However, visitors to Chester hoping to catch a glimpse of the landmarks of the show are in for a shock as the majority of filming actually takes place in Liverpool. However, a look round the city will quickly disperse any feeling of disappointment as the city has a lot to offer visitors.

Chester boasts the most complete city walls in the UK, measuring almost two miles. Inside the walls is the medieval section of the city which includes several buildings of note, including the Eastgate Clock, which is thought to be the second most photographed clock in England behind the famous Clock Tower (the building that houses Big Ben). Founded by the Romans, Chester boasts history from many eras and evidence of their involvement is highly evident.

Visiting these sites can be a great way to spend a day but they are generally recommended for older children as youngsters often lose interest. One landmark that is suitable for the whole family, however, is Chester Zoo, the UK's most visited zoo of 2007 and one of the largest zoological gardens in the country.

With more than 7,000 animals and 400 species - about half of which are endangered - Chester Zoo has lots to see, teach and fascinate, and Forbes has classed it as one of the top 15 zoos in the world - the only British zoo to get on the list.

One of the most notable features of the zoo is the lack of bars to contain the animals. The zoo was founded in the 1930s by George Mottershead. When he was younger, he visited a zoo in Manchester with his father and was astounded at the small size of cages given to large animals and said to his father "When I have a zoo, it won't have any bars". That zoo was later closed and Mr Mottershead went on to realise his dream. Three quarters of a century later, although he himself is sadly no longer alive, his ideals live on at the zoo.

With all the favourites - lions, chimpanzees and elephants - and the more obscure animals - such as mongooses, wallabies and marmots - also present, it gives everyone the chance to explore and re-familiarise themselves with some of nature's more exotic members.

are easy to come by, give a great base for your day out and after a tiring day walking round the zoo, having a hotel nearby can come as a great relief to aching feet.