When the weekend looms, or you share a rare mid-week day off together, it’s refreshing to leave your neighbourhood and explore somewhere further afield with your partner. For homebodies, this may mean simply travelling to the next village for a frothy coffee or a stroll in the woodlands. However, couples with a sense of adventure might relish a day out in a place that oozes history, has charm in spades and where you’ll never be short of something to do. A place like Chester.
Start with some Hanky Panky
The best start to any day is usually served on a plate with syrup, berries or bacon. At least, that’s the way you’ll get it at Hanky Panky, one of the best places to get breakfast pancakes in Chester. This popular spot is relatively centrally located in Commonhall Street, about a four-minute walk from the Eastgate Clock, one of Chester’s famous landmarks. Its menu boasts a festival of flavours with a choice of several toppings to complement its classic pancakes, as well as a range of hot and cold beverages to get you going. After a tasty breakfast here, you’ll both be ready for the next stop on your fabulous day out in Chester.
Release Your Adventurous Spirit
Unique experiences are most enjoyable when shared with those we love and they create memories that last a lifetime. Chester and the surrounding area has a wealth of things to see and do, from exploring the historical sights to gentle strolls along the banks of the River Dee, and shopping in the quaint boutiques on The Rows. And if it’s adventure you crave, there’s no shortage of that either!
One of the go-to spots for outdoor adventure lies about a 30-minute drive to the east of the cathedral city, in the Delamere Forest. Here, you can test your courage and each other’s level of support while suspended from high branches or zipping across the yawning gap between trees harnessed to a cable. While Go Ape has several locations throughout the UK, and even some in the USA, each outdoor spot is uniquely challenging. This activity calls on you to summon your inner warrior and brings out the natural cheerleader as you coax your partner across the chasm.
The adventure doesn’t end when your feet are safely back on terra firma. Once you’ve explored the forest from an aerial perspective, it’s time to do the same at ground level. Forest Segway takes you on an awe-inspiring experience on all-terrain segways, allowing you to view forest areas of special interest, such as a unique quaking bog where you may be lucky enough to see some of the rarest wildlife in the United Kingdom, or the flooded wetland Blakemere Moss that dates back to the Ice Age.
Don’t be deterred by wet weather. The segway experiences run throughout the year, apart from during periods of ice or snow, and muddy terrain only adds to the fun and laughter!
Time to Refuel
All the fresh air and adrenaline will undoubtedly boost your appetite, so it’s time to head back to the heart of Chester to refuel. There are plenty of options for grabbing a bit to eat, but as your next activity takes you down to the River Dee, it’s perhaps wise to grab a bite at one of the riverside eateries on that side of the city.
Lower Bridge Street has a good selection of restaurants, cafes and bars to choose from. If you’re feeling particularly hungry, hit The Bear and Billet or The King’s Head for some good old pub grub. However, if you’re just a bit peckish, then establishments like The Café at the Walls or Obscure Coffee might be just what you need. From there, it’s just a short stroll to your next stop: ChesterBoat.
Take to the Water
One of the notable features of Chester is the River Dee that flows through Wales and England, passing through the cathedral city on its way to the Wirral Peninsula. The river has an interesting history and you can enjoy its meanderings as you sit back and relax on one of the river cruises run by ChesterBoat.
Our pick for this day out with your special someone is the two-hour Iron Bridge Cruise. The trip starts from The Groves, adjacent to the Old Dee Bridge, and heads south along a very tranquil stretch of the waterway. It eventually passes through the beautiful Eaton Estate, which is the ancestral home of the Duke of Westminster, before turning at the pretty Aldford Iron Bridge and heading back to its moorings. Apart from the stunning natural scenery, you have every chance of spotting some fascinating wild birds.
The cruise includes commentary on the river’s history and points of interest that you pass, and a fully-stocked bar is on hand to cater for your beverage cravings.
The nightlife in Chester is vibrant and there’s no need to head home after the cruise if you feel the urge to enjoy this county town a bit longer. Dusk brings a subtle light to the area, and the traditional buildings and cobbled streets add a magical element as you make your way from the river back to the centre. This is the kind of atmosphere that will ensure you return to Chester for another spectacular day out.
Getting Around Chester
Being an old city, Chester does have its limitations during busy seasons. Chester park & ride is a great option for day trippers, whilst parking in Chester should be planned ahead of time if you are visiting during peak season and events. Our Chester taxis are private, clean and what goes on in the taxi, stays in the taxi (no please don’t do that) and can be booked from your hotel or location.
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