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Things To Do in Chester
Welcome to our inviting hotel in the central hub of Chester’s shopping and nightlife district, as you enjoy walking access to a wide range of landmarks, attractions and the best things to do in Chester, one of Britain’s most treasured city destinations.
Representing a characterful urban getaway with ancient influence firmly at the forefront, spend time taking in everything from a restored Roman Amphitheatre to a 1,000-year-old Cathedral, the historic Eastgate Clock Tower and Tudor-era Rows galleries now housing a much-loved series of high-street and designer brands as part of a unique shopping experience.
Chester Zoo
Step into a world of wildlife. There's over 500 different species at Chester Zoo, including some of the most exotic and endangered animals in the world. Whether you want to see a tiger or a two-toed sloth, you'll find one among their 128 acres of stunning zoological gardens.
With conservation and education at the forefront of all their activities, there's little wonder it's the most visited zoo in the UK.
Chester Racecourse
Established in 1539 and officially recognised as the oldest racecourse in the world still in operation, Chester Racecourse is a fantastic day out when staying at New Blossoms during the summer months between May - September.
With only a 10-minute walk to the racecourse from your accommodation, use our comfortable hotel as your base for up to 15 race meets each season, each perfect for an unforgettable family day out (children aged 17 and under go free) or fun-filled spectacle with friends.
Attracting over 300,000 visitors each year, horse racing fans won’t want to miss the opportunity to attend a track widely regarded as leader in its field.
The Rows
ven if you haven’t visited the city itself, you may well have heard talk of Chester Rows. This is because these medieval walkways carved into Tudor buildings are truly unique across the globe, with the opportunity to stroll through a plethora of shops, cafes and restaurants connecting all four main streets of the city centre as a dramatic centrepiece.
Just one of many reasons why Chester continues to enchant visitors, Chester Rows showcases over 800 years of architectural styles, with past meeting present in glorious style. What’s more, you can now listen to the history of these structures through a brand-new audio trail entitled ‘Discover The Rows’.
Chester Tours
While you’re free to roam the various historic monuments and ancient landmarks within walking distance of New Blossoms, embarking on an official tour of the city is arguably the best way to find out more about this intriguing former Roman fortress with a storied history dating back to AD79.
Choose to wander the city on foot with a ‘Roman centurion’ depicting what life was like in Chester under Roman rule or take the sightseeing bus or even boat as you observe an area that’s evolved over time to the cultured melting pot that we see today.
Particularly useful if you’re staying with us for a shorter amount of time, let the city’s tour guides plan out your route as you relax and take in plentiful archaeological and architectural delights.
Grosvenor Park
Alongside a wealth of family-friendly attractions and historical significance, Chester is also home to pleasant green space making for rewarding walks throughout the year.
Grosvenor Park is just a six-minute walk from your accommodation at New Blossoms, with its grade II listed status and award-winning reputation making for a must-visit when the weather suits. Acting as the city’s primary park area, overlook the River Dee from numerous vantage points alongside Victorian-inspired statues, ornaments and shrubbery either side of immaculate lawns.
Home to the popular miniature railway and a kids play area; families will be in their element when open to the public during school holidays across summer and winter months.
River Dee
A short walk from the hotel beyond Grosvenor Park is one of Chester’s primary attractions, especially during the spring and summer months as the weather warms for quintessential café and ice cream days on the waterside.
Stretching through the city and across the border into Wales, the popular river with tourists and locals alike is a total of 70 miles in length – with its banks known as the ‘Groves’ being a paved promenade with bandstand, restaurants and take off points for motorboats, rowing boats and pedalos should you wish to take to the water.
Blue Planet Aquarium
Less than 8 miles from New Blossoms Hotel, Blue Planet Aquarium is one of Cheshire’s most exciting tourist attractions.
Visitors can enjoy a discovering a wide range of aquatic creatures and habitats. From recreated freshwater rivers that are home to carp, rudd and many more species to the Coral Cave which houses more than 50 species if tropical fish, there’s lots of submerged worlds to explore.
For the more daring, there are regular shark diving sessions where you can learn basic diving techniques and get up close to these magnificent creatures.