Why Chester is One of Britain's Best Holiday Destinations
Chester has been named in a recent Which? Travel study the third best 'medium-sized' city for a UK staycation destination.
Reviewers rated UK cities and towns based on several categories, including food and drink, shopping and ease of getting around in which Chester score 77% - enough to take joint third place with Oxford and Harrogate.
With millions of tourists exploring this ancient city each year, it’s easy to see the attraction.
A staycation in Chester provides an exceptional holiday experience.
6 Reasons to Choose a Cottage in Chester
1. Chester Cottages have Charm, Character & History
Holiday cottages in Chester offer a unique blend of historical charm as your accommodation, with artisan food and an incredible range of activities on your doorstep. Nestled within the roman city walls you can find a mix of Georgian, Tudor, Victorian and Edwardian housing styles, some of which are now available as your home from home holiday stay in Chester.
Immerse yourself in stunning medieval architecture and history you can explore the country's oldest racecourse or the largest Roman Amphitheatre. Take a walk around the only Roman city in Britain to still have it’s imposing walls in a full walkable circuit around the city, with 2000+ years of Roman history and culture. Or discover local shops in the 700 year old famous rows in Chester City Centre.
2. A Staycation with it all, City, Countryside & Beaches nearby
Choosing a Chester holiday cottage means having the best of all worlds at your fingertips, from cityscapes to countryside.
The city offers a wealth of attractions, from its world-renowned zoo, it’s amazing
Storyhouse
to incredible local foods including many vegan specialties.
Venture beyond the city borders and discover the stunning Cheshire countryside, with its rolling hills, quaint villages, and picturesque walking trails. Amazingly you are also just a short drive away from the beautiful North Wales coastline, with award winning beaches and the magnificent Snowdonia Mountain Range.
Chester truly has it all, making it the perfect destination for a varied and exciting holiday destination.
3. Fun on the River Dee
With your perfect Chester holiday cottage as your base, you can set out to explore the day ahead with all the River Dee has to offer.
The River is a hive of activity, offering something for everyone. From water sports such as canoeing, kayaking and paddle boarding to leisurely cruises admiring the city boarders and river bank house styles. There are stunning scenic riverside walks, and the Dee is also home to a variety of wildlife, making it a fantastic spot for nature lovers and birdwatchers alike.
There's no shortage of ways to enjoy this beautiful waterway, you can even (for the brave who like cold water dips) try a spot of wild swimming.
Enjoy the Pause is your base for all of this
— inside the Roman walls, within walking distance of the river, the city centre, and the station. →
[Check dates & book your stay]
4. Year Round Holiday Destination
Chester’s rich history, diverse attractions, and stunning natural beauty, it is a year-round holiday destination that appeals to all ages and interests.
Whether you're visiting during the vibrant summer months or taking a winter break to explore the city's festive offerings, the range of indoor and outdoor activities, events, attractions and secret hidden gems will keep you busy and entertained any day of the year. Take a look at our
guides to the seasons
and the different things to see, do and enjoy in Chester all year round.
5. A morning coffee in the city, an afternoon on the fairway
Chester's vibrant city centre offers a fantastic array of cafes and restaurants. Staying in a city centre Cottage in Chester you can have a wide choice for your leisurely breakfast before hitting the links. With several top-quality golf courses nearby, you'll be spoiled for choice when it comes to teeing off too.
Royal Liverpool Golf Course at Hoylake is 40 minutes away — one of the world's great links courses or
Carden Park - offering two championship courses and a wide range of facilities across the estate or Chester Golf Club - A parkland course on two levels contained within a loop of the River Dee & dining facilities with a Michelin trained chef.
6. More affordable than you may think
A Chester break costs less than you might expect. No flights. No transfers. No baggage fees. Just drive or take the train and walk straight into one of England's finest cities.
If your not help bent of seeking out guaranteed sunshine and do take a staycation instead, exploring the beauty of the UK can be very rewarding. However the UK can still come in at a significant cost if visiting the major cities like London.
The small City of Chester is a quietly guarded secret, this garden city is less crowded, you'll always find a quiet spot or a restaurant table. You can choose to be surrounded in green nature or you can be close to blue water in just a short walk from the city centre.
Chester holiday cottages offer luxury and comfort without breaking the bank, not forgetting you get a variety of holidays in one, from city to country, from active to leisurely, from historical to modern.
Enjoy the Pause sits quietly inside the Roman walls — 2 minutes from the city walls and within walking distance of everything on this itinerary.
2 bedrooms. Sleeps 4. Free parking. Award-winning.
Book direct for the best price — no booking fees, no middlemen.
