Top Things To Do In Grosvenor Museum (Chester) In 2026 - 2027

Museum

Top 10 things to do in Grosvenor Museum

1. Roman Tours
Experience the rich history of Chester with an engaging Roman Tour around Grosvenor Museum. This immersive activity takes you back to the days when the Romans occupied Chester, known as Deva Victrix during the Roman times. The tour is led by guides dressed as Roman soldiers, providing an authentic historical experience. Along the way, you'll learn about the Roman military, their way of life, and how they influenced the city's development. You'll explore various Roman artifacts and remains throughout the museum, giving you a deeper understanding of their advanced engineering, social structure, and daily life. The Roman Tours are tailored to provide a comprehensive historical insight while entertaining visitors of all ages, making it a perfect educational outing for families, history enthusiasts, and school groups.
Duration: 1 hour · Price: Adults £5, Children/Concessions £3
2. Victorian Childhood Gallery Tour
Step into the world of Victorian children with a visit to the Victorian Childhood Gallery at the Grosvenor Museum. This activity offers a glimpse into what life was like for young ones during the Victorian era. The gallery showcases a variety of childhood-related artifacts such as toys, clothing, and educational materials. Discover the stark contrasts between the lives of affluent children and those from less privileged backgrounds. Interactive displays and hands-on experiences allow visitors to engage with the materials, providing a tactile understanding of the period. The exhibit also includes information on Victorian education, child labor, and leisure activities, offering a full picture of the societal norms and challenges of that time. Suitable for visitors of all ages, it's an enlightening tour that highlights the changes in childhood throughout history.
Duration: 45 minutes · Price: Free with museum entrance
3. Silver and Silverplate Collection Tour
Discover the exquisite collection of silver and silverplate items at the Grosvenor Museum, which showcases the craftsmanship and beauty of these precious metals. The collection includes both decorative and functional pieces, highlighting the evolution of design and technique in silverwork over several centuries. During the tour, you'll learn about the historical context of the items, their makers, and the hallmarks that tell the story of Chester's silversmithing heritage. The intricacies of the designs will be explained, as well as the social significance of these objects in the day-to-day lives and special occasions of those who owned them. The Silver and Silverplate Collection Tour is perfect for anyone with an interest in antiques, metalwork, or social history.
Duration: 30 minutes · Price: Free with museum entrance
4. Art Gallery Exploration
The Grosvenor Museum's Art Gallery offers a stunning exploration of fine art, with a focus on works that have a connection to the Chester area. Paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts spanning several centuries are featured, each with a story to tell. This self-guided activity allows you to immerse yourself in the creativity and craftsmanship displayed by both local and nationally renowned artists. As you move through the gallery, you can appreciate the evolution of art styles and techniques, as well as the historical and cultural context of the pieces on display. The Art Gallery Exploration is a tranquil and inspiring experience, ideal for art lovers and those looking to enjoy the peaceful contemplation of beautiful artwork.
Duration: 1-2 hours · Price: Free with museum entrance
5. Natural History Collections Visit
The Natural History Collections at the Grosvenor Museum present a fascinating look into the flora and fauna native to the Chester region and beyond. Visitors can explore a variety of specimens including birds, mammals, insects, and botanical displays, providing insights into the biodiversity of the region. The exhibits offer educational opportunities about local wildlife, conservation efforts, and the ecological history of the area. Information on the impacts of human developments on local ecosystems is also discussed. Suitable for all ages, the Natural History Collections Visit is an enlightening activity for those with an interest in biology, conservation, and the environment.
Duration: 30-45 minutes · Price: Free with museum entrance
6. The Chester Timeline
The Chester Timeline at the Grosvenor Museum is a captivating journey through the city's history, from its founding by the Romans to the present day. Each panel and exhibit along the timeline details different eras and key events that have shaped Chester. You'll learn about the city's development, architectural heritage, and important historical figures. The timeline features interactive elements, making it an engaging experience for both adults and children. As you progress through the timeline, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the city's rich cultural tapestry and understand how past events have influenced modern-day Chester. The Chester Timeline is perfect for history buffs and anyone interested in discovering more about this unique city.
Duration: 30 minutes · Price: Free with museum entrance
7. Medieval Chester Exhibition
Explore the fascinating period of the Middle Ages in Chester with the Medieval Chester Exhibition at the Grosvenor Museum. With a range of artifacts, detailed models, and insightful descriptions, visitors can learn about the social, economic, and political aspects of life in medieval Chester. The exhibition delves into aspects such as the medieval markets, craftsmanship, and daily living, as well as significant historical moments of the time. This activity is a treasure trove for enthusiasts of medieval history and provides a vivid picture of the city's past. The Medieval Chester Exhibition is a window into a bygone era that helps to imagine life in historical Chester.
Duration: 45 minutes · Price: Free with museum entrance
8. Schools and Educational Workshops
The Grosvenor Museum offers a variety of workshops and interactive sessions for school groups designed to support the national curriculum. These educational activities cater to various age groups and cover subjects such as history, art, and science. The workshops provide hands-on learning experiences, often utilising the museum's collections and exhibits. For example, the Roman soldier workshop allows students to handle replicas of Roman artifacts and learn about the Roman army's influence in Chester. The museum's educational team creates engaging content to help bring subjects to life, ensuring that each workshop is both informative and enjoyable. Schools and Educational Workshops are crucial for fostering a love of lifelong learning and providing unique educational opportunities outside the classroom.
Duration: 2-3 hours · Price: Varies by workshop
9. Temporary Exhibitions
Throughout the year, the Grosvenor Museum hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions that cover a wide range of topics, from contemporary art to historical retrospectives. These exhibitions are carefully curated to provide new and exciting experiences for return visitors and to showcase the work of local artists as well as national and international projects. Past exhibitions have featured themes such as modern photography, archaeological findings, and costume design. Each exhibition provides rich context and background, often accompanied by special talks, tours, or activities to enhance the visitor experience. The temporary exhibitions are a highlight for those looking to explore novel and thought-provoking content during their visit to the museum.
Duration: 1-2 hours · Price: Most are free with museum entrance, some may have a separate charge
10. Historic House Visit - 20 Castle Street
Adjacent to the Grosvenor Museum is 20 Castle Street, a historic house that exemplifies the living conditions of the upper middle classes in the late Georgian period. This beautifully preserved townhouse is furnished with period furniture and decor, providing a snapshot of domestic life in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Visitors can tour the house's various rooms, including the drawing room, dining room, and bedrooms, each illustrating aspects of daily life and social customs of the time. The house also provides insights into the roles of servants and the functioning of a Georgian household. The Historic House Visit is an immersive experience, giving guests the feeling of stepping back in time to appreciate the architecture and cultural heritage of Chester.
Duration: 1 hour · Price: Free with museum entrance

Other Places to Visit in Chester

View all places to visit in Chester

Chester Cathedral

Chester Zoo

Chester City Walls

The Roman Amphitheatre

The Rows (Chester)

Grosvenor Park

Eastgate Clock

Chester Racecourse

River Dee Chester

Historical Landmark/Church

St John the Baptist's Church

Museum

Cheshire Military Museum

Marketplace

Chester Market

Historical Site

Chester Roman Gardens

Explore Places to Visit Near Grosvenor Museum by Type

Beaches (1)

Historical Places (83)

Museums (59)

Zoos (4)

Gardens (5)

Other Suggested Reads for Grosvenor Museum

Top 10 things to do in Grosvenor Museum

1. Roman Tours

Experience the rich history of Chester with an engaging Roman Tour around Grosvenor Museum. This immersive activity takes you back to the days when the Romans occupied Chester, known as Deva Victrix during the Roman times. The tour is led by guides dressed as Roman soldiers, providing an authentic historical experience. Along the way, you'll learn about the Roman military, their way of life, and how they influenced the city's development. You'll explore various Roman artifacts and remains throughout the museum, giving you a deeper understanding of their advanced engineering, social structure, and daily life. The Roman Tours are tailored to provide a comprehensive historical insight while entertaining visitors of all ages, making it a perfect educational outing for families, history enthusiasts, and school groups.

Duration: 1 hour · Price: Adults £5, Children/Concessions £3

2. Victorian Childhood Gallery Tour

Step into the world of Victorian children with a visit to the Victorian Childhood Gallery at the Grosvenor Museum. This activity offers a glimpse into what life was like for young ones during the Victorian era. The gallery showcases a variety of childhood-related artifacts such as toys, clothing, and educational materials. Discover the stark contrasts between the lives of affluent children and those from less privileged backgrounds. Interactive displays and hands-on experiences allow visitors to engage with the materials, providing a tactile understanding of the period. The exhibit also includes information on Victorian education, child labor, and leisure activities, offering a full picture of the societal norms and challenges of that time. Suitable for visitors of all ages, it's an enlightening tour that highlights the changes in childhood throughout history.

Duration: 45 minutes · Price: Free with museum entrance

3. Silver and Silverplate Collection Tour

Discover the exquisite collection of silver and silverplate items at the Grosvenor Museum, which showcases the craftsmanship and beauty of these precious metals. The collection includes both decorative and functional pieces, highlighting the evolution of design and technique in silverwork over several centuries. During the tour, you'll learn about the historical context of the items, their makers, and the hallmarks that tell the story of Chester's silversmithing heritage. The intricacies of the designs will be explained, as well as the social significance of these objects in the day-to-day lives and special occasions of those who owned them. The Silver and Silverplate Collection Tour is perfect for anyone with an interest in antiques, metalwork, or social history.

Duration: 30 minutes · Price: Free with museum entrance

4. Art Gallery Exploration

The Grosvenor Museum's Art Gallery offers a stunning exploration of fine art, with a focus on works that have a connection to the Chester area. Paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts spanning several centuries are featured, each with a story to tell. This self-guided activity allows you to immerse yourself in the creativity and craftsmanship displayed by both local and nationally renowned artists. As you move through the gallery, you can appreciate the evolution of art styles and techniques, as well as the historical and cultural context of the pieces on display. The Art Gallery Exploration is a tranquil and inspiring experience, ideal for art lovers and those looking to enjoy the peaceful contemplation of beautiful artwork.

Duration: 1-2 hours · Price: Free with museum entrance

5. Natural History Collections Visit

The Natural History Collections at the Grosvenor Museum present a fascinating look into the flora and fauna native to the Chester region and beyond. Visitors can explore a variety of specimens including birds, mammals, insects, and botanical displays, providing insights into the biodiversity of the region. The exhibits offer educational opportunities about local wildlife, conservation efforts, and the ecological history of the area. Information on the impacts of human developments on local ecosystems is also discussed. Suitable for all ages, the Natural History Collections Visit is an enlightening activity for those with an interest in biology, conservation, and the environment.

Duration: 30-45 minutes · Price: Free with museum entrance

6. The Chester Timeline

The Chester Timeline at the Grosvenor Museum is a captivating journey through the city's history, from its founding by the Romans to the present day. Each panel and exhibit along the timeline details different eras and key events that have shaped Chester. You'll learn about the city's development, architectural heritage, and important historical figures. The timeline features interactive elements, making it an engaging experience for both adults and children. As you progress through the timeline, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the city's rich cultural tapestry and understand how past events have influenced modern-day Chester. The Chester Timeline is perfect for history buffs and anyone interested in discovering more about this unique city.

Duration: 30 minutes · Price: Free with museum entrance

7. Medieval Chester Exhibition

Explore the fascinating period of the Middle Ages in Chester with the Medieval Chester Exhibition at the Grosvenor Museum. With a range of artifacts, detailed models, and insightful descriptions, visitors can learn about the social, economic, and political aspects of life in medieval Chester. The exhibition delves into aspects such as the medieval markets, craftsmanship, and daily living, as well as significant historical moments of the time. This activity is a treasure trove for enthusiasts of medieval history and provides a vivid picture of the city's past. The Medieval Chester Exhibition is a window into a bygone era that helps to imagine life in historical Chester.

Duration: 45 minutes · Price: Free with museum entrance

8. Schools and Educational Workshops

The Grosvenor Museum offers a variety of workshops and interactive sessions for school groups designed to support the national curriculum. These educational activities cater to various age groups and cover subjects such as history, art, and science. The workshops provide hands-on learning experiences, often utilising the museum's collections and exhibits. For example, the Roman soldier workshop allows students to handle replicas of Roman artifacts and learn about the Roman army's influence in Chester. The museum's educational team creates engaging content to help bring subjects to life, ensuring that each workshop is both informative and enjoyable. Schools and Educational Workshops are crucial for fostering a love of lifelong learning and providing unique educational opportunities outside the classroom.

Duration: 2-3 hours · Price: Varies by workshop

9. Temporary Exhibitions

Throughout the year, the Grosvenor Museum hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions that cover a wide range of topics, from contemporary art to historical retrospectives. These exhibitions are carefully curated to provide new and exciting experiences for return visitors and to showcase the work of local artists as well as national and international projects. Past exhibitions have featured themes such as modern photography, archaeological findings, and costume design. Each exhibition provides rich context and background, often accompanied by special talks, tours, or activities to enhance the visitor experience. The temporary exhibitions are a highlight for those looking to explore novel and thought-provoking content during their visit to the museum.

Duration: 1-2 hours · Price: Most are free with museum entrance, some may have a separate charge

10. Historic House Visit - 20 Castle Street

Adjacent to the Grosvenor Museum is 20 Castle Street, a historic house that exemplifies the living conditions of the upper middle classes in the late Georgian period. This beautifully preserved townhouse is furnished with period furniture and decor, providing a snapshot of domestic life in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Visitors can tour the house's various rooms, including the drawing room, dining room, and bedrooms, each illustrating aspects of daily life and social customs of the time. The house also provides insights into the roles of servants and the functioning of a Georgian household. The Historic House Visit is an immersive experience, giving guests the feeling of stepping back in time to appreciate the architecture and cultural heritage of Chester.

Duration: 1 hour · Price: Free with museum entrance