Walk where Roman Legionaires marched to war, Viking raiders wreaked havoc and Norman invaders conquered the Anglo Saxons

Top 5 things to do in Chester

Our team always get asked about the local Chester attractions and the best things to do in Cheshire.

We have put this list together with suggestions from the team and comments from previous guests about the activities they have best enjoyed when staying in Chester.

Number 1. Chester Zoo

The UK's number one charity zoo with over 35,000 animals, 500 different species and over 128 acres of gardens to explore.

This world-famous zoo is perfect for the whole family to enjoy a full day out that's not just fun but also educational. The best thing about visiting Chester Zoo when staying at Rowton Hall is that its only a 10 minute drive away and if you purchase tickets from the hotel, you'll save on normal admission prices.

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Number 2. River Dee

Exploring the River Dee as it flows through Chester is a relaxing way to spend a morning or afternoon.

The river is 70 miles long and stretches through Wales and Chester. On the bank of the river is the 'Groves', a paved promenade complete with bandstand, cafés, restaurants and public houses. Take a stroll along the riverbank or propel yourself in a motorboat, a rowing boat or a pedalo.

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Number 3. Storyhouse

Storyhouse is Chester's brand new theatre, cinema, library, restaurant and bar. A renovation of an Art Deco 1930s Odeon, the building houses two theatres, with a home-produced summer season and an autumn touring season encompassing comedy, drama, music and dance. Latest releases and independent film can be found in the cinema, whilst an upstairs bar has panoramic views of Chester.

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Number 4. Chester Cathedral

No trip to Chester would be complete without a visit to Chester Cathedral.

Chester Cathedral is many things to many people: a vibrant community of worship, an ancient abbey, an archaeological treasure, a cultural hub, a centre of musical excellence and a unique blend of medieval and modern history.

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Number 5. Chester City Walls

The city walls are the oldest, longest and most complete in Britain, parts of which are almost 2000 years old.

Chester is the only city in Britain that retains the full circuit of its ancient defensive walls. Walking the complete circuit gives wondrous views down into the city and gives a fantastic insight into Chester's long history. The main access onto the walls is at each of the four main gateways - Northgate, Eastgate, Watergate and Bridgegate, plus there are many other steps around the city, some including accessible ramps.

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Chester Races

Make a day at the UK’s oldest racecourse a thrilling part of your stay at Rowton Hall.

They’ve been racing at Chester since 1539, and every year between early May and late September you can join the trackside action on the banks of the River Dee.

Let us know you’re planning to visit Chester racecourse when you book with us and we’ll help you arrange your transport to and from the event. When you return you’ll be able to celebrate your winnings with dinner in the Langdale Restaurant, or soothe the impact of your losses in the Rowton Hall Spa.

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Chester Golf

Chester is the perfect location to enjoy the full range and selection of local Cheshire Golf Clubs.

There truly is a golf course to cater for everybody's playing abilities and preferences. Tricky, hilly courses and long, flat courses Cheshire is home to a fantastic selection.

After a rewarding day playing, enjoy the comfort and relaxation of a quality hotel where you can enjoy award-winning cuisine and luxurious accommodation. Our team will even store your clubs and load them in your car for you.

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Chester Roman Amphitheatre

The Roman amphitheatre at Chester was the largest in Britain. Used for entertainment and military training, there have been two stone-built amphitheatres on the site.

The first included access to the upper tiers of seats via stairs on the rear wall, as at Pompeii, and had a small shrine next to its north entrance. The second provided seat access via vaulted stairways. The two buildings differed from each other and from all other British amphitheatres, underlining the importance of Roman Chester.

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Chester City Centre

Stellar shopping. Buzzing bars and restaurants. And 2,000 years of history on your doorstep.

Discover the sheer range and diversity of attractions in Chester city centre, just 2.5 miles from Rowton Hall Country House Hotel & Spa.

Few places in Britain can boast quite so much history as Chester. You’ll come face to face with it on practically every street corner. This was the Roman fortress town of Deva, and you can still stroll on segments of the remaining Roman wall and amphitheatre.

Chester Cathedral dates from Norman times. The Grosvenor Museum explores Chester’s Viking and medieval past. Even shopping in Chester comes with an added dose of history: the double-level Rows of boutique stores date back to at least the 14th Century. Yet Chester is no relic. It’s alive with vibrant bars, stylish restaurants, river cruises, leafy parks and distinctive stores. And when you’re done exploring, you’ll be back to the peace and comfort of your country house hotel in minutes. You can plan more things to do during your visit here.

Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet

Where to begin? Chester has long been renowned as a shopping city. With its mix of big names and boutique independence, there’s an exciting mix of the designer exclusive, the locally inspired and the quirkily different.

At Chester Rows, in the heart of the city centre, find double the shopping heaven, with two tiers of stores set in covered medieval galleries.

If you’re in search of discount designer names, make a beeline for Cheshire Oaks, near the Blue Planet Aquarium. Modern shopping malls. Outlet stores. Beautiful buildings on ancient cobbled streets housing the high-end, the surprise bargain and the brilliantly unique. Love shopping in Chester.

BLUE PLANET

One of the UK’s largest aquariums is just moments away.

Immerse yourself in the waters of the world at Chester’s Blue Planet Aquarium. Discover the coral cave and mangrove swamp. Explore the Amazon or take the Aquatunnel through the UK’s largest collection of sharks. Over 100 living displays make the Blue Planet one of Chester’s best family attractions. If you’re a qualified diver, you could even take to the water.

The Blue Planet is situated at Cheshire Oaks designer outlet village so you can combine the natural world with retail therapy for a full day out.

COTEBROOK

Cotebrook Shire Horse Centre & Countryside Park makes a perfect family day out.

Get up close and personal with the wildlife and farmyard animals. Feed them. Stroke them. Perhaps even adopt them. Learn more about the area’s wildlife on the nature trail and at the exhibition centre. The picnic area is the perfect spot to sit, relax and enjoy the beautiful countryside.

Cotebrook is just 9 miles from Rowton Hall country house hotel. Click here to plan your visit.

Landscape image of Hatherley Manor Hotel exterior including front lawns

OULTON PARK

Whether you’re watching the action or taking to the track, there’s no more picturesque race circuit in the UK than Oulton Park. And it’s only 10 miles from Rowton Hall Country House Hotel, Chester.

The British Touring Car Championships, British Superbike Championship and British F3/GT all have stages at Oulton Park. But when the headline events are elsewhere, the circuit gives everyone the chance to burn equal measures of rubber and adrenaline.

The race experience days, test days and bike track days let you access speeds and vehicles most of us only dream of. A thrilling choice for a weekend break with friends or a corporate teambuilding event. And we’ll be waiting with a relaxing drink, meal or spa treatment when you return.

To find out more about events and race days visit the Oulton Park website.