Chester Hen Do

Did you know?

• Chester was founded as Roman fort in 79AD and was known as Deva. Sounds like the perfect place for a group of divas like you to party!
• Chester Racecourse is the UK’s oldest sporting venue in continual use, having hosted horse racing events since 1539.
• The Chester Rows feature covered walkways on the first floor in each of the city’s four main streets. They’ve formed a second row of shops since the 13th century. They’re beautiful, great for shopaholics and unique to the UK and the world.
• The best surviving Grade I listed Roman fortress wall in Northern Europe is in Chester.
• This gorgeous city is located on the border of Wales. The border runs through the Chester FC Stadium with its pitch in Wales and the car park and offices in England.
• Chester’s produced some real sporting legends including Olympic gymnast Beth Tweddle, footballers Michael Owen and Danny Murphy and snooker player Ricky Walden.
• Chester in home to the UK’s only surviving rock-cut Roman shrine, named Minerva’s Shrine after the goddess of war. It dates back to the 2nd century.
• A bonkers Tudor law that’s never been repealed states that it’s illegal for Welsh people to enter Chester after dark but if they do, you can shoot them with a bow and arrow! Don’t try this one at home, ladies!
• The Eastgate Clock is the most photographed clock tower in the world after Big Ben in London, of course.
• Chester is thought to be one of the UK’s most haunted cities. Ye Olde King’s Head is said to be haunted by a child and the Pied Bull hotel is rumoured to have frequent ghostly goings on in its cellar.
• In the basement of a former Spud-U-Like is a 1,800 year old Roman hypocaust, an example of common central heating used by the Romans.
• Head to nearby Cheshire Oaks Shopping Outlet, the UK’s biggest designer outlet, for more than 145 luxury and high street shops, many offering up to 60% off and tax-free shopping.
• The mayor of Chester in 1540 was Henry Gee. He replaced the traditional Shrove Tuesday footie match with a horse race. His surname is where the term “gee gees” comes from.
• If you were hoping to visit Hollyoaks during your Chester hen weekend, you won’t find it because it’s fictional. They actually film the popular soap in Liverpool.
• Chester Cathedral is simply stunning with gothic architecture that took around 275 to rebuild. You can even see Roman barracks on the Dean’s field. It’s a must visit for history lovers.

Chester in numbers

• Chester is regularly voted within the top 10 prettiest cities in Europe and has even beaten Budapest, Venice and Prague!
• Chester Zoo is the most visited wildlife attraction in the UK. More than 1.9 people visit each year to see the 15,000 animals across the 125-acre site. It’s frequently in the top 10 lists for the world’s best zoos. Fancy a trip during your hen do in Chester?
• The Roman amphitheatre in Chester had space for 7,000 seats making it the biggest one of its kind in the UK.
• The River Dee flows through England and Wales and is 70 miles long.
• 95.2% of University of Chester graduates get employed or go back into studying within six months of graduating, making it the best performing uni in the North West of England.
• In the year 79 AD, Chester was one of three major Roman army forts in the UK.
• The city spreads over a total surface area of 488 square km.
• The Roman fortress wall is almost complete except for a 100m section.
• Blue Planet Aquarium is home to more than 1,500 fish and 100 living displays as well as one of the largest collections of sharks in Europe.
• The Chester Renaissance over the last decade has seen the city become even better due to a mahoosive £1.3 billion investment.

With restaurants on almost every street, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to eating out in Chester. Whether you want a real taste of Cheshire at a restaurant serving tasty local produce or a meal at your favourite chain restaurant, this city is here to please your palate!

Because it’s a super sophisticated destination, we fully expect you ladies to treat yourselves. After all, we all know calories don’t count on a hen weekend in Chester! Guilt free indulgence, here we come! That said, if you’re on a budget or just fancy something quick and easy, there are plenty of options to tickle your taste buds from local cafes to chain fast food places that we all know and love.

A meal out with the girls is a great way to slow down the pace and enjoy some quality time together over good food and drink. Whether you’re a picky eater (we all know one or we are one!), a veggie, vegan, a takeaway queen or someone who like their food exotic and interesting, you’ll find something here to satisfy your cravings during your hen do in Chester.

Miller & Carter - Grosvenor Road, Chester, CH1 2DJ

This steakhouse restaurant is always a popular choice for hen parties in Chester, serving up hand-cut, 30-day aged British and Irish steaks that’ll really make your mouth water.

Hickory’s Smokehouse - The Groves, Souters Lane, Chester, CH1 1SD

Welcome to BBQ heaven on the bank of the River Dee. Hickory’s boasts a menu that’s jam-packed with American goodies and a big range of slow-cooked meats from Memphis-style baby back ribs to burgers, chicken wings to brisket.

Hypha - 5 City Walls, Chester, CH1 2JG

Michelin-recommended and hailed as one of the best vegan restaurants in the country, Hypha is well worth a visit if you want to satisfy your plant-based cravings. Their menu is packed with inventive dishes as well as their locally famous vegan roast dinners that claim to include the best gravy in the world.

Las Iguanas - Coliseum Leisure Park, Cheshire Oaks, Ellesmere Port, Chester, CH65 9HD

Discover a carnival of flavours at this Latin American restaurant and bar. With cosy corners and big tables, Las Iguanas is always happy to host a hen do in Chester of any size. Tuck into spicy or mild dishes with influences from America, India, Africa and Spain.

Get glammed up Real Housewives or WAG style to experience some truly decadent nightlife a big number of pubs, bars and clubs.

Cocktail Making - Chester hen party cocktail making is a brilliantly fun way to kick off the bride-to-be’s last night of freedom, getting you all good and merry as you create your own delicious drinks and enjoy lots of samples along the way.

Games up the fun factor and get everyone to unleash their competitive side as you race against each other to make the tastiest drink in the shortest amount of time.

Gin Tasting - Would you rather sit back like VIPs whilst someone makes the drinks? No problem! Add a drop of sophistication to you hen night in Chester with a gin tasting. A friendly bartender will share all the secrets of how wine is made.

You’ll get to try lots of samples and even try your hand at gin-based cocktail making. Bar snacks are also included so don’t worry if you’re a bit of a lightweight!

Rosies - 12-16 Northgate Street, Chester, CH1 2SA

Dress to impress when it comes to hitting the nightclubs. Rosies is a Chester institution and firm fave with students as well as stag and hen parties. It boasts three floors, each playing a different genre of music, and an open-top roof terrace.

Cruise - 4 St John Street, Chester, CH1 1DA

Cruise claims to be the city’s most sophisticated nightclub, boasting six distinctly themed rooms with luxurious décor where you can celebrate your Chester hen night in style. Expect sets from top DJs and to dance the night away to a mix of old and new music.

Revolution - 106-110 Foregate Street, Chester, CH1 1HB

For a good atmosphere, lots of seating and a place to throw some shapes, Revolution is hard to beat. This buzzing bar is always popular with stag and hen parties in Chester, offering a jam-packed cocktail menu and a DJ pumping out chart hits. You can also try out a gin or cocktail masterclass here.

If you fancy the idea of a hen do in Chester, here’s a quick guide to what you can expect throughout the year.

Chester Food, Drink and Lifestyle Festival

April hosts Chester Food, Drink and Lifestyle Festival, one the biggest annual events of its type in the UK. More than 150 exhibitors showcase the best of Cheshire’s food and drink for you to sample and buy. There’s also talks, chef demonstrations, workshops and entertainment. In short, it’s a foodie’s heaven!

Heritage Festival

Chester’s fascinating history comes to life with talks, walks, films, workshops and exhibitions during June with the Heritage Festival. The city will be buzzing with loads of visitors and more than 60 events taking place in various venues.

CH1 Chester Comedy Festival

June also sees the return of the CH1 Chester Comedy Festival where local and international comedians take to the stage across eight laughter-filled days.

Creamfields

Around a 30-minute drive from the city centre, you’ll find the small village of Daresbury. You may not have heard of it, but you probably know about its annual event, Creamfields, the UK’s biggest dance music festival with super famous acts playing the best of drum and bass, EDM, techno and house. Fancy a visit during your hen do in Chester?

Chester Pride

Chester Pride arrives every August, celebrating the LGBTQ community with a feel-good atmosphere and colourful parade plus entertainment and activities at Castle Square. There’s a main stage for famous acts to perform on plus a busking stage for acoustic singers and cabaret tent showcasing some hilarious and dazzling drag acts.

Chester Christmas Market

Visiting in November or December? You’re in for a magical time as Chester Christmas Market opens, boating more than 70 traditional wooden chalets selling festive treats, gifts, food and drink. You can get your hands on local products including crafts, jewellery, clothing, quirky gifts and nice stocking fillers. Don’t forget to grab some mulled wine, the perfect way to keep warm!

Getting to Your Chester Hen Do

Chester is located in northwest England, around 200 miles and a four-hour drive from London by car or just over two hours by train. It’s around 27 miles from Liverpool and a 40-minute drive, and 40 miles and a 55-minute drive from Manchester. It’s well connected by motorways and reachable by trains and coaches from most major cities. Once you’re there, Chester is a pretty compact city so is easily walkable.

Getting Around During Your Chester Hen Do

Going for a stroll is a great way to take in the stunning sights, awesome architecture and discover some hidden gems. But beware, many of the historic streets are cobbled so you may struggle a little in heels. You’ll also find a regular bus service that covers the city and its suburbs well so you can get around easily during your hen do in Chester. If you’d rather hop in a taxi after a night on your party feet, these can be easily pre-booked or found at a big selection of taxi ranks.