23 Things To Do With Teenagers in Chester

Looking for things to do with teenagers in Chester?

The historic city of Chester has plenty to offer for families with teenagers, whether you’re interested in history, culture, or outdoor activities.

From exploring the city walls and visiting the Roman Amphitheatre to shopping in the unique Chester Rows and experiencing the thrill of a high ropes course, there’s something for everyone.

In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at some of the top things to do with teenagers in Chester, so you can plan the perfect day out or weekend away.

Visit the Sick To Death Museum

Photo Credit: Sick To Death Museum Facebook page

This quirky medical museum tells the gory story of medicine through time. Embark on a self guided tour through the family museum which takes about an hour. It’s a great mix of fun and education. Learn about the grisly past of medical science, diseases and cures. The museum is both grotesque and gruesome which of course appeals to many teenagers but many not be to everybody’s tastes!

Find out more at the Sick to Death Museum

Climb to the Top of the Tower at Chester Cathedral

Cathedrals may seem boring to teenagers. However at Chester Cathedral many teens will love the challenge of climbing to the top of the cathedral tower. Not for the faint of heart, teens can climb 216 steps through winding staircases. Along the way you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of the cathedral’s interior at various viewing galleries. At the top, (125 ft high), experience amazing views of Chester.

Book Your Tower Tour at Chester Cathedral 

Take a Ghost Tour

Steeped in over 2000 years of history, Chester is one of the most haunted cities in the UK. If you dare, embark on one of Chester’s several ghost tours. Visit the city’s most haunted locations on an eerie evening walking tour.

Find out more about Chester Ghost Walks.

See a Match at the Deva Stadium

Photo Credit: Wikimedia

If you have teenage football fans, watch Chester FC play at the Deva Stadium. They play in the Northern Premier League and the stadium has a capacity of around 5,000 with a great atmosphere on match days.

Book Your Match Ticket

Visit the Chester Zoo

Chester Zoo houses over 35,000 animals and offers a fun and educational experience for teenagers. See lions, tigers, elephants, giraffes, and many more.

Visit Chester Zoo

Try Some Chester Delicacies

We all know that teenagers like to eat! Chester has a fantastic food scene, with plenty of restaurants and cafes serving up delicious local dishes. Sample some of the city’s traditional foods, such as Cheshire cheese or a Chester pudding.

Take the Hop On / Hop Off Bus Tour

The Chester Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour is a great way for teens to see the city’s highlights.  Choose between the City Route and the Country Route. The City Route focuses on the historic city centre. Stops include the Roman Amphitheatre, Chester Cathedral, and the Eastgate Clock. The Country Route takes you out into the countryside. Stop at Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet and the Blue Planet Aquarium.

Book Your Hop On / Hop Off Bus Tour

Paddleboard or Kayak Along the River Dee

See Chester from a unique perspective and kayak on the River Dee. Paddle through the city of Chester, where the River Dee meanders a path past famous historic 1st century Roman walls and meets the incoming tide from the Sea. Or if you fancy a white water kayaking experience, go upstream to Llangollen where the river cascades down through the Dee Valley in an amazing series of white water rapids?

As well as kayaking you can experience paddleboarding on the river in Chester too.  Both activities are great for adrenaline seeking teens.

Find out more at Dee River Kayaking

Enjoy a River Cruise

If you teen is more into relaxation than exhilaration, skip the paddle boarding and enjoy a river cruise instead. There are many options of River Cruise in Chester.

A popular choice is to take a cruise from Chester through the Duke of Westminster’s Eaton Estate to the picturesque Aldford Iron Bridge. Learn about local history and sights while onboard. Book your river cruise tickets online.

Walk the City Walls

Chester has the most well-preserved city walls in Britain. They’re 2000 years old and free to walk around. Although teenagers may be reluctant to walk around the walls, the views of the city are amazing so it’s well worth trying to persuade them. There are a few cafes on and near the wall so you can stop and have a break along the way. You could also stop along at the river to get ice cream. Information boards along the way retell the wall’s history.

Check out what’s on at the Storyhouse

The Storyhouse combines a library, theatre, cinema, and café, all under one roof. There’s lots on for all ages including movies, theatre life performances, talks from celebrities, comedy and workshops.

A great way to spend a rainy afternoon or evening in Chester.

Visit the Racecourse

Chester Racecourse is one of the oldest and most picturesque in the UK, hosting regular horse racing events throughout the year. Teenagers can place a bet, soak up the atmosphere, and maybe even win some money!

Experience All Things Roman

Chester is famous for it’s Roman history and if your teen is interested in exploring that side of Chester there is plenty for them to do and see. (Be warned : it may not appeal to every teen!)

Visit the Roman Amphitheatre

Chester Roman Amphitheatre is one of the most impressive Roman ruins in the UK. Teenagers can explore the site and learn about the city’s Roman history.

Go Back in Time at the Deva Roman Discovery Centre

The Deva Roman Discovery Centre is an interactive museum designed to brings Chester’s Roman history to life. Embark on a tour with a Roman character. The tour is designed for all ages and family members. See a reconstructed Roman street, take a seat in the amphitheatre and find out about the gladiators that fought there. Plus learn about the archaeology of Chester..

Visit the Grosvenor Museum

This free museum offers a fascinating insight into Chester’s history, with displays and exhibits covering everything from Roman times to the present day. Highlights include, the Period House, which is a recreation of a typical Chester townhouse from the 17th century. There are also Roman artefacts, medieval coins and decorative arts from the 18th and 19th centuries.

Find out more at the Grosvenor Museum website

Go Shopping

Chester is a great shopping destination. With independent boutiques to high street stores, it’s a great place to shop for a few hours.

Here are some of the top places to shop in Chester:

Chester Rows: The Rows date back to the medieval period. Unique to Chester, the buildings have covered medieval walkways on the first floor behind which are entrances to shops, bars and cafes. They are a beautiful place to shop. The Rows are home to a range of independent boutiques, gift shops, and artisanal stores.

Eastgate and Northgate: These are the two main shopping streets in Chester and are home to a range of high-street stores, including H&M, Zara, and Marks & Spencer.

Grosvenor Shopping Centre: The Grosvenor Shopping Centre is located in the heart of the city and is home to over 60 stores, including Debenhams, River Island, and The Body Shop.

Chester Market: Chester Market is located in the historic city centre and is home to a range of independent traders selling everything from fresh produce and artisanal goods to vintage clothing and antiques.

Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet: Located just outside Chester, the Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet is a popular destination for bargain hunters. It’s home to over 145 stores, including designer brands such as Burberry, Michael Kors, and Ted Baker. The outlet offers discounts of up to 60% off the recommended retail price.

Chill Out At Grosvenor Park

This gorgeous park is a great place to chill out and take a picnic. Every summer, the team at the Storyhouse bring performances to the park which teenagers may particularly enjoy. Plus, take some monkey nuts and have fun feeding the squirrels.

Self Guided Treasure Hunt Chester

Encourage teens to discover Chester on foot with fun treasure hunt around the city. Use your smartphone to solve clues and follow maps sent to your phone.

Find Chester’s popular landmarks as well as hidden gems.

The great thing about the treasure hunt is that you can do it at your own speed. Stop whenever you want for a cafe break or just for a rest.

Book Your Chester Self Guided Treasure Hunt

More Fun Things To Do:

Here is a list of more fun things to do in Chester.

Escape Rooms: Like most UK cities, Chester is home to a few Escape room experiences. One to look out for is Breakout Chester. It has 9 different rooms with various themes and difficulty levels.

Go Karting: You can go kart at the Apex Kart, Chester which is about 20 minute drive out of the city centre.

Coliseum Leisure Park: Located at Cheshire Oaks is Coliseum Leisure Park (about 15 minutes outside the city centre). It’s home to a Vue cinema, bowling and restaurants including Nandos and Prezzo.

Adventure Golf: If you like crazy golf, Paradise Island Adventure Golf is the place to go. It’s also located at Coliseum Leisure Park.

Things To Do Near Chester

There are lots of things for teenagers to do in the surrounding areas of Chester too. Here are a few suggestions:

Visit Delamere Forest

Approximately 12 miles from Chester, Delamere Forest is a great place to hire bikes. Or why not climb through the trees at Go Ape.

Water Fun at the Aqua Park at Delamere Wild Shore

Wild Shore Delamere has a aqua park which is great fun in the summer months. Teenagers can also try watersports including paddleboarding.  In addition, adrenaline seekers will love the  unique high ropes course above the water.

More Water Fun at Manley Mere

Manley Mere is also great for water sports. Plus there’s an adventure trail. It’s about 8 miles from Chester city centre.

Take a Trip to Liverpool

Liverpool is only 15 miles away on the train. The journey takes around 45 minutes. It’s a great city for teenagers to visit. Check out things to do with teenagers in Liverpool. for ideas.

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