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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Would you be happy with a weekend in Chester for 30th Birthday?

94 replies

pinkfruits9 · 08/09/2020 09:22

I’ve got 3 weeks to arrange something for DP’s 30th, I was going to book Portugal for 4 nights but I don’t want to risk it due to the numbers going up/possible quarantine when coming back. I’ve been looking at weekends away in this country instead. No further than around 3 hours from Newcastle. We have been to places like York a few times, Edinburgh, Leeds, Glasgow (he works there). Would like somewhere with plenty of nice pubs, things to do, shops, restaurants (suitable for a fussy vegetarian, myself). Chester popped into my mind after hearing someone mention it, would this be nice for a 30th birthday, or would you be disappointed? Any other suggestions on somewhere a bit different no further than 3 hours from Newcastle with plenty to do would be greatly appreciated!

OP posts:
Lockheart · 08/09/2020 09:23

Some people would, some people wouldn't. You know your DP best.

Cheeseycheeseycheesecheese · 08/09/2020 09:24

Looking at the visit Chester website, absolutely, I'm 30 in October and would be delighted if dh organised something like that.
Looks like plenty to explore and do.

Original poster
pinkfruits9 · 08/09/2020 09:25

I'm booking it as a surprise, so I'm just wanting to get more of an idea from people who live there/have visited on what it's like and if it's a good place to visit for a 30th.

OP posts:
dollypartonscoat · 08/09/2020 09:25

Chester is nice but it'll take you longer than 3 hours to get there. How about the Lake District (if you're outdoorsy)?

KurriKawari · 08/09/2020 09:25

DSis went to Chester Zoo for her 30th and loved it - as someone who has travelled lots around the world! They then when to a fancy restaurant for evening meal I think in Manchester.

Original poster
pinkfruits9 · 08/09/2020 09:25

@Cheeseycheeseycheesecheese it's looking high on the list currently!

OP posts:
JemimaTiggywinkle · 08/09/2020 09:28

Chester is a really nice place for a weekend away... lots of good restaurants. And the zoo and aquarium if you fancy it.
We stayed at a place called Stone Villa a few years ago, highly recommend.

Plussizejumpsuit · 08/09/2020 09:28

If you want 3hrs from Newcastle it's just over that to London on the train. Which has much more to do. But you know what he likes. Personally I wouldn't enjoy it that much but that's the location for me rather than the idea, if it was a nice hotel etc it would be OK. But as pp's have said every one is different. I don't think 30th birthdays have to be fancy but should be a reflection of the individual. I went to a petting farm on my 30th thrn cocktails as nd to my fave restaurant. Somone elsr I know had Black tie party at a London hotel. My idea of a nightmare.

Coffeeandcrumpet · 08/09/2020 09:29

Chester is lovely, we went recently and had a great time, we stayed in a lovely little cottage on Union St which was a great location, near the park and the river, but only a couple of minutes to the town and bars etc. If you like amaerican food hickory is a must.

MojoMoon · 08/09/2020 09:30

If he really wants to go to Portugal then yes, I guess he would be disappointed but it is a global pandemic so hopefully he is an adult and understands that sometimes life is disappointing and booking to go to Portugal would have been silly in the current situation.

Chester is fine - restaurants, history/museums, the zoo, some shopping, bars. Could go out to the countryside for a walk/lunch

TwixTwixtwoo · 08/09/2020 09:30

Stay at the Grosvenor if you can, lovely for a special occasion.

Scarby9 · 08/09/2020 09:32

Well I would.
But everyone is different. Would your DP be happy? You are best placed to make that decision.

KurriKawari · 08/09/2020 09:34

Yes to PP who said about booking Grosvenor. Book a meal, get really dressed up, order some fancy wine etc.

SospanFrangipan · 08/09/2020 09:34

We live 20 minutes from Chester and love going there.
I recommend Hickory's for food, and there's a fairly new cocktail bar called Palm that some friends have been raving about.
Lots to do there, walk the walls, museums, the zoo, Cheshire oaks is only 15 minutes away by car too. There's a lovely country pub for food near Cheshire oaks called the Bunbury Arms.
Let me know if you want to know anything :)

Original poster
pinkfruits9 · 08/09/2020 09:36

We would definitely visit the zoo. I have been to London a few times and really enjoyed it but DP has also been separately and didn't enjoy it so much. Would prefer to drive, I've googled the distance and it says it's just over 3 hours from where we live. I just think it's to risky with the possible quarantine on return to go to Portugal or abroad as much as we would like to I think the worry would just ruin it a little

OP posts:
mug2018 · 08/09/2020 09:37

Chester is a lovely choice. There are some great bars and restaurants.. the city is interesting & atmospheric. There is the river, race course, canals & the city walls for a stroll around
I live there and love it

Flappingflamingo · 08/09/2020 09:37

Chester is beautiful, lots to see and do, places to eat and drink. Loads of history, unique shopping- The Rows, we've got everything you could want here, about from the weather and beaches!! 😂
Not that I'm biased at all...

Original poster
pinkfruits9 · 08/09/2020 09:38

@SospanFrangipan that's really helpful thank you! There is a bar called the palm not so far from us aswell we have never been yet but friends have really enjoyed it, so I'll make a list and add on your suggestions 😊

OP posts:
SospanFrangipan · 08/09/2020 09:41

@Flappingflamingo

Chester is beautiful, lots to see and do, places to eat and drink. Loads of history, unique shopping- The Rows, we've got everything you could want here, about from the weather and beaches!! 😂 Not that I'm biased at all...
Only 20 minutes from the beach here though 😁 Chester has everything, we live in a beautiful part of the world!
KurriKawari · 08/09/2020 09:42

DD and I went on a treasure trail around chester, was really fun, not sure a 30 year would enjoy that. And she absolutely loved the ice cream farm!!

Sundaygirlz · 08/09/2020 09:45

Another one for the grosvenor! Lovely hotel! There is a pub just down the road called the nags head which was amazing for food but I know its been taken over since we visited. And definite yes to the zoo!

lifesalongsong · 08/09/2020 09:45

@Scarby9

Well I would. But everyone is different. Would your DP be happy? You are best placed to make that decision.
I was thinking I wouldn't as I've been there a few times, @Scarby9 has it though, neither of us can tell you if your DP will enjoy it.

If you aren't sure probably best to pick somewhere you know he'll enjoy

Eastereggfan · 08/09/2020 09:46

Liverpool? Lots of quirky and unusual bars, lovely restaurants, Ghetto Golf, Baltic Triangle, docks area and some fantastic hotels.

UnfinishedSymphon · 08/09/2020 09:47

Not for me, we have visited lots over the years so it wouldn't be special. Depends on whether there's lots that he'll like doing though and whether you've been before etc.

Othering · 08/09/2020 09:49

Chester is fabulous. Book in at the virtual reality place and then go to Hypha, a vegan restaurant, set up on the Roman walls. It's one of the best restaurants I've ever been to. Not just out of vegan restaurants.....all restaurants. It's amazing.

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