Cheshire is one of England's most historic regions, with ancient walls and ruins abound within both the city of Chester and the countryside. However, history isn't all this enigmatic city has to offer: with plenty of delicious food from renowned restaurants; the Cheshire Oaks shopping centre, which is sure to cater to all of your needs; the nation's most visited attraction outside of London, Chester Zoo; and many more adventurous and relaxing things to do within the area.
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Welcome to Chester, where dining out isn't just a meal – it's a culinary adventure!
Prepare your taste buds for a gastronomic journey through the charming streets and tudor style buildings of this historic city, where you will find a plethora of cuisines to choose from.
Feeling fancy? Slip into your best attire and treat yourself to an indulgent dining experience at Arkle, the 3AA Rosette Restaurant at the Chester Grosvenor Hotel, where you can enjoy an exciting tasting menu put together by lauded executive chef Elliot Hill. Or for fresh, modern cooking head into La Brasserie, a vibrant 2AA Rosette Restaurant also situated at the prestigious Grosvenor Hotel, where you can enjoy beautiful dishes using flavours and ingredients from home and abroad.
If you are craving a hearty meal made with the best possible ingredients look no further than the multi award winning Sticky Walnut, a local bistro in the heart of Hoole, on the outskirts of the city centre. Or try Twenty Eight, a new growing led British tapas restaurant from the team behind popular Chester restaurant The Chef’s Table. The Chef’s Table itself is also a must visit, recently reopened in new premises offering an ever-changing menu using the best of British seasonal game, seafood from field to coast and local produce.
And if you like small plates, Artezzan’s Mediterranean Pinchos are just the thing, make sure you choose a selection, or if you are really hungry the Grand Carbonara flambeed at the table with aged grappa and lovingly rolled in a wheel of aged Grana Padano cheese is a must!
Cosy Club in one of Chester’s newest openings, with a stunning art deco interior and delicious cocktails, it’s the perfect setting for a teatime tipple or bottomless brunch. And just next door is the Chester Market Hall full to the brim with food stalls from around the world, you will be spoilt for choice, especially on Tuesday when many of the traders have special offers and deals to enjoy.
So, whether you're a seasoned gastronome or simply in need of a good meal, Chester welcomes you with open arms and a plate piled high with culinary delights. Just be sure to bring your appetite!. After all, in Chester, we take our dining experiences seriously. Cheers to good food, great company, and the joy of eating out in one of Britain's most delightful cities.
Immerse yourself in 2000 years of history
First things first, let's talk about the iconic Chester walls, 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.
No trip to Chester would be complete without a visit to the Eastgate Clock, the 2nd most photographed clock in the world (apparently!). Strike a pose, snap a selfie, and marvel at this magnificent timepiece that has been keeping the good people of Chester punctual since 1899.
There are three museums to choose from in Chester and they couldn’t be more different. Dial your curiosity all the way up to eleven, and come and find out about the history, places and people of West Cheshire at Grosvenor Museum. Voyage back through time 2000 years ago in time to Roman Britannia at Deva Roman Experience, with a meticulously designed set, the talented ensemble of characters will immerse your senses in the Roman bath house, market street, and amphitheatre as you watch the drama unfold as Gladiators fight it out to the death! Or head over to the dark side and visit Sick to Death, a museum where you can explore the gory story of medicine through time.
You wouldn’t want to miss a thing
Chester, a city with 2000 years of history where every cobblestone and building has a tale to tell. If you find yourself strolling through this charming city and wondering what to do with your time, we have a few options to share. A visit to Chester is not complete without a visit to our famous zoo, the most visited UK attraction outside of London. With over 27,000 endangered and unusual animals of 500 species in 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.
With so much history to discover there is no better way to explore the city than a sightseeing tour, board a double decker bus, go aboard a river cruise or join a character or two on a themed walking tour. You can also pick up self-guided trails from the visitor Information Centre to discover the city at your leisure. Talking of history, Chester Cathedral is must visit destination, not only a vibrant community of worship and ancient abbey but an archaeological treasure, a cultural hub and a centre of musical excellence, truly a unique blend of modern and medieval history. Don’t forget to take a Tower Tour which takes you behind the scenes at the Cathedral and up on the roof for stunning views across Cheshire and even out to North Wales.
For a bit of culture, head to Storyhouse, a restored and revitalised 1930s Odeon building now housing Chester’s multi award-winning £37m theatre, library, restaurant and cinema. You can catch some of the UK’s best comedians and most popular west end musicals here.
And for the latest flicks head over to the newly opened Picturehouse, a six screen cinema with café-bar. When you arrived you will be dazzled by a stunning pink and blue interior created with Wes Anderson in mind with a beautiful mural created exclusively by artist Murugiah.
Chester is home to Britain’s oldest racecourse and every year May to September people flock to the city to sample the thrill of watching competitive racing. Whilst you watch (and bet!) you can enjoy premium food and drink across a variety of areas and enclosures. Whether you’re looking to celebrate a special occasion or fill your weekend with some serious fun, there’s something to suite at Chester Racecourse. Mingle with the stylish crowd and enjoy a day to remember with family and friends.
This is just a taste of the endless delights that await you in Chester. Whether you're a history buff, a shopaholic, or just in need of a good evening’s entertainment, this city has something for everyone.
Rejuvenate yourself in Cheshire
Rejuvenating massages & pampering treatments, sumptuous skincare & on-point mani-pedis, hot tub relaxation & champagne temptation – Cheshire’s spas have it all. Indulge all your senses & reinvigorate your mind & body as you experience true relaxation, all in the glorious surroundings of Chester & Cheshire.
Take in the serene Cheshire countryside at the extensive 1000-acre Carden Park estate as you relax and unwind in their award-winning spa, complete with carefully-curated treatments, extensive leisure facilities, sublime Spa Garden, and those indulgent extras like champagne.
Enjoy a tranquil respite from the hustle and bustle of the everyday at The Spa at The Chester Grosvenor. This boutique spa offers a menu of rituals and treatments to evoke a state of relaxation, vitality and total wellbeing.
At Spa by Kasia at The Grosvenor Pulford Hotel & Spa, as well as luxurious treatments, you can wander the unique Asian Sensory Garden, featuring an Asian tea house, a picturesque waterfall, calming water features and a koi- filled pond amongst winding paths and stepping stones - a truly enchanting escape from it all Or experience the flagship northern location of Champneys - the UK’s leading health spa – at Mottram Hall. Marvel at the historic grandeur of the estate while you indulge in some of the finest health and beauty treatments. And the indulgence doesn’t have to stop at the spa. With many of our gorgeous spa locations offering some of the finest dining around, you can make your spa break one to indulge even your taste buds!
With flowing rivers & rolling hills, dense forest & wide-open spaces, the wildest animals & the most daring pursuits, it’s no wonder that a visit to Cheshire is on every nature seeker’s list.
Connect with nature in Delamere Forest, Cheshire's biggest woodland and accessible via its very own train station! Fully loaded with walking trails, segways, zip wires and log cabins amongst the trees, you'll be sure to fully immerse into this true shady oasis.
Make your way along the Sandstone Trail and relax amidst the peaceful Cheshire countryside. Whether it’s a break away with friends, reconnecting with your loved ones, or just as a solo treat, make Chester & Cheshire your escape destination.
Inviting all thrill seekers – big & small
Whether you get your kicks from riding the waves & climbing the walls or roaring through the fields & getting up high in the trees, you’ll definitely hit the spot with an adventure break in Chester & Cheshire.
Adventure down the River Dee in Chester with Dee River Kayaking – where you can experience a calm river paddle, or some white-water excitement. If kayaking isn’t your thing, you can also take in some paddleboarding down the Dee.
Why not take in some outdoor pursuits courtesy of Cheshire Outdoors. You can experience a whole host of fun and invigorating activities from air rifles & archery to bush craft & low ropes. What’s more you can take in the superb Cheshire forestry from a different perspective with off-road Segways! For an animal adventure, you can get up close and personal with majestic birds of prey with Cheshire Falconry.
For high-rise thrills look no further than Cheshire’s many exciting attractions. Test your mettle against the high ropes, obstacles, and zip wires with Vertigo at Carden Park, or climb high into the canopy and take on the Treetop Challenge with Go Ape.
For the boulderers out there (or those in the making) make sure to get climbing the heights at Climbing Hut. Even the littlest ones (and the grownups!) can have their own adventures at BeWILDerwood, where a magical assortment of muddled mazes, slippery slides, wobbly rope bridges and zip wires await.
From luxury brands to boutique shopping
If you're in the mood for a bit of retail therapy, Chester has more shops than most cities, in fact there are double as the unique rows form a second row of shops above those at street level. From quirky boutiques tucked away in hidden alleys to high-end fashion emporiums, there's something for every taste and budget. Just be sure to bring your credit card and a strong sense of self-restraint!
Then there's Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet, the UK's largest centre of its kind offering over up to 60% off RRP at over 160 brands, home to designer icons including Burberry, Mulberry, Hugo Boss, Michael Kors, Kate Spade, AllSaints and more!
Want to know what's on in Cheshire? You've come to the right place. Cheshire is not just a naturally stunning place to visit and explore, it's also brimming with a host of exciting events and fun filled festivals to entertain and amuse throughout the year.
Come and enjoy one of the many outdoor events in Cheshire, there is everything from concerts at Delamere Forest to Dogfest at Tatton Park to Creamfields near Warrington, Britain's biggest techno dance festival.
Not forgetting the floral delights of the RHS Flower Show at Tatton Park, the Royal Cheshire County Show one of the largest 2-day county shows in the Northwest and food festivals galore, to name a few.
There is more to Chester than just history and heritage. Chester’s fiesta of festivals includes heritage, film, music, literature and folk. Many traditional favourites return year on year including the hugely popular Chester Races, and Bolesworth International, so much more than just showjumping.
For all your retail and entertainment needs, Chester is the place to be.
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