When booking a hotel in Chester you’ll find a region bursting with character and variation. Whatever your taste, whatever excites you, relaxes you, or inspires you, you’ll find something to suit your mood and escape the ordinary.  From the delight of thousands of animals at Chester Zoo to the interesting heritage of Chester Cathedral this vibrant city has it all. Chester Racecourse is home to many events and fixtures throughout the year for all the family and whether you like racing or not you are guaranteed a fun filled time! Chester has just played home to the ‘Summer Music Festival’ which saw a number of fantastic international artists take the stage. The ‘MBNA Chestival’ which was also a success for the city, brought the streets of Chester alive for 34 days and nights, with Romans, Rhinos, BMX riders, Show Jumpers, International and local Musicians, Actors, Town Criers and Giants! ‘Chester Rocks’ was a new outdoor 2 day festival for 2011 and took place at the racecourse. The event saw the likes of Taio Cruz, The Wanted, The Saturdays and Mcfly. The excitement doesn’t just end in the summer months, during the dull winter months Chester hosts a number of exciting walking tours and Christmas fetes and fairs for all ages. Whether you want to find a hotel in Chester in the summer or winter you will always find something to do!

Chester Racecourse Events

Horse racing at Chester dates back to the early sixteenth century and Chester Racecourse, known as the ‘Roodee’, is according to official records the oldest racecourse in England. Whether entertaining clients, celebrating a special occasion with family or enjoying a day out with your friends, a day at Chester races will be an unforgettable experience for all the right reasons! Booking a hotel in Chester in advance is strongly advised if you want a guaranteed place in all of the fun! Award winning chefs, mouthwatering menus, extensive wines and  champagnes, first-class service, chic surroundings and the all important atmosphere for which Chester Racecourse is renowned for. To add style the racecourse holds Ladies Day in May and Ladies Evening in June which gives all women the opportunity to dress to impress in the Best Dressed Lady Competition. There really is something for all here; even if you think you won’t enjoy the racing you will want to come again next year!

The following events offer a fun packed day for all the family including racing, adult entertainment and children’s activities including a circus, face painting and bouncy castles.

Family Funday – Sunday 31^st July

Totesport Summer Festival – Saturday 20^th August

Autumn Festival – Friday 9^th and Saturday 10^th September

Chester Zoo Events

There’s always something special happening at the Zoo from cycle rides, lazy summer evenings and exclusive behind the scenes tours! Booking a hotel in Chester alongside booking you place on these events will guarantee you a fabulous time. The Elephant & Dinosaur Evening and BBQ is just one of the events taking place this summer on Saturday August 6^th.  The evening commences at 6.00pm with a guided tour through the exciting new exhibit, Dinosaurs at Large, featuring 13 life-sized animatronic dinosaurs in a custom built enclosure around the Islands in Danger exhibit. The tour will then continue to visit the Asian elephant herd in the state of the art Elephants of the Asian Forest enclosure. After this amazing tour the evening concludes with a delicious barbeque served on the lawns of Oakfield Manor, a beautiful Victorian house in the grounds of the zoo. Run for the Wild is another event held on September 25^th and is an annual run for a good cause; the Nigeria Conservation Programme. Runners of all ages and abilities can register and families looking to exercise together can apply. There are a number of great hotels in Chester, make sure you book in advance to avoid disappointment at any of these  events.

Other future events in Chester

KOINONIA Art Exhibition – 1^st – 30^th August

Chester fashion festival – 10^th – 24^th September

Shell Chester Literature Festival – 17^th – 30^th October