Chester...

[Sakeofpete]

Will be visiting chester zoo over the half term.. it's a good drive frim us so we are looking to stay over plus will need something good (cheap) to do the second day. I've checked the day out with the kids site but thought I'd ask for some local knowledge. Want a budget hotel not miles from the zoo and also somewhere to go that again isn't miles away
Thanks again

How old are the kids? Something like Crocky Trail is good to get them out and about.

If the weather is nice then a relaxing day by the river and doing a bit of shopping if the kids will tolerate it. Plus a look round the Roman Gardens. There is a playground in Grosvenor Park.

Crocks Trail is supposed to be fantastic but two full on days would have been too much for my two.

Crocky trail is great.

Chester is really nice - walk round the walls, the cathedral has a Lego exhibition where you can help rebuild it in lego.

There's lots of chain budget hotels , you could stay in Ellesmere Port which is cheaper, but not lovely.

We’ve stayed at Cheshire Oaks Travelodge a few times. Prefer it to Warrington Road.

Dd and dh have also stayed at Liverpool Road Premier Inn.

How old are the children?

I'd have a loose plan, depending on weather.

There's beaches within 30 minutes driving distance. Liverpool isn't far etc.

There's a Blue Planet Aquarium if the weather is rubbish.

The Blue Planet is just by the Cheshire Oaks travel lodge.

Blue Planet is VERY disappointing for the cost- not worth it!

Holiday Inn Ellesmere Port is at the boat museum. How old are your kids and what sort of stuff do they like? There's all sorts of things to do so would help to narrow it down a bit.

Blue Planet is v expensive for the half day (tops) you'll get out of it. How old are kids? You could do the Ice Cream Farm at Tattenhall for tinies (but it will be very busy in half term), Crocky Trail if slightly older, or Beeston Castle. You could easily do a full day in Chester itself with a walk round the walls, trip on the open-topped omnibus, or a river trip (wrap up warm), visit to Grosvenor mueum, Military Museum and castle. Look out for the evening ghost tours if your kids are old enough, maybe 8+, as they're good fun (Walking Tours of Chester is a good one).
Have you thought of B&Bs instead of a hotel? I know a lovely one in the middle of gorgeous Cheshire countryside, 15 miles from zoo, about 7 miles from Ice Cream Farm. Pm me if you'd like info on it.

Oops forgot the ages!! 6 and 10

Kids love the outdoors and we don't mind the rain/cold
Will have a look at some of the places thank you

Wow crocky trail looks brilliant!!!