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

[pinkfruits9]

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!

@Sundaygirlz

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!

You aren't talking about the same hotel! The Nags Head is down the road from the grosvenor pulford. Previous posters are talking about the grosvenor hotel slap bang in the centre of town

Me and DP had a fab weekend in Chester! Tasty places to eat and great for a mooch about if you like that kind of thing. We went on a boat trip their too. Manchester could be another option.

I think Chester is a fabulous idea,get a deal at The Grosvenor where you will be spoilt,loads of lovely little bars to visit and fab shopping in The Rows.
Jump the train through to Liverpool and browse The Albert Dock & visit The Beatles Story such a lot to do .
I am very lucky as I live just midway between Chester & Lpool right near the beach at New Brighton.

Would he like a surprise? DH & I have a long standing agreement about 'no surprises'. Would he prefer to be part of the planning?

What about Carlisle instead if you want a shorter journey? We went there for my 60th and stayed in a brilliant aparthotel only 5 minutes from the station. We had some fabulous meals and found plenty to see and do while we were there.

I often go to Wakefield - Yorkshire Sculpture park is one of my favourite places, and there's the Hepworth Gallery as well. When I first went, probably 20 years ago eating out was dire, but now I always eat at a fabulous restaurant called Iris.

Thanks everyone, great suggestions. I like the idea of getting the train into Liverpool and the Albert dock and ghetto golf. @gnomedeplume he is very easy going, he is happy for me to arrange trips/holidays. All our holidays abroad have been arranged by me as I like to do a lot of research about the area and find out what there is to do and where would be best, where as if it were the other way round I have a strong feeling he would book somewhere bang in the middle of nowhere with very little to do!

I work in Chester- in fact I'm typing this in my office overlooking Bridge Street. Its a wonderful little city with loads to do and see although a little subdued by Covid. The Edgar House B and B is always winning awards for the best small hotel in the area. Its a gorgeous georgian villa on the City Walls overlooking the river- great for food and afternoon tea.

Theres stacks of wonderful old pubs too and walks galore. The Cathedral is wonderful and you can walk the full walls in under an hour.

If he liked York he will like Chester. Though Newcastle to Chester is more than 3 hours drive. Cheshire Oaks outlet is also on the way home if you your DP likes shopping.

I loved Chester! When we were there we had the best pork pie ever which we bought from the market. We still talk about it!

have to get a life at some stage

Chester is a nice place for a visit, I think it's a good choice for a surprise. Don't tell him where you're going and see if he guesses on the road. If the weather is nice, as you have your car I would definitely go to one of the lovely beaches on the Wirral (Thurstaston?) and if it's not, head over to Liverpool as there's tons to see/do.

i love chester too always wanted to stay at the grosvenor could never afford it although im not sure about parking there its in the middle of the rows which is pedestrian

ver pretty loads of independant shops-because of covid im not sure about bars resturants i would be booking dinner just incase

Chester is nice but it's not that big. Somewhere like Liverpool might be more interesting but it doesn't what you want to do. If you're staying in a nice place and want to relax then Chester would be nice.

I love Chester. I wouldn;t book a weekend away there as dh works there but it would be very suitable usually. Hickory's is great for food.

I’m from Chester. It’s lovely but it is small. For a weekend there you could get some nice food- Joseph Benjamin, Porta, Artichoke but also lots of new places I haven’t been. Telfords Warehouse by the canal for a drink.
If you cross the river at the Suspension Bridge you can walk along the Meadows. You can go as far as the iron bridge at Alford, just by Eaton Estate. It’s a long walk but you can turn back anytime and if it’s sunny it’s just lovely.

Alternatively if you want a bit more to do there’s Liverpool. Museum of Slavery and Museum of Liverpool are excellent. More bars and restaurants to try there. Ferry cross the Mersey.

God I miss home

Chester is nice, very similar to York. Personally I'd prefer Liverpool though at 30, much more to do, better museums and art galleries than Chester and they are free too. Lots of really cool hipster bars and food places around the Baltic Triangle, nice walk around the Albert Dock, Ghetto golf or Junkyard golf, independent cinemas Fact or the Everyman. Fact has quirky exhibitions too. Great shopping, great beaches a plenty, and nice parks like the Festival gardens off Otterspool promenade or Sefton park. They are quite close though so you could combine Liverpool and Chester, or just go to Chester zoo for the day from Liverpool.

Chester is lovely. But v small, I would build in a trip to Liverpool - Albert Dock with lovely galleries, museums, restaurants etc and then the area around Bold Street for fun quirky shops and places to eat.
It’s an easy drive from Chester, or a direct train to Liverpool on Mersey Rail.

Have you got little kids and need some relaxing time? If so, maybe do one night at Titanic Spa in Huddersfield on the way to Chester or on your way back home?

I would stay in a posh hotel/b&b in Chester, which is really lovely, and then if you've time jump the train to Liverpool which is brilliant too and worth a visit.

We did a nice weekend in Chester- the restaurant in the Chester Grosvenor is Michelin stared, and very good, as is the hotel, and we went to a falconry exhibition on the town walls. Lot's of bars and afternoon tea type things too.

If you decide on Chester, I’d recommend Chef’s Table for a meal, right in the centre of town.
Great vegetarian and vegan options.
It gets booked up well in advance so I’d book now.

If you like outdoorsy things, Delamere Forest is nearby ( 1 stop on small local train from Chester or a short drive )
Lovely walks and there’s a Go Ape.

Walking the city walls in Chester is a good way to see the city and its Roman past.

Liverpool is definitely cooler, depends what you enjoy doing.

I'm considering staying at Liverpool now instead, and then maybe one day we drive over to Chester and visit the zoo and have a wander around.

We stayed at a place called Stone Villa a few years ago, highly recommend

I've stayed there too - definitely recommend.

Edgar House in Chester is as a PP said- really lovely. I’d choose it over the Grosvenor.

If he likes beer then Buxton is an option, two great independent brewery places in the town, great walking nearby. Not expensive if you can get a groupon either. Dog friendly (if needed) as dogs welcome in pubs