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Things to do in Chester

Our most recommended things to do in Chester

City Sightseeing Chester Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

1. City Sightseeing Chester Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

No city in Britain is richer in terms of archaeological and architectural treasures than Chester, the Walled City on the River Dee. The City Sightseeing Chester Open Top Bus Tour will introduce you to the City Walls, the Cathedral, Roman Amphitheatre and much, much more. Discover how Chester has survived and prospered through the ebb and flow of history as you are transported around the city. Just as Chester's history has been linked with the River Dee, so it is with the Chester Tour. The bus crosses the Dee by both the Grosvenor and Old Dee Bridges and at The Groves provides a convenient connection with the river cruises operated by Bithell's Boats. The tour operates on a hop-on hop-off basis and your ticket is valid for 24 hours allowing you to stop off and visit any of the attractions on route.  Route • Chester Bus Interchange • Foregate Street - The Old Queen's Head • City Road - opposite the Premier Inn • Chester Railway Station - outside Town Crier Pub • St John the Baptist Church • The Groves • Pepper Street - Grosvenor Shopping Precinct • Grosvenor Street - Grosvenor Museum • Handbridge - St May's Church • Lower Bridge Street • Nicholas Street • Chester Racecourse - outside Holiday Inn Express

Chester: Half-Hour City Cruise

2. Chester: Half-Hour City Cruise

From the moorings at The Groves, Chester, you will head upstream under the Queen's Park Suspension Bridge and past the city's rowing clubs. You will then follow the sweeping bend of the Earl's Eye, passing some stunning riverside properties, and turn around at the city limits. On the return journey, the commentary details the history behind some of the more interesting riverside buildings, and the city's rich Roman, Medieval, and industrial heritage. The cruises will then finish with a great view of Chester Weir and the Old Dee Bridge, before disembarking back at The Groves.

From Manchester: North Wales, Snowdonia, and Chester Tour

3. From Manchester: North Wales, Snowdonia, and Chester Tour

The tour leaves Manchester in the morning and heads straight for the border of Wales. Conwy is the first stop of the day, one of the most picture-perfect harbor towns in the world. Here you can see a castle perched by the sea, the world's smallest house, and lots of cute restaurants serving up the best fish and chips. Venture along the winding, scenic roads of the Snowdonia National Park before arriving in Betws-Y-Coed. This quaint town is known as the gateway to Snowdonia and is famous for its alpine trees and cozy cafes. Chester is your next stop. This is one of England’s most historic towns and there is plenty to do here. It's advised to go straight to the ancient cathedral and learn about its remarkable past.

Chester: River Dee Cruise to the Iron Bridge

4. Chester: River Dee Cruise to the Iron Bridge

From our moorings on The Groves in Chester, sail upstream out of the city limits, through the leafy Cheshire countryside, and up to the picturesque Aldford Iron Bridge on the Duke of Westminster's Eaton Estate. A recorded commentary will highlight some of the sights and history of the river and its surroundings. Relax with options from a fully stocked bar serving hot drinks, soft drinks and alcohol will be open throughout your cruise allowing you to buy a drink or two while you glide over the river. Bring along your own picnic to enjoy while on deck.

From Chester: Full-Day Guided North Wales Sightseeing Tour

5. From Chester: Full-Day Guided North Wales Sightseeing Tour

Leave the Roman city of Chester and travel to Wales on a 90-minute, fully-narrated journey arriving at Llandudno. Visit the 12th-century hidden chapel of St. Tudno on the Great Orme. Next is the walled town of Conwy, constructed in 1283 with a fabulous 3/4-mile wall circuit. Go inside Conwy Castle, a gritty, dark-stoned fortress built by James of St. George in partnership with Frenchman Richard The Engineer. Afterwards, head to Snowdonia National Park using carefully-selected, off-the-beaten-track routes with a stop at the so-called “capital of North Wales,” Betws-Y-Coed prayer house in the woods. Finally, take the unique opportunity to experience the Pontcysyllte Canal Aqueduct, built by Sir Thomas Telford between 1795 and 1805. Prepare to be entertained and informed by your experienced guide and driver along the way.

Chester: Self-Guided City Sightseeing Treasure Hunt

6. Chester: Self-Guided City Sightseeing Treasure Hunt

Embark on a self-guided treasure hunt for a fun and unique way to explore Chester. Receive messages to a phone from Captain Bess, a snarky pirate testing out new recruits to join her ship. Travel Captain Bess's carefully designed route through the city. Follow the treasure maps to get to the right place, then try to decipher the clue. Search high and low for the answer and see hidden sights usually missed by tourists. Ask for a hint to continue the journey through the city if the clues get too tough. Start at the front of Chester Town Hall and sneak through tiny alleys and Victorian streets, passing the peaceful riverside and Roman ruins. Learn interesting facts and hear stories along the way about the sights along Bess's route and get a better understanding of the history of Chester. Get ready to explore Chester in a new way through this fun and interactive treasure hunt.

From Liverpool: Chester Sightseeing Half-Day Shore Excursion

7. From Liverpool: Chester Sightseeing Half-Day Shore Excursion

You will be met by a representative of the local partner at Liverpool Cruise Terminal and shown to your vehicle that will transport you under the River Mersey, passing beneath your ship on the 45-minute short hop to Chester. Upon arrival, you will have a fully guided tour of Chester taking in the site of a Roman Amphitheatre, Norman Era Defensive Walls, views of the River Dee which gave Chester its means of trade with the rest of the world hundreds of years ago before passing by buildings dating back to the Tudor and Georgian era with Victorian architecture mixed in for good measure. You will see the famous Rows which is Chester's unique shopping experience before finally reaching the centre of the City - Chester Cross. From here you will have free time to wander the streets of this historic City and sample some of the flavours that makes Cheshire so loved by many, including Cheshire Cheese and local Ales. Finally, with bags laden with souvenirs (and some delicacies picked up at the various food stores) you will be transported back to the Port in Liverpool. If time allows, you may even get to meet the Fab Four before being dropped back at the Cruise Terminal

From Chester: Full-Day Yorkshire Sightseeing Day Trip

8. From Chester: Full-Day Yorkshire Sightseeing Day Trip

Get a taste of Yorkshire on a full-day minibus tour from Chester. Explore the county's history and cuisine, admire feats of Victorian engineering, and see the picturesque Hardraw Force waterfall. After a partially-narrated 2-hour journey, arrive in Haworth to discover the stories of the Bronte Sisters — Anne, Charlotte, and Emily. From there, head to the stunning limestone feature of Malham Cove, formed by melt-water from glaciers over 12,000 years ago. See the impressive Ribblehead Viaduct, a masterpiece of 19th-century engineering, and take a stroll to get a closer look at its 1.5 million bricks. A stop at the must-visit Wensleydale Creamery follows. Sample some of its famous cheeses, made originally by Cistercian Monks. Next, visit the pretty village of Hawes, a honeypot boasting shops, cafes, pubs, and locals sipping John Smith's while munching a Yorkshire Pudding. Once you have explored Hawes, head to Hardraw Force, the UK's highest single-drop waterfall, which is over 100 feet tall. Enjoy the splash pool and the breathtaking natural “amphitheater” before beginning your journey back to Chester.

From Manchester: 3-Day Tour of Snowdonia, Wales, and Chester

9. From Manchester: 3-Day Tour of Snowdonia, Wales, and Chester

Day 1: Manchester to the border of Wales Depart from Manchester by coach for your first stop of the day, Conwy. Explore the town and its award-winning, picturesque harbor. View a castle perched by the sea, the "world’s smallest house", and traditional restaurants boasting the best fish and chips. Travel to the Llanberis Slate Museum, after you've soaked up the sea air, and learn about the history of the second largest slate mine in the world. Continue to Beddgelert, known as the "loveliest" village in Snowdonia. Admire the beautiful architecture of the stone houses and arched bridges. Travel through the heart of Snowdonia as the evening comes, arriving at your overnight stop in Aberystwyth. Day 2: Aberystwyth to New Quay Set off from Aberystwyth in the morning for the colorful seaside town of New Quay. Enjoy a relaxing stroll along the picturesque beach or grab an ice cream. Visit Laugharne, and stand in awe before this village’s towering castle. Carry on towards Carreg Cennen, an imposing fortress perched on top of a hill, nestled within the Brecon Beacons National Park. Roam across the ramparts and experience stunning views of the surrounding natural landscape. Make your way to Newton House, a palatial building that boasts rich gardens, unique architecture, and famous ghost stories, before returning to Aberystwyth later on that evening. Day 3: Harlech Castle and Chester Watch Snowdonia’s mountains fly by as you make your way to Harlech Castle, one of the most popular castles to see in the whole of the UK. Take the chance to witness the sea views and learn about its war-torn history. Stop for lunch in the little village of Betws-Y-Coed before journeying to one of England’s most historic towns, Chester. Head to the cathedral, rebuilt in the Gothic style from 1250 onward. Arrive back in Manchester in the early evening.

From Chester: North Wales Tour

10. From Chester: North Wales Tour

Leaving Chester, the majestic Snowdonia National Park will open up as you travel across a stunning mountain road with a stop at Llyn Ogwen, a beautiful lake with amazing mountain views. Rumored to be the final resting place of King Arthur's sword Excalibur. Proceed towards the honeypot village of Betws-y-Coed. You will have time here to find some lunch and explore this beautiful place. After Betws-y-Coed, head to Great Orme, a giant limestone headland. See the historic seafront with its 19th-century pier and take in fantastic views of Anglesey and Snowdonia. Continue towards Llandudno on the North Wales Coast. Along the way look out for great sea views, as you head along the main coastal road.  Leaving Llandudno you will get your first glimpse of the world famous Conwy Castle. The final stop before the return to Chester will be at Conwy where there will be an opportunity to take in views and photograph the famous castle. After leaving Conwy the tour returns back to Chester.

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Llandudno

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What people are saying about Chester

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 572 reviews

Had a fabulous day in Snowdonia and Chester. The weather was freezing but James very much made the trip for us, loved seeing the snowy mountains in Snowdonia and found the scenery breathtaking at times and enjoyed all the recommendations James made. Will definitely be back for another tour soon.

This day was great from start to finish. We had an amazing guide, Darren, and he was very informative and entertaining throughout our journey. We saw some amazing sites and I couldn’t have asked for a better day exploring North Wales, Snowdonia, and Chester. I highly recommend!

I have really enjoyed this tour, all locations were lovely , the tour cover north of Wales going through snowdonia and passing by small towns...l will definitely recommend it if you need to escape busy cities!!

Great tour, beautiful scenery and great information from the your guide Clive. Extremely enjoyable tour and very comfortable to have a day long tour where all location information is sorted for you.

Very enjoyable day with beautiful scenery and picturesque towns along the way.Clive our driver was great with his knowledge of history and tips for things to do at each stop.A great day out