It’s almost impossible to think of Chester without thinking of Chester Zoo, such is the global fame and perpetual awe surrounding the attraction. But there is more than one reason to visit the area. Its location is just a stone’s throw from North Wales and within short driving distance of Liverpool; one of the greatest cities the north of England has to offer makes it the perfect base from which to explore a part of the country that’s so often ignored by those who believe that the UK begins and ends in London. Plus Chester Accommodation is amongst the best in the UK!

Here we’ll be looking at just a few of the attractions located in Chester and the surrounding areas, any of which would form an excellent point of interest for an inquisitive couple or fun-seeking family. We just won’t mention the zoo.

Chester Cathedral

Far from being just another gorgeous city centre cathedral, Chester Cathedral is the cultural hub of the city. The building has stood on the site for over a thousand years and is a true national treasure that blends modern and medieval history. Originally built as a Saxon Minster, the church was rebuilt as an abbey and its complicated history has earmarked it as something of an archaeological treasure. Also entry is completely free, so you don’t have a reason not to at least give this gorgeous building a whistle-stop tour. If you fancy a more in-depth experience though, you could always take the popular “Chester Cathedral at Height” tour, which will take you behind the scenes of the church to the bell-ringing chamber and up to the top of the 200 step tower to take in a spectacular view of the city.

City Sightseeing Tours

Every city worth its salt in the UK (and in wider Europe in fact) has its own open top sightseeing bus tour, but the tour offered at Chester is one of the more enjoyable excursions. The tour will take you through every inch of the more archaeologically rich city in Britain, with stops at the ancient city walls, the Roman amphitheatre and Frodsham Street, which is famous amongst shoppers. If you’re something of a history buff meanwhile, the Chester Heritage Tour might be more up your street, with the 30 minute tour specifically engineered to show off the stories behind this 2,000 year old city.

The Hack Green Nuclear Bunker

And now for something completely different. This underground bunker located just outside Chester in the surrounding region of Cheshire, remained completely undiscovered for over 60 years until it was unearthed and rebuilt recently to the tune of 32 million as a tourist attraction. The massive underground complex is over 35,000 square feet large in total and was planned to be the centre of the regional government if nuclear war had broken out. A fascinating day out that is educational and entertaining in equal measure.

Walls Walk

The Chester city walls are amongst its most famous architectural traits and with good reason. Visitors can follow in the footsteps of a Roman solider as they patrol the most complete set of ancient city walls in the UK. The walk takes in everything from the amphitheatre and the famous water tower, to the Eastgate clock, which is second only to Big Ben as the most photographed clock in Britain. You’ll also take in the stunning Roman Gardens, which fully deserve their rapturous reputation.

The Blue Planet Aquarium

If you prefer your animals of the aquatic variety, the Blue Planet is one of the country’s biggest and best aquariums. You’ll find everything from cuddly otters to intimidating sharks and will get to experience what it’s actually like to live under the sea with the giant underwater tunnel. There’s also a rock pool and outdoor play area for the youngsters and over 50 different exhibits from all around the world, so whatever your age, there’s bound to be something to pique your interest.

Ghost Tours/ Roman Tours

As an ancient city, Chester has more than its fair share of ghosts, so if you have a keen interest in ghost hunting and have the necessary equipment like phasm light, thermal imaging camera, and infrared sound generator (all of these can be sourced from Spiritshack and the like) for the process, you might want to consider the famous Chester Ghost Tour. If, however, you’re a little less inclined towards ghost hunting, the Roman Tours are just as popular and arguably even more fun, as you’ll get to experience the city as an actual Roman! Perfect for families with younger children. For both tours remember to book in advance as they can be extremely popular.

So as you can see, Chester is a part of the country positively bursting with things to do and see and best of all, Hotels in Chester are generally affordable and of an impeccable standard. Oh and we’ve heard there is a pretty decent zoo knocking around those parts too. If you’re so inclined that is…