The weather in England is famously unpredictable, but if you visit Chester on a wet day, don’t be dismayed. Whether you are a history buff, a film addict, a shopaholic, or just fancy some facetime with a shark, there is plenty to do here while keeping warm and dry. Here are some things you can try, even if you forget your umbrella.
Meet a Shark
Blue Planet is the North West’s premier aquarium, with an enthralling array of aquatic life, including clownfish, seahorses, anemones and rays. Their vast collection includes poisonous frogs, venomous spiders, snakes and many other creatures you wouldn’t want to find in your bathtub.
The star attraction, though, is surely the huge collection of sharks. You can get up close and personal with a shark by taking a walk down the long underwater viewing tunnel, and appreciate the beauty, elegance and power of these magnificent creatures.
For the more ambitious, there is the Swimming with Sharks Experience. Whatever floats your boat (or sinks it), Blue Planet has the aquatic answer for you.
Spend in Style
If you love a bit of retail therapy, have a walk around Chester’s Rows. Found on Eastgate Street, Watergate Street, Bridge Street and Northgate Street, the Rows are a series of continuous, half-timbered galleries forming a second row of shops above those at street level. There is nothing quite like them anywhere else in the world. They are so unique they have almost become a symbol of Chester. You can browse the shops while keeping dry, and experience one of Chester’s most iconic features.
Heritage and History
Chester Cathedral is one of the country’s finest. This breathtaking masterpiece of Gothic architecture never fails to impress. Mostly built between the 10th and early 16th Centuries, the building has been added to and altered throughout its history, but still retains its medieval mystique and grandeur. It was once the abbey church of a monastery. Thanks to Henry VIII, the monks are long gone, but many of the original monastery buildings can still be seen to the north of the church. A guided visit will give you a real insight into the daily life of a medieval English monastery.
The cathedral has a strong musical tradition, which you can experience first-hand at many of the worship services. Guided tours are available, where you can learn about the cathedral’s history and present-day use.
Get Flipping
Children always seem to have more energy when it’s raining outside. If your kids need to burn off some of their irrepressible get up and go, a visit to Flip Out might be the answer. Flip Out is an indoor trampolining and adventure park, with plenty to keep them entertained and active. Trampolines, e-karting, interactive football, drop slides and laser quest are just some of the thrilling activities on offer.
What did the Romans do for Chester?
The Romans founded Chester in 79 A.D. as an army base. The city has a long and fascinating story to tell. The Grosvenor Museum is the perfect place to experience the city’s captivating but sometimes troubled history. Incredibly rare Roman tombstones from the Deva fortress give a real insight into the lives of Chester’s earliest inhabitants.
There are displays on Chester’s natural history too, and a wide range of artefacts in the Ridgway Silver Gallery illustrating Chester’s connection to the silver industry.
The well-preserved house at 20 Castle Street is well worth a visit. A fine town house built around 1680, it is now part of the museum and includes a series of rooms furnished and decorated in the styles of different periods, ranging from 1680 to 1925.
Consume More Culture
Storyhouse is a place of learning, entertainment and leisure to be enjoyed by both locals and visitors. A combined theatre, cinema, restaurant and library, it is an important cultural hub for the city. Locally produced theatre and festivals and touring productions are hosted by the two theatre areas. The library is a place for research or study, and is a real haven for all book lovers. The cinema shows a wide range of films to suit all tastes. Check out the schedule and see what is showing on the day you visit. After the movie, you can grab a bite to eat in the restaurant.
You definitely won’t be stuck for something to do when the heavens open. Rainy or sunny, you are in for a great day in Chester. Oh, and don’t forget to bring a brolly!
