Hi all,

Want to take my parents to Chester for a day out either tomorrow or Friday. Where is the best place to park (I don't mind paying) and what's to do while we're there, NOT shopping!

Thanks

Chester race course my have some events on.

Park & ride would be easiest; parking in the city is very difficult. When I used the one at Boughton recently, I found I needed £2 in coin for the ticket, don't know if all the sites are the same; I guess the one at the Zoo would be the most convenient for you.
If the weather's good, a half-hour trip on the river is nice. Boats leave every half hour, on the hour and the half hour. You don't say how active your parents are, but a walk round all or some of the walls is good. Although it involves shops, strolling round the Rows, which I think are unique in this country, can be cooler than on the street.
Enjoy your trip.
http://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/residents/transport_and_roads/park_and_ride.aspx

Best place to park in Chester is just under the Crowne Plaza Hotel, its a Pay & Displey 4hrs & over abt £5.00. Centrally located for everything Chester has to offer.The entrance is on St. Martin's Way.

An alternative would be to go by train. If you do, buy Saveaway tickets: £4.80, which is cheaper than a day return at £6.05. You might even find time to squeeze in a free trip on the Mersey Ferries. Just means you can't travel on a weekday before 9.30am, no restriction on Saturday. There's a bus from Chester station to the city centre every few minutes, it costs £1 each way, but bus passes can be used.

Really helpful, thanks guys

Go down by the river where there are river boat rides really nice and pleasant atmosphere with lot's of benches to sit on

You could have tea and scones on the river bank only about a fiver each

Bargain! Thanks, mum & dad will love that.

Katryn, thank you for the photos. The river cruise is a definite.

Hope you all have a great day and bring us all back a stick of rock. (Mint) x

Thank you Dilly, I'll try and remember the rock

Have a lovely day Zubee.

Hi all,

Had a really good day today with absolutely no shopping! Except when my dad cut his hand on the car door and we went to Boots for plasters and they called a first aider (Donna) to have a look at it. What lovely people they were.

Went for a walk along the river then on the cruise. Saw a heron . Went for lunch at the Boathouse and were able to sit outside in this grand weather. Food and service were great. Then for a stroll along part of the walls. Happy days!

Thanks for your posts and suggestions, big thanks to Chriskay for the link for the park & ride. I didn't know this existed and I can't recommend it highly enough. £2 return from Chester Zoo straight to Frodsham Street in the middle of town. Excellent and stress free.

Sounds as if you had a great day; glad you enjoyed it. Park & Ride is good, although I usually go by train myself. The shuttle bus from the station goes to Frodsham St. too and you can't get much more central.

Glad to hear you had a nice day out

Hope your dad's hand is alright now.