Date spot in Chester
Chester Zoo
Spend the day at one of the biggest zoos in the country, from elephants and big cats to the lush tropical gardens of the Islands zone.
Upton, two miles north of the city centre
Address: Chester Zoo, Upton-by-Chester, Chester CH2 1EU- Activity
- Outdoors
- Mid-price
- Cheap and cheerful
Why it's a good date: Easily a whole day, so wear comfy shoes and pick a few must-sees on the map. Book online, and go on a weekday out of the school holidays for a quieter visit.
Photo: Photograph by Mike Peel (www.mikepeel.net)., CC BY-SA 4.0 (resized)
More from our Chester guide
Chester Racecourse
The Roodee, by the Watergate
Address: The Racecourse, Chester CH1 2LY- Event
- Outdoors
- Mid-price
- Best in Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Big night
Dress up for a race day on the Roodee, the oldest racecourse still in use in England, laid out right beneath the city walls.
Why it's a good date: A proper occasion from May to September, with the whole city joining in. Book ahead for the big meetings, or watch a race for free from the walls above.
Photo: Colin Park, CC BY-SA 2.0 (cropped and resized)
The Brewery Tap
Lower Bridge Street, near the Old Dee Bridge
Address: 52-54 Lower Bridge Street, Chester CH1 1RU- Bar
- Rain-proof ☔
- Cheap and cheerful
- Dog friendly
- Cosy
Have a pint of local Spitting Feathers ale in the lofty medieval great hall of Gamul House, one of the oldest buildings in the city.
Why it's a good date: A pub with a real sense of history, and plenty of room to spread out. Dogs are welcome until early evening, and it's a short walk down to the river afterwards.
Photo: N Chadwick, CC BY-SA 2.0 (resized)
Porta
Northgate Street, city centre
Address: 140 Northgate Street, Chester CH1 2HT- Restaurant
- Rain-proof ☔
- Mid-price
- Foodie
- Cheap and cheerful
Squeeze in for small plates of Spanish tapas, sherry and Spanish wine at the busy little bar by the Northgate.
Why it's a good date: Lively and relaxed, and sharing plates are made for dates. It's walk-in only, so go early or be ready to wait with a drink at the bar.
Photo: Jeff Buck, CC BY-SA 2.0 (cropped and resized)
