WITH new film Paddington in Peru set to hit cinema screens on Friday, November 8, Chester is fast gaining a reputation for the ‘bear necessities’.
From the Paddington statue on Foregate Street, to the 50 foot wicker statue of Paddington at Snugburys, visitors can pop along and share a sandwich and a selfie with the bear of the hour.
Pay a visit to Chester Zoo, grab a Peruvian chocolate treat at Chester Market and snuggle-up in a comfy cinema to round-off the day’s adventures.
Marmalade Ice Cream and a giant Paddington statue at Snugbury’s
Start your Paddington journey just a short drive from Chester at Snugbury’s, known for its delicious, homemade ice cream. In honour of Paddington’s trademark marmalade sandwiches, Snugbury’s have created a marmalade ice cream: an orange zest ice cream with a Seville marmalade curd ripple, yum!
Grab a zesty scoop (or two), and head over to see the huge, straw Paddington statue, proudly standing 50ft high looking out across the Cheshire plains.
He’s hand stuffed with straw and clad with hand painted shingles, with his hat and suitcase expertly woven with two types of willow. Snugbury’s is known for its unique sculptures, and the new Paddington statue is a must-see for fans of all ages.
Meet a Real-Life Paddington at Chester Zoo
Chester Zoo is home to many South American mammals which would not be out of place in Paddington’s homeland of Peru. Visit the Andean bears, reminiscent of the lovable character, which the Zoo is working to protect as part of an international conservation breeding programme. The Zoo is a place to learn more about Paddington’s roots, and appreciate some of his wilder relatives.
Snap a Selfie with Paddington’s Statue in Chester City Centre
Stroll through the picturesque streets of Chester and stop by the Paddington statue on Foregate Street. This life-sized statue of Paddington is sitting on a bench, simply waiting for a hug and a natter. Grab a marmalade sandwich, don a red hat and blue duffle coat for a selfie. It's a fun and lasting way to commemorate a visit to Chester.
Peruvian Chocolate Heaven at Chester Market
In Chester Market, the Pastry Pédaleur headed up by Steph Peters - who featured on Channel 4’s ‘Aldi’s Next Big Thing’ - has whipped up a range of marmalade treats that would exceed even Paddington’s expectations. Valrhona dark chocolate from Peru is blended into a moist orange marmalade brownie; the Andean noire chocolate is 70% pure Peruvian, with a caramelised honey and orange marmalade macaron, and a hazelnut and orange marmalade bear paw. Both have been a huge hit over recent weeks, and are available until Friday, November 8.
Enjoy Paddington in Peru at Chester’s Cinemas: Picturehouse and Storyhouse
Settle-in for the main event watching Paddington in Peru at one of Chester’s cosy cinemas. Picturehouse (from November 8) offers a classic, comfortable cinema experience, making it an ideal spot to sit back and laugh along with Paddington’s latest adventures. Or later in the month head over to Storyhouse (November 22-28), Chester’s cultural hub. Both venues are centrally located, to catch the latest Paddington film without straying far from the other bear-themed activities.
Make a weekend of it: For those looking for a weekend away, stay at the family-friendly Moxy Hotel in Chester, which has rooms from £74 per night.
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