction of endangered species. The whole family can enjoy the World In a Day event until 11 September where you can collect your very own Chester Zoo passport and visit six global destinations within the zoo – making sure to stamp your passport as you explore. There’s also a range of daily animal talks, activities and expeditions delivered by the in-zoo experts to educate and entertain. What’s more, for groups of three or more there are now group saver tickets which when booked online in advance can save you up to 20% off entry!

The Ice Cream Farm

A sure-fire way to entertain the kids is the Ice Cream Farm. This is the world largest ice cream parlour(!) with a huge range of flavours for everyone to enjoy. Plus the farm is full of exciting rides, games and activities for the kids to enjoy. From go kart racing at Silvercone to playtime in Daisy’s Garden, there’s enough on offer to keep everyone entertained all day. Entry to the farm including parking and unlimited play in Daisy’s Garden is £2.50 per person, or if you’re visiting in the afternoon (from 3:30pm) is just £1.50. Plus, if you want to save on the attractions, you can pre purchase a play pass online.

Storyhouse

Chester’s cultural hub, Storyhouse is a great option for families to explore. With a cinema, theatre and library as well as a brilliant café, you can certainly find something to entertain. From having a bit of storytime in the child-friendly library to a range of workshops and activities, kids are certainly welcome at Storyhouse. What’s more this summer is the Summer of Stig – alongside performances of the classic children’s tale at Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre, there are a range of caveman themed activities and films on at Storyhouse this summer.

Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet

Not far from Chester and easily accessible by public transport, Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet is fun for the whole family. Home to over 140 designer and premium brands, offering up to 60% off RRP. Besides shopping there are a great range of family friendly restaurants as well as a brand new kids play area featuring in-ground trampolines, slides, climbing towers and more. Over the sum er there’s also the Under the Oak festival which features a container village with bars, restaurants, and a rooftop terrace to soak up the sun. And you’re not far from other attractions including The Blue Planet Aquarium which is a firm favourite amongst families wanting to explore some aquatic life.

Grosvenor Park

One of Chester’s best green spaces, Grosvenor Park is a good option for families to explore and let the kids run a little wild. The 20-acre park is bound to occupy the kids for a few hours with plenty of space to let loose as well as a dedicated play are and the famous Grosvenor Park Miniature Railway with tickets starting from just £1. And the park is especially alive this summer with the annual Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre village which now includes a tepee with Bavarian beer hall style tables with accompanying bar and food.

Deva Roman Discovery Centre

A break to Chester wouldn’t be complete without exploring its Roman past. And the Deva Roman Discover Centre has recently reopened or the family to enjoy. With a range of real artefacts, hands-on displays, audio-visual elements and more, the discovery centre promises to be both fun and educational as you learn about life in the Roman port of Chester. Adult tickets are just £8 with kid’s tickets just £4.

The BFG in Pictures at The Grosvenor Museum

Until 2 October the whole family can enjoy this extra special celebration of one of the most beloved children’s characters of all time – The BFG. The exhibition is a showcase of the artwork of Quentin Blake, who illustrated and collaborated with Roald Dahl and includes some of Blake’s early and unseen artwork. There’s also a series of free children’s activities about dreams, giants and the power of imagination including a film programme and an immersive children’s activity space. The whole family can explore a twinkling cavern with rock-lined walls and a giant’s throne, specially designed by artist Russell Kirk. Entry to the Grosvenor Museum is free but suggested donations are welcomed.

Bolesworth Estate

The historic Bolesworth estate is a real Cheshire gem. The gorgeous grounds play host to a number of great family-friendly events including equestrian events, music festivals and more. This summer there's some unmissable family fun in the form of some outdoor cinema including family favourite Encanto, as well as the amazing maize maze and sunflower picking patch. Throughout the year there's something for the whole family at Bolesworth.

See more Summer attraction offers

Where to eat
 

With so many excellent family friendly restaurants in Chester you may need some inspiration for where to eat. Rest assured you can enjoy some of Chester’s best food and save with a range of food and drink offers this summer.

Urbano32

Urbano32 on Bridge Street serves sourdough pizza, antipasti and more (including wines and cocktails for the grown-ups). This summer you can save on eating out as kids eat free every Wednesday – Friday

The White Horse at Chester Racecourse

Situated on Chester’s racecourse, The White Horse is a family-friendly gastropub with a diverse menu including plenty of options for the kids. This summer until 1 September, kids eat free with every adult main course purchased between 12 and 3, Monday – Thursday.

The Ring O’ Bells

Not far from the city centre, the Ring O’ Bells is a great choice for families, and you can enjoy some of their fabulous food whilst saving with a range of offers. Every Tuesday is Tue-yay, meaning 50% off food, it’s 2-for-1 pizza every Wednesday and 2-for-1 burgers every Friday. There’s also an extensive children’s menu for those with smaller appetites.

See more Summer eating out deals

Save on Travel
 

You can also save on travel by visiting Chester & Cheshire by train. Off-peak train fares with Avanti and Northern will save on travel and spare the stresses of driving. Some example fares include:

London Euston – Chester from £60.20 return per person with Avanti West Coast

Manchester Picadilly – Chester from £12.90 per person return with Northern

Leeds – Chester from £20.50 per person return with Northern

Birmingham New Street – Chester from £30 per person return with Transport for Wales

Cheshire is connected via the Mid Cheshire line, which takes you through the county from Chester to Manchester. There are also large rail hubs in Crewe and Warrington, making it easy to visit Cheshire on the rails this summer.