So, you’ve got 48 hours, what are the best things to do in Chester?

I sometimes think that Chester gets overlooked in favour of headline-grabbing heritage cities like York and Bath, but it really shouldn’t be. This is a place where you can walk remarkably complete city walls, admire black-and-white Rows, step inside a magnificent cathedral and explore Britain’s largest known Roman amphitheatre.

Beyond the city itself, there’s even more to love: the surrounding Cheshire countryside offers green walking routes, open views and easy access to spots rich in wildlife and scenery.

This makes Chester a perfect short break destination in the UK

48 hours in

by Editor

- April 17, 2026

The Walls

A walk along Chester’s city walls is one of the best ways to get your bearings on a weekend in the city. Almost two miles long, they are the oldest, longest and most complete city walls in Britain, with roots stretching back nearly 2,000 years to Roman Chester. As you follow the circuit, you’ll spot headline sights including the Eastgate Clock, the Roman Amphitheatre, Chester Cathedral, and the River Dee, with lovely rooftop views across the Rows and historic streets below. For anyone planning a break in Chester, the walls are more than a landmark, they’re the perfect open-air introduction to the city.

The Amphitheatre

Chester’s Roman Amphitheatre really brings the city’s ancient past into focus. Built in the late first century AD, just outside the Roman fortress of Deva, it was the largest Roman amphitheatre in Britain and would once have been used for military training as well as public entertainment.

Only about two-fifths of the amphitheatre is currently exposed, with the rest still unexcavated behind the wall and beneath later buildings, but the remains are still incredibly atmospheric & thought provoking. You get a real sense of how important Roman Chester once was.

It’s an easy stop on a city walk, close to the walls and other historic sights, it’s one of the best places to connect with the city’s Roman story.

roman columns in a basement

Walking Tours

I can’t recommend taking a walking tour enough. It’s one thing for me to say to you, take a walk around, there are so many beautiful buildings, but with a walking tour you learn so much.

For example, there’s a well-known take away food shop with ancient Roman stonework in the basement, the bases of columns that were carved around 2000 years ago – discovered in 1897 when they were building above! You can’t just wander in off the street to see them, but get the right walking tour and you can trace the ancient engravings with your own fingertips! It gave me goosebumps.

You’re spoiled for choice with walking tours, you can be guided by a Roman soldier, take a haunted tour, or walk the city at night. Official tours are listed here, and usually start at the visitor information centre – which also where you can get tickets for most of Chesters other attractions like the hop-on-hop-off bus, boat cruises and the zoo.

an image of a puppet pangolin and a statue

Chester Zoo

Chester Zoo is far more than an exciting, fun-packed family day out, it is a world-leading conservation charity. Its work focuses on preventing extinction, from conservation breeding and scientific research to field projects in the UK and across some of the world’s most threatened ecosystems. Just as impressive are its education initiatives, with school visits, workshops, outreach programmes and curriculum-linked resources all designed to inspire the next generation of conservationists.

For more articles about Chester and Cheshire, visit Girl About Cheshire’s articles here

For visitors to Chester, it offers a full day out that is not only memorable, but genuinely meaningful too.

Chester Zoo is involved in global conservation programmes across six regions, from protecting giant pangolins and northern giraffes in Africa to supporting threatened habitats and species in the UK and Europe. Its mission is clear: preventing extinction.

Chester Racecourse

Chester Racecourse brings a completely different energy to the city’s historic line-up. Set on the Roodee and dating back to 1539, it is recognised as the oldest racecourse still in use in the world, so there is real heritage alongside the glamour of race day.

Today, it is known for its lively atmosphere, standout events and views across one of British racing’s most distinctive tracks, making it a fun addition to a weekend in Chester.

plate of food with 3 small portions

The Food

Full of surprises, Chester is a brilliant foodie destination, combining historic charm with a vibrant dining scene that caters to every taste. From cosy cafés and stylish cocktail bars to independent restaurants and award-winning fine dining, the city offers plenty to discover within its picturesque streets and iconic Rows. Whether you are after relaxed brunches, indulgent afternoon teas or standout seasonal menus, Chester serves up a memorable mix of quality, character and atmosphere

Vin Santo, is a wine-merchant cellar bar, with brick vaulted ceilings on Watergate Street, where you can try an enormous array of wines with a never-ending cheese and charcuterie board!

Chester Market has a lively, social feel, with a modern food hall atmosphere, communal seating and a real buzz. It offers a strong mix of independent traders and global flavours from street food and quick bites to drinks and sweet treats, so there is plenty of choice whatever you are in the mood for.

Artezzan is great for food influences from Spain, France, Italy and Greece. Lots of fresh, flavour-packed dishes and cocktails in a modern setting that feels a little bit special without being too formal.

Jaunty Goat on Bridge Street is one of the best-known names in Chester’s coffee scene, with specialty coffee and a strong brunch offering right in the heart of the city. There is also a fully plant-based Jaunty Goat on Northgate Street if you want a vegan option.

The Flower Cup on Watergate Street is a lovely central pick if you want your coffee stop to feel a bit more special and Chalk Coffee, also on Watergate Street, is a great shout for specialty coffee in the centre. handpicked coffees, loose-leaf teas and locally baked cakes.

three images of buildings in chester

Vegan Food

Shrub is the standout if you want somewhere that feels special. Right on Eastgate Row, it is a plant-based restaurant with seasonal small plates, a relaxed atmosphere and a great reputation locally.

Maray on Northgate Street serves Mediterranean and Middle Eastern-inspired small plates, with plenty of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options in the heart of the city.

Pink Lettuce is a plant-based restaurant on the historic Rows above Bridge Street, it’s nice & central and full of character.

It’s worth mentioning that traditional store The Cheese Shop on Northgate Street has a small selection of vegan cheeses if you wanted to try something a little different.

To stay

I stayed at The Queen at Chester, it’s a grand, historic hotel set directly opposite Chester railway station, making it an ideal base for arriving by train and exploring the city on foot. It’s got striking period features and elegant interiors, it offers a stylish stay just a short walk from Chester’s centre and famous Rows.

2 images of a campsite and a barge on a canal

*Updated for 2026*

Netherwood Touring site

As an alternative to staying in the city, Netherwood Touring Site is a peaceful, rural touring caravan park just outside Chester, with 15 electrical pitches. The site has direct access to the Shropshire Union Canal, which is a beautiful route to walk into the city centre (if you manage to walk past all the inviting pubs and restaurants that line the route!)

It’s hard to believe that you’re so close to the city when you feel like you are in the heart of the countryside, it’s a ‘best of both’ situation!

I hope that you’ve enjoyed this, let me know if I’ve missed anything!