Chester Cottages with Hot Tubs

Get More From Your Chester Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

Chester packs a punch for sightseers. The city walls offer a 2-mile elevated walk with fantastic views - I recommend starting at Eastgate Clock, often called Chester's second most photographed clock after Big Ben.

Chester Cathedral (4.5/5 on TripAdvisor) isn't just another church. The tower tour gives you the best views in the city and they do falconry displays in the gardens. It's open 9am-5pm Monday to Saturday and 11am-5pm Sundays (CH1 2HU).

The Rows are unlike anything else in Britain - medieval two-tiered shopping galleries that run through the city centre. We think they're best explored with a Blue Badge guide who'll point out hidden carvings and tell you which shops were once Roman bathhouses.

Chester Zoo (CH2 1EU) ranks consistently as the UK's best zoo (4.5/5 on TripAdvisor) with 35,000 animals across 128 acres. Book online for cheaper tickets and arrive early - you'll need a full day to see it all. The zoo's Islands area recreates habitats from Southeast Asia and includes a boat trip.

Pet Friendly

Chester welcomes dogs almost everywhere. The walls make a perfect dog walk with plenty of spots to stop for water breaks. Most sections don't have steps and offer great exercise without getting muddy paws.

Grosvenor Park (CH1 1QQ) has 20 acres of green space where dogs can run off-lead in designated areas. The park café provides water bowls and treats. It's a 5-minute walk from the city centre.

For food, The Brewery Tap (CH1 2DY) allows dogs inside and out, with water bowls and treats behind the bar. Their Sunday roasts are legendary, but book ahead as tables go fast.

If it rains, Chester Market has several dog-friendly food stalls under cover. The Jaunty Goat café (CH1 1NG) even offers a "puppuccino" for four-legged visitors.

Top 3 attractions you have to see in Chester

Chester Roman Amphitheatre (CH1 1RE) is the largest in Britain, once seating 7,000 spectators. Only half has been excavated - the rest lies under buildings. It's completely free to visit and often hosts historical reenactments in summer. One visitor wrote: "Standing in the middle, you can almost hear the roar of the crowd from 2,000 years ago."

River Dee cruises offer a different view of Chester. The half-hour city cruise passes the suspension bridge and millionaire's row, but I recommend the two-hour Iron Bridge cruise for better value. The Lady Diana boat (CH1 1SB) runs hourly from March to October. A TripAdvisor reviewer noted: "The captain's commentary was informative and funny without being over the top."

Cheshire Military Museum (CH1 2DN) sits inside the medieval castle complex and houses collections from regiments that recruited in the area. The recreated WW1 trench gives you a feel for soldiers' experiences and the medal room displays Victoria Crosses with the stories behind them. Open 10am-5pm daily except Mondays, £5 entry. "Much bigger inside than it looks," according to recent visitors.

When's the best time to visit Chester?

Chester has year-round appeal but summer brings outdoor events like open-air theatre at Grosvenor Park. Race days (May-September) make the city busier and accommodation pricier. Winter sees the Christmas market and parade. Spring offers quieter sightseeing and your hot tub will feel extra special on cooler evenings.

How far is Chester from Liverpool and Manchester?

Chester sits 40 minutes from Liverpool and 45 minutes from Manchester by train. Direct services run hourly from both cities. By car, it's about 45 minutes from either, making day trips easy while basing yourself in a more relaxed setting with your hot tub cottage.

Can you walk the entire city walls?

Yes! Chester's walls form a complete 2-mile circuit taking about an hour at a leisurely pace. They're the most complete Roman and medieval defensive walls in Britain. There are access points with steps at regular intervals, so you can join or leave the walk at various points.

Are Chester's shops open on Sundays?

Most shops open 11am-5pm on Sundays. The Grosvenor Shopping Centre and Rows shops follow these hours, while Chester Market opens 10am-4pm. Restaurants and pubs have longer Sunday hours, perfect for a meal after shopping before heading back to your hot tub.

What's parking like in Chester?

Chester has several park and ride services (£2 return including parking) from locations around the city's outskirts. If you prefer central parking, the Pepper Street multi-storey (CH1 1DF) is well-located but costs around £15 for a full day. Many cottages offer free parking, making it easier to leave your car and use public transport.

Is Chester good for kids?

Absolutely! Beyond the obvious draw of Chester Zoo, kids love the Dewa Roman Experience with its hands-on activities and the chance to march with Roman soldiers during summer. The Grosvenor Museum runs free children's trails and many cottages with hot tubs also offer games rooms or enclosed gardens.

Some helpful links:

1. Visit Cheshire Official Site
2. Chester Zoo Tickets and Information
3. Chester Cathedral Events and Tours
4. Chester Boat River Cruises