Itinerary Planner

Family Fun in Chester

Family Fun in Chester

Day 1

Explore the city

There are many ways to explore Chester and its rich heritage, hop aboard an open top bus tour with City Sightseeing or enjoy a different side to Chester as you sail along the river dee on a river cruise. Step back in time with Roman Tours as a Roman Soldier takes you on an exciting city adventure or discover the fortress of Deva at the Dewa Roman Experience. Visit The Grosvenor Museum, its full of surprises which tell the stories of Cheshire from pre-history to the 20th century or pick up a trail map from the Visitor Information Centre and explore the city at your leisure. 

Head down to the River Dee

Enjoy a delicious ice cream, or if you’re feeling adventurous and energetic hire a rowing boat or a pedalo and power yourself down the river. Walk over Queen’s Park Bridge and take a stroll (or run) through ‘The Meadows’ green open space that is great for picnics and running off some excess energy.

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.

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.

Walk the walls

Take a gentle 2.2 mile stroll around the most complete city walls in Britain, a perfect way to see the city.

Stop off at the famous amphitheatre, pose for a picture by the Eastgate Clock, take in the stunning views over the oldest racecourse in the country and try your luck on the Wishing Steps.

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 Chester Zoo

Chester Zoo is home to over 35,000 wonderful animals including some of the most endangered in the world!

From magnificent elephants and rhinos to delicate butterflies, there are different animals to see around every corner. Islands takes you on a unique expedition through six different south east Asian island habitats. Travel over bridges to pass between the islands and you can also take a jungle river cruise as part of the experience. Explore the indoor rainforest and walk-through aviary giving you the chance to get up close to the plants and animals.

Although an outdoor attraction there’s plenty to do indoors making it perfect whatever the weather. Take a butterfly journey through the UK’s largest zoo-based butterfly house where more than 30 species of butterfly and moths fly around you; or brave Fruit Bat Forest where three species of bats fly around as you walk through the forest at twilight  – an experience not to be missed!

The zoo is on the outskirts of the city and if you don’t have your car there is a regular bus service which runs from the train station, alternatively it’s just a short taxi ride.

Product Information

  1. 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.

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    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
  2. 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

  3. 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.

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    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

  4. Chester City Walls

    Chester

    The city walls are the oldest, longest and most complete in Britain, parts of which are almost 2000 years old.

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    Chester City Walls
    Chester City Walls

    The city walls are the oldest, longest and most complete in Britain, parts of which are almost 2000 years old.

    Chester is the only city in Britain that retains the full circuit of its ancient defensive walls. Walking the complete circuit gives wondrous views down into the city and gives a fantastic insight into Chester's long history. The main access onto the walls is at each of the four main gateways - Northgate, Eastgate, Watergate and Bridgegate, plus there are many other steps around the city, some including accessible ramps.

    Please note: Access to The Walls, Northgate

    The steps to the right of the Northgate will remain open which means pedestrians will be able to gain access to the wall at that point if they want to walk clockwise (towards King Charles Tower).  Pedestrians walking anticlockwise from KCT will be diverted off the walls at the right hand steps and taken to the next set of steps at Morgan's Mount.  It won't be possible to keep a through route open along the wall as part of the wall and core needs to be carefully dismantled.

     

    Contact Details:

    Vicar's Lane, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 1QX

    Tel:

    01244 351609
  5. 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!

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    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

  6. Chester Zoo

    Chester

    A visit to Cheshire isn’t complete without a trip to the UK’s number one zoo. Chester Zoo is home to over 27,000 endangered and exotic animals based in beautiful, award-winning zoological gardens.

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    Lemur, Chester Zoo
    Giraffes, Chester Zoo
    Anoa, Chester Zoo
    Spider Monkey, Chester Zoo
    Lion Experience, Chester Zoo
    Lemur, Chester Zoo
    Giraffes, Chester Zoo
    Anoa, Chester Zoo
    Spider Monkey, Chester Zoo
    Lion Experience, Chester Zoo

    ** Visitor Attraction of the Year at the Marketing Cheshire Tourism Awards 2022/23 - Highly Commended **

    ** Best Tourism Marketing Project Award Winner at the Marketing Cheshire Tourism Awards 2022/23 **

    Chester Zoo is home to over 27,000 endangered and unusual animals based in beautiful, award-winning zoological gardens. With over 500 different animal species in our 128 acres of award-winning gardens, you’re sure to have great day out full of adventure where you’ll feel empowered and inspired to create a better world for wildlife.

    Bring your pride to see ours and visit our incredible Asiatic lions in their savannah habitat. Take a trip to Madagascar and wander through our lemur walkthrough habitat, then explore the dense jungles of South-East Asia by boat, and immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and smells of the Monsoon Forest.

    Come and see some of our newest and cutest arrivals, with many making their very first appearances, from the critically endangered cotton-top tamarin to the incredibly rare dusky pademelon.

    Stop for a bite at one of the many restaurants, cafes and kiosks located throughout the zoo! From classic family friendly dishes to tasty street food.

    If you’re looking for something extra special, our contemporary British pub The Oakfield, serves freshly prepared locally sourced food and hand-picked beers, wines and spirits – the perfect accompaniment to your zoo visit.

    Join our Zoo Rangers for a jam-packed programme of talks and family-fun events to top up your knowledge of incredible animals across the globe! What’s more, we have plenty of playgrounds and activities to keep the kids (and the kids at heart) happy all day long!

    Why not turn your zoo visit into an adventure and book one of our unique Experiences that give you the opportunity to get even closer to our animals and plants with exclusive access and feeding activities? You’ll also gain behind the scenes knowledge from our expert keepers.

    Large Attraction of the Year Gold Award Winner and Silver Award Winner for the Resillience and Innovation Award at the 2022 Visit England Awards for Excellence. 

     

    Discover our revolutionary new app, Wild Wander; where Pokémon Go meets rambling!

    Wild Wander, our exciting new app has been designed to connect people with nature through the digital world and encourage them to explore and protect the great outdoors. The app will allow users to explore four trails in the zoo’s Nature Recovery Corridor like never before: thriving with beautifully animated local species in augmented reality.

    Download from App Store

    Download from Google Play Store

    Contact Details:

    Upton by Chester, Chester, Cheshire, CH2 1EU

    Tel:

    01244 380280

    Website

    Web Site

  7. ChesterBoat - Sightseeing River Cruises and Private Hire

    Chester

    Enjoy a different side of Chester - the riverside!  Sail with us along the beautiful River Dee. 

    Add ChesterBoat - Sightseeing River Cruises and Private Hire to your Itinerary

    The Lady Diana returning to The Groves, Chester
    Bonkie the picnic boat, ChesterBoat
    An arial view of The Groves, Chester
    Chester Weir and Old Dee Bridge
    We're Good to Go
    The Lady Diana returning to The Groves, Chester
    Bonkie the picnic boat, ChesterBoat
    An arial view of The Groves, Chester
    Chester Weir and Old Dee Bridge
    We're Good to Go

    Enjoy a different side of Chester - the riverside!  Sail with us along the beautiful River Dee. 

    Choose from a Half-hour City Cruise taking in the city's rich Roman, Mediaeval and Industrial heritage, or sit back and relax on our Iron Bridge Cruise, a two-hour trip into the glorious Cheshire countryside, through the Duke of Westminster’s Estate. Our routes along the Dee are full of interesting things to see and amazing wildlife - have your camera ready!

    You can really enjoy the freedom of the city by opting for a great value combined ChesterBoat and City Sightseeting open-bus tour ticket. Put your feet up and let someone else do the driving, by road and by water!

    We're a family business, with 40 years experience of providing first-class experiences. As well as sightseeing cruises, we also offer party nights aboard, special occasion cruises (such as afternoon tea, or fish and chips trips) and we're available for private charter. Our cruises, occasions and special events are a relaxing, comfortable all-weather attraction, with options for covered seating, a fully licenced bar and toilets. 

    Bonkie the Picnic Boat

    Our gorgeous little picnic boat is available now for private charter – complete with your own personal skipper.  We can arrange drinks and in true ChesterBoat fashion, we can also take care of catering or any special requests to make your day truly memorable. Bonkie can carry up to seven people, so she’s ideal for small gatherings such as birthday or anniversary parties, family celebrations, special occasions, or just any time you fancy an indulgent – or romantic –  chauffeur-driven treat. We think Bonkie is the perfect way to make a loved one feel special. You can charter Bonkie for two-and-a-half hours for £300, which includes your own private skipper.

    We look forward to welcoming you aboard!

    Contact Details:

    Boating Station, Souters Lane, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 1SZ

    Tel:

    01244 325394

    Website

    Web Site

  8. Deva Roman Experience

    Chester

    The DEVA Roman Experience will take you on a voyage back through time 2000 years ago to Roman Britannia where the fortress of DEVA Victrix is welcoming visitors from far and wide.

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    Kyle Mac Photography
    Kyle Mac Photography

    The DEVA Roman Experience will take you on a voyage back through time 2000 years ago to Roman Britannia where the fortress of DEVA Victrix is welcoming visitors from far and wide. Join our legion and help us expand our mighty roman empire.

    Through a meticulously designed set, let our talented ensemble of characters immerse your senses in our Roman bath house, market street, and amphitheatre as you watch the drama unfold as Gladiators fight it out to the death!

    With 7 actor led shows, special effects, cutting edge projection mapping and REAL archaeology on site will you adjust to the Roman way of life or remain a measly pleb in the ways of the emperor?

    Visit today to experience the history of Roman Chester by putting yourself right in the middle, rather than just looking through glass.

    Discover Deva!

    Contact Details:

    Pierpoint Lane, Off Bridge Street, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 1NL

    Tel:

    01244 343407

    Website

    Web Site

  9. Roman Soldier Tours

    Chester

    Dedicated to illuminating the life of Roman soldiers and life in Roman Britain.

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    Roman Tours of Chester
    Roman Tours of Chester, ideal for groups or families
    Discover the Roman heritage of Chester with a Roman Tour
    Roman Tours of Chester
    Roman Tours of Chester, ideal for groups or families
    Discover the Roman heritage of Chester with a Roman Tour

    Dedicated to illuminating the life of Roman soldiers and life in Roman Britain.

    Award-winning Roman Tours offer a superb fact-filled entertaining story of 2,000-year-old Deva - Britain's biggest Roman fortress. Legionary guides take you behind the scenes at key sites to explore the drama of life in the Roman Army - all based on the latest research by military experts.

    We are specialist providers of Roman history to schools and museums across the U.K. for more than 18 years. Presenting and illuminating the life of a Roman soldier in Britain, through informative, educational and interactive experiences for all ages.

    We provide some of the only full-time professional Romans in Britain, throughout the year. Enduring the British climate in authentic clothing and equipment and constantly update our knowledge and equipment as archaeology uncovers new information. We regularly visit schools across the UK and bring education on Roman Britain to you. Should you visit Chester we also provide guided tours of the largest Roman fortress in the UK for all ages and groups. We can also provide Roman characters for corporate promotions or to add to your own event.

    A fascinating journey in the footsteps of Leg XX.v.v (20th legion)

    Daily tours throughout the year 12 noon and 2.30pm

    Tours start from Chester Visitor Information Centre, Next to the Town Hall, Chester.

    Tickets can be purchased in advance or on the day from Chester Visitor Information Centre.

     

    Contact Details:

    Chester Visitor Information Centre, Chester Town Hall, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 2HJ

    Tel:

    01978 761264 / 07885 403485

    Website

    Web Site

  10. Grosvenor Park Miniature Railway

    Chester

    Grosvenor Park Miniature Railway Website is a 7¼” gauge railway located only a few minutes walk from Chester’s historic city centre within Grosvenor Park.

    Add Grosvenor Park Miniature Railway to your Itinerary

    Grosvenor Park Miniature Railway
    Family fun on Grosvenor Park Miniature Railway
    Grosvenor Park Miniature Railway
    Family fun on Grosvenor Park Miniature Railway

    Grosvenor Park Miniature Railway Website is a 7¼” gauge railway located only a few minutes walk from Chester’s historic city centre within Grosvenor Park. The railway, built in 1996 to commemorate the centenary of the Duke of Westminster’s railway at nearby Eaton Hall, is popular with young and old alike and has become one of Chester’s top tourist attractions. They operate steam and diesel hauled trains, on a ¼ mile circuit around the lake in Chester’s Grosvenor Park.

    Unfortunately, due to weather or other circumstances beyond their control, they may have to cancel, curtail or vary the services from those advertised.

    Why not make a day of it and visit the park, nearby play area, railway and lodge cafe!

    Contact Details:

    Grosvenor Park, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 1QQ

    Tel:

    07530 397079

    Website

    Web Site

Itinerary Distances

FromToDistance * (metric)
The River Dee (53.18752,-2.88307)Town Crier Proclamation at the Cross (53.19134,-2.89346)0.73
Town Crier Proclamation at the Cross (53.19134,-2.89346)Grosvenor Park (53.19052,-2.88297)0.64
Grosvenor Park (53.19052,-2.88297)Chester City Walls (53.18959,-2.88594)0.2
Chester City Walls (53.18959,-2.88594)Chester Rows (53.18865,-2.89191)0.37
Chester Rows (53.18865,-2.89191)Chester Zoo (53.22551,-2.87758)3.79
Chester Zoo (53.22551,-2.87758)ChesterBoat - Sightseeing River Cruises and Private Hire (53.18756,-2.88606)3.84
ChesterBoat - Sightseeing River Cruises and Private Hire (53.18756,-2.88606)Deva Roman Experience (53.18893,-2.8922)0.39
Deva Roman Experience (53.18893,-2.8922)Roman Soldier Tours (53.19105,-2.89212)0.21
Roman Soldier Tours (53.19105,-2.89212)Grosvenor Park Miniature Railway (53.19052,-2.88297)0.55
Total Distance *10.72 miles
Estimated Journey Time21 minutes

* Approximate distance by road

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