Things to do in Chester with 18m and 5yo

[mercutio84]

Hi we're in Chester for the weekend with two kids - 18m and 5yo. Hotel has got nice pool so we'll go for a splash but wondering if anyone knew of what else could do? Googled it and says the zoo and other locations around chester but was more wondering in chester town itself. Any ideas welcome.

Sorry, just came here to say go do the zoo!! It’s worth every penny. Absolutely brilliant zoo.
and for food, try a pesto restaurant.. sooo good!!

The zoo is an absolute must with the children. Grosvenor Park is lovely and that’s in the city centre.

Zoo! Xxx

Was also going to say zoo.

Thanks both! Zoo is definitely on our agenda for a day out as we only live in Manchester, but at those ticket prices we want the full day there not just pop there for few hours while we're staying in the town if that makes sense

In the city itself: Walk around the city walls. Visit Grovesnor Park - there's a miniature railway and children's playground there. Roman Gardens and amphitheatre. Walk by the river. Possibly one of the museums. I'm sure there's a lego reconstruction of Chester to look at somewhere.

Perfect!!! Thank you so much

Grosvenor park and the miniature train. Boat trip on the river Dee, Snugburys ice cream by the river. Chester Market does great food, more of a food hall but very family friendly (albeit busy at peak times!)

Get a boat on the river

Is your hotel in the city centre?

Agree with @Lisbeth50 that a wander around Grosvenor Park and along the river is a good way to kill a few hours. Get an ice cream from the big ice cream shop opposite Hickory's.

There is a really nice park just across the river in Handbridge by the Ship Pub. It can be a bit quieter than Grosvenor Park on the weekend.

Agreed for a walk around the city walls, my children are the same age as yours and my in laws live in Chester so we go a lot!

Other places we go are:
The ice cream farm www.theicecreamfarm.co.uk

Delamere forest if the weather is nice for a walk - fairly buggy friendly if needed. Has a gruffalo statue to find too!

The town centre is one of the few places in the uk where busking is still allowed and there's usually someone at the cross (right in the middle where the main roads through town cross you can't miss it) - my two love stopping for a dance and to put a pound in the case!

In town you should go to knoops for a hot chocolate - there's some lovely indie places too including the jaunty goat.

Zoo is great but as you say it's pricey so you want a full day!

If the weather is bad and you need an indoor activity there is an aquarium at Cheshire oaks but I'm not sure if it's that good (dh took eldest dd and I'm not sure he felt he got his moneys worth 😂)

Have a lovely trip!

@WingingIt101 last time we went to the Blue Planet, it wasn't much cheaper than the zoo 😱

😳😳 and apparently not that big?! I'm glad I missed that particular trip!

Storyhouse has a lovely children’s library section and you can get something to eat and drink in there. The Lego model of the city is inside Chester Market.

Do you have access to a car? My daughter recently went to Bewilderwood in Cheshire with her grandparents (she's 5), and loved it!

Deva Roman Experience is good fun. Little one won’t fully understand (but mine still enjoyed it) but should be great for 5yo. That’s directly in city centre just outside main shopping centre.

Bewilderwood also fun!

Thank you everyone! What a brilliant response of such helpful suggestions. We had a wonderful
day of seeing the lego city, going to shops, Grosvenor Park play area and train and then a lovely dinner for my birthday. Wouldn't have know about most of those activities without you all. Thank you again!

So glad you had a nice time. I love Chester