I was recently given the challenge by Superbreak of spending 48 hours in Chester. We live 25 minutes away from this beautiful city, but there is so much that Chester has to offer that we have never experienced. Chester is a city full of variety, from ancient walls to modern and vibrant restaurants. So what did we get up to during our 48 hours in Chester.
Where we stayed in Chester
The Chester Grosvenor Hotel is located right next to the famous Eastgate Clock, and is a luxurious 5* hotel. You are literally in the heart of the City, but The Grosvenor Chester provides a calm and tranquil place to stay. Our room was on the 4th floor, and as soon as I opened the door I knew we were somewhere special. Robes and slippers were provided, a sumptuous marble bathroom and a personalised welcome awaited us.
It’s incredible to think that The Grosvenor Chester has been a hotel for over 150 years, and has retained it’s Michelin star in the Simon Radley restaurant since 1990. The hotel is luxurious, elegant and has impeccable service, and we had the most enjoyable stay with them.
48 hours in Chester – What we did
A visit to Chester would not be complete without a walk around the famous Chester Walls. We joined the walk at the Eastgate Clock, and after a few failed attempts at getting a selfie with the clock behind us we headed towards the river.
We left the walls and strolled through the Roman Gardens. In all the times I had visited Chester, I didn’t even know these beautiful gardens existed. The Gardens also house the Roman Baths.
We stumbled across a Roman Guard in the amphitheatre who was regaling a group of children with his stories.
We visited the Chester Grosvenor Museum which is free to enter, with a suggested donation of £3 per person. We wandered around the different exhibitions, and particular liked the Samurai Arms and Armour which was running at the time.
I have walked past Chester Cathedral on many occasions but have never stepped foot inside. This time was different, and we spent a good hour inside the vast building. When you first open the heavy wooden door and get a glimpse inside, it really does take your breath away. And there is even a replica model of the Cathedral made of Lego.
After all the sightseeing it was time to hit the shops. I love shopping in Chester, but this time I opened my eyes and saw the amazing architecture and history all around us. Chester really is a breathtaking city, and it was like I was visiting for the very first time.
Dining out in Chester
I have wanted to visit Hickory’s Smokehouse for ages, and we opted for a lunchtime reservation as the evening was all fully booked. It does book up in advance so if you are planning to go, book early. Hickory’s Chester is opposite the River Dee and is an authentic American BBQ restaurant. No sooner had we sat down and we were served with a bag of popcorn, definitely my type of restaurant.
Our waiter was extremely informative about all of the dishes Hickory’s serve, and I opted for a Gumbo dish. Gumbo is a hearty and spicy stew from Louisiana, and it was extremely tasty. Husband had the ham and cheese sandwich which was equally delicious. Sadly we had no room for the incredible desserts they offer. Since our visit we have returned to Hickory’s to celebrate my birthday and also the end of GCSE exams.
In the evening we were booked into The Yard Chester, which is a family owned modern Italian restaurant. We arrived a little early so went downstairs to The Boardroom which is their new bar. A Gin and Tonic later and our table was ready. The Yard Chester was smaller than I expected, but had a vibrant and lively atmosphere. Our mains were extremely tasty, though my husbands was a little on the small side. The service was outstanding throughout the evening, and I would highly recommend The Yard.
So that was our 48 hours in Chester. We had an incredible stay thanks to Superbreak, and I can highly recommend Chester as a city break, where history meets modern and has something for everyone. Infact it was the perfect place to spend our Valentine’s weekend.
Gosh I miss Chester!! So lovely and what a great time you had. Love the photographs! The Grosvenor is so lovely, lucky you xx
Thank you Jess. The Grosvenor is an amazing and beautiful hotel and I feel very lucky that we got to stay there. I forgot how beautiful Chester is x
I seen your picture on Instagram about visiting Chester, I love Chester but have never really visited any if the museums there I always tend to pop to Liverpool instead. Are they child friendly in Chester? I do love Hicorys though! Xx
We loved Hickorys too, fantastic service and amazing food. When we visited the Grosvenor Museum there was a group of school children who seemed to be having a good time x
I love Chester. I would use it as a place to meet up wth my friend who lives in North Wales. We used to go to the races. Looks like a great place to go back and visit as a family and lots of lovely restaurants that I would like to try too. #mondayescapes
Going to Chester races is high on my list of things to do. Despite living 25 minutes away we have never been. I didn’t realise that Chester had so many gorgeous restaurants, and yes would be lovely to visit again as a family as there is so much to do x
I had no idea Chester was so pretty! And I would love to see the Lego model of the cathedral 🙂
#MondayEscapes
Chester is a beautiful city. I did take some pictures of the Lego model of the cathedral, but they came out really dark. You will have to take a visit as the model and the cathedral were breathtaking x
Having grown up close to Chester its nice to see some photos, mum & I often go for a shop and a wander 🙂
Thank you. We have been many times to Chester but I have never really looked up and seen the beautiful buildings all around x
what a beautiful town! #monday escapes
Thank you, it certainly is beautiful x
Great photos – I grew up about an hour from Chester (well, an hour’s drive as you’d always get stuck behind a tractor at some point) and remember visiting with my parents and with school. I always loved it there, and definitely think I need to get back again as it’s a while since I last visited. #mondayescapes
Thank you Cathy. Even though we only live 25 minutes away, our trip was like we were discovering Chester for the very first time x
It’s fun to properly explore somewhere on the doorstep, I think, as if you were taking a city break miles away. Thanks for linking up with #citytripping
Thank you for hosting City Tripping Cathy x
This looks like the most perfect break! I have really lovely memories of Chester as my grandma lives not far from there so we used to go and wander around a lot. It’s a beautiful place to visit 🙂 #Mondayescapes
Lovely to hear you have such fond memories of Chester. It certainly was a perfect break for us thank you x
Tracey it looks fantastic, do you know I never been to Chester. I am definitely going to add it too my list, it looks so historic and very beautiful x
Sarah I can’t believe you have never visited Chester before. You would love it there x
We ADORE Chester! And it looks like you had such a lovely time… and that food looks lush xXx
The food was delicious Katie. I forgot what a beautiful city Chester is, and we really must visit more often as we are only 25 minutes away x
How lovely, I have always wanted a peek inside The Grovesnor and to hear what it was like! Sounds lovely to have a night away there even though it’s close to home. I love going to the cathedral, they have a good cafe too! x
Oh Julia The Grosvenor was amazing. You should go in for a coffee next time you are in Chester, or they do an amazing afternoon tea. My friend was telling me about the lovely café in the cathedral, how did we miss that x
Wow Chester looks fabulous – I don’t think it’s a city I’ve ever visited! The Grovesnor looks very luxurious!
I am still pinching myself that we got to stay at The Grosvenor. It certainly is a luxurious hotel and Chester is a beautiful city x
What a lovely thing to do! It’s years since I last went to Chester and we’ve never done much more than wander round the shops or walk by the river. It really is a beautiful city and it sounds like you discovered some fantastic places.
Thanks Sarah. We really did have a wonderful time away, and it was lovely to discover new places to visit other than wandering around the shops x
Hi, nice post. You are right there is loads to do in Chester, a beautiful city. I had never been before November but have now been twice, so beguiled was I the first time. You have showed me parts that I did not see, so it looks like a third visit is needed!
Thank you for your lovely comment and nice to hear you are thinking about your 3rd visit. There really is so much to see in Chester, and plenty of gorgeous restaurants to choose from x
What an AMAZING 48 hours in one of the best cities ever!!! I had a spa day booked at the Grosvenor years ago but then I was moved to work in Zurich and had to cancel 🙁 I really need to rebook … ten years on x
Rachel you SO need a spa day in the Grosvenor, obviously with afternoon tea too. You need to drop some hints for Mothers Day or your big birthday this year xx
I have never been to Chester (that’s being a southerner for you), I didn’t realise how historical and beautiful it is…I should take a trip there…and will definitely stay at The Grosvenor when I do! Thanks for linking #citytripping
Thank you for hosting City Tripping. The Grosvenor is most definitely the hotel to stay in when visiting Chester. Hope you get to visit one day x
I’ve never ever been to Chester. Shame on me! It looks like a wonderful city, so much to see and do – and the food! I’m hungry already! Thanks for linking up with #MondayEscapes
Ting it really is a beautiful city to visit, and yes we had 2 fantastic meals whilst we were there. Thank you for hosting Monday Escapes as always x
Ooh looks even more lovely than I’ve seen! I would love to visit Chester!! #MondayEscapes
It really is a beautiful city, and definitely worth a visit one day x
What a beautiful city. It looks like you had a lovely weekend there. How great it is that it’s just down the road so you can visit again #MondayEscapes
It really is a beautiful city Claire. We have visited many times before, but really only to shop or have a bite to eat. It was so nice to go and take in all the history surrounding Chester x