The Roman Walls

Chester's Roman walls mark the perimeter of an ancient fortress that once served as the Roman Empire's northern outpost. Today, visitors are welcome to visit the still standing, 2000-year-old Roman Amphitheatre, stone bathhouses, and officers' quarters. Entry to the Amphitheatre is free during daylight hours. Local museums, such as the Museum of Roman Finds, house a wide array of Roman antiques. For those looking for more of an adventure, Chester's Fort Adventure offers guests an opportunity to role play while exploring the historical site. Hadrian's Wall is over 70 miles long and spans from sea to sea. Even for those who aren't historically inclined, the spectacular world heritage site is sure to amaze.

Address: Little St John Street, Chester, Cheshire
Phone: 0370 333 1182
Website: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk

Chester Zoo

If you're visiting with the kids or just looking to get your animal fix, the Chester Zoo is a spectacular place to spend the afternoon. A wide variety of world animals and their respective habitats are spread across the 125-acre attraction. There is also a dynamic play space, daily events, and a gift shop for souvenirs. What's more, the zoo hosts a wide variety of ethically sourced food options, including casual Southeast Asian fare, multiple coffee shops, and an ice cream parlor. It comes as no surprise that this is the UK's most popular zoo park!

Address:Moston Road, Upton-by-Chester, Chester CH2 1LH
Phone: 01244 380280
Website:http://www.chesterzoo.org/

Eastgate Clock

The Eastgate Clock is located at the site of the original entrance to the Roman fortress, Deva Victrix. The gate dates back to the late 1700s and offers visitors the opportunity to promenade along the city high line. The clock was added in the late 1800s in honor of the Queen's diamond jubilee. Well maintained by the city, the gate and its walkway are a great place to commence on an evening stroll and explore the nearby waters.

Address: 41-45 Eastgate St, Chester CH1 1LE
Website: www.discoverchester.co.uk

Blue Planet Aquarium

Home to Europe's largest collection of sharks, the Blue Planet Aquarium is a staple of any visit to Chester. A walk through the "flooded forest" or a visit to the "Caiman Crocodiles" is bound to excite the child in all of us. If that isn't stimulating enough, you can even set forth on a dive in the Caribbean Reef tank. Don't leave without sitting down for a bite at the onsite, Nautilus Kitchen, which offers a spectacular array of seafood.

Address: Kinsey Rd, Cheshire Oaks, Ellesmere Port CH65 9LF
Phone: 0151 357 8804
Website: www.blueplanetaquarium.com

The Grosvenor Museum

The Grosvenor Museum is just one of the West Cheshire Museums. The museum collection consists of several period art exhibits, including paints, textiles, pottery, metal wares, etc. If you're planning a visit with children, don't forget to check the museum page for upcoming family events. The museum likes to link learning with hands-on adventures, such as making your own jewelry or paintings. If you're new to art, the museum also offers several guided tours and rotating programs.

Address: Grosvenor Museum, 27 Grosvenor St, Chester CH1 2DD
Phone: 01244 972197
Website: www.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk

Shop at the Chester Rows

The Chester Rows are four parallel streets lined with several unique shops, specialty boutiques, and galleries. While shopping such as this is commonplace in many cities, the rows offer a one-of-a-kind, two-tier shopping opportunity. The second story covered walkway provides protection from the sun and rain. What's more, the Tudor style buildings are all original and provide a vintage ambiance. Even if you aren't looking for consumer wares, the handful of coffee shops and galleries are worth a peek.

Take a Ride Along the Chester Canal

Visitors are known to gravitate toward the natural beauty of Chester's waterways. Arguably the best way to do this is to relax alongside the sides of the Chester canal and watch as the narrow boats pass through the city. You can even rent your own boat for a long holiday. Some narrow boats include cabins, kitchenettes, galleries, and all-star amenities. Anderson Boats are longstanding local boat craftsmen and guides that can help you perfect your upcoming adventure.

Catch a Show at Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre

If you happen to visit Chester in the summer months, there is no better place to catch a show than this beautiful, open air theater. With skillful interpretations of "Alice in Wonderland," "Julius Caesar," and "A Midsummer's Night Dream," Grosvenor provides intimate showings of some time-honored favorites. Like many venues in Chester, picnics and families are welcome.

Visit the Sick to Death Museum... If You Dare!

Chester is chock full of traditional museums, historical sites, and cultural preservation, but if you're looking for something a bit more unconventional, you won't be disappointed. Located within the walls of 700-year-old medieval towers, the exhibit uses death, disease, or sickness as a vehicle with which to explore the past. You'll need to be at least 6 years old to enter the morbidly named, "Chamber of Horrors," which serves as an unofficial right of passage for visitors to this oddball tourist attraction. Take care in scheduling your visit, as the museum is typically only open in the afternoon.

Dewa Roman Experience

A huge part of the rich cultural tapestry of Chester is its history. However, if we're being honest, history can sometimes be dull. Dewa Roman Experiences help you to explore history in a more sensual way by offer interactive opportunities to learn more about the Roman presence in historical Chester. Kids will relish the chance to build their very own catapult or hypocaust. They may even get the opportunity to try on Roman Armour or get a tour of the Roman Gallery by Grapus the Oars Master. Tours and activities are reasonably priced and reoccurring.

Chester Cathedral

Chester Cathedral isn't your typical worship site. Though its religious roots date back to 958 AD, it currently houses a diverse selection of attractions. Join the public for one of the splendid services or choral performances designed for worship and prayer. Or, venture into the onsite falconry to meet and learn about birds of prey. There are also some lovely natural gardens, a Venetian court, and Lego workshops. Take a tour and stop off at the Refectory Cafe and gift shop on your way out.

Chester Regatta

Don't miss the world's oldest regatta. The annual race takes place in June and is free to spectators, though there will be plenty of purchasable concessions. Around since the 1700s, the regatta features over 200 boaters competing in a series of entertaining, fast-paced races. Join locals in one of their favorite yearly events.

Chester Races

The Chester Racecourse holds 15 annual horse races, several community events, and polo matches. The events pull in loads of spectators and can be an exciting addition to a trip. The racing season spans from May to September, including some spectacular festivities geared toward both children and adults. The venue offers generous guest accommodations, including various concession options. Children are always welcome free and guests are even encouraged to bring along their own picnics sans alcohol beverages.

Chester Heritage Open Days

If you'll be visiting in early September, don't miss this popular, multiday event. Once a year, Chester opens it typically closed-to-the-public heritage sites and offers visitors a rare glimpse into the past. The Chester Civic Trusts works diligently to make this a day to remember. Visit places such as Sally's Secret Garden at the Dutch Houses, the Brewery Tap at the Gamul House, and Miss Selfridge's Roman Hypocaust.

MBNA Chester Music Festival

Chester seems to come to life in the summer months. In June, the annual Chester summer musical festival offers visitors the opportunity to listen to an array of Storehouse's hand selected musical talents. Concerts are held at the Chester town hall and have featured talented acts, such as Ensemble Deva, in the past.

The International Cheese Show

If you'll be visiting Chester in July and happen to be a fan of cheese, you really shouldn't miss this event! Elite members of the dairy industry will gather together for a multiday event that will melt your heart. There will be over 5,000 cheese products on display, free tastings, celebrity chefs, music, and much more. While the public isn't invited to the dairy industry delegate luncheon, don't miss the open-to-the-public trade show!

No matter when nor where you find yourself in Chester, there is sure to be a sight to behold or event to partake in within stone's throw. From an ancient fortress to a modern tourist city, Chester has some surprises finds mixed in with its well-preserved past. From shopping to museums, there is something for people of all ages and interests.