Things to do & places to visit in Cheshire, United Kingdom

Cheshire #16 destination in United Kingdom 2023. The average rating score is 4.43 based on 66.9k traveler reviews, of 33 attractions. Timezone: Europe/London, current date and time: Monday, May 06, 2024, 3:49.

Top things to do (23)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Escapism Chester (3.171 reviews)
- We're addicted!
Monday: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Escape Games

Escapism Chester is Chester's Premier Live Escape Room. Hunt clues, crack codes and solve puzzles to escape the room. For teams of 2-6 players. See more..
5.0 Breakout Chester (2.772 reviews)
- Fantastic and something for kids and adults
Monday: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Escape Games

A unique experience that will leave you wanting more. Breakout is a real life escape room game. Using common sense brain power you have 60 minutes to escape a locked room. If you are looking for a unique and fun activity then this is for you. Teams of 2 - 5 friends, family, co - workers or puzzle enthusiast can attempt to escape. It is a great team building, hen / stag or birthday activity. See more..
5.0 Gauntlet Birds of Prey (631 reviews)
- Best Bird of Prey centre I've ever visited
Monday: Spent More than 3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Zoos

Gauntlet Birds of Prey – Eagle & Vulture Park in Knutsford, Cheshire is home to over 180 birds from 50 different species. At the park you’ll see a wide range of birds from Eagles, Hawks and Falcons to Vultures, Kites and Owls. We also have more unusual species such as Caracaras, Red-legged Seriemas, Marabou Storks, and Pelicans. The park is also home to Meerkats, Goats and Polecats. Each day at the park there are two flying displays – in these shows we discuss conservation, the habits of the birds, etc. There is a ‘Vulture Restaurant Talk’ where we chat about vultures in the wild and a ‘Meet and Greet’ session where you may meet our smelliest, cutest or largest feathered or furry friends. Join us for a fantastic day out! PLEASE NOTE: The park’s opening times vary throughout the year, please check our website for dates and times: https://gauntletbirdsofprey.co.uk/plan-your-visit/#opening See more..
5.0 Hover Force Ltd (586 reviews)
- Mikes stag weekend
Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Game & Entertainment Centers

Hovercraft Experiences, Rally Buggies, Dirt Karting & Target Sports including Axe throwing, Air Pistols, Air Rifles, Live Fire .22 Rimfire Rifles, Archery, Crossbows and Archery Combat for groups and individuals. Outdoor Activities for Stags & Hens, Birthdays, Corporate Events, Teambuilding, Experience Days to suit all ages 5 . Located next to M56 at Frodsham See more..
5.0 The Brindley Theatre (515 reviews)
- We love the Brindley Panto!!!!
Theaters

Went to watch Jack & the Beanstalk last night at the Brindley! We had the best time. Andrew Curphey "Billy" is hilarious & the whole cast & crew are just amazing! The work that goes into the performance is outstanding. We go to the Panto here every year now & always come away with no voices after laughing/shouting & singing so much!! Well done to all involved. *My Daughter was selected to go onto the stage last night too, which was just amazing!! See more..
5.0 Land Rover Experience (355 reviews)
- Awesome Experience, great fun and COVID safe!
Auto Racing Tracks

We visited The Landrover Experience at Peckforton Castle to take advantage of a complimentary half day. We were welcomed by Don who set us at our ease straight away assuring us of all the precautions in place to keep us safe from COVID-19...I think even the trees had been sanitised . With the current issues, we followed Don in another Landrover with a radio to keep in touch. This actually made the experience better than others I have done because you felt that you were totally in control. Don very cleverly kept the instructions on the radio to a minimum and was able to leave his car to guide when required. My daughter was the driver for this experience, her first time off road...and in the fabulous new Defender. The huge grin on her face from the start to the end said it all. A brilliant day made better by the fact we felt safe with our wonderful instructor, Don, and felt secure with the myriad of precautions taken against COVID. Thank you very much! See more..
4.5 Chester Zoo (16.3k reviews)
- Great day out at a wonderful zoo!
Monday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Zoos

We're the UK's number one charity zoo, with over 21,000 animals and 500 different species, including some of the most endangered species on the planet. With 1.9 million visitors every year, the zoo is an all-year round, full-day visitor attraction for everyone. We're open daily from 10am, except for Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Car parking is free and on site. Facilities for disabled visitors, including self-drive electric scooters and wheelchairs. See more..
4.5 Chester City Walls (6.280 reviews)
- Explore the longest city walls in Britain
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins • Historic Walking Areas

Your first stop should be the Tourist Information Centre in the Town Hall, where there is a range of really helpful guides produced by the staff costing £1 each. We bought one for The Walls, with a self-guided walk, which is two miles/3 km long. There are plenty of steps built into the wall where you can descend to investigate points of interest, such as the Cathedral and Roman amphitheatre. You can go at your own pace, and although there are places where you have to go up and down stairs, the walk is mostly on the level, with elevated views of the city and river. Chester has the longest and most complete city walls in Britain, with a history stretching back almost 2,000 years, so if you’re visiting the city, it’s a must-do activity. See more..
4.5 Chester Cathedral (5.466 reviews)
- A hidden gem of a tour
Monday: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals

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. See more..
4.5 Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet (3.154 reviews)
- Great choice and a few bargains
Monday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Shopping Malls

Cheshire Oaks is the UK's largest Designer Outlet With a quarter-million square feet of retail space, comprising more than 140 boutiques, restaurants and cafes, Cheshire Oaks isn't merely the UK's largest Designer Outlet. The Designer Outlet has a wide range of stores, offering something to suit every taste. Highlights range from athletic labels, like Nike and Adidas, and high-street favourites, like Marks & Spencer and Next, to a selection of iconic fashion brands, including Burberry, Polo, Michael Kors and Hugo Boss. See more..
4.5 Lyme Park (1.818 reviews)
- Walk to Bowstones from Lyme Park
Monday: 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Walking Areas • Parks

Another Lovely walk today but we encountered a dozen cattle at one of the big stiles heading up to Bowstones. We were obviously cautious and out of nowhere a wonderful NT volunteer (Anne Hartley). came to our rescue! She was absolutely brilliant; she explained that they were all female cattle and we just needed to stay calm and talk to them as we proceeded. She made sure we got over the stile safely and then because she knew we were a little anxious due to the sheer volume of cattle surrounding the stile, she came to find us and helped us back through the herd. I really just wanted to say a big thank you to her for her reassurance and help. She certainly went above and beyond to help us today and it was much appreciated. Thanks Anne… We highly recommend the walk from the hall car park up through the forest and up to Bowstones; the views are tremendous; you can see for miles on a clear day and the views of the house and cage are really impression from this vantage point. See more..
4.5 Quarry Bank (1.662 reviews)
- Interesting and unique visit
Monday: 10:30 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Speciality Museums • History Museums

Had a lovely day out, lots of interesting things to see and do, all the volunteers and staff are very knowledgeable. It felt very real as if you were stepping back in time. Apprentice house tour is brilliant, our guide brought it to life very well Cafe is very expensive and limited choice, would recommend bringing your own food and drink, there are plenty of spots to sit down All in all a lovely day out See more..
4.5 River Dee (1.498 reviews)
- Attractive.
Bodies of Water

The Dee rises in the Welsh hills, flows through Chester and ends in the sea. A good stretch is navigable from the weir in Chester, for at least six miles towards it's source. The river does have a tide which usually stops at the weir but on exceptionally high tides, a handful of times per year, it actually flows over the weir and beyond. There are some interesting and spectacular bridges crossing the river. Much of the activity centres around The Groves, where organised boat trips can be taken, rowing boats and pedalos hired. There are a number of bars and eateries around this area. The Dee is also home to a number of famous old rowing clubs and there are many magnificent houses along it's banks. Parking on the riverside is limited and time restricted but the hop on - hop off sightseeing bus, stops here and there is an expensive NCP car park nearby. Toilet facilities are poor at the present time. See more..
4.5 Chester Rows (1.434 reviews)
- Nice shopping experience could wander round here for hours
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Nice selection of shops. There are a number of vacant units but that I suppose is a sign of the times we are in. Having said that there are still plenty of unique shops as well as your normal chain shops you would find in any city centre. Great variety of shops, bars, and places to eat, in a lovely setting with mostly Tudor style buildings lining the streets. Will definately return as half a day wasnt really enough to appreciate this city centre See more..
4.5 Little Moreton Hall (1.258 reviews)
- Thoroughly Enjoyed Our Visit
Monday: Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites

A topsy-turvy Tudor house It’s not your eyes playing tricks on you. Seeing the tumbling architecture of Little Moreton Hall for the first time, engineers in 1990 could not believe their eyes either. This timber-framed building, curled around with a scenic moat, has defied logic for over 500 years. Step back in time inside this higgledy-piggledy house and discover what everyday Tudor life tells us about the way we live today. About the National Trust The National Trust is a conservation charity founded in 1895 by three people who saw the importance of our nation's heritage and open spaces, and wanted to preserve them for everyone to enjoy. More than 120 years later, these values are still at the heart of everything the charity does. Entirely independent of Government, the National Trust looks after more than 250,000 hectares of countryside, 780 miles of coastline and hundreds of special places across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. See more..
4.5 Anderton Boat Lift Visitor Centre (1.254 reviews)
- Double Altitude Cruising
Monday: Spent 2-3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks

The Anderton Boat Lift was built by Edwin Clark in 1875 to lift cargo boats the 50 feet from the River Weaver to the Trent & Mersey Canal. Like all great things, the concept is simple: two huge water tanks, each with watertight sealable doors carry boats up and down. The original counter-balanced system was replaced in 1908 by electric operation, but the lift now works hydraulically again. No description can adequately convey the sheer scale of this engineering feat. The lift worked until 1983 when serious deterioration of the structure was discovered. Some £7m was raised to fund the restoration, which was completed in 2002. The completion of the restoration was followed by the opening of an Operations Centre in 2003. This offers interactive displays, educational facilities, a gift shop and a coffee shop. From April to October you can enjoy boat trips through the lift and along the River Weaver Navigation. See more..
4.5 Walton Hall and Gardens (1.227 reviews)
- Grandparents and 2 children
Monday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Historic Sites • Gardens

Car park £3 for all day brilliant price we paid cash Visit 2 grandparents 2 children aged 9 and 3 Big play area for the children & there are toilets there, which in view of the amount of people were clean. There is a ice cream van plonked right by this area my grandchildren chose ice cream cones at £4 each There is a little Truck Thomas the train that’s £2.50 each irrespective of age it’s a very short ride We did pop into the cafe for 2 drinks a toasted sandwich and a ice cream totalled £10 few shops in this area and more toilets Lovely formal gardens,forget me not gardens, pergola which is licensed for marriage services, we tried the bicycle museum but it’s closed in the week. Went round twice looking at the animals All the grounds were in great condition We spent a very nice 3 hours there but could have spent a whole day, but we were so hot A lovely place to visit but do be prepared to put your hand in your pocket See more..
4.5 Eastgate & Eastgate Clock (1.117 reviews)
- Not to be missed
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks

Together, East Gate and the East Gate Clock form one of Chester's more prominent attractions and should not be missed on any visit to the city. When you either stand under, or on, the wide central arch of East Gate you are standing at the original entrance to the Roman fortress of Deva Victriz, which was established over 1,940 years ago in 75 AD. However, the present-day sandstone East Gate is much younger than that as it is only just over 250 years old; being constructed in 1768. Carrying part of the Chester city walls walkway, the East Gate is probably more famous for the clock which sits over that walkway. The light-iron work structure containing the clock was added in 1899, to celebrate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee in 1897. After Big Ben, this clock is probably the most photographed clock in England. See more..
4.5 National Waterways Museum (560 reviews)
- Great family day out over Easter weekend
Monday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Speciality Museums

Enjoy a day out by the canal in Cheshire, where time slows down and history comes to life. Designed by the great civil engineer Thomas Telford, the docks at Ellesmere Port were still in use as late as the 1950s. They were a marvellously self-contained world and when you visit the museum today you can still walk around its locks, docks and warehouses and visit its forge, stables and workers cottages. There's so much to explore from the handsome Victorian buildings, which house the museum's fascinating displays, to the locks and moorings, home to colourful historic and visiting narrow boats. With world-class attractions and a year-round events calendar featuring everything from beer festivals to historic boat rallies, there's always a reason to visit. Dog friendly throughout and recently awarded Dog Friendly Business of the Year in the Marketing Cheshire Awards 2018. Entry allows you to return for 12 months. See more..
4.5 Ness Botanic Gardens (551 reviews)
- Wonderful for snowdrops
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Gardens

The superb gardens at Ness on the Wirral Peninsular, overlooking the Dee Estuary were founded in 1898 by Arthur Kilpin Bulley; a Liverpool cotton merchant with a passion for gardens and plant collecting. Today the stunning 64 acre gardens have won a succession of awards including Large Attraction of the Year for Cheshire and Liverpool City Region and coveted RHS Gold Medal display garden at the RHS Flower Show at Tatton Park. The Horsfall Rushby Visitor Centre provides a warm welcome to this Cheshire Garden of Distinction. Ness Botanische – display garden by TV presenter and garden designer Chris Beardshaw and Making Waves garden by award winning designer Pippa Probert. Our newly launched restaurant The Garden Kitchen serves quality locally sourced food along with the Garden Grub kiosk in the garden. An extensive events programme runs throughout the year. See more..
4.5 Grosvenor Park (495 reviews)
- A marvelous place
Parks

Gifted to the city by Richard Grosvenor, Second Marquis of Westminster, whose statue is in the park, the 20 acres of land overlooking the River Dee, which is now called Grosvenor Park, are a marvelous place just outside Chester's city walls. There are plenty of places to walk (the well maintained paths are both wheelchair and pushchair friendly), different gardens (like the Quarry Garden) and flower beds to admire, and grass on which to picnic. There is also a miniature railway and The Lodge Cafe (which, unfortunately, was closed the day we were there). The Lodge Cafe is a lovely-looking building and is one of the earliest examples of the use of black-and-white architecture. Grosvenor Park is just a lovely place to either wander around or to sit on a bench and watch the wildlife and birdlife Toilet facilities are situated close to The Lodge Cafe. See more..
4.5 Oulton Park Circuit (452 reviews)
- Fantastic
Monday: 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM Auto Racing Tracks

Built into the natural contours of the Cheshire countryside, Oulton Park's combination of stunning scenery and spectacular racing make it one of the most picturesque and best-loved circuits for spectators and competitors alike. See more..
4.5 Norton Priory Museum and Gardens (351 reviews)
- An interesting informative delightful place to visit
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Speciality Museums • Historic Sites • Gardens

Norton Priory is the most excavated monastic site in Europe. Boasting the priory ruins, 12th century undercroft (which is the last fully surviving part of the priory itself) and an 18th century Walled Garden, it is located within an oasis of 42 acres of tranquil woodland and wildflower meadows. The museum includes two exhibition galleries which explore the site's history, including the archaeological digs which took place in the 1970s and 1980s. Thousands of artefacts from Norton’s 900 year history are on display, including the internationally significant 14th century statue of St. Christopher, which features in Lucy M. Boston's classic children's book, 'The Children of Green Knowe'. You can book advance tickets to visit via our website or check the 'Events' section on our website to see what's coming up. See more..
4.5 Sick to Death (302 reviews) from $7.30
- Very interesting and the actors did a really good job of entertaining us!
Monday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums

The gory story of medicine through time. Sick To Death offers the history of medicine in a museum and family attraction in Chester City Centre - located on the city's famous Rows. A playground of plaque with a smatter of splatter & a chance to poke into the medical past. Prepare yourselves for……bad smells, gross gore, a bit of magic and a lot of science and discovery all to be explored in a fun way. The attraction offers self guided tours which take approx one hour and includes a unique shop selling fun spells, witches mugs, science kits, crystals, tarot cards and all things unique and magical. See more..
4.5 The Silk Museum & Paradise Mill (256 reviews)
- Excellent visit -if these walls could talk
Monday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums

Follow the journey of silk making, from cocoon to loom at The Silk Museum. As well as the stunning displays of silk items, there is a fascinating programme of temporary exhibitions to enjoy. Paradise Mill is next door. Step back into the 1930s with a guided tour; see restored Jacquard looms and machinery, and watch as they weave their magic! See more..
4.5 Chester City Walls (6.280 reviews)
- Explore the longest city walls in Britain
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins • Historic Walking Areas

Your first stop should be the Tourist Information Centre in the Town Hall, where there is a range of really helpful guides produced by the staff costing £1 each. We bought one for The Walls, with a self-guided walk, which is two miles/3 km long. There are plenty of steps built into the wall where you can descend to investigate points of interest, such as the Cathedral and Roman amphitheatre. You can go at your own pace, and although there are places where you have to go up and down stairs, the walk is mostly on the level, with elevated views of the city and river. Chester has the longest and most complete city walls in Britain, with a history stretching back almost 2,000 years, so if you’re visiting the city, it’s a must-do activity. See more..
4.5 Chester Cathedral (5.466 reviews)
- A hidden gem of a tour
Monday: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals

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. See more..
4.5 Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet (3.154 reviews)
- Great choice and a few bargains
Monday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Shopping Malls

Cheshire Oaks is the UK's largest Designer Outlet With a quarter-million square feet of retail space, comprising more than 140 boutiques, restaurants and cafes, Cheshire Oaks isn't merely the UK's largest Designer Outlet. The Designer Outlet has a wide range of stores, offering something to suit every taste. Highlights range from athletic labels, like Nike and Adidas, and high-street favourites, like Marks & Spencer and Next, to a selection of iconic fashion brands, including Burberry, Polo, Michael Kors and Hugo Boss. See more..
4.5 Lyme Park (1.818 reviews)
- Walk to Bowstones from Lyme Park
Monday: 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Walking Areas • Parks

Another Lovely walk today but we encountered a dozen cattle at one of the big stiles heading up to Bowstones. We were obviously cautious and out of nowhere a wonderful NT volunteer (Anne Hartley). came to our rescue! She was absolutely brilliant; she explained that they were all female cattle and we just needed to stay calm and talk to them as we proceeded. She made sure we got over the stile safely and then because she knew we were a little anxious due to the sheer volume of cattle surrounding the stile, she came to find us and helped us back through the herd. I really just wanted to say a big thank you to her for her reassurance and help. She certainly went above and beyond to help us today and it was much appreciated. Thanks Anne… We highly recommend the walk from the hall car park up through the forest and up to Bowstones; the views are tremendous; you can see for miles on a clear day and the views of the house and cage are really impression from this vantage point. See more..
4.5 Quarry Bank (1.662 reviews)
- Interesting and unique visit
Monday: 10:30 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Speciality Museums • History Museums

Had a lovely day out, lots of interesting things to see and do, all the volunteers and staff are very knowledgeable. It felt very real as if you were stepping back in time. Apprentice house tour is brilliant, our guide brought it to life very well Cafe is very expensive and limited choice, would recommend bringing your own food and drink, there are plenty of spots to sit down All in all a lovely day out See more..