10 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Chester

If you’re curious about the paranormal, joining a Chester ghost tour makes for an excellent way to see the sights. Chester is widely known as one of Britain’s most haunted cities, with many ghost-filled landmarks lining its ancient thoroughfares. Hundreds of ghost sightings have been reported over the years, especially at popular spots such as the Chester Rows, the City Walls, and Stanley Palace.

Chester ghost tours typically start after sunset and last about 90 minutes. You can rest your legs at a local pub or continue your night-time exploration of the city – and possibly experience something strange along the way.

Bear and Billet occupies a timber-framed building that once served as the townhouse of the Earls of Shrewsbury in 1664. This cosy pub has 3 spacious floors, with its 2 upper levels overlooking the historic City Walls.

You can enjoy homecooked dishes like beer-battered fish and chips, steak and ale pie, and grilled bacon chop, as well as a wide selection of ales, whiskies, and wines. A log fire blazes away on winter evenings, while its walled beer garden is excellent for alfresco dining in the summer.

The River Dee flows to the south of the city and out into the Irish Sea. You can take to the water in a variety of ways – everything from pedalos and kayaks to cruise boats that will sail you out to the mouth of the river. On board the larger boats, you can enjoy some themed events, such as a curry & quiz night or a 3-hour party cruise. You’ll find plenty of boat operators on The Groves, a footpath that runs alongside the river.

The Suburbs is a stylish cocktail bar in Hoole, a suburb located about a mile northeast of Chester’s City Walls. Often drawing a hip crowd for signature cocktails and lively nights out, it’s an excellent spot for mixing and mingling with the locals.

The Suburbs’ award-winning cocktails like the house Negroni and Mile High Club are must-tries, but you can also find premium wines and beers on the menu. Food-wise, there are grazing platters and a variety of burgers and chicken wings.

The Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre has been hosting quality productions every summer since 2010 and is one of the best live venues in Chester. The purpose-built theatre occupies the western edge of Grosvenor Park, featuring terrace seating that accommodates over 500 people.

Organised by Storyhouse, past productions include Hercules, Twelfth Night, and Henry V. Note that the theatre's doors open 1 hour before showtime and seats are on a ‘first-come, first-served’ basis, so it’s a good idea to get there early to get the best ones.

Alexander's Live is an excellent place to catch live performances in Chester, including music gigs and cabaret shows. It’s most famous for hosting one of Britain’s longest-running comedy clubs. Every Friday, 4 comedians take to the stage and deliver side-splitting jokes to the packed venue.

Live music at Alexander's Live ranges from jazz and blues to rock and acoustic sets. Its drinks list consists of real ales, lagers, wines, and spirits. Located in Rufus Court, the café-bar is just around the corner of the City Walls.

The Albion Inn is an original corner pub adjacent to the famous Chester City Walls. The pub is decorated with vintage décor and WWI memorabilia, with a fireplace to keep things warm and cosy. It has several rooms for rent and puts you within walking distance of the Chester Roman Amphitheatre and Grosvenor Park.

The Albion Inn is a great place for those who want to unwind as the pub lacks TV screens and loud music. It serves a wide range of ales on tap and traditional dishes like haggis, corned beef hash, and roast Cheshire turkey.

Cruise is an upscale nightclub in Grosvenor Precinct, near Grosvenor Shopping Centre and the Chester Roman Amphitheatre. It has 6 distinct areas inspired by prominent party-centric cities.

You’ll find a DJ in every room – music ranges from modern dance to Britpop. Manhattan is a disco-themed room, complete with a 1970s dancefloor and a bar serving up excellent cocktails. For a quieter affair, head to the intimate Bangkok or luxurious Moskva sections of the club. There are also plenty of VIP booths with bottle service.

The Storyhouse is a theatre in Chester that hosts a variety of cultural performances. You might see opera, Shakespearean theatre, or some modern plays from up-and-coming writers. It’s easy to find in the centre of Chester, walking distance from the shops and Chester train station. Don’t miss the rooftop Garret Bar for pre-show cocktails with a sweeping view. There’s also a cinema, library-cum-cafe, and a restaurant.

Ye Olde Custom House is a friendly local inn and pub in Chester, about a 5-minute walk of prominent landmarks such as the Chester Cross and Chester Racecourse. It occupies a Grade II-listed building dating back to the 17th century, with a beer garden that gets very packed in the summer.

Live music takes place on Saturday nights from 9.30 pm onwards, while poker nights start at 7 pm on Wednesdays. Ye Olde Custom House offers hand-pulled beers and traditional pub food – must-tries include the homemade chips, veggie lentil chilli, Yorkshire stack, and sticky toffee pudding.