Famous for its Roman heritage, racecourse and the place where they film Channel 4's Hollyoaks, the City of Chester is a popular destination with overseas tourists and local daytrippers alike.
From discovering the oldest shop front in the country to walking the walls of this ancient fortress-city, which is positioned on the banks of the meandering River Dee, there is plenty to see and do.
Its position close to the Welsh border also means it is a gateway to the coast, while a short drive east takes you into the Cheshire countryside.
We have devised a series of Day Trips to take you from city to coast to countryside in the space of just three days, using Chester as your base.
Day One
Chester
Over the centuries, Chester has been a key point of occupation for different armies battling for British territory. Remnants of its Roman occupation include the city walls, which visitors can now walk along in a near-complete circuit thanks to the installation of walkways.Find out more about Chester's history at the Grosvenor Museum, a classic example of Victorian architecture typical of the city.
For a unique shopping experience, look no further than the timber-frontedChester Rows, a two-storey system of retail units that date back to Medieval Englandfound on fourof the city's central high streets. The upper level is protected from the elements by a network of covered walkways, while the street level 'undercrofts' or crypts are mostly accessed by downward steps.
Fans of Hollyoaks could be in for a treat too as the popular soap is filmed in studios located close to the city centre - so keep your eyes peeled for members of the cast.
Top activity: If you are on foot, it is well worth collecting a car from our Chesterrailway stationrental location and taking a short drive out of the city to Chester Zoo,said to be the UK's most-visited wildlife attraction.
Day Two
Chester - Meols
25 miles/39 minutes
Not far west out of Chester is the Irish Sea and a wonderful stretch of coastline covering North Wales to Merseyside. Blow away the cobwebs with a brisk walk along one of the sandy beaches at Meols, Moreton or Red Rocks found on The Wirral Peninsula.
Meols's port town dates back to the Iron Age, and has been a treasure chest for archaeological finds. Itis also linked to local Round Table folklore surrounding King Arthur and his knights.
The Wirral is also where you will find one of the world's best golf courses, the Royal Liverpool at Hoylake, which hosted the 2014 Open Championship.
Top activity: Trypony trekking atHoylake orWest Kirby beaches withPark Lane Liveries.
Day Three
Delamere Forest
10.5 miles/28 minutes
As if the difference between city and beach was not striking enough, a short drive east out of Chester takes you into Delamere Forest. Here peacekeepers and adventure seekers alikecan get lost in this 2,400 acre nature haven, popular with cyclists, campers, hikers and birdwatchers.
The forest is almost entirely accessible to the public, and on a clear day gives unrivalled views over as many as seven English and Welsh counties from atop Old Pale hill, easily accessed from the car park at the Linmere Visitor Centre.
Get back to nature with a range of woodland walks in this green expanse, orhire bikes and navigate the hilly areas for a high-octane adventure.
Top activity: Go Ape, a tree top adventure playground of zip-wires, climbing nets and other sky-high challenges is an exhilarating experience but not for the faint-hearted.
