Recognised as one of the World’s Most Welcoming Cities for 2025, Chester is a beloved destination for anyone travelling to or around the UK. Whether you’re travelling as a family, a couple, alone, or with friends, this historic city offers something for everyone, with its rich heritage, distinctive charm, and a host of unforgettable experiences waiting around every corner.
Here are seven things to do in Chester, a city that welcomes all visitors with open arms.
1. The Ice Cream Farm
Claiming the title of the World’s Largest Ice Cream parlour with a selection of over 50 award-winning flavours, if there’s one place that can guarantee a unique day out that you’ll all remember, it’s The Ice Cream Farm.
The fun is available for everyone with vegan ice cream flavours and sorbet options. Not only this, but The Ice Cream Farm regularly hosts SEN sessions to ensure all families can enjoy their visit. Most (if not all) of the staff are SEN-trained, and there are sensory-friendly spaces and virtual queuing to help support visitors.
And it’s not all about the ice cream. The Ice Cream Farm is also home to play areas, such as the Fun Factory indoor softplay and Honeycomb Canyon – a huge indoor sand and water area. Visitors will also find outdoor play areas such as Daisy’s Garden, Marshmallow Mountain bouncy pillows, Strawberry Falls mini golf, Silvercone racing track, and outdoor diggers.
Families can also stop here for a bite to eat, and if you’re just hoping to come for the ice cream, The Ice Cream Farm also offers a drive-through service where you can relax and wait for the ice cream to come to you.
2. 744 Experience Ltd
Flying business class has never been easier! The 744 Experience is home to a retired British Airways 747-400 aircraft that has flown thousands of miles across the world prior to landing for the final time in 2020.
Whether it’s an elegant luxury afternoon tea experience, unique destination-themed dining, or an intimate flight simulator experience, the whole family will definitely enjoy themselves during the 744 Experience.
Not only is this a unique activity, but the team are just as excited and passionate as you will be, making the experience so much more special.
3. Rooftop Social Club
Finding a spot to have a bite to eat and a nice drink can be extremely difficult, especially if it’s not specifically for adults or children. At Rooftop Social Club, you can do just that. With independent Chester-born food vendors appealing to every appetite, and stunning bars with cocktails, beers, slushes, and more, the full family can enjoy a sunny afternoon at Rooftop Social Club.
Not only is this a place for food and drink, but there are also games of varying sizes available, such as Jenga or shuffleboard. During the summer months, the fully retractable rooftop is out, turning the Rooftop Social Club into Chester’s biggest beer garden.
4. Chester Zoo
Who doesn’t love a day out at the zoo? Home to over 500 species and welcoming around 2 million visitors annually, Chester Zoo is the UK’s most visited zoo outside of London.
Not only this, but the conservation work that the team do to help animals in the wild and the zoo is admirable. All profits from your tickets go straight into this mission, funding breeding programmes for endangered species, restoring natural habitats, tackling illegal wildlife trade, and supporting over 150 conservation projects in more than 20 countries.
Whether it’s reintroducing rare species like the Eastern black rhino or protecting UK wildlife through rewilding schemes, Chester Zoo is much more than a great day out – it’s a force for nature!
5. Storyhouse
Storyhouse is a registered charity, and every penny it earns is reinvested back into its spaces and programmes. A visit here with the family is more than a day out – it’s a whole experience in itself. You’ll find two theatres, an independent cinema, a beautifully curated library, and a welcoming restaurant.
Throughout the year, Storyhouse also hosts a variety of creative workshops and themed events, many of which are free or low-cost. It aims to be a true community hub for all ages, whether you’re there to watch a famous production like Little Woman or Operation Mincemeat, joining a Crossword or Scrabble club meet-up, or visiting for an open mic night.
6. Open Air Theatre at Grosvenor Park
During the summer months, the Storyhouse charity transforms Grosvenor Park into an open-air theatre with iconic adaptations of shows such as Pride & Prejudice and The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes. The impressive performers put on a magical show under the open skies that will surely be memorable for the whole family.
However, when the sun begins to set, Grosvenor Park also invites visitors to watch a movie under the stars at Moonlight Flicks Open Air Cinema. Expect classics such as Grease and Mamma Mia while you feast on a fresh, wood-fired pizza or barbecue food available on site.
7. Glass Deva workshop
For a unique and hands-on family experience, Glass Deva is a perfect option right in the heart of Chester. This welcoming glass studio offers fused glass workshops for all ages, making the art of glassmaking both accessible and fun.
From colourful jewellery to personalised framed artwork, there’s a wide range of options to explore. Workshops run from Tuesday to Sunday every week, offering families a chance to unwind, get creative, and take home a souvenir you won’t find anywhere else.
