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Things to do in Chester

Our most recommended things to do in Chester

From Manchester: North Wales, Snowdonia, and Chester Tour

1. From Manchester: North Wales, Snowdonia, and Chester Tour

The tour leaves Manchester in the morning and heads straight for the border of Wales. Conwy is the first stop of the day, one of the most picture-perfect harbor towns in the world. Here you can see a castle perched by the sea, the world's smallest house, and lots of cute restaurants serving up the best fish and chips. Venture along the winding, scenic roads of the Snowdonia National Park before arriving in Betws-Y-Coed. This quaint town is known as the gateway to Snowdonia and is famous for its alpine trees and cozy cafes. Chester is your next stop. This is one of England’s most historic towns and there is plenty to do here. It's advised to go straight to the ancient cathedral and learn about its remarkable past.

Chester: Half-Hour City Cruise

2. Chester: Half-Hour City Cruise

From the moorings at The Groves, Chester, you will head upstream under the Queen's Park Suspension Bridge and past the city's rowing clubs. You will then follow the sweeping bend of the Earl's Eye, passing some stunning riverside properties, and turn around at the city limits. On the return journey, the commentary details the history behind some of the more interesting riverside buildings, and the city's rich Roman, Medieval, and industrial heritage. The cruises will then finish with a great view of Chester Weir and the Old Dee Bridge, before disembarking back at The Groves.

City Sightseeing Chester Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

3. City Sightseeing Chester Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

No city in Britain is richer in terms of archaeological and architectural treasures than Chester, the Walled City on the River Dee. The City Sightseeing Chester Open Top Bus Tour will introduce you to the City Walls, the Cathedral, Roman Amphitheatre and much, much more. Discover how Chester has survived and prospered through the ebb and flow of history as you are transported around the city. Just as Chester's history has been linked with the River Dee, so it is with the Chester Tour. The bus crosses the Dee by both the Grosvenor and Old Dee Bridges and at The Groves provides a convenient connection with the river cruises operated by Bithell's Boats. The tour operates on a hop-on hop-off basis and your ticket is valid for 24 hours allowing you to stop off and visit any of the attractions on route.  Route • Chester Bus Interchange • Foregate Street - The Old Queen's Head • City Road - opposite the Premier Inn • Chester Railway Station - outside Town Crier Pub • St John the Baptist Church • The Groves • Pepper Street - Grosvenor Shopping Precinct • Grosvenor Street - Grosvenor Museum • Handbridge - St May's Church • Lower Bridge Street • Nicholas Street • Chester Racecourse - outside Holiday Inn Express

Chester: Self-Guided City Sightseeing Treasure Hunt

4. Chester: Self-Guided City Sightseeing Treasure Hunt

Embark on a self-guided treasure hunt for a fun and unique way to explore Chester. Receive messages to a phone from Captain Bess, a snarky pirate testing out new recruits to join her ship. Travel Captain Bess's carefully designed route through the city. Follow the treasure maps to get to the right place, then try to decipher the clue. Search high and low for the answer and see hidden sights usually missed by tourists. Ask for a hint to continue the journey through the city if the clues get too tough. Start at the front of Chester Town Hall and sneak through tiny alleys and Victorian streets, passing the peaceful riverside and Roman ruins. Learn interesting facts and hear stories along the way about the sights along Bess's route and get a better understanding of the history of Chester. Get ready to explore Chester in a new way through this fun and interactive treasure hunt.

From Chester: North Wales Tour

5. From Chester: North Wales Tour

Leaving Chester, the majestic Snowdonia National Park will open up as you travel across a stunning mountain road with a stop at Llyn Ogwen, a beautiful lake with amazing mountain views. Rumored to be the final resting place of King Arthur's sword Excalibur. Proceed towards the honeypot village of Betws-y-Coed. You will have time here to find some lunch and explore this beautiful place. After Betws-y-Coed, head to Great Orme, a giant limestone headland. See the historic seafront with its 19th-century pier and take in fantastic views of Anglesey and Snowdonia. Continue towards Llandudno on the North Wales Coast. Along the way look out for great sea views, as you head along the main coastal road.  Leaving Llandudno you will get your first glimpse of the world famous Conwy Castle. The final stop before the return to Chester will be at Conwy where there will be an opportunity to take in views and photograph the famous castle. After leaving Conwy the tour returns back to Chester.

From Chester: Lake District Tour

6. From Chester: Lake District Tour

Leaving Chester 3 times a week, this tour heads approximately 2 hours North to the Lake District via the M6 Motorway.  Your driver and guide will take you to the medieval village of Hawkshead, famous for its connection with Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth. Have time here to explore the cobbled alleys and get something to eat, wandering through shops, cafés, galleries, and so much more. It's a beautiful village, and a definite highlight of the tour. William Wordsworth's old Grammar School can also be found here, along with St. Michael and All Angels Church, which overlooks the village of Hawkshead. Explore some of the Lake District's most incredibly beautiful spots as you travel towards and through the Langdale Valley. When your Lake District tour comes to an end, you will be transported back to Chester.

From Liverpool: Chester Sightseeing Half-Day Shore Excursion

7. From Liverpool: Chester Sightseeing Half-Day Shore Excursion

You will be met by a representative of the local partner at Liverpool Cruise Terminal and shown to your vehicle that will transport you under the River Mersey, passing beneath your ship on the 45-minute short hop to Chester. Upon arrival, you will have a fully guided tour of Chester taking in the site of a Roman Amphitheatre, Norman Era Defensive Walls, views of the River Dee which gave Chester its means of trade with the rest of the world hundreds of years ago before passing by buildings dating back to the Tudor and Georgian era with Victorian architecture mixed in for good measure. You will see the famous Rows which is Chester's unique shopping experience before finally reaching the centre of the City - Chester Cross. From here you will have free time to wander the streets of this historic City and sample some of the flavours that makes Cheshire so loved by many, including Cheshire Cheese and local Ales. Finally, with bags laden with souvenirs (and some delicacies picked up at the various food stores) you will be transported back to the Port in Liverpool. If time allows, you may even get to meet the Fab Four before being dropped back at the Cruise Terminal

From Chester: Full-Day Yorkshire Sightseeing Day Trip

8. From Chester: Full-Day Yorkshire Sightseeing Day Trip

Get a taste of Yorkshire on a full-day minibus tour from Chester. Explore the county's history and cuisine, admire feats of Victorian engineering, and see the picturesque Hardraw Force waterfall. After a partially-narrated 2-hour journey, arrive in Haworth to discover the stories of the Bronte Sisters — Anne, Charlotte, and Emily. From there, head to the stunning limestone feature of Malham Cove, formed by melt-water from glaciers over 12,000 years ago. See the impressive Ribblehead Viaduct, a masterpiece of 19th-century engineering, and take a stroll to get a closer look at its 1.5 million bricks. A stop at the must-visit Wensleydale Creamery follows. Sample some of its famous cheeses, made originally by Cistercian Monks. Next, visit the pretty village of Hawes, a honeypot boasting shops, cafes, pubs, and locals sipping John Smith's while munching a Yorkshire Pudding. Once you have explored Hawes, head to Hardraw Force, the UK's highest single-drop waterfall, which is over 100 feet tall. Enjoy the splash pool and the breathtaking natural “amphitheater” before beginning your journey back to Chester.

Chester: River Dee Cruise to the Iron Bridge

9. Chester: River Dee Cruise to the Iron Bridge

From our moorings on The Groves in Chester, sail upstream out of the city limits, through the leafy Cheshire countryside, and up to the picturesque Aldford Iron Bridge on the Duke of Westminster's Eaton Estate. A recorded commentary will highlight some of the sights and history of the river and its surroundings. Relax with options from a fully stocked bar serving hot drinks, soft drinks and alcohol will be open throughout your cruise allowing you to buy a drink or two while you glide over the river. Bring along your own picnic to enjoy while on deck.

From Chester: Lake District Full-Day Guided Sightseeing Tour

10. From Chester: Lake District Full-Day Guided Sightseeing Tour

This full-day adventure departs from Chester and heads straight towards the luscious countryside. Admire the views as you travel to the UK’s largest national park, the Lake District, stopping at the underground Rheged Discovery Center along the way. During the partially narrated 2-hour journey to the Lake District, the tour also stops by the famous Castlerigg Neolithic Stone Circle where you can feel ancient, mythical energy flowing around you. Afterwards, continue onto Grasmere Village which boasts an array of beautiful 19th-century architecture, as well as the grave of well-known poet William Wordsworth. Afterwards, let your nose lead the way to Sarah Nelson’s Gingerbread Shop, where you can taste a selection of traditional sweet treats from the region. After you’ve filled up on gingerbread, it’s time to explore the national park and navigate through the Langdales, also known as “Little Switzerland.” As you wander around the park, marvel at the breathtaking views that sprawl across the landscape, which offer some of the most dramatic and diverse scenery in the UK. Throughout the tour, there are plenty of stops to make the most of your trip to the Lake District. One of the highlights of the day includes an amble around Blea Tarn before a stop at Ambleside where you can get lost in the maze of twisting streets or shop at a selection of picturesque stores.

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Frequently asked questions about Chester

What top attractions are a must-see in Chester?

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What are the best day trips and excursions from Chester?

The best day trips and excursions from Chester are:

Llandudno

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What people are saying about Chester

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 549 reviews

The tour guide was lovely and made the whole trip as good as it could get. I think his name was Darren? I actually would 100 % book a trip again if I knew Darren was our guide :) I liked all of the stops, I just think a little more time in Betws-y-Coed would be nice but that's just because we needed all the time there to eat if you bring Sandwiches and snacks you will have enough time to discover everything. I also made a great friend on this trip, so if you ever consider doing this tour solo, go for it!!!

This was such a fantastic experience! As it was my first time, I didn’t know what to expect but I was pleasantly surprised. The group was lovely and our tour guide Darren was incredible! He was funny, charming and full of interesting facts. The trip to the mountains was breathtaking and I was in awe of the beauty before me. I highly, highly recommend this day trip! ✨

This was a very well organised and amazing trip. Darren was an awesome guide who kept us all informed with interesting facts and jokes throughout the day. Will definitely be using this service when we return to the UK.

Clive was very informative & we would highly recommend this trip. Excellent for the money as we saw 3 different towns & was a really good smooth ride in the superb comfy tour bus

It was a great experience! Lovely weather! And our guide-driver, Darren, was amazing!