Carlotta’s Favourite Free Days Out in Cheshire
Current student, Carlotta, shares her favourite free ways to enjoy a day out in Chester and the surrounding area.
Delamere Forest
A green heaven located in the middle of the Cheshire Plain, Delamere Forest is the perfect place to escape from busy city life, find peace, and recharge. Accessible by its own train station, you will find a variety of trails suitable for every hiker, regardless of your ability. You will get the chance to watch the wildlife by the lake, go on an adventure at Go Ape!, an activity among the trees 12 metres above the ground, rent a bike, or even just chill at their café or in one of the cabins located in the wood.
Chester City Walls
The Walls are two miles long and have surrounded the city for nearly 2,000 years. A walk on the walls will allow you to decompress, exercise and see Chester’s most important landmarks and hotspots, such as the Water Tower, the Cathedral, the Eastgate Clock, the Roman Gardens, the River Dee, and Chester Racecourse.
The Gritstone Trail
35 miles long, the Gritstone Trail is a footpath in Cheshire, starting at Disley railway station and ending near Stoke on Trent. The trail is varied, with a changing landscape that passes through hills, woods, fields, and waterways. The views are meant to be amazing and facilities such as pubs and accommodation are also located along the route. It is recommended to walk from north to south and to split the walk over three days.
Grosvenor Park
Located by Chester city centre, next to the Roman Amphitheatre and St John the Baptist, and overlooking the River Dee, Grosvenor Park is a popular open space among locals and tourists. Covering 20 acres, it’s the biggest park in Chester and one of the greatest examples of Victorian parks in the UK, with its statues, trees, and bedding displays planted to welcome the warmer months. Dog-friendly and accessible, the park is a preferred location among many children, thanks to its miniature railway and play area, as well as its new café.
Tegg’s Nose Country Park
Located just outside Macclesfield, Tegg’s Nose Country Park attracts many visitors who want to enjoy a nice day out across the Cheshire Plain. Hiking, cycling, horse riding, fishing, and rock climbing are very popular, but you can even just go for a walk to see the landscape – if you’re lucky and the sky is clear you may even see as far as Liverpool and the Welsh hills.
Grosvenor Museum
Located in Chester city centre, Grosvenor Museum is dedicated to Chester’s history and heritage. You’ll find out more about the Romans and their military occupation, as well as more recent events that have characterised Chester. Special and temporary exhibitions and events are held frequently, and admission is free, although donations are welcome