Best Things to Do in Chester During Autumn 2022

Chester is a vibrant city in northwest England, renowned for its black and white buildings, incredible cathedral and fascinating history. There’s always something going on in this charming location, making it the perfect place to explore this autumn. Whether you’re visiting with friends or family, this guide will take you through the best things to do in Chester.

Some of Chester’s top attractions include:

• Chester Cathedral
• Chester Zoo
• Chester Rows
• Chester Roman Amphitheatre
• Chester Roman Gardens
• The Groves
• Grosvenor Park Miniature Railway
• Grosvenor Museum

Wondering what to do in Chester this year? Read on to find out more.

Chester Cathedral

Opening times: 09:30 – 18:00 Monday to Saturday, and 09:30 – 17:00 on Sundays

Chester Cathedral is a must-visit attraction in the city. It was founded as a Benedictine abbey in 1902 and built in a Norman style, the evidence of which can still be seen today.

The cathedral is free to visit and there’s lots to explore inside. Experience the award-winning Tower Tour and climb right to the top of the cathedral’s central tower for picturesque views. Afterwards, visit the Refectory Café for a bite to eat. Set in a 13^th-century monks’ dining hall, this delightful eatery is the ideal place to relax and refuel after wandering around the cathedral.

Chester Zoo

Opening times: 10:00 – 16:30 daily

Visiting Chester with the whole family? In that case, Chester Zoo should be at the top of your list of places to visit. Opened in 1931 by George Mottershead, Chester Zoo is one of the largest zoos in the UK. Home to a range of animals such as aardvarks, cheetahs, otters and penguins, it’s a great place to learn about wildlife and conservation. Make sure to check out our hotels near Chester Zoo.

Chester Rows

The Chester Rows are a unique set of black and white buildings found in each of the city’s four main streets: Bridge Street, Eastgate Street, Northgate Street and Waterbridge Street. These buildings feature long covered walkways on the first floor, which lead to shops and other establishments.

The Chester Rows date back to medieval times and may have been built upon the remains of Roman buildings. However, there’s a lot of speculation surrounding their origin. Today, the Rows are used as offices, shops, cafés and restaurants and are one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions.

 
Chester Roman Amphitheatre

Wondering what to see in Chester? The city was once home to Britain’s largest stone-built Roman amphitheatre, used for military training and entertainment purposes. It remained functional until around 350 AD, after which it was abandoned. It wasn’t until the 1950s that it was uncovered and excavated.

Today, you can visit the excavated areas of the amphitheatre, located in the heart of the city. Only a percentage of the original structure is visible – the rest lies behind a brick wall. The amphitheatre is free to explore and offers the chance to learn more about Chester’s interesting history.

Chester Roman Gardens

Opening times: 09:00 – 18:00 daily

If you want to enjoy an idyllic walk this autumn, head to Chester’s Roman Gardens. These gardens are located just outside the city walls – near Chester Roman Amphitheatre – and are free to explore.

Built in 1949 by Charles Greenwood and Graham Webster, the Roman Gardens were designed to showcase a number of Roman artefacts. Some of the highlights include a reconstructed mosaic and a hypocaust, which was the underground heating system used during Roman times.

The Groves

This autumn, relax and unwind with a stroll along Chester’s River Dee. This river runs a total length of 70 miles and is only a short walk from the city centre.

Make sure to stop off at The Groves, a lovely riverside promenade abuzz with cafés and restaurants. Tuck into a delicious ice cream at Snugburys or enjoy a refreshing drink in The Grove’s beer garden. There’s also a bandstand that hosts brass bands and outdoor music concerts – the ideal backdrop to an autumn city walk.

Grosvenor Park Miniature Railway

Looking for activities in Chester that the kids will enjoy? Head to Grosvenor Park Miniature Railway, a small gauge railway located within Grosvenor Park. Built in 1996, this attraction runs miniature diesel and steam trains along a quarter-mile circuit through the park, over a wooden viaduct and around a pond. During the journey, you can spot all kinds of wildlife including ducks, moorhens and squirrels.

The miniature railway is suitable for children of all ages. Grosvenor Park also features a fun play area that little ones will love.

Find out about opening times and ticket prices here.

Grosvenor Museum

Opening times: 10:30 – 17:00 Tuesday to Saturday, and 13:00 – 16:00 on Sundays

Find out about Chester’s natural history, art and silver heritage at Grosvenor Museum. Featuring a year-round programme of special events, this museum is full of exciting exhibitions that tell the story of the city’s past to the present day. There’s also a gift shop where you can purchase a range of Chester souvenirs at the end of your visit.

Entry into the museum is free, however donations are welcome.

Hotels in Chester

Planning a short break in Chester? Book a stay at our Leonardo Hotel Chester and enjoy total luxury at the end of a busy day. Located near the city centre, our Chester hotel is close to the city’s top attractions, making it the perfect choice for a staycation.

Tuck into a tasty meal in the hotel’s restaurant, Corvo, or enjoy a drink at Corvo bar after a day of exploration. Whatever you have planned for your Chester holiday, relax and recuperate with Leonardo Hotels.