Itinerary Planner

Chester on a Budget

Chester on a Budget

Day 1

Walk the walls

Take a gentle 2.2 mile stroll around the most complete city walls in Britain. From the city walls you’ll get views of the towers and Eastgate Clock, the amphitheatre and racecourse, a perfect way to see the city.

Stop off at the famous Roman amphitheatre, pose for a picture by the Eastgate Clock and take in the stunning views over the oldest racecourse in the country.

Visit Chester Cathedral

Sitting majestically in the heart of the city Chester Cathedral is stunning both inside and out. Originally built as a Saxon Minster then rebuilt as a Benedictine Abbey it offers visitors so much to explore. On a dry day you can stroll around the peaceful grounds before stepping through the doors where you’ll find everything from Norman arches to spectacular stained glass. See the only surviving ecclesiastical courtroom in the country, the shrine of St Werburgh and if you look closely enough you might even be able to see the carving of the devil in chains at the corner of a window which was put there to scare off evil spirits.

For a small charge you can join a Cathedral at Height Tour which takes you behind the scenes of the cathedral, peering down on the quire stalls and organ, walking along the galleries and getting some of the best views of the city from the roof, or visit the Falconry and Nature Gardens.

Explore ‘The Rows’ and enjoy some retail therapy

Famous the world over, Chester’s Medieval two-tiered galleries or ‘The Rows’ as they’re known, are home to some of the city’s most fascinating shops including what is thought to be the oldest shop front in England which can be found on Lower Bridge Street.

Day 2

Visit Grosvenor Museum

Bringing Chester to life with something for everyone; Chester’s Grosvenor Museum is free to visit and great for all ages.

Discover all about Chester’s Roman Heritage, natural and social history of the area, costume and fine decorative art. The museum also offers an exciting programme of special exhibitions, activities and events throughout the year.

Watch the Town Crier Proclamation

Chester is the only place in Britain to have retained the historic tradition of regular midday proclamations from a fixed point. It’s free, fun and totally unforgettable.

Proclamations take place Tuesday to Saturday at 12noon (11am on Chester race days) June to August.

Head down to the river

Flowing through the heart of the city, the River Dee is ideal for relaxing strolls, delicious picnics and fun boat adventures.

Cross over Queen’s Park Bridge or Old Dee Bridge from the city centre and you’ll be in Handbridge where you’ll find a delightful pub; the shrine of St Minerva, a Roman goddess in Edgar’s Field and ‘The Meadows’, green open space perfect for walks and picnics.

If you fancy a boat trip and your budget will allow, hop aboard ChesterBoat for one of their River Cruises or hire a rowing boat or pedalo.

The river has a selection of bars, cafes, pubs and eateries lining its banks so you’re sure to find somewhere for a drink, meal or snack.

Explore Grosvenor Park

Grosvenor Park was given to the city by Richard Grosvenor, 2nd Marquess of Westminster and is regarded as one of the finest examples of Victorian Parks in the UK.

The Park has tree lined avenues to explore as well as benches and grass to sit on and relax or enjoy fun games. It is also home to Grosvenor Park Miniature Railway, built in 1996 to commemorate the centenary of the Duke of Westminster’s railway at nearby Eaton Hall. Open some weekends and during school holidays, Grosvenor Park Miniature Railway is loved by people of all ages.

During the summer the fabulous Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre brings the park to life with wonderful performances in a purpose built setting. If you’re visiting during July and August you should definitely get tickets for a performance.

Further afield, other suggestions

The Ice Cream Farm

Choose from over 50 award-winning and irresistible real dairy ice creams and sorbets made in Cheshire. Visit animal corner, watch the cows being milked and visit the café and gift shop. For the younger ones there’s Crazy Daisy’s Play Barn and outdoor play area.

Product Information

  1. Chester Walls Walk

    Northgate Street, Chester

    Up for a challenge? Looking to impress on Instagram? The Guild of Chester Tour Guides is launching a brand new guided Walls Walk in time for Cheshire Day (30th March)

    Add Chester Walls Walk to your Itinerary

    Up for a challenge? Looking to impress on Instagram? The Guild of Chester Tour Guides is launching a brand new guided Walls Walk in time for Cheshire Day (30th March). Chester boasts the most complete circuit of city walls in the country, a popular promenade today with views on both sides across the many delights this charming historic city enjoys. We can now offer visitors and locals alike the opportunity to complete the full 2-mile circuit of the city Walls on a guided walking tour, and there’s even a well-earned “I Walked the Walls” certificate to collect at the end. And there’s more! Kids go free with an accompanying adult and will be given a mini “treasure hunt” to complete along the way. So, while the youngsters are busy trying to spot the answers, the adults can focus as the Guide unravels Chester’s incredible 2,000 years of history. From the magnificent vantage point of the city Walls, you will be shown where evidence of Chester’s fascinating story can still be seen, from the Roman fortress right through to the present day. Now that’s got to be worthy of Instagram . . . !

    Chester’s guided Walls Walk takes place every Saturday afternoon at 2.30pm, starting at the Town Hall Visitor Information Centre on Northgate Street. Allow approximately two hours for the full circuit. Tickets are available on the day direct from the Guide: £10 per person; up to two under 16s free with accompanying adult.

    Please note, there are multiple steps along the way.

    Check our website for the latest information: www.chestertours.org.uk

    The Walls Walks takes place every Saturday afternoon at 2.30pm until the end of October 2022. Allow approximately two hours.

    Meet your Guide at the Town Hall Visitor Information Centre on Northgate Street in time for a 2.30pm start.

    Tickets are available direct from the Guide on the day: £10 adults; up to two under 16s go free with an accompanying adult.

    Not suitable for wheelchairs, pushchairs or those with walking difficulties due to multiple steps along the way. We recommend The Chester Tour as an alternative which takes place every day at 10.30am and again at 2pm from Good Friday until end October. Tickets as above, direct from the Guide on the day: £10 adults; up to two under 16s go free with an accompanying adult.

    Any queries to chesterwalkingtours@gmail.com

    Website: www.chestertours.org.uk

     

     

    Contact Details:

    Chester Visitor Information Centre, Town Hall Square, Northgate Street, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 2HJ

    Website

    Web Site

  2. Chester Cathedral

    Chester

    Chester Cathedral is many things to many people: a vibrant community of worship, an ancient abbey, an archaeological treasure, a cultural hub, a centre of musical excellence, a unique blend of modern and medieval history.

    Add Chester Cathedral to your Itinerary

    Chester Cathedral,concert,music,orchestra,live
    Chester Cathedral,concert,music,orchestra,live

    Chester Cathedral is many things to many people: a vibrant community of worship, an ancient abbey, an archaeological treasure, a cultural hub, a centre of musical excellence, a unique blend of modern and medieval history.

    Come and spend the day

    Book on to one of the Tower Tours & Ground Floor Tours and explore the magnificent building which is a national treasure within the heart of Chester. 

    Enjoy and indulge in delicious food in the 13th Century Monks Hall Refectory Café or book a Traditional Afternoon Tea and take in the stunning surroundings.

    Visit the beautiful and unique Gift Shop which has a wonderful range of music, jewellery, books, cards, toys, confectionery, gifts and souvenirs for all seasons and occasions.

    Entry is FREE to the Cathedral but donations are welcome.

    Groups are welcome by appointment and tours can be specially tailored to include coffee, tea or lunch to make a great day out for your organisation. Disabled access and facilities including toilets and induction loop. For more information, regular service times and details of forthcoming events and concerts and online booking, please see the Chester Cathedral website.

    Chester Cathedral is also a unique venue for business meetings, corporate hospitality, pre and post concert receptions, gala dinners and much more.

     

    Contact Details:

    12 Abbey Square, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 2HU

    Tel:

    01244 324756

    Website

    Web Site

  3. Chester Rows

    Chester

    The Rows are continuous half-timbered galleries, reached by steps, which form a second row of shops above those at street level along Watergate Street, Northgate Street, Eastgate Street and Bridge Street. The Rows are unique in the world to Chester!

    Add Chester Rows to your Itinerary

    Man and woman on the Chester Rows
    Man and woman on the Chester Rows
    Chester Rows
    Chester Rows
    Man and woman on the Chester Rows
    Man and woman on the Chester Rows
    Chester Rows
    Chester Rows

    The Rows are continuous half-timbered galleries, reached by steps, which form a second row of shops above those at street level along Watergate Street, Northgate Street, Eastgate Street and Bridge Street. The Rows are unique in the world to Chester, and nobody is quite sure why they were built in this way. Some original 13th century buildings, including the Three Old Arches in Bridge Street, have survived the ravages of time, but many of the impressive facades are Victorian copies. Nevertheless, they are still magnificent and greatly contribute to the beauty and character of Chester.

    Contact Details:

    Bridge St, Watergate St, Eastgate Street, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 1NG

    Tel:

    01244 402110

    Website

    Web Site

  4. Grosvenor Museum

    Chester

    The Grosvenor Museum is full of surprises which tell the stories of Cheshire from pre-history to the 20th century.

    Add Grosvenor Museum to your Itinerary

    Grosvenor Museum, Art Gallery
    Grosvenor Museum, Silver Gallery
    Grosvenor Museum, Chester
    Grosvenor Museum, Victorian Kitchen
    Grosvenor Museum, Stories in Stone
    Grosvenor Museum, Art Gallery
    Grosvenor Museum, Silver Gallery
    Grosvenor Museum, Chester
    Grosvenor Museum, Victorian Kitchen
    Grosvenor Museum, Stories in Stone

    Bring the family, dial your curiosity all the way up to eleven, and come and find out about the history, places and people of West Cheshire.

    To find our opening times please visit our website.

    If you need any assistance ahead of your visit, please ring us on  01244 972197 above or email us and we will be happy to help. Please do not email us unless you need assistance and are unable to ring us.

    Information on our other museums can be found on the West Cheshire Museums' homepage.

    Following current restrictions please note that face coverings must be worn in our museums at all times, unless you are exempt.  

    The Grosvenor Museum is full of surprises which tell the stories of Cheshire from pre-history to the 20th century.  Some of the surprises of the collections and displays are:

    - Trace fossils of a Chirotherium which wasn’t a dinosaur, but one of their ancestors. No skeletons have ever been found and these trace fossil footprints and tail marks are the only remains we have of this animal.

    - The kermadec petrel is a tropical seabird of the southern oceans. This was the first recorded kermadec petrel in Cheshire. It was found dead at Tarporley on April 1 1908. Nobody knows if this bird flew from the tropics by itself, or if it escaped or was released from captivity in this country.

    - A skeleton was discovered in the well of a Roman mansio just behind the museum. He was between 18 and 25 years old when he died signs on his upper arm bones show that he engaged in extreme physical activity from an early age, possibly as young as 12, which was the start of working life for Romans.

    - The Roman tombstones of the Sarmation horseman who wears a tall conical helmet with his cloak streaming behind him. He holds up a dragon standard which would have caught the wind in the dragon’s mouth and made a terrifying shrieking sound.

    - The Roman galleries explore Roman life  and death in the Roman fortress of Deva and display the largest group of Roman memorial stones from a single site in Britain.  The Museum contains 2 artistic references to the Ancient Greek myth of Actaeon – come & see if you can find both.

    - Nine room-sets illustrate changing fashions in domestic interiors from the 17th century to the 1920s.  One of our staff members says:  I love the Edwardian shower because every time I look at it I just imagine what it would have been like to use it.

    - Natural Cheshire has been designed with younger visitors in mind to explore area’s rich natural history. The Museum geology collection contains over 4,000 specimens including rocks, minerals & fossils!

    - The paintings and sculpture in the Art Gallery span half a millennium of art in Cheshire. ‘By a Mountain Stream, North Wales’ by William Huggins 1880. This painting contains a number of sheep... but how many? Staff and visitors alike are undecided!

    - Silver Gallery presents the definitive collection of Chester silver.  The bowl from this silver ‘coconut cup’ is made from a polished coconut shell… Amazing!

    The galleries have a range of interactive models, screens, dressing up and activities to make the visit enjoyable for all interests.

    There is an active programme of special exhibitions and events. See website for more information.

    Wheelchair access to the ground floor, including Exhibition Gallery One, Lecture Theatre and accessible toilet.  No lift to Art Gallery, Costume Gallery or Exhibition Gallery Two on first floor.

    There is a small café at the museum offering hot and cold drinks, and small snacks. For something more substantial there are many cafes, restaurants and pubs nearby. You are welcome to eat your packed lunch in the Kings Arms Kitchen, however please note there is no disabled access. The Kings Arms Kitchen is used by schools over lunch periods during term time.

    The Grosvenor Museum is a stone’s throw from the heart of the city and en route to the city walls.

    Contact Details:

    27 Grosvenor Street, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 2DD

    Tel:

    01244 972197

    Website

    Web Site

  5. Town Crier Proclamation at the Cross

    Chester

    A unique regular midday proclamation in Chester's historic centre, where Bridge Street meets Eastgate Street and Watergate Street which is marked by a stone pillar "The High Cross". The proclamation takes place Tuesday to Saturday, from 1 June to 4 September, at noon, at the High Cross, except on on Race Days: June 12, June 25, June 26, July 9, July 10 and August 21.

    Add Town Crier Proclamation at the Cross to your Itinerary

    The Chester Town Crier

    A unique regular midday proclamation in Chester's historic centre, where Bridge Street meets Eastgate Street and Watergate Street which is marked by a stone pillar "The High Cross". The proclamation takes place Tuesday to Saturday, from 1 June to 4 September, at noon, at the High Cross, except on  on Race Days: June 12, June 25, June 26, July 9, July 10 and August 21.

    Contact Details:

    The High Cross, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 2HS

    Website

    Web Site

  6. The River Dee

    Chester

    The river is 70 miles long and stretches through Wales and Chester. On the bank of the river is the 'Groves', a paved promenade complete with bandstand, cafés, restaurants and public houses.

    Add The River Dee to your Itinerary

    The River Dee
    The River Dee
    The River Dee
    The River Dee

    The river is 70 miles long and stretches through Wales and Chester.

    On the bank of the river is the 'Groves', a paved promenade complete with bandstand, cafés, restaurants and public houses. Take a stroll along the riverbank or propel yourself in a motorboat, a rowing boat or a pedalo.

    Contact Details:

    The Groves, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 1SD
  7. Grosvenor Park

    Chester

    Grosvenor Park is a grade II* registered, green flag award winning park dating back to 1867 covering 20 acres. It's the main ornamental park in Chester whose layout was designed by Edward Kemp.

    Add Grosvenor Park to your Itinerary

    View of the River Dee from Grosvenor Park. Photo credit Jeff Buck
    Family fun on Grosvenor Park Miniature Railway
    Grosvenor Park Miniature Railway
    Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre
    View of the River Dee from Grosvenor Park. Photo credit Jeff Buck
    Family fun on Grosvenor Park Miniature Railway
    Grosvenor Park Miniature Railway
    Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre

    Grosvenor Park is a grade II* registered, green flag award winning park dating back to 1867 covering 20 acres. It's the main ornamental park in Chester whose layout was designed by Edward Kemp. It is extremely popular with residents and visitors to the city alike. Situated just outside the city walls and overlooking the River Dee its one of the finest examples of Victorian parks in the UK. With formal avenues lined with trees, statues, large sweeping lawns surrounded with ornamental shrub beds and display bedding, for which the park has become well known. The bedding displays are planted twice yearly to provide a spectacular and colourful display throughout the Spring and Summer months. There are a number of restored, newly introduced and Grade II* listed features to explore all year round including the Second Marquess of Westminster Statue, Billy Hobby’s Well Community Garden, St Mary’s Nunnery Arch, the Quarry Garden and more. 

    The park is a great place to visit with the kids as its home to the popular miniature railway and a great play area. Enjoy a fun filled train ride, open during weekends, public holidays and school holidays Feb to Nov and weekends Dec to Jan. Summer: 10.30am to 5pm. Winter: 11.00am to 4pm. The play area is in a fully accessible area providing play and exploration for everyone. It was designed by local artist, Andrew Small using a range of natural materials.

    The park is home to the Lodge, now the Lodge Cafe, set in landscaped grounds offering light lunches, refreshments and even afternoon tea. Open Monday – Friday: 9am – 4.30pm and Saturday and Sunday: 9am – 5pm. 

    Every summer the team behind Storyhouse bring their performances to the park with Grosvenor Park Open Theatre. The sounds of popping corks, picnics unpacked and happy audiences are now the defining sounds of Chester's summer. And a great way to experience the park.

    However, despite this annual frenzy of activity, Grosvenor Park continues to retain its peaceful character and charm with visitors enjoying more informal activities in this attractive setting.

    Contact Details:

    Grosvenor Park Road, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 1QQ

    Tel:

    0300 123 7026

    Website

    Web Site

  8. The Ice Cream Farm

    Tattenhall, Chester

    Set in the picturesque location between Beeston and Peckforton Castle, The Ice Cream Farm is the tastiest trip you will ever take, enticing over 800,000 visitors a year with over 50 award-winning and irresistible Cheshire Farm Ice Cream and sorbets to choose from. 

    Add The Ice Cream Farm to your Itinerary

    Set in the picturesque location between Beeston and Peckforton Castle, The Ice Cream Farm is the tastiest trip you will ever take, enticing over 800,000 visitors a year with over 50 award-winning and irresistible Cheshire Farm Ice Cream and sorbets to choose from. 

    Contact Details:

    Drumlan Hall Farm, Newton Lane, Tattenhall, Chester, Cheshire, CH3 9NE

    Tel:

    01829 770 995

    Website

    Web Site

Itinerary Distances

FromToDistance * (metric)
Chester Walls Walk (53.19173,-2.89234)Chester Cathedral (53.19166,-2.89121)0.07
Chester Cathedral (53.19166,-2.89121)Chester Rows (53.18865,-2.89191)0.3
Chester Rows (53.18865,-2.89191)Grosvenor Museum (53.18776,-2.89191)0.09
Grosvenor Museum (53.18776,-2.89191)Town Crier Proclamation at the Cross (53.19134,-2.89346)0.37
Town Crier Proclamation at the Cross (53.19134,-2.89346)The River Dee (53.18752,-2.88307)0.73
The River Dee (53.18752,-2.88307)Grosvenor Park (53.19052,-2.88297)0.3
Grosvenor Park (53.19052,-2.88297)The Ice Cream Farm (53.1318,-2.75038)9.9
Total Distance *11.77 miles
Estimated Journey Time23 minutes

* Approximate distance by road

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