If you and your special someone are on the lookout for a unique romantic ideas in Chester, you’re in luck because Chester features a number of locations that will cater to any type of couple out there.
Chester, considered as one of the most picturesque cities in all of England, is the perfect destination for couples who are looking for a romantic weekend break.
Whether you and your special someone are both adrenaline junkies, hopeless romantics, or even history enthusiasts, Chester has the perfect activity or location for you. With that in mind, here are 13 romantic ideas for a weekend in Chester.
Romantic Weekend Ideas in Chester
1. Walk Chester’s Roman Walls
Chester is known for its city walls. It is considered over the years as a defensive structure that was actually built to protect the city. It was first constructed by the Romans during the time when they also established the Fortress of Deva Victrix. The walls originated from the turf and earth which were surmounted by a palisade made from wood. Around 100 AD, these were reconstructed by use of sandstone; however, it was only completed 100 years later.
For those types of couples who love to learn about the history of the places they visit, this can be a great date idea for the two of you. Do note that these walls cover about 2.2 miles throughout the entire centre of the city. In fact, Chester’s Roman walls are the most complete in all of England.
For those who are into architecture, what better way to spend your weekend break than to spot some of the best historical structures that are scattered all over the city. In addition, look out for where the Roman soldiers typically patrols, the gorgeous Georgian promenaders, as well as the medieval archers.
If you find the time to look for a great tour guide, you and your special someone can end up with an array of majestic and exciting sights throughout your walk. Some of the more interesting and fascinating sights include the Eastgate Clock, Chester’s Water Tower, Chester’s Racecourse, and the internationally renowned Roman Amphitheatre.
2. Capture the Moment at the Eastgate Clock
Taking photos has always been deemed as a great way to capture precious moments and relive them all over again. If this is the case, why not capture the moment and take a photo in front of one of the most highly photographed clocks in the planet – Chester’s Eastgate Clock.
Moreover, there are actually a number of other activities to do so beside take photos and selfies. You can take a stroll and explore the city on foot. Luckily, you can do this without having to pay for every tourist attraction that you encounter. If you have a car with you, the most you’re going to pay is £4 for four hours of parking.
The Eastgate Clock has been in place since the Victorian period. It was erected in 1897 as a means to celebrate the diamond jubilee of Queen Victoria. It marks one of the main entrances to the city. Truly, it dominates the Roman Walls and it’s quite impossible to not see it.
Fun fact: the clock mechanism of the Eastgate Clock was actually replaced after it was fully upgraded in 2015. Today, it is admired by many locals and tourists alike. If you are planning to visit Chester over the weekend, it would be crazy to miss the chance of seeing the Eastgate Clock in person.
3. Experience Victorian Accommodation at the Macdonald New Blossoms Hotel
What you and your partner need to know about the Macdonald New Blossoms Hotel is that it is part of the AA Hotel Group of the Year 2013 and 2014. It is deemed by many as a classical boutique hotel situated in the heart of this historic city.
The Macdonald New Blossoms Hotel first opened its doors to the public in 1650. This is the perfect staycation idea for you and your partner. You’ll find this to be beautifully in line with the city’s history as well as find yourselves amidst the charm of its luxurious rooms; thus, allowing it to create the perfect environment to unwind and relax – and maybe even enjoy a romantic night indoors.
Should you and your special someone decide that you both want to experience fine dining, you no longer have to look far. The Macdonald New Blossoms Hotel offers some of the best dishes in their new 1650 St. Johns Restaurant. Here, you get to experience fine dining, sensational dishes, a wide and excellent selection of wine, and a friendly staff that is ready to cater to your every need. Not to your tatses, there are plenty of lovely restaurants in Chester.
If all of these aren’t enough, you would be happy to know that the hotel has the most ideal locations that will allow you to sample all of the available delights that the city has to offer including nightlife, shopping sprees, Dee River cruises, and other historical attractions such as The Rows as well as the City Walls.
4. Horse Racing at the Chester Racecourse
Not a typical suggestions but if your weekend break happens to be over one of the race days through out the year, then its a great afternoon out.
5. Book a Room at the Roomzzz Chester
There is another option for you and your partner to truly enjoy your experience of watching the action at the Chester Racecourse – book a room at the Roomzzz Chester. This hotel is conveniently located next to the Chester Racecourse. Not only is this property walking distance from the said racecourse, but it is also about a five-minute walk from the centre of the city. Furthermore, it is about 3.5 miles from Chester Zoo.
If you are undecided as to what you want to do over the weekend while you and your special someone are at Chester, you’ll find that booking a room at the Roomzzz Chester is a cost-effective and practical thing to do as the location alone is priceless. If that’s not enough, you’ll be happy to know that Roomzzz Chester provides excellent self-catering accommodation.
6. Walk Alongside the Riverbanks of The River Dee
The River Dee is one of the more known rivers in the UK. This river flows through certain parts of both England and Wales; thus, allowing the formation of a border between said two countries.
The river is about 70 miles long as it stretches throughout Chester and Wales. You can find the Groves on the banks of River Dee. It is a paved promenade with rows of restaurants, coffee shops, public houses, and bandstands.
Walk along the riverbank and enjoy the beautiful scenery. You can also opt to experience propelling yourselves in a pedalo, motorboat, or even a rowing boat. With the River Dee, there are a number of options for you to consider.
7. Go Shopping at Chester Rows
The Chester Rows are half-timbered galleries and shops that are reachable by foot. In addition, there is also a second row of stores above those as well as at street level along Watergate Street, Bridge Street, Northgate Street, and Eastgate Street.
Truly, the Chester Rows is something quite unique to the world. There are no historical documents or evidence as to why the Rows were built this way. Nevertheless, this magnificent sight is still considered as a great contribution to the character and beauty of the great city of Chester. Whether you are a man or a woman, young or old, in a relationship or not, it would be crazy to let this opportunity pass.
8. The Bull and Stirrup Hotel Wetherspoon
Yes this article is about a romantic weekend, but romance does not have to be expensive.
This hotel has a fast and reliable internet connection, is conveniently located just outside the great Roman Walls of Chester, is only about a five-minute walk from Chester Cathedral, and has endless features and benefits.
Tea and coffee making facilities are provided and they do offer dinner in your room. In the end, you can never really go wrong with the Bull and Stirrup Hotel Wetherspoon. It has one of the most convenient locations in all of Chester’s accommodation options; you can easily take a stroll alongside its nearby shops; it’s only a 15-minute walk to the Chester Racecourse.
9. Staying at the Oddfellows Chester
Another hotel located in the centre of the city is the Oddfellows Chester. It is only a few minutes away from the famous River Dee, a five-minute walk to Chester Racecourse, and a three-minute walk to the Grosvenor Shopping Centre.
In addition, the Oddfellows Chester offers every type of couple a chance to experience a more modern kind of fine dining at its restaurant and stylish bar. It features boutique-style rooms that offer a highly reliable internet connection.
10. Visit the Grosvenor Park
Grosvenor Park is known as the main ornamental park in the entire city of Chester. Grosvenor Park is extremely popular to both local residents as well as visitors to the city.
The Grosvenor Park is typically Victorian in terms of its layout as it heavily features formal avenues that are lined with statues, trees, and huge sweeping lawns which are surrounded with a variety of ornamental shrub beds and even a number of display bedding, for which this park has become well known for.
As for the park’s bedding displays, these are actually planted twice a year as a means to provide a spectacular, majestic, and colourful view that is seen by visitors throughout the months of spring as well as months of summer.
On a more recent basis, the Grosvenor Park has actually become the focus point for a number of significant cultural activities as well as a number of horticultural events, including the Art in Park, open air theatre, the annual Summer Music Festival, and the yearly prize-giving show for Chester In Bloom which tends to feature a number of competitions.
However, despite all of these types of activities, it is without a doubt that the Grosvenor Park still continues to retain its beautiful and peaceful aesthetic and character; thus, allowing their visitors to enjoy some of the more informal activities in this gorgeous setting.
11. Mad Hatters Tearoom and Bakery
As the name suggests, the staff and team at the Mad Hatters Tearoom and Bakery surely love the funnier and quirkier side of things. For them, life is simply a cup of tea. You can genuinely tell that they pride themselves on creating a warm, nurturing, and welcoming environment for you and your partner to escape the stress and anxiety that typically comes with the everyday hustle and bustle of life.
You should definitely put the Mad Hatters Tearoom and Bakery on top of your list. Here, you get to truly experience high-quality customer service.
Every time you visit the Mad Hatters Tearoom and Bakery, be sure to expect a warm welcome from everyone – whether you are visiting for a healthy breakfast, a light lunch or brunch, or even a wonderful afternoon tea, you’ll always feel as if you’re in a dream-like tea and coffee shop. Chester in itself is already considered as picturesque, but the Mad Hatters Tearoom and Bakery will take it to a whole new level.
12. Visit the Chester Zoo
If you love animals and a great day out getting to know one another, then why not visit Chester Zoo.
If you do get tired walking around the vast space that the Chester Zoo offers, you can avail of a buggy ride or even a monorail. Orwhy not try experiencing a lazy river boat trip and get to know more about Chester Zoo’s aquatic friends.
On another note, you and your partner call also explore their gardens and be at awe at the thousands of flowering plants and a gorgeous array of colours. You can also visit their aquarium as well as the parrot breeding centre.
The Realm of the Red Ape is one of the highly sought after attraction at the Chester Zoo. It is considered as the home of the magnificent red-haired primates, the amazing Bornean orangutan. You can easily observe how these animals go about their daily lives as well as how they share their home to charismatic Lar gibbons.
13. Chester Cathedral
Chester Cathedral is an excellent example of an English monastic church as it heavily focuses on the New Red Sandstone during the structure’s construction. As a result, it resulted in a more pinkish tone on the inside and outside the cathedral.
You can also opt to take a tour of the cathedral, do pay special attention to the stained glass windows, also referred to by many as the West Window. You will also notice the Nave Mosaics which dates all the way back to about 1880. Your guide will also point out this fact during your tour: most of the cathedral’s significant architectural details extend all the way back to about 1100.
If you and your partner are up for a challenge, you can go up the Chester Cathedral at their Height Exhibition located in the bell tower. Chester Cathedral is considered as a fully functioning cathedral, you can also attend their services.
Getting around Chester
Parking in Chester can be difficult during peak seasonal periods, and the park and ride facilities are very handy during these periods (free busses every 10 minutes). If you are staying within Chester there are local busses, hop on hop off tourist busses, taxi in Chester can be booked or head off to one of many taxi ranks dotted around the city.
Related Articles
- Romantic Hotel Breaks In Chester
- Things to Do on a Long Weekend Break in Chester
- A Couple’s Day Out in Chester
- Enjoy Afternoon Tea in Chester
- Sightseeing in Chester