John And Dawn’s guidebook

John And Dawn
John And Dawn
John And Dawn’s guidebook

Eat, Drink and be Merry.

Here are a few suggestions - mostly of eateries visited by us or your fellow guests. We try to keep this up to date but recommend checking before your visit. You can also find many ideas at the official Visit Chester website.
Stroll a mile and a half further along the canal away from the city, just enough to work up a thirst, and you come to the CHESHIRE CAT, a really top class country inn, with cosy nooks, great range of wines and ales and excellent menu.
10 locals recommend
The Cheshire Cat
Whitchurch Road
10 locals recommend
Stroll a mile and a half further along the canal away from the city, just enough to work up a thirst, and you come to the CHESHIRE CAT, a really top class country inn, with cosy nooks, great range of wines and ales and excellent menu.
The Siam Thai and Teppan-Yaki Restaurant has been recommended to us by past diners and is just a walk along the canal into the city.
Siam Thai and Teppanyaki Restaurant
32 City Road
The Siam Thai and Teppan-Yaki Restaurant has been recommended to us by past diners and is just a walk along the canal into the city.
Guests Andrew and Carole told us that they "found a restaurant with a silly name, 'The Sticky Walnut', in an area which was only 15 minutes walk from your cottage. Although the cost was somewhat startling, the food and ambiance were pleasant, and we would recommend it to any of your guests, if they are prepared to pay premium prices for an interesting and unusual menu.' This restaurant has since been enjoyed and recommended by other guests, too. Emily and Nathan enjoyed the "great food and perfect service" in May 2021.
16 locals recommend
Sticky Walnut
11 Charles St
16 locals recommend
Guests Andrew and Carole told us that they "found a restaurant with a silly name, 'The Sticky Walnut', in an area which was only 15 minutes walk from your cottage. Although the cost was somewhat startling, the food and ambiance were pleasant, and we would recommend it to any of your guests, if they are prepared to pay premium prices for an interesting and unusual menu.' This restaurant has since been enjoyed and recommended by other guests, too. Emily and Nathan enjoyed the "great food and perfect service" in May 2021.
Highly rated pub restaurant. Every Thursday evening is film night - main course, dessert, glass of wine and a classic film for £27.50. What's not to like?
16 locals recommend
Chez Jules
71 Northgate St
16 locals recommend
Highly rated pub restaurant. Every Thursday evening is film night - main course, dessert, glass of wine and a classic film for £27.50. What's not to like?
Aside from their annual charity beer festival in July, this innovative brewer holds regular Brewbarn Seessions - afternoons of beer, food, music and brewery tours.
Spitting Feathers Brewery
Common Lane
Aside from their annual charity beer festival in July, this innovative brewer holds regular Brewbarn Seessions - afternoons of beer, food, music and brewery tours.
Laura and James dined riverside here in August 2019 and liked the "amazing food and lots of choice for veggies and vegans too! Their cocktails are amazing too (recommend the frozen martini & the hard cherry cola)". A week or so later, Nate and Christa agreed - "We had an amazing dinner at Hickory's our first night here. It was so good that we ate there again on our second night!"
43 locals recommend
Hickorys
Souter's Lane
43 locals recommend
Laura and James dined riverside here in August 2019 and liked the "amazing food and lots of choice for veggies and vegans too! Their cocktails are amazing too (recommend the frozen martini & the hard cherry cola)". A week or so later, Nate and Christa agreed - "We had an amazing dinner at Hickory's our first night here. It was so good that we ate there again on our second night!"
Katie and Dean dined here in September '19. "Upstairs at the Grill offered some of the best service and steak we have ever had! The restaurant is very small, so think it is somewhere you need to book in advance, but the bar upstairs alone is worth a visit!" .
16 locals recommend
Upstairs At The Grill - Chester
70 Watergate St
16 locals recommend
Katie and Dean dined here in September '19. "Upstairs at the Grill offered some of the best service and steak we have ever had! The restaurant is very small, so think it is somewhere you need to book in advance, but the bar upstairs alone is worth a visit!" .
Guests Lisa and Adam lunched here in December 2019 and commented "one of the nicest lunches I've had" and John and Sandra loved their coffee in June 2024.
11 locals recommend
The Flower Cup
61 Watergate St
11 locals recommend
Guests Lisa and Adam lunched here in December 2019 and commented "one of the nicest lunches I've had" and John and Sandra loved their coffee in June 2024.
Guests Julie & Martin went here in August 2019 and recommended it "for magical treasures and unusual gifts....staff so friendly and welcoming plus we enjoyed a delightful cup of tea outside the back in the fairy garden!" (n.b. only serves light refreshments.)
Suzie K @ The Secret Garden
24 Bridge Street Row
Guests Julie & Martin went here in August 2019 and recommended it "for magical treasures and unusual gifts....staff so friendly and welcoming plus we enjoyed a delightful cup of tea outside the back in the fairy garden!" (n.b. only serves light refreshments.)
Walk along the towpath into the city and you will soon come to The Old Harkers Arms. Guests Alison and Chris enjoyed its "very relaxing and friendly vibe" in October 2019. Be warned, though, the place is usually packed on weekend evenings.
21 locals recommend
Old Harkers Arms
1 Russell St
21 locals recommend
Walk along the towpath into the city and you will soon come to The Old Harkers Arms. Guests Alison and Chris enjoyed its "very relaxing and friendly vibe" in October 2019. Be warned, though, the place is usually packed on weekend evenings.
Guests Kendra and Josh enjoyed a meal here in May 2021. "The food was excellent and washed down with a Porta Spritz - El Bandarra (wine) has been a revelation!"
20 locals recommend
Porta Wine & Tapas Bar
140 Northgate St
20 locals recommend
Guests Kendra and Josh enjoyed a meal here in May 2021. "The food was excellent and washed down with a Porta Spritz - El Bandarra (wine) has been a revelation!"
The oldest coaching inn in Chester, Mandy and Stuart enjoyed their food and a pint here in May 2021. With its own micro brewery and a beer terrace it does sound like the perfect place for that pint.
The Pied Bull
57 Northgate St
The oldest coaching inn in Chester, Mandy and Stuart enjoyed their food and a pint here in May 2021. With its own micro brewery and a beer terrace it does sound like the perfect place for that pint.
Abi and Jorge dined here pre-Christmas 2021 and very much enjoyed the experience.
Bella Italia - Chester
29 Eastgate Street
Abi and Jorge dined here pre-Christmas 2021 and very much enjoyed the experience.
Eatery by day, cocktail bar by night, 'the pink bar on Watergate Street' was recommended by guests Abi and Jorge in December 2021.
Palm Cocktail Bar & Eatery
31 Watergate Street
Eatery by day, cocktail bar by night, 'the pink bar on Watergate Street' was recommended by guests Abi and Jorge in December 2021.
Close to the Cathedral, The Botanist serves everything from brunches fo Sunday dinners - along with a range of cocktails and gins. It was recommended by guests Abi and Jorge in December 2021.
13 locals recommend
The Botanist Chester
13 St Werburgh St
13 locals recommend
Close to the Cathedral, The Botanist serves everything from brunches fo Sunday dinners - along with a range of cocktails and gins. It was recommended by guests Abi and Jorge in December 2021.
Recommended for 'the best homemade Polish dumplings' by Lydia and Lewis in December 2021.
Pierogi Chester
44 Brook Street
Recommended for 'the best homemade Polish dumplings' by Lydia and Lewis in December 2021.
The wine tasting dinner at Veeno was particularly recommended by Ann and Andy, and also Jane and Dave, who all enjoyed their tipples and food in Feb/March 2022.
Veeno - The Italian Wine Café
52 Northgate St
The wine tasting dinner at Veeno was particularly recommended by Ann and Andy, and also Jane and Dave, who all enjoyed their tipples and food in Feb/March 2022.
If its old Chester you fancy, take a drink in Ye Olde Boot Inn, an atmospheric, low beamed inn dating from 1643 and located in the famous Chester Rows. Recommended by Marianne and Russell in February 2022.
Ye Olde Boot Inn
9 Eastgate Street
If its old Chester you fancy, take a drink in Ye Olde Boot Inn, an atmospheric, low beamed inn dating from 1643 and located in the famous Chester Rows. Recommended by Marianne and Russell in February 2022.
A great place for meet-ups or refuge on a rainy day, Storyhouse is Chester’s multi award-winning £37m theatre, library, restaurant and cinema. The restored and revitalised 1930s Odeon building houses an 800-seat auditorium, a 150-seat studio theatre, a restaurant and two bars plus a 100-seat boutique, independent cinema.
60 locals recommend
Storyhouse
Hunter Street
60 locals recommend
A great place for meet-ups or refuge on a rainy day, Storyhouse is Chester’s multi award-winning £37m theatre, library, restaurant and cinema. The restored and revitalised 1930s Odeon building houses an 800-seat auditorium, a 150-seat studio theatre, a restaurant and two bars plus a 100-seat boutique, independent cinema.
Our neighbour Phil recommended this licensed cafe to us and it did not disappoint. Very tasty light lunches at reasonable prices. Also available for breakfasts and for delicious cakes and hot drinks. Great atmosphere, too.
Marmalade
67 Northgate St
Our neighbour Phil recommended this licensed cafe to us and it did not disappoint. Very tasty light lunches at reasonable prices. Also available for breakfasts and for delicious cakes and hot drinks. Great atmosphere, too.
Reopened in 2022 and winner of the Best New Market award, the market offers a mix of traders and street food vendors. I t was recommended by Leanne and Si in July 2024 who enjoyed the live music on the Friday they visited.
Chester Indoor Market
Reopened in 2022 and winner of the Best New Market award, the market offers a mix of traders and street food vendors. I t was recommended by Leanne and Si in July 2024 who enjoyed the live music on the Friday they visited.
Open in the day for coffee, lunch, light bites and a range of locally made cakes and pastries - described as "massive" by John and Sandra in June 2024.
Rainbow Tea Rooms
Open in the day for coffee, lunch, light bites and a range of locally made cakes and pastries - described as "massive" by John and Sandra in June 2024.
A fabulous cafe close to the station and just outside the Chester City walls. Jo and Martin much enjoyed their breakfast there in August 2023.
Fork and Flavour
A fabulous cafe close to the station and just outside the Chester City walls. Jo and Martin much enjoyed their breakfast there in August 2023.

Sightseeing

This really is a world class zoo just 3 miles from Towpath Cottage. Katie and Dean noted " we were here from 11 - 6 and still didn't get to see it all! "
227 locals recommend
Chester Zoo
Moston Road
227 locals recommend
This really is a world class zoo just 3 miles from Towpath Cottage. Katie and Dean noted " we were here from 11 - 6 and still didn't get to see it all! "
The cathedral's construction dates from between 1093 and the early 16th century, having been modified a number of times throughout history. The site itself may have been used for Christian worship since Roman times. All the major styles of English medieval architecture, from Norman to Perpendicular, are represented in the present building. Guided tours depart daily, Monday to Saturday, at 11am and 2pm. The cathedral has a programme of recitals and exhibitions throughout the year.
77 locals recommend
Chester Cathedral
77 locals recommend
The cathedral's construction dates from between 1093 and the early 16th century, having been modified a number of times throughout history. The site itself may have been used for Christian worship since Roman times. All the major styles of English medieval architecture, from Norman to Perpendicular, are represented in the present building. Guided tours depart daily, Monday to Saturday, at 11am and 2pm. The cathedral has a programme of recitals and exhibitions throughout the year.
The city walls are the oldest, longest and most complete in Britain, parts of which are almost 2000 years old. Chester is the only city in Britain that retains the full circuit of its ancient defensive walls. Walking the complete circuit gives wonderful views down into the city and gives an insight into Chester's long history. The main access onto the walls is at each of the four main gateways - Northgate, Eastgate, Watergate and Bridgegate, plus there are many other steps around the city, some including accessible ramps.
52 locals recommend
Chester City Walls
City Walls
52 locals recommend
The city walls are the oldest, longest and most complete in Britain, parts of which are almost 2000 years old. Chester is the only city in Britain that retains the full circuit of its ancient defensive walls. Walking the complete circuit gives wonderful views down into the city and gives an insight into Chester's long history. The main access onto the walls is at each of the four main gateways - Northgate, Eastgate, Watergate and Bridgegate, plus there are many other steps around the city, some including accessible ramps.
Situated 8 miles from the cottage, where the Shropshire Union Canal meets the Manchester Ship Canal and the River Mersey, is this transshipment dock, once a noisy, bustling hub is now 7 acres of calm and tranquillity. Reachable by car of course, but also by the cottage bicycles, along the canal towpath. Full information here: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/places-to-visit/national-waterways-museum.
14 locals recommend
National Waterways Museum
South Pier Road
14 locals recommend
Situated 8 miles from the cottage, where the Shropshire Union Canal meets the Manchester Ship Canal and the River Mersey, is this transshipment dock, once a noisy, bustling hub is now 7 acres of calm and tranquillity. Reachable by car of course, but also by the cottage bicycles, along the canal towpath. Full information here: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/places-to-visit/national-waterways-museum.
The Anderton Boat Lift has earnt its nickname of Cathedral of the Canals for a very good reason. Not only does it still do the job it was designed to do of lifting boats and barges the 50 feet from the River Weaver Navigation to the Trent & Mersey Canal, but it does it with the most ingenious and endearing character of any structure on the canal system. It is only a 30 minute drive from Chester.
27 locals recommend
Anderton Boat Lift Visitor Centre
Lift Lane
27 locals recommend
The Anderton Boat Lift has earnt its nickname of Cathedral of the Canals for a very good reason. Not only does it still do the job it was designed to do of lifting boats and barges the 50 feet from the River Weaver Navigation to the Trent & Mersey Canal, but it does it with the most ingenious and endearing character of any structure on the canal system. It is only a 30 minute drive from Chester.
Jodrell Bank is an amazing, unique, and awe-inspiring place. A world-leading deep-space radio observatory, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and an award-winning national visitor attraction.
66 locals recommend
Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre
Bomish Lane
66 locals recommend
Jodrell Bank is an amazing, unique, and awe-inspiring place. A world-leading deep-space radio observatory, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and an award-winning national visitor attraction.
The waterfront, galleries, museums, theatres, football stadia, Beatles tours.....so much to see in Liverpool - 'the world in one city'..
144 locals recommend
The Beatles Story
144 locals recommend
The waterfront, galleries, museums, theatres, football stadia, Beatles tours.....so much to see in Liverpool - 'the world in one city'..
Established in 1539, Chester is the oldest racecourse still in operation in the world. The racecourse has consistently been awarded the Gold Standard Award by the Racehorse Owners Association.
103 locals recommend
Chester Racecourse
New Crane Street
103 locals recommend
Established in 1539, Chester is the oldest racecourse still in operation in the world. The racecourse has consistently been awarded the Gold Standard Award by the Racehorse Owners Association.
One of Britain's greatest industrial heritage sites, set in picturesque gardens and countryside The early Industrial Revolution changed our world forever. At Quarry Bank you can discover a complete industrial community and experience the very different worlds of owner and worker, who lived and worked here side by side.
40 locals recommend
Quarry Bank
Styal Road
40 locals recommend
One of Britain's greatest industrial heritage sites, set in picturesque gardens and countryside The early Industrial Revolution changed our world forever. At Quarry Bank you can discover a complete industrial community and experience the very different worlds of owner and worker, who lived and worked here side by side.
Just a 40 minute drive from the cottage lies Tatton Park, one of the most complete historical estates open to the public, with a neo-classical mansion, 50 acres of landscaped Gardens, 1000 acres of deer Park, a rare breed farm and medieval Old Hall.
105 locals recommend
Tatton Park
105 locals recommend
Just a 40 minute drive from the cottage lies Tatton Park, one of the most complete historical estates open to the public, with a neo-classical mansion, 50 acres of landscaped Gardens, 1000 acres of deer Park, a rare breed farm and medieval Old Hall.
A historic country house and garden just 9 miles from the cottage, Bolesworth runs a series of equestrian and other events throughout the year.
10 locals recommend
Bolesworth Castle
Old Coach Road
10 locals recommend
A historic country house and garden just 9 miles from the cottage, Bolesworth runs a series of equestrian and other events throughout the year.
Fascinating walking tours of Roman Chester with an authentic Roman Soldier as your guide. The tours run each day at 12:00 and 14:30 - Starting at the Visitor Information Centre next to the town hall (as at August 2024).
Roman Tours
Fascinating walking tours of Roman Chester with an authentic Roman Soldier as your guide. The tours run each day at 12:00 and 14:30 - Starting at the Visitor Information Centre next to the town hall (as at August 2024).
A magnificent medieval fortress of the Welsh Marches, now a National Trust property. 1.5 mi from Chirk railway station which guests Troy and Melissa from Wyoming traveled to by rail from Chester station during their stay in August 2023.
86 locals recommend
National Trust - Chirk Castle
86 locals recommend
A magnificent medieval fortress of the Welsh Marches, now a National Trust property. 1.5 mi from Chirk railway station which guests Troy and Melissa from Wyoming traveled to by rail from Chester station during their stay in August 2023.

Walking

Starting just a few miles from the cottage and voted by ITV viewers as one of Britain's favourite walks, this 34 mile trail along Cheshire's sandstone ridge offers superb, unbroken and often elevated walking. It is well signposted and split into three sections, each suitable for a day's hike.
10 locals recommend
Sandstone Trail
Sandstone Trail
10 locals recommend
Starting just a few miles from the cottage and voted by ITV viewers as one of Britain's favourite walks, this 34 mile trail along Cheshire's sandstone ridge offers superb, unbroken and often elevated walking. It is well signposted and split into three sections, each suitable for a day's hike.
Turn left outside the cottage to stroll (or cycle) along the towpath to the historic walled city of Chester. Or turn right for the Cheshire countryside. Lots of information here: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/places-to-visit/chester
11 locals recommend
Shropshire Union Canal
11 locals recommend
Turn left outside the cottage to stroll (or cycle) along the towpath to the historic walled city of Chester. Or turn right for the Cheshire countryside. Lots of information here: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/places-to-visit/chester

Shopping

Cheshire Oaks is the UK's largest Designer Outlet With a quarter-million square feet of retail space, comprising more than 140 boutiques, restaurants and cafes,
211 locals recommend
Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet
Kinsey Road
211 locals recommend
Cheshire Oaks is the UK's largest Designer Outlet With a quarter-million square feet of retail space, comprising more than 140 boutiques, restaurants and cafes,
Over 200 different cow, goat and ewe cheeses are available from Britain and overseas - pasteurised, unpasteurised and vegetarian. Highly recommended for "expensive, amazing cheeses" by Robyn and Ianto in April 2024.
The Cheese Shop
116 Northgate St
Over 200 different cow, goat and ewe cheeses are available from Britain and overseas - pasteurised, unpasteurised and vegetarian. Highly recommended for "expensive, amazing cheeses" by Robyn and Ianto in April 2024.

Canal Cruising

From March to October you can hire a narrow boat for the day for a cruise on the Shropshire Union canal. You can choose either to cruise north towards Chester or South towards Nantwich. Both routes are a comfortable 1.5 hour cruise each way and you won't need to go through any locks. Jill and Mark enjoyed "a brilliant day out" in July 2024.
Tattenhall Marina
From March to October you can hire a narrow boat for the day for a cruise on the Shropshire Union canal. You can choose either to cruise north towards Chester or South towards Nantwich. Both routes are a comfortable 1.5 hour cruise each way and you won't need to go through any locks. Jill and Mark enjoyed "a brilliant day out" in July 2024.