Itinerary Planner

A Guide to Planning Your Luxury Midweek Break in Chester

Bar at La Brasserie at The Chester Grosvenor

With its abundance of cocktail bars, five-stars hotels and spas, Chester was recently named the UK’s most cosmopolitan city. Escape the day to day (and the crowds) with a luxurious midweek break in Chester.

Places to visit

Chester Cathedral - Situated in the heart of Chester’s city centre, Chester Cathedral is a unique blend of medieval and modern history. It is full of rich history dating back to 1092 when it was founded as Benedictine Abbey and was gradually rebuild from 1250 onwards in Gothic style which took 275 years to complete the stunning building you see today.

StoryhouseStoryhouse is a multi-award-winning theatre, cinema, library and restaurant situated in the revitalised and restored 1930s Odeon building. The Kitchen restaurant serves freshly made Eastern Mediterranean inspired food, there are also two bars within Storyhouse where you can enjoy a drink, one located downstairs in the heart of the building and the Garret Bar located on the fourth floor which has a panoramic view of Chester.

ChesterBoat- Sail along the River Dee and enjoy a different view of Chester on ChesterBoat’s river cruises. Choose between a 30 minute City Cruise full of Chester’s rich Roman, Medieval and Industrial history, or relax on the 2 hour Iron Bridge Cruise which travels into the gorgeous Cheshire countryside and through the Duke of Westminster’s Estate.

Shopping

Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet - With over 145 boutiques, cafes and restaurants, shop and dine in style at Cheshire Oaks, the largest designer outlet in the UK. Pay up to 60% less for iconic, designer brands. When you need a break from shopping your heart out enjoy a variety of dine in and alfresco dining.

The Rows - Take a step back in time and enjoy shopping and dining on Chester’s historic Rows which date back to Medieval times. The Rows, which are unique to Chester with street level shops and a top tier level above, offer everything from luxury boutiques to fantastic independents with historic pubs, coffee houses and vegan food available.

Dining

Chester Racecourse - Chester Racecourse, which was established in 1539, is the worlds oldest racecourse still in operation. Offering optimum experiences, the racecourse has consistently been awarded the Gold Standard Award by the Racehorse Owners Association and has received the title of Large Racecourse of the Year Award in 2015, 2018 and 2019. Choose from two on-course restaurants The White Horse, a family gastro pub, and Restaurant 1539 where you can enjoy a breath-taking view of the racecourse while dining.

Simon Radley at Chester Grosvenor - Award-winning, Michelin star restaurant with a chic sophisticated atmosphere offering contemporary dining. Simon Radley has four AA rosettes and The Sunday Times has recognised it as one of the top 100 restaurants in the UK. During your meal which is prepared by a dedicated team, indulge in wines from around the world.  

La Brasserie at The Chester Grosvenor - Enjoy a casual brunch, lunch or dinner at La Brasserie which has a glamorous Champagne bar that serves everything from Cappuccinos to Cosmopolitans with an incredible selection of Champagne. The 2 AA Rosette restaurants offers modern, fresh cooking.

Places to stay

The Chester Grosvenor- Situated in the centre of Chester, next to the famous Eastgate Clock, Chester Grosvenor is housed within an historic black and white timbered façade building which dates back to 1865. This five red star hotel is offers the quintessential luxury English experience with luxurious and comfortable rooms each of which has been beautifully furnished and individually designed. During your stay, pamper yourself with a tranquil and soothing visit to The Spa where you can evoke in a state of relaxation.

DoubleTree by Hilton – Stay in an 18th Century Manor House situated in 12 acres of landscaped grounds just two miles from the historic city centre of Chester. During your stay, indulge in a delicious steak from the Marco Pierre White Steakhouse or dine in the Garden Room and Terrace restaurant which overlooks the walled gardens. Unwind with some TLC at the luxury Club and Spa by taking a sensory journey through the variety of treatment rooms.

Product Information

  1. 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

  2. Storyhouse

    Chester

    ​​​​​​​Storyhouse is Chester’s multi award-winning £37m theatre, library, restaurant and cinema.

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    The Art Deco exterior of Storyhouse
    Inside the theatre at Storyhouse. c. Mark Carline
    Storyhouse’s restaurant The Kitchen has a menu celebrating the flavours of The Levant.
    Inside the Cinema at Storyhouse
    The Art Deco exterior of Storyhouse
    Inside the theatre at Storyhouse. c. Mark Carline
    Storyhouse’s restaurant The Kitchen has a menu celebrating the flavours of The Levant.
    Inside the Cinema at Storyhouse

     

    ** Accessible and Inclusive Award Winner at the Marketing Cheshire Tourism Awards 2022/23**

    Storyhouse is Chester’s multi award-winning £37m theatre, library, restaurant and cinema. The restored and revitalised 1930s Odeon building houses an 800-seat auditorium, a 150-seat studio theatre, a restaurant and two bars plus a 100-seat boutique, independent cinema. Alongside the building, Storyhouse run a series of festivals as well as Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre and Moonlight Flicks.

    Theatre During the autumn and spring, Storyhouse welcomes the best of the UK’s and international touring work, offering a programme of dance, opera, drama, comedy and music on the theatre’s 800-seat proscenium stage. In the summer and at Christmas-time, the theatre transforms into a 500 seat thrust stage, to present Storyhouse’s home produced shows.

    Library Storyhouse’s library weaves its way across the entire building. With dedicated reading rooms, spaces to meet and study and a  creative children’s library – the Den providing spaces for storytelling and imagination. 

    Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre Storyhouse also produces the award winning Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre – every Summer a corner of Chester’s Victorian park is transformed into a unique theatre- in- the- round, with a programme of Shakespeare and adaptations of children’s classics. Plus The Chester Literature Festival every November, and WayWord festival in February half term – plus a series of music concerts and film festivals throughout the year.

    The Kitchen  Storyhouse’s restaurant The Kitchen has a menu celebrating the flavours of The Levant.  Located in the heart of Storyhouse, it is a spacious in-house ground floor restaurant and bar. The Garret bar, situated on the fourth floor, boasts panoramic views across Chester.

    Click here to book tickets, or visit the Chester Visitor Information Centre.

    Contact Details:

    Hunter Street, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 2AR

    Tel:

    01244 409113

    Website

    Web Site

  3. 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

  4. Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet

    Ellesmere Port

    Trendsetters, foodies, label lovers, it’s time to make some noise for the infamous McArthurGlen Designer Outlet, Cheshire Oaks.

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    Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet
    Kate Spade at Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet
    25 new designer and premium brands at Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet
    Burberry at Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet
    The new and improved McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Cheshire Oaks
    Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet
    Kate Spade at Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet
    25 new designer and premium brands at Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet
    Burberry at Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet
    The new and improved McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Cheshire Oaks

    Discover a host of premium services at Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet.

    Make your day even easier: from booking appointments at your favourite brands so you can shop at the most convenient time for you, shop handsfree with Dropit who can collect and safely store your shopping bags and you can also reserve your own parking space, discover your new favourite services to brighten your day.

    Trendsetters, foodies, label lovers, it’s time to make some noise for the infamous McArthurGlen Designer Outlet, Cheshire Oaks. So what’s the latest? Well, MORE. There are more stores, more choice and much more to discover. The open air shopping centre is home to over 140 designer and premium brands, offering up to 60% off RRP. Not to mention, they’ve made your day out even easier with free parking, handsfree shopping and extended opening hours. It doesn’t stop there. The new facilities also include a brand new play area and Under the Oak festival, including a rooftop terrace just in time for the summer months, ready to unwind with a cocktail and street food.

    Fashion lovers, rejoice! There’s hundreds of brands to shop at McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Cheshire Oaks. From iconic designer brands such as Burberry and Polo Ralph Lauren to everyday leisurewear from Nike and Adidas. Get a taste for luxury at PINKO, or stock up on signature underwear and more at Calvin Klein. Check out Jigsaw for this season’s trends, must-have footwear at Kurt Geiger, Tommy Hilfiger jeans, Mulberry for all your accessories and elevated basics at Levi’s too. And if all that wasn’t enough, the coolest high-end streetwear waits for you at one of the centre’s newest brand’s, Champion.

    Stay connected and fully charged with complimentary wi-fi and portable phone chargers, plus if you’re shopping in a group of 10 or more, receive an additional 10% off through the McArthurGlen Club. Visit Guest Services to activate before shopping.

     

    Contact Details:

    Kinsey Road, Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, CH65 9JJ

    Tel:

    0151 348 5600

    Website

    Web Site

  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. Arkle at The Chester Grosvenor

    Chester

    Refined dining at the Chester Grosvenor. Sample Executive Chef, Elliot Hill and his team's exciting seven course Tasting Menu at Arkle.

    Add Arkle at The Chester Grosvenor to your Itinerary

    Refined dining at the Chester Grosvenor. 5 course tasting menu £85, full tasting menu £105.

    Awarded 3 AA Rosettes and an AA Notable Wine List Award Winner

    Contact Details:

    Eastgate Street, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 1LT

    Tel:

    01244 324024

    Website

    Web Site

  7. La Brasserie at The Chester Grosvenor

    Chester

    La Brasserie has been a firm favourite on Chester’s dining scene for over 20 years.

    Add La Brasserie at The Chester Grosvenor to your Itinerary

    La Brasserie restaurant at The Chester Grosvenor,valentines dinner,dinner for two,chester grosvenor
    La Brasserie restaurant at The Chester Grosvenor
    La Brasserie offering beautiful dishes using flavours and ingredients from home
    La Brasserie restaurant firm favourite on Chester’s dining scene for over 20 years
    Fresh cooking at La Brasserie in The Chester Grosvenor
    La Brasserie restaurant at The Chester Grosvenor,valentines dinner,dinner for two,chester grosvenor
    La Brasserie restaurant at The Chester Grosvenor
    La Brasserie offering beautiful dishes using flavours and ingredients from home
    La Brasserie restaurant firm favourite on Chester’s dining scene for over 20 years
    Fresh cooking at La Brasserie in The Chester Grosvenor

    La Brasserie has been a firm favourite on Chester’s dining scene for over 20 years. In 2018 there was a contemporary re-design, while still continuing to stand the test of time with the same impeccable service for which The Chester Grosvenor has been renowned for since 1865.

    Offering modern, fresh cooking, La Brasserie’s vibrant 2 AA Rosette restaurant prepares beautiful dishes using flavours and ingredients from home and abroad.

    Reservations are recommended for the restaurant. Within the bar area, we accept reservations for groups of 5 guests or more. When making a reservation, you may be asked for credit card details. This is only to secure your booking; no payment is taken at this stage. Full terms and conditions can be viewed when making your reservation online.

    La Brasserie welcomes guests without hotel reservations.

    Opening times:

    Casual Dining  Daily from 12pm - 9:30pm   A La Carte Lunch Monday to Sunday, Noon - 2:30pm A La Carte Dinner Monday to Friday, 5pm - 8pm

    Reservations are recommended for all a la carte bookings. For bookings with more than 8 guests, please contact us directly.

    Contact Details:

    Eastgate Street, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 1LT

    Tel:

    01244 895618

    Website

    Web Site

  8. The Chester Grosvenor

    Chester

    Housed in an historic building with a black and white timbered façade, The Chester Grosvenor is situated in the centre of the beautiful Roman city of Chester.

    Add The Chester Grosvenor to your Itinerary

    The Chester Grosvenor, situated in the heart of beautiful Chester
    Luxurious bedrooms at the Chester Grosvenor Hotel
    The Chester Grosvenor Hotel, where each bedroom is individually designed and furnished
    Ensuite bathrooms at the Chester Grosvenor Hotel
    The Chester Grosvenor, situated in the heart of beautiful Chester
    Luxurious bedrooms at the Chester Grosvenor Hotel
    The Chester Grosvenor Hotel, where each bedroom is individually designed and furnished
    Ensuite bathrooms at the Chester Grosvenor Hotel

    The Hotel

    Housed in an historic building with a black and white timbered façade, The Chester Grosvenor is situated in the centre of the beautiful Roman city of Chester. Although the existing building dates back to 1865, there has been an inn on the site since the late sixteenth century. The five red star hotel is one of the city’s greatest landmarks, standing alongside the iconic Eastgate Clock. With attentive yet unobtrusive service, The Chester Grosvenor offers the quintessential luxury English experience.

    Bedrooms

    Bedrooms at The Chester Grosvenor offer the ultimate luxury and comfort to help you relax after exploring the charming city of Chester.  Each room has been individually designed and beautifully furnished with the finest fabrics to offer you a deeply sumptuous stay.  

    Spacious and adaptable, a suite is ideal if you would like to add an extra something special to your stay. In addition, most suites have walk-in separate shower facilities.

    The Spa at The Chester at the Chester Grosvenor

    Be pampered in the tranquil and soothing haven of The Spa at The Chester Grosvenor, where every detail has been designed to evoke a state of relaxation, vitality and wellbeing, from the heavenly Thermal Suite to our carefully selected product partner, ELEMIS.

    La Brasserie

    Offering modern, fresh cooking, La Brasserie’s vibrant 2 AA Rosette restaurant prepares beautiful dishes using flavours and ingredients from home and abroad. 

    A glamorous Champagne bar takes centre stage, serving everything from Cappuccinos to Cosmopolitans and an exquisite selection of Champagne. 

    The Arkle Bar and Lounge at the Chester Grosvenor

    The Arkle Bar and Lounge is a luxuriously comfortable area of understated elegance and sophistication. Discover our worldwide collection of over 40 gins, each paired with a tonic and garnish to match the profile of the gin or choose from a selection of interesting malts, vintage ports and a wide range of liqueurs. The Arkle Bar & Lounge is a connoisseur's delight.

    It is also the perfect spot for picking up the paper and enjoying morning coffee, light lunch or  afternoon tea.

    Meetings and Events

    The Chester Grosvenor has a variety of stunning event spaces, which set the scene for an unforgettable event. All of our function suites make use of the latest built in AV equipment, available for your use on a complimentary basis.

    Weddings at the Chester Grosvenor

    The award winning Chester Grosvenor combines breath-taking architecture with contemporary yet traditional interiors. Steeped in history dating back to the 18th century, the pillared entrance and black and white timbered exterior provide the perfect backdrop for a fairy tale wedding.  ‘The Gallery’ on the first floor landing boasts the original staircase where the grandeur of the 28,000 piece crystal chandelier offers the most memorable of settings for your wedding photographs. The Chester Grosvenor can accommodate wedding breakfasts and civil ceremonies from 2 to 240 guests. 

    Contact Details:

    Eastgate, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 1LT

    Tel:

    01244 324024

    Website

    Web Site

  9. Doubletree by Hilton Hotel & Spa, Chester

    Chester

    Situated in 12 acres of landscaped grounds, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Chester is an 18th Century Manor House, offering contemporary accommodation which beautifully combines the past and present.

    Add Doubletree by Hilton Hotel & Spa, Chester to your Itinerary

    Doubletree by Hilton Hotel & Spa, Chester
    The Spa at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel & Spa, Chester
    Dining and Drinks at Doubletree by Hilton Hotel & Spa, Chester
    Meetings and Events at Doubletree by Hilton Hotel & Spa, Chester
    Snooker Games Room at Doubletree by Hilton Hotel & Spa, Chester
    Doubletree by Hilton Hotel & Spa, Chester
    The Spa at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel & Spa, Chester
    Dining and Drinks at Doubletree by Hilton Hotel & Spa, Chester
    Meetings and Events at Doubletree by Hilton Hotel & Spa, Chester
    Snooker Games Room at Doubletree by Hilton Hotel & Spa, Chester

    Situated in 12 acres of landscaped grounds, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Chester is an 18th Century Manor House, offering contemporary accommodation which beautifully combines the past and present. Just two miles from the centre of the historic city of Chester, with 219 guest bedrooms and over 300 complimentary car parking spaces.

    Unwind in the Garden Room and Terrace restaurant overlooking the walled gardens. The onsite bar also offers an extensive gin menu, with its selection of botanicals from the finest English distilleries.

    Indulge in some TLC at the luxury Club and Spa. Take an incredible sensory journey through a variety of treatment rooms, and relax with a dip in the outdoor thermal pool. To end, experience a sequence of thermal rooms including the aroma room, steam room, Hammam and sauna. Enjoy the gym facilities, with innovative fitness equipment and state-of-the-art machines.

    Contact Details:

    Warrington Road, Hoole Village, Chester, Cheshire, CH2 3PD

    Tel:

    01244 408800

    Website

    Web Site

Itinerary Distances

FromToDistance * (metric)
Chester Cathedral (53.19166,-2.89121)Storyhouse (53.19195,-2.89214)0.06
Storyhouse (53.19195,-2.89214)ChesterBoat - Sightseeing River Cruises and Private Hire (53.18756,-2.88606)0.57
ChesterBoat - Sightseeing River Cruises and Private Hire (53.18756,-2.88606)Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet (53.26362,-2.88124)7.63
Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet (53.26362,-2.88124)Chester Rows (53.18865,-2.89191)7.54
Chester Rows (53.18865,-2.89191)Arkle at The Chester Grosvenor (53.19077,-2.88867)0.29
Arkle at The Chester Grosvenor (53.19077,-2.88867)La Brasserie at The Chester Grosvenor (53.19071,-2.88882)0.01
La Brasserie at The Chester Grosvenor (53.19071,-2.88882)The Chester Grosvenor (53.19074,-2.8888)0
The Chester Grosvenor (53.19074,-2.8888)Doubletree by Hilton Hotel & Spa, Chester (53.20628,-2.8544)2.59
Total Distance *18.68 miles
Estimated Journey Time36 minutes

* Approximate distance by road

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