Any recommendations for Chester?

[ChillyB]

Thinking of taking a short break to Chester, planning to take DS to the zoo. Does anyone have a recommendations for accommodation, things to do and places to eat in the area please?

The Storyhouse, excellent library/cinema/theatre/cafe

www.storyhouse.com/

When are you going? They're still running the open air theatre in the park including The Borrowers:

boxoffice.storyhouse.com/WEBPAGES/EntaWebEvent/EventSBAndPrices.aspx

And the Ice cream factory! Outside the city centre near a lovely village called Tatenhall

www.theicecreamfarm.co.uk/

Great recommendations both thank you. We’re hoping to go next week. DH has taken last minute leave...nothing like a good plan eh?!

Last one from me (I've had to come back just to apologise for the spelling of Tattenhall )
www.brunningandprice.co.uk/architect/
Classic gastro pub with a great garden for children in the city

I have the same problem, I should start a thread for Recommendationa that aren't Chester

Glad it’s not just us @overtheinfluence
Where are you fancying going? I can probably give some recommendations for North Yorkshire in exchange

There's a falconry place in town, I haven't personally been but I've heard good things. Town it's self is really nice, lots of restaurants and the city walls. Cheshire oaks if you fancy shopping, again lots of places to eat there and there's recently been lots of new shops added. The zoo currently has predators on which is good for little ones. I second the ice cream farm but it does get very busy and there isn't tons of parking

Ooh! Yes. I was thinking of around there after the thread about how lovely the North East is. I don't want to derail but if you knew of something that would amuse young teen boys I'd be very popular

There is a flip out (Trampoline park) in Chester for the teenagers

Don't know where I got the teenagers part from, thought I had read it in your post

@overtheinfluence these might be of interest:

www.theforbiddencorner.co.uk/

www.nidderdalellamas.org/

www.camphill.co.uk/Adventure-Park/General-Info-Pricing

Hickories on the river is a great place to eat and good for children, take a nice walk or boat ride along. Right next to Grosvenor park too which has a miniature steam train and nice play area, squirrels to watch.

Check out hollies farm
Shop lodges they are gorgeous and near to the zoo etc. The restaurant on site and shops are very nice too. Highly recommend

Accommodation wise, there are the usual hotels in the city centre like premier inn, travelodge, holiday inn. The Grosvenor for a luxury option. Or nice B&Bs along Hoole road which are handy for the zoo and walkable for the city centre

The museum is really interesting, and there is a "hands-on" room where you can dress up in a Roman soldier's uniform etc (full confession - it was practically empty when we went and we had great fun dressing up even though we had no children with us!).

We also did a river boat trip which was great. There were a lot of families with children who all seemed to be having a good time.

These are fab ideas thank you still looking for somewhere to stay so am following those suggestions up. Think the hollies is booked up sadly as that looked brilliant.

Definitely do a walk around the city walls as one of your first things - it’s not a long walk and you see loads of interesting things, plus it helps familiarise yourself with the city and plan places you might want to revisit. There are also some fun Roman-themed activities for kids. I’ve heard the falconry is good too (though I’ve not been myself). The zoo is excellent.

I can recommend the Sticky Walnut and the Chef’s Table if you fancy a grown-up type meal - both are excellent and very affordable.

chesterapartments.squarespace.com/#chester-apartments-welcome

I've also stayed here. The top floor apartment is the one we stayed in and is ok. Clean and comfortable but not as grand as they profess.
The ground floor apartment looked better to be honest but would possibly stay again as it's literally on the end of the shopping street in Chester and very quiet with free
Parking outside. Hot tub too if that's your thing.