Chester Day Trips
The Best Ways to Explore the Area
Lets face it, Chester is a beautiful city in Cheshire, England, with a rich history and a vibrant culture. It's the perfect place to visit for a day trip, and there are plenty of things to see and do in the surrounding area.
We never get bored of the place and still find new things to do. Let me give you some ideas and I am pretty sure there will be at least one activity of the 5 you haven't done.
Days Out In Chester on this page
The Top 5 Chester Day Trips
Here are the top 5 Chester day trips:
Visit the Roman Walls
The Roman Walls are one of the most iconic landmarks in Chester including the Eastgate Clock. They were built in the 1st century AD and are still standing today. You can walk along the walls for stunning views of the city and the River Dee.
Explore Chester Cathedral
Chester Cathedral is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture. It was built in the 13th century and is home to some stunning stained glass windows.
Take a boat trip on the River Dee
The River Dee is a great way to see Chester from a different perspective. You can take a boat trip down the river and see the city from the water. You can also get on the Chester Bus Tour near the boats.
Maybe do as we do and go on both in the afternoon. We also take time for an afternoon tea in Chester, well why not!
Visit the Grosvenor Museum
The Grosvenor Museum is home to a collection of artifacts from around the world. It's a great place to learn about the history and culture of Chester and the surrounding area.
It is always interesting to find out what made the place tick all those years ago.
Go shopping in Chester city centre
Chester city centre is home to a wide variety of shops, from high street stores to independent boutiques. You can find everything you need for a day out in Chester, from souvenirs to clothes to gifts and the Visitors Information Centre (pictured). We find some great ideas here and some ideas that are for free to do in Chester.
Other Day Trip Ideas from Chester
In addition to the top 5 Chester day trips, there are also a number of other day trip ideas from Chester. Here are a few suggestions
Visit the Peak District National Park
The Peak District National Park is a beautiful area of countryside just a short drive from Chester. There are plenty of hiking, biking, and fishing opportunities in the park.
Go to Liverpool
Liverpool is a vibrant city with a rich musical history. It's home to the Beatles Story and the Cavern Club, two of the most popular tourist attractions in the UK. It's on my bucket list!
Visit Snowdonia National Park
Snowdonia National Park is a stunning area of mountains and lakes in North Wales. It's a great place to go hiking, biking, and camping.
Go to National Trust Properties
Lots of National Trust Properties and areas you can visit for a wonderful day out and a learning experience for all the family. We have a full list on our site where you can visit.
How to Get to Chester
Certainly! Here's a more informative version of the content with additional details on motorway connections, exits/junctions, and the precise location of the train and bus stations in Chester
Chester is conveniently accessible by train, bus, and car, making it an easy destination whether you are traveling locally or from further afield.
By Train
The Chester Train Station is situated in the Newtown area, about a mile from the city centre. It is well served by direct trains from key cities across the UK. For instance:
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Regular direct services run from London Euston, typically taking just over two hours.
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There are also frequent services from Birmingham New Street and Manchester Piccadilly, with journey times of around 90 minutes and 60 minutes respectively.
By Bus
The Chester Bus Interchange is centrally located at Gorse Stacks, a short walk from the city centre. National Express, among other providers, operates regular coach services connecting Chester to various parts of the UK, including London, Birmingham, and Manchester.
Local buses also run frequently, making it convenient for short trips around the city and nearby areas.
By Car
Chester is well-connected to the motorway network, making it straightforward for those traveling by car. Key routes include
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The M53 motorway is a major route into Chester. To reach the city, drivers should exit at Junction 12 and follow the A56 into the city centre.
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For those travelling from the direction of Manchester or Liverpool, the M56 is the primary motorway. Exit the M56 at Junction 15 for the M53, and then take Junction 12 off the M53 as above.
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Coming from North Wales, the A55 expressway connects directly to Chester. Exit at Junction 40, and then follow the A51 into Chester.
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Please note that Chester has several car parks in and around the city centre, including some with Park and Ride services, which can be a convenient and environmentally friendly way to complete your journey.
Where to Stay in Chester
There are a number of great places to stay in Chester, from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious hotels. Here are a few suggestions
The Chester Grosvenor
Perfectly situated in the heart of Chester, this iconic hotel overlooks the renowned Eastgate Clock, celebrated as the second most photographed clock in England, after London's Big Ben.
Dining at The Chester Grosvenor is an experience in itself, with options to suit any palate. La Brasserie, an award-winning restaurant, boasts two AA Rosettes and offers delectable all-day dining options.
Additionally, guests can enjoy the glamour of a Champagne and cocktail bar located within the restaurant. For an even more refined dining experience, visit Arkle, where luxury and comfort blend seamlessly to create an inviting atmosphere.
To make your stay even more memorable, The Chester Grosvenor presents a selection of exclusive hotel offers. Choose from city breaks designed for urban exploration, relaxing spa packages to unwind and rejuvenate, or sumptuous weekend getaways crafted to end your week on a high note.
Choose The Chester Grosvenor, and let your unforgettable Chester experience begin. You will feel like a million dollars (as they say).
The Town House Hotel
Situated in the vibrant heart of Chester city centre, The Townhouse Hotel serves as an ideal base, positioned just a short five-minute stroll from an array of shops, bars, and restaurants.
This 32-room hotel is designed for comfort and convenience, offering complimentary Wi-Fi across the premises and a 24-hour reception desk to assist guests at all hours.
The variety of accommodation options includes classic double and twin rooms, as well as executive, superior, and family rooms. Every room is thoughtfully equipped with tea and coffee-making facilities, complimentary water, and beds designed for supreme comfort.
For those planning a group getaway, whether with family or friends, the hotel's Amphitheatre Apartment and Roman Vault Party Pad present perfect options for a memorable stay.
The hotel’s 1699 Brasserie caters to all meals of the day, offering breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner options. For those looking to unwind, the hotel’s secret garden provides a tranquil setting to enjoy a refreshing cocktail.
Parking is a breeze, with a small on-site car park available on a first-come, first-served basis. Additionally, the hotel provides discount vouchers for the NCP car park located on Pepper Street, further adding to the convenience of your stay.
Double Tree by Hilton Chester
The Chester Doubletree by Hilton is housed in a historic 18th-century manor, surrounded by 12 acres of beautifully designed gardens.
Conveniently situated just outside the city of Chester, this hotel is a mere two-minute drive from the M53 motorway. Guests are offered complimentary WiFi access and on-site parking. For those who opt for a spa package like we do for a treat, a world of relaxation awaits.
They can unwind in the aroma steam room, take in the heat in a glass-fronted sauna or soak in the hot tub. The spa also boasts two swimming pools and a fitness centre. Special treatments are available in the spa's serene, candlelit beauty rooms.
Each of the hotel's 4-star bedrooms is equipped with a flat-screen LCD TV that features on-demand movie services. In addition to this, rooms come with a private bathroom stocked with high-quality toiletries, air conditioning, and a dedicated work desk.
For dining and drinks, guests have several options, including The Garden Room and Terrace, which serves cocktails and light fare, as well as a cosy lounge bar.
The DoubleTree by Hilton in Chester is strategically located, a 5-minute drive from Chester Zoo.
Additionally, Chester Racecourse is just a 10-minute drive from the property. For those traveling by air, Liverpool John Lennon Airport is situated 23 miles from the hotel.
I hope this article has inspired you to plan a day trip to Chester! There are so many great things to see and do in the city and the surrounding area.