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!

If I didn't live here yes definitely there is loads to do and lots of veggie options. Think it's more than 3 hours though

I love Chester. There’s a fab restaurant/gin bar called Upstairs at the Grill which I highly recommend, although it’s very small so not sure what it’s like with current restrictions.

Look up a bar called ‘Church’ - it’s a hidden speakeasy cocktail bar with no street signage- great atmosphere and cocktails! Definitely hickories to eat

Liverpool or Manchester or York even.
Although I do love Chester.

Lots of lovely restaurants and hotels in Manchester and Liverpool

@pinkfruits9

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.

Living a lot nearer than you to both of them, I'd say choose one and stick to it. Do the other one next birthday!

You're talking two days, not two weeks. There's loads to do in both places, and if you try to fit them both in you'll end up scurrying from one thing on your to see/do list to another, not getting the best out of either of them and probably end up feeling a bit dissappointed.

*disappointed. Ooops.

I would be happy as long as Chester Races was not on whilst I was there. For a holiday in north Wales I hired a car from there on the day of the races, and the sights of people trying to look their finest was awful and made me glad to leave Chester on the A55!

Another vote for Chester from a local. There’s plenty to do here, a walk by the river, opera grill to eat, another vote for hickory’s too. There’s a lovely big park and lots of lovely walking routes to do. The Grosvenor is indeed lovely as others have said or the Abode which has views of the racecourse and a restaurant on the 5th floor or a Miller & Carter on the ground floor.

Have you thought about Harrogate OP? Similar vibe to Chester and York but much closer to you!

I wouldn't choose Liverpool! My heart would sink if that was presented to me as a birthday treat.

@katy1213

I wouldn't choose Liverpool! My heart would sink if that was presented to me as a birthday treat.

Erm why?!

If you plan to go to Chester zoo be aware that they are limiting numbers and you need to pre-book via the website.

Also the zoo is quite large and is a day trip on it's own.

Liverpool is fab. Hope street hotel

Harrogate is an option aswell, I'm still thinking Chester or maybe Liverpool instead. I'll have a propper look online tomorrow and decide. @katy1213 why would your heart sink if someone booked a trip away to Liverpool for you?

I live in Liverpool so biased, but you can get a really fun hotel, pretty reasonably ( a bit bling if you want, for a laugh or quite elegant). Really great food places everywhere, amazing museums and galleries, and you can even go to the beach if you want.

We do Chester for a day or evening out (Storyhouse do Moonlight Flicks on the cathedral campus, that's great) occasionally but its more of a 60th birthday than a 30th?

Chester is lovely, but not sure for a DP 30th....but then I don't know your DP so 🤷‍♀️. I know my DP would prefer Liverpool and I think this is a better suggestion as a pp mentioned.

Chester’s more of a Mum & Daughter/girls weekend sort of place for me.

Liverpool centre is fab! Has a great vibe to it.

@nosswith

I would be happy as long as Chester Races was not on whilst I was there. For a holiday in north Wales I hired a car from there on the day of the races, and the sights of people trying to look their finest was awful and made me glad to leave Chester on the A55!

The races finish next week and have been either cancelled or behind closed doors this season. Back on in May.

We live near Chester and have stayed at Edgar House for a birthday/anniversary celebration. It's a lovely place and is right in the centre overlooking the river.
There is so much to do nearby, river trips, the zoo, delamere forest, Cheshire oaks.
Good luck with planning your trip.

Definitely stay at The Chester Grosvenor and have dinner at Simon Radley at The Grosvenor! Food is incredible!!

Hi OP @pinkfruits9, I haven't RTFT but I've read your OP.

I would recommend the Lake District. It's beautiful and there's so many different things to do: walks, hiking, exploring little villages, etc. Something for everyone. We go quite often.

My DH & I are vegan and we use a website/app called 'Happy Cow' where you can search and area and it tells you which places have vegan/veggie options or where there are vegan/veggie restaurants, pubs and cafés.

Keswick is a favourite place of ours, you can walk around Derwent Water and then explore Keswick.

We went there some time ago and really enjoyed it! Fab shops (loads of jewellery)!nice restaurants ,Chester Zoo nearby .I think it would be great for him!

Sorry sounded a bit random (Im a bit of a Jewellery buff you see!)

I've been to Harrogate lots of times and found it very quiet and more for older people.

I live about 40 minutes away. Chester is lovely

Ooooh yes, Chester's lovely! Well, it was when I was last there, 30-odd years ago.

Especially if you've got a nice hotel in mind.