The quaint and historic city was founded as a Roman fortress
Emilia Bona in Chester city centre
I’m not originally from Liverpool but I’ve called it my home for more than a decade and I’ll proudly tell everyone I know that it’s the best city on earth. We’ve got everything from beautiful green spaces to an incredible food and drink scene and the friendliest people you’ll ever meet. Nothing could ever tempt me to move – though there’s one city that’s come close.
Luckily, the only city that holds the potential to persuade me to move out of Liverpool is less than an hour’s drive away – so I can get my fix with a fun day trip before returning home. Chester is easy to access via car or train, making it ideal for either a family day out or a night on the ale.
The quaint and historic city was founded as a Roman fortress and it’s instantly recognisable thanks to the red sandstone walls that characterise much of the architecture in the city centre. I love Chester because it’s a quiet, sleepy city in comparison to the vibrant metropolis of Liverpool.
Both cities share a number of factors in common – they’re both based along rivers which offer stunning views and wonderful walks, they’re both full off trendy bars and restaurants and they both offer a wide range of activities to keep an entire family entertained.
Chester city centre(Image: Pete Stonier / CheshireLive)
With Chester city centre located less than a 45 minute drive from Liverpool, then the chances are many readers will have visited the picturesque city at some point. But with the summer holidays well under way and ideas running short for day trips to fill the calendar, I’ve put together a guide to the city.
While I’d still never ever consider leaving Liverpool, Chester is the only place that could tempt me. But with it being located just a short drive up the M53, I’ll never have to choose.
Where to eat and drink
Chester Market is the perfect choice if you’re not quite sure what you want to eat – or if you’re dining with a group of people who all fancy something different. Traders include Liverpool’s own Big Lola Taqueria, Cheezy Bandits, Guroma Bangladeshi street food, The Sandbar Seafood Shack and The Fresh Pasta Kitchen, as well as many more stalls. Set in a large, open plan food hall, the space is perfect for trying different dishes from different traders, washed down with an expertly crafted cocktail from Lockwood and Co. I recommend starting with a couple of oysters from the seafood shack, accompanied by a spicy bloody Mary, before tucking into some masala fries to share from Guroma.
Guroma at Chester Market(Image: Guroma/Instagram)
The Good Food Guide recommends Covino on Northgate Street which is also featured in the Michelin Guide. Wine bottles adorn the shelves around the room, their prices written on them in chalk, while the knowledgeable team are on hand to advise you which to choose. The cooking comes courtesy of a regularly changing guest chef, so roughly every three months the menu will change in approach. The underlying principles are sharing plates and high-quality natural ingredients.
Or if you want something simple, hearty and affordable, Chester is home to the 13th best pizzeria in Europe – Stile Napoletano on Watergate Street. Founded by Neapolitan chef Giacomo Guido, Stile Napoletano brings a slice of Naples to Chester with its slow-fermented, wood-fired pizzas made using organic Italian ingredients and exceptional British produce.
Giacomo Guido outside of Stile Napoletano(Image: UGC)
When it comes to drinking, you’re spoiled for choice in Chester – but I’m a bit of a traditionalist when it comes to pubs, so I’d always recommend The Brewery Tap, The Cross Keys and The Cavern of the Curious Gnome. I’m also a huge fan of a Sam Smith’s Pub, so The Boot is a firm favourite of mine.
What’s On?
I should caveat my recommendations for family activities by saying that my son is still a toddler, so our plans are centred around things he will enjoy, and I’m no expert on activities for older children.
We love a walk along the river or through Grosvenor Park, with a stop for a Mr Whippy en route. On rainy days we love heading into The Storyhouse which often hosts sessions for families involving music, rhyme and stories. There’s a library on site too, where you can sit in one of the big window seats and enjoy a book with your little ones.
Ethan Reid as Sherlock Holmes and Alex James-Mason as Irish Pubgoer in The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes at the Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre in Chester
History fans will enjoy the City Walls and the Roman Amphitheatre which help bring lessons to life for avid learners. Just a short walk away, from the amphitheatre, the Grosvenor Museum hosts the British Museum’s touring Gladiators exhibition this autumn. Gladiators will bring together some of the country’s most important objects to tell the story of Britain’s entertainment venues and the people who died to the roar of the crowd. It will reveal the violence of the arena, and the importance of spectacle within Roman culture.
Moonlight Flicks Open Air Cinema will also be running at Grosvenor Park in Chester until August 25 this summer. For over 10 years, Storyhouse has brought open air cinema experiences to unique locations across Chester, from the Roman Gardens to Chester Cathedral. This summer, guests can settle in under the stars as the picturesque Grosvenor Park, for screenings of Mamma Mia!, Paddington in Peru and Wicked.
Storyhouse, Chester(Image: Cheshire Live)
Tickets are £10 for Storyhouse members and £12 for non-members, with under 16s tickets charged at £9. Each ticket is subject to a £1.50 booking fee.
Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre is also open now bringing Jane Austen’s enchanting Pride and Prejudice to life for Chester audiences. The 2025 open-air season, presented by Storyhouse, runs until August 31, with a new adventure for Sherlock Holmes and charming Alice in Wonderland experience still to come.