If you’re thinking about a city break this summer, one popular option is to visit an area and use the city as a base to explore the surrounding regions too. Chester is one of the most renowned destinations for a city break, and it’s also perfect for using as an anchor point for further exploration. But what are the most popular day trips from Chester to extend your city break? And where should you visit?
What are the popular day trips from Chester to extend your city break?
While Chester is a city bursting with fun activities and culture, you might want to extend your city break with other adventures. Chester can be the perfect base for this, providing a rich anchor point within easy distance of a wide range of locations, including:
- Liverpool: Just 45 minutes by train or car, Liverpool is a vibrant city packed with culture. Music lovers will find plenty to enjoy, from The Beatles Story museum to the famous Cavern Club. The city’s UNESCO-listed waterfront, with attractions like the Museum of Liverpool, Tate Liverpool, and the Royal Albert Dock, is a must visit. You can also take a stroll along the Mersey or hop on a ferry for a scenic view of the city skyline. With its eclectic mix of history, art, and entertainment, Liverpool offers a dynamic contrast to Chester’s historic and laid back calm.
- North Wales: North Wales is less than an hour away from Chester, and this beautiful part of the world is well worth a visit. Conwy, a beautifully preserved medieval town, is home to one of the best examples of a 13th-century fortress in Europe at Conwy Castle. Further west, the seaside town of Llandudno offers traditional seaside charm, a long promenade, and the Great Orme Tramway for breathtaking hilltop views. For hikers and nature lovers, Snowdonia National Park is reachable in under two hours, with stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures.
- Llangollen: Tucked into the Dee Valley, Llangollen is about an hour’s drive from Chester and offers a combination of scenery, history, and culture. Here you can explore the ruins of Valle Crucis Abbey, enjoy a ride on the heritage steam railway, or walk along the Llangollen Canal. One of the area’s highlights is the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can take a canal boat or simply walk across the impressive 38-metre-high structure.
- Delamere Forest: For a tranquil outdoor escape, Delamere Forest is only 30 minutes from Chester by car or train. This sprawling woodland in the heart of Cheshire offers a network of walking and cycling trails, family friendly activities, and even a treetop adventure course. It’s an ideal destination for a picnic, a scenic hike, or a gentle stroll around Blakemere Moss.
- Shrewsbury: About an hour’s drive south of Chester, Shrewsbury is a picturesque market town with over 600 listed buildings, many of them timber-framed Tudor masterpieces. The town is encircled by a loop of the River Severn, adding to its natural beauty. Why not visit Shrewsbury Castle, the museum and art gallery, or simply wander through the quirky streets filled with independent shops and cafes.
For your trip to Chester why not choose The Hotel Chester for your stay? Perfect for individuals, couples, families and groups, our apartments are all high quality, offering boutique luxury. Our aparthotel provides a fantastic central base in the heart of Chester, so why not get in touch today to find out more?