Chester

Chester is a pretty town on the River Dee and has excellent transport links to Manchester and also Liverpool. Chester has a fantastic range of activities and sights to experience. The Roman ruins are perhaps it’s most special feature and are the best preserved example of Roman architecture in the UK.In the old part of the city, the ‘Rows’ is a shopping area, easily recognised by it’s two levels of Tudor styled timbre. There are so many activities and sights to see. Children will love Chester Zoo, with over 400 different species of animals to discover, whilst adults
will love the quaint market villages, stately homes and fabulous spas.

• Grosvenor Museum
• Built in 1885 to house the Chester Archaeological Society’s collections, the museum exhibits the history of Chester, it’s art, natural history and silver heritage. They also run monthly and often weekly exhibitions and events which are worth a visit.
• 27 Grosvenor Street, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 2DD
  https://grosvenormuseum.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk

• Chester Zoo
• Chester Zoo is one of the world’s leading conservation centres and is home to 12,000 animals and 400 different species. The zoo offer regular show and tell sessions, as well as meet and greet where you have the opportunity to meet the animals up close and personal. There is a fantastic riverboat ride and a monorail over the giraffe enclosure giving a unique perspective and a fantastic view of the animals, exhibits and gardens.
• Upton-by-Chester, Chester, CH2 1EU
  www.chesterzoo.org |
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Wrexham

Nestled between the Welsh mountains and the lower Dee valley, Wrexham is the largest town in North Wales. Well known for it’s history as a market town, the town currently is home to four markets, three of which are indoor and one weekly outdoor market that takes place on Monday’s at Queen’s Square. Alongside the town’s market traditions, Wrexham town centre is built up of independent retailers and big name brands. Just outside of the main town centre is Eagles Meadow Shopping Complex, which has recently been developed. There are also some fantastic historical heritage sites to visit in and around the area that are a must see. Here are a few recommendations.

• Pontcysyllte Aqueduct
• Created to hold 1.5 million litres of water, this 1,000ft long structure was built in the 19th century to transport raw materials and produce in and around Cefn Mawr. Today however it is a visitor’s hot spot, providing visitors thrilling walks or canal boat rides, looking out onto the stunning views of the River.
• Trevor Basin, Off Station Road, Trevor, Wrexham, LL20 7TY
  www.pontcysyllte-aqueduct.co.uk

• Valley Crucis Abbey
• A prime example of British architectural history, this 13th century abbey was largely destroyed by Henry VII’s split with the catholic church. However the remains have been restored and are the best preserved example in Wales.
• Valle Crucis Abbey, Llantysilio, Llangollen, LL20 8DD
  cadw.gov.wales/visit/places-to-visit/valle-crucis-abbey

• Erddig Hall
• Part of the National Trust, this stunning building provides insight into the lives of the 17th century upper classes. There are over 1200 acres of beautiful gardens and the surrounding park is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll, or even a picnic.
• Wrexham, LL13 0YT
  www.nationaltrust.org.uk/erddig