Jump into the magical world of the Blessington Dolls, where every corner has a tale to tell!

​Chester is a Roman-walled wonderland, where every corner has a captivating tale to tell. On this walking tour through its cobbled streets, you’ll discover the real history behind the places in the story of The Blessington Dolls.

On this fun-filled walking tour through my home-sweet-home, I’ll show you a few of Chester’s most famous landmarks and tell you all about how stories are made. But also get ready for some wacky, wonderful stories you won’t hear anywhere else! Whether you’re a kid with a wild imagination or an adult who’s young at heart, this enchanting journey is designed for all ages to enjoy.

Your amazing adventure begins at the Chester Visitor Information Centre where you can grab a souvenir, like a copy of Smelly Stories of Giants, Goblins, and Nincompoops, a fun-filled book packed with tales of Chester’s wacky past. After that, it's off to the Chester High Cross, which has been standing in front of St Peter’s Church since its restoration in 1975, close to its original 14th-century location. Who knows what secrets it might reveal?

​This story is based on a real-life doll museum stuffed with doll secrets and a boozy joint named Ye Olde Kings Head in Chester, where pint-sized potions might just be on tap. When you're done devouring the escapades, pack your virtual suitcase with chuckles and embark on an online trail to uncover the mystical playgrounds. Raise your giggles and your glasses – here's to a fantastical journey that'll tickle your funny bone and stir your sense of wonder!

Here are some of the adventures you can look forward to along the way:

• Peering into Dollectable Antique Dolls – a real doll shop, just like the one in The Blessington Dolls – and hearing how a clever dollmaker created dancing dolls that made their owners rich by accident
• Seeing the Three Old Arches on Bridge Street, the oldest shop front in the whole country
• Pondering the mystery of the 700-year-old half-timbered shopping galleries known as ‘The Rows’
• Listening to the smashing tale of how Chester High Cross got wrecked during a big fight called the Civil War in 1646
• Visiting a real haunted pub, Ye Olde Kings Head Chester, home to one of the UK’s spookiest items
• Imagining a dapper Duke who made gloves and owned loads of land walking down the cobbled streets, his pockets jingling with coins
• Crossing snazzy and ancient bridges that are older than your grandma’s grandma, like Bridgegate, a medieval gateway to the city that was part of Chester’s Roman walls
• Spotting the magical goddess, Minerva, who’s been guarding the old Roman road to the fortress of Deva for centuries!
• Learning the secret to having a never-ending well of story ideas, and turning real history into a magical adventure of your own
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Our walk ends at The Groves, an enchanting riverside walkway nestled between the Old Dee Bridge and Grosvenor Park. Here, at the bandstand, we reach the grand finale of our story, where Victorian folks tapping their toes to the tunes of yesteryear couldn’t feel more real! Get ready to dance, laugh, and have loads of fun!

By the end of this 60-minute journey, you’ll have discovered the wild, wacky, and wonderful stories that make Chester unlike anywhere else – and some of its quirky history. You’ll also be even more skilled at telling creative stories.
There are cafes, restaurants, and pubs galore along the way, so whether you want a quick snack or a marathon meal, we’ve got you covered.

Take a captivating virtual adventure: Uncover a FREE, accessible, and immersive educational journey! ​

Join The Evelyn Winters Adventure's captivating virtual storybook trails which offer an accessible and immersive educational experience. From any corner of the world, you can join these magical trails and enhance your creative writing, geography, history, and IT skills. Unleash your imagination and unlock the secrets of infinite story ideas while mastering the art of storytelling. With the help of Google Maps and Street View, you'll feel like you've stepped right into the story's world. For an even more authentic and enchanting experience, utilise Google Live View on your mobile device and venture through the story walk in person, accompanied by delightful audio trail guides. Don't let this thrilling virtual adventure slip through your fingers! Prepare to embark on a journey beyond imagination!

This virtual trail include:

Full Trail Guide with Research Questions: Embark on a captivating journey with our comprehensive trail guide, available for download. This interactive guide is designed to enrich the experience for young explorers. At each stop along the way, children can delve deeper by researching three engaging questions, sparking curiosity and enhancing their learning adventure.
Google Map Route: Navigate the trail effortlessly with our Google Map Route. This user-friendly digital map outlines the entire trail, ensuring you never lose your way. Discover the wonders of each location with ease and enjoy a seamless exploration experience, whether you're a seasoned traveler or a first-time adventurer.
Street View Links for Immersive Exploration: Immerse yourself in the beauty and excitement of each location through our Street View Links. With just a click, you'll be transported to the heart of every stop, allowing you to browse and soak in the details from the comfort of your device. Get a sneak peek of what awaits you on the trail and plan your journey accordingly.
Audio Trail Guides for a Multisensory Experience: Elevate your exploration with our Audio Trail Guides, expertly curated for each stop. Listen to fascinating anecdotes, historical insights, and captivating stories that bring the trail to life. Immerse yourself in a multisensory experience that combines auditory delights with the thrill of discovery.
Google Live View for Real-Time Adventure: For those fortunate enough to experience the trail in person, our Google Live View link offers real-time guidance. Seamlessly integrate technology with your surroundings as you navigate the trail. This link provides an interactive, dynamic way to enhance your in-person adventure, ensuring you don't miss a single highlight along the way.