Chester hidden gems?

[thismumneedssun]

Heading to Chester for a long weekend in a few weeks with two DC (2 and 5yo) and was looking for suggestions on things to do.
we've booked the zoo so far but was just wondering if anyone knew of any little hidden gems?

Roman road
Pub used as 'Dog in the Pond' in Hollyoaks.

Walk the walks, play areas in various locations around walls and in Chester Park for children. Have a boat ride on river. Its a lovely city to spend time in

Check whether this is still there are my two are grown up now - but the play park in Sandy Lane by the river used to have the most amazing (free!) water play area - if it is there pack swimming costumes for the kids and have fun!

Definitely go to Storyhouse - excellent library space and coffee shop/cafe that also has events including for kids. Storyhouse
there may also be theatre in the park on with at least one children’s show.
Your kids at probably a bit young for the Crocky Trail https://crockytrail.co.uk/ but mine used to love it.
The Groves down by the river is nice and there are row boats or pedals to hire or larger boat trips.
have fun!

The Ice-Cream farm was a great hit when we last went to Chester for a long weekend https://www.theicecreamfarm.co.uk/all-attractions/

My children love the miniature railway in Grosvenor Park - there is also a wooden play park near to it which is handy
Although the park is within walking distance of the city centre I’d check the railway is running before you go as it doesn’t operate all the time.
When it is running it does get busy and you often have to queue but it moves quite quickly.
The park is perfect for a picnic if the weather is nice but unfortunately the toilet facilities aren’t the best

The Roman Ampitheatre sometimes has a live gladiator with wooden "sword fighting" for the children. Yours are a little young to participate, although it looked like one may have been 5 or younger when we watched, but take a look. https://devaromancentre.co.uk/open-for-summer-2025/

If you’re driving, I’d recommend the Crocky Trail. My kids loved it. Take old clothes.

crockytrail.co.uk

Crocky trail!! We go every year

Thankyou some fab suggestions I will check them all out!

Chester is lovely. Grosvenor park has the railway and the wheel and a lovely park, the cathedral is lovely, boat trips on the river. Agree that ice cream farm and crocky trail but ice cream farm is more suited for little ones than crocky trail. Story house is lovely with a little children’s library section, theatre and cinema. The indoor market by there is brilliant- loooads of food options and sometimes live entertainment. Handbridge park over the river is nice too

Thanks @LiliwenI think we'll check out the ice cream farm it looks really good!

does anyone know if you have to book or can you just turn up? Also is the market on every day or just certain days?

Ice cream farm and rocky trail are great.
Walk the walls is good too.
Marmalade cafe just off the walls is good
https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g186233-d3454629-Reviews-Marmalade-Chester_Cheshire_England.html

You can probably get it cheaper if you book in advance.

the Chester market is always open. It’s right by the story house. There’s also a cute cinema there called the picture house.

At the zoo, do go into the Lemur experience (where the Lemurs are free to roam around and you are inside the cage with them). Very cute and a great experience for all ages.

I’ve lived in Chester for 17 years and I’m not sure what either of these are!

The cathedral is currently hosting a 'Making tracks' event. Its a model railway built by Pete Waterman and his team. They have activity cards for the kids to fund different things, so you get to see it properly, a detached very often they let kids have a go of driving the trains on tablets. Its always really nice

Chester market is not open on a Monday. I would say the park, the miniature railway, a boat trip are a must. DS loved the rows, jumping up and down the wooden platforms. They are probably too little for the Sick to Death museum but that’s great fun.
The Roman gardens, the cathedral and walking the walls were also a favourite of DS. It’s such a unique city. I have not been but friends say the Deva Roman Experience is good, it’s a person led museum with lots of things to try on.

The ice cream farm is great but quite a drive from Chester so depends on how long you are there. Delamere Forest is also great.

For food - La Fattoria (closed Monday), Chester Market (closed Monday) and Hickories. All favourites of DS

Oh yes sorry! I forgot it was closed Mondays

I came on to say exactly this! Runs until the end of August I think. DH and I talking about going to see it next week

The stinky smell museum! I can never remember the name of it, its in the town centre on the left hand side as you walk down towards the haunted pub on the right. Near the crossroads.

@DrEmilyCrabtreethat sounds fab we'll definitely check that out!
I've made a list of everything suggested so just planning our days out now, thanks everyone!

Sick To Death!! (I had to Google it!)

We've been for the last few years and they're always good fun. Very often you get to see Pete Waterman there too, just making bits of scenery or stuff.

@5foot5 we're planning to go soon too!

It’s such good fun. Especially the adults only bit!