10 things to do on a Bank Holiday in Chester

A bank holiday is a great opportunity to take a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life and enjoy some well-deserved rest and relaxation. Whether you want to spend time with friends and family or explore new places, there are plenty of things to do on a bank holiday.

Here are some ideas to help you make the most of your next bank holiday:

1. Take a trip to the beach: A bank holiday is the perfect time to head to the coast and enjoy some time in the sun. Whether you want to swim, sunbathe, or simply relax with a good book, the beach is a great place to unwind. Chester has 5 beaches within 30 miles including 1. Talacre · 2. West Kirby Beach · 3. Barkby Beach · 4. Meols Beach · 5. Gronant Dunes.
2. Go for a walk/ hike: If you’re looking for something a little more active, why not explore the great outdoors with a hike? There are plenty of beautiful trails to discover, and the fresh air and exercise will do wonders for your mood. Wether this be a walk around the almost 2 miles of Roman city walls or walking down the canal from Nantwich
3. Have a picnic: Why not pack up a basket of your favourite foods and head to a Grosvenor Park which overlooks the River Dee for a picnic? You could bring a frisbee or ball to play with, or simply sit and enjoy the scenery.
4. Visit a museum or gallery: Bank holidays are a great time to explore local museums and galleries. Many offer special events or exhibitions during bank holiday weekends, so be sure to check their websites for details. From the range of Galleries in the city such as Watergate Street Gallery and Whitewall Galleries to the Grosvenor Museum exploring the history of Chester, its art and silver heritage, and its natural history.
5. Try a new restaurant: If you’re a foodie, why not use the bank holiday as an excuse to try a new restaurant or cuisine? You could invite friends or family along for a meal. Find a list of places to eat and enjoy over on our Foodie Chester Page 
6. Catch up on sleep: Sometimes the best thing to do on a bank holiday is simply catch up on some much-needed rest. Turn off your alarm clock and enjoy a lazy morning in bed. With this in mind you could become a night Owl and enjoy the  late night city, with bars, music and events going on once the sun goes down.
7. Enjoy a Boat Ride: From half an hour boat rides to group bookings and private parties, take a stroll down the River Dee, The Groves and hop on board for an experience of Chester you won’t regret. There are also row and motor boats available for you to take in the scenery at your own pace!
8. Visit the Zoo: If you’re feeling adventurous, Chester Zoo is a zoological garden in Upton-by-Chester, in Cheshire, England. It was opened in 1931 by George Mottershead and his family, which now holds animals such as Asian Elephants, Cheetahs, Bornean Orangutans and more. Over 2 million visitors a year visit, and with it only being 15 minutes away in the car from the city centre along with free parking… what are you waiting for!
9. Soak up some culture and charisma: Storyhouse is a theatre, cinema and library along with a community hub where you can enjoy food and drink based in Chester’s historic city centre whilst also enjoying the best home-produced and internationally acclaimed work from Cinema and Stage such as one of the UK’s top stand-ups Chris McCausland.
10. Have a shopping spree: Finally, wether you’re looking for a summer wardrobe, a change in style or just want to treat yourself – what better thing to do than some retail therapy! Take a wonder through the rows that are filled from vintage shops, jewellers and quirky boutiques, the shopping centre with the likes of TK MAXX and our high street with a range of big retailers and independents there something to suit any style or budget.

If you want to give the gift of Chester to a friend, family member or spouse this Bank Holiday, you can treat them to a Chester Gift Card. This can be spent in Cosy cafes, inspirational shops, fine dining restaurants, bespoke hotels and quirky boutiques.