Things to Do in Cheshire

From vibrant towns and villages to sprawling country gardens and walking routes, there’s no shortage of things to do in Cheshire for families, couples, and nature lovers.

So whether you’re looking for free things to do in Cheshire or you’re planning a romantic getaway, here’s a selection of the best activities and excursions that this beautiful slice of the North West has to offer.

Free things to do in Cheshire

Planning your trip to Cheshire doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. If you’re looking for free things to do as part of your stay, you’ll find an abundance of activities that are perfect for solo travellers, couples, or families and children.

For history buffs and culture vultures, there are a number of free museums in Cheshire that can easily fill up a chunk of your day. Congleton Museum, for example, features a number of exhibits showcasing life, culture, and industry dating back to the pre-historic period. With seasonal activities and kid-friendly museum trails, it’s the perfect place to learn about local life through the ages.

If the weather is on your side (or you don’t mind wrapping up to keep warm and dry!), Delamere Forest is another free place to visit in Cheshire with free parking for Forestry England members. The forest features a wide range of events, music, and family fun that makes it an ideal spot to check out no matter the time of year.

Interested in architecture? Chester Cathedral is a must, with this Grade I listed building being constructed sometime between the 10th and 16th Century. The cathedral offers free entry, and is the perfect way to break up a day of visiting the city of Chester.

Things to do in Cheshire for families

Planning to visit Cheshire with the kids? One location you can’t afford to miss is Chester Zoo: one of the UK’s most popular zoo attractions, with more than 35,000 animals to observe throughout the zoo’s expansive grounds. If that’s not enough, the zoo also includes 125 acres of zoological gardens for kids to run wild – perhaps while you take a breather with a nice warm drink.

For little thrillseekers, Gulliver’s World is an ideal place for families to visit in Cheshire. Aimed at kids aged 2-13, all of the rides and attractions are suitable for kids, meaning you won’t be limited on what they can enjoy throughout your visit. This includes kid-friendly rollercoasters and character events that are all designed for fun.

If you’re keen to satisfy your sweet tooth during your stay in Cheshire, families should also check out The Ice Cream Farm. Located just outside of Chester, this novel attraction is ideal for keeping kids entertained. And the icing on top? More than 50 flavours of ice cream and sorbet to tuck into at the end of an energetic day.

Things to do in Cheshire for couples

If you’re looking for a romantic getaway, or just need a little peace and quiet for a long weekend, there’s plenty of things to do in Cheshire for couples.

On the budget-friendly side of things, taking a walk around the Chester City Walls is the perfect opportunity to chat and unwind while soaking up the region’s history. These walls are the oldest, longest, and most complete in Britain, with certain parts of the walls being identified as nearly 2,000 years old.

Looking for something a little more hands-on? The Paint Republic holds painting events in Chester which offer the perfect opportunity to showcase your creative side. These adult-only events run every other Tuesday, and can be the perfect way to destress with your partner.

If you’re after things for couples to do that are more unusual, taking a trip to the Hack Green Street Nuclear Bunker could be the perfect way to break up your stay. Sealed for more than 50 years, this labyrinthian bunker is hidden deep in the Cheshire countryside and gives you the opportunity to experience what it would have been like during the Cold War era.

Stay in a pub while exploring Cheshire

No matter what you do during your visit to Cheshire, no stay would be complete without a few nights in one of the county’s beautiful pubs with rooms.

Whether you’re looking for a dog-friendly pub or family-size accommodation, Cheshire has a wide range of pubs that are perfect for unwinding after a long day. Take a look at our curated list of pubs in Cheshire, or browse the full offering with our pub finder and discover the perfect spot for you.