Chester is often touted as one of the most beautiful and historic cities in the UK. But it is also one of the most popular destinations for families looking for a fun and engaging weekend break, or a longer visit. With beautiful parks, great places to eat, and plenty to see and do, Chester offers something for everyone. So what should you be sure to do when visiting Chester as a family? And how can you make your family trip to Chester memorable?
What are the top things to do when visiting Chester as a family?
There are a wide range of different activities and attractions you can do and see in Chester that are sure to be fun for the whole family. These include:
- Exploring Chester’s history
- Visit family friendly attractions in Chester
- Outdoor adventures in Chester
- Indoor adventures in Chester
- Enjoying family meals in Chester
Exploring Chester’s history
One of the biggest draws to visiting Chester is its fascinating history. For kids and adults alike, the city centre is bursting with interesting reminders of the city’s heritage. Why not:
- Walk the Chester city walls- One of the best ways to see Chester is by walking the famous Chester City Walls. These well-preserved walls date back to Roman times and offer stunning views of the city. The walk is about two miles long, but there are plenty of places to stop and take in the sights. Kids will love spotting the different landmarks along the way, including the Eastgate Clock, which is one of the most photographed clocks in the UK.
- Visit the Roman Amphitheatre- Chester was once an important Roman settlement, and the Roman Amphitheatre is a must-visit attraction for families. This is the largest amphitheatre in Britain, and children will enjoy imagining the gladiator battles that once took place here. There are often reenactments and interactive activities during special events, making it a fun way to learn about history.
- Discover the Grosvenor Museum- If your family enjoys learning about the past, the Grosvenor Museum is a fantastic place to visit. It features a variety of exhibits about Chester’s history, including Roman artifacts, period rooms, and even a fun hands on section for kids. The museum is free to enter, making it a great budget friendly activity.
- Explore The Rows- Chester is famous for its unique Rows, a series of two-level medieval shopping galleries. Even if you’re not planning to shop, the Rows are fascinating to explore. Kids will enjoy walking along the upper level and peering down at the streets below.
Visit family friendly attractions in Chester
Chester has a host of family friendly attractions, including the Grosvenor Museum detailed above, but you shouldn’t miss out on:
- Chester Zoo- No family trip to Chester would be complete without a visit to Chester Zoo, one of the best zoos in the world. Home to over 35,000 animals, this incredible attraction is perfect for kids of all ages. Beyond the amazing animal displays, there are also several play areas, picnic spots, and restaurants, so you can easily spend a full day here.
- Blue Planet Aquarium- Located just outside Chester in Ellesmere Port, the Blue Planet Aquarium is another fantastic attraction for families. Kids will love walking through the underwater tunnel, where sharks swim overhead, and watching the daily dive shows. There are also hands on rock pools where children can touch starfish and other sea creatures.
Outdoor adventures for families in Chester
If you’re little ones will need to let off some steam, Grosvenor Park is the perfect place. This large, beautifully maintained park has plenty of green space for kids to run around, as well as a fantastic playground. In the summer months, you may also find outdoor theatre performances, which are great for families.
Indoor adventures for families in Chester
If the weather isn’t great, Storyhouse is a wonderful indoor family option. This cultural hub includes a library, cinema, and theatre, with regular family friendly performances and movie screenings. There are often special events for children, including storytelling sessions and arts and crafts activities.
Enjoying family meals in Chester
After a busy day of exploring, you’ll want to refuel with some tasty food. Here are some great family-friendly restaurants in Chester:
- Hickory’s Smokehouse- Located near the River Dee, Hickory’s Smokehouse is a fantastic place for families. The menu includes delicious BBQ dishes, and there’s even a cinema room for kids to enjoy while waiting for their food.
- The Botanist- For a finer dining experience, The Botanist offers a great kids’ menu and a lovely atmosphere. The restaurant’s garden themed décor makes it feel magical for little ones.
- The Jaunty Goat- If your family loves brunch, The Jaunty Goat is a great café with tasty options for all ages. It’s also a good choice for families with dietary requirements, as they offer vegetarian and vegan options.
Choosing accommodation when visiting Chester as a family
If you’re looking to enjoy a family visit to Chester in style, why not choose our luxury aparthotel for your stay? Perfect for families and groups, our hotels Chester are all high quality, offering boutique luxury. Our aparthotel provides a fantastic central base in the heart of Chester, which is ideal for relaxing after a long day of family friendly activities. Why not get in touch today to find out more?