If you think you’ve tried every version of afternoon tea in Chester, let me stop you right there, because nothing prepares you for this. I’ve found what is genuinely the most unique afternoon tea in Chester (and probably the UK): sipping champagne and eating mini sandwiches inside the upper deck of a retired Boeing 747. Yes, really.
Welcome to the unforgettable world of the 744 Experience! Where classic British afternoon tea meets aviation history, immersive storytelling, and a full flight simulation experience. If you’re a travel lover, aviation nerd, or just someone who loves doing things a little differently, this is one experience you’ll never forget.
I'm Lucy, your solo travel bestie and resident adventure enthusiast, and I'm obsessed with finding the lesser-known gems, unique things to do and authentic ways to connect with destinations when I travel. I don't just show you how to travel – I show you how to do it consciously and a little bit differently to everyone else. Don't forget to check out my UK travel guides for inspiration.
This guide reviews the most unique afternoon tea in Chester at the 744 Experience, a retired British Airways Boeing 747 turned immersive flight simulator in Cheshire. It explains what’s included in the afternoon tea experience, shares a personal review, details other flight and dining options, and shows why this is the most memorable Chester afternoon tea available.
You’ll also find travel tips on getting to Chester from London by train or car, car hire recommendations, hotel suggestions including The Grosvenor Pulford Hotel & Spa, and advice on who this experience is best for. If you’re searching for a truly special afternoon tea in Chester or want to try the famous 744 Experience, this guide tells you everything you need to know.
Visiting Chester? Here's where you'll find:
- What is the 744 Experience?
- Why this is the most unique afternoon tea in Chester
- My Personal Experience: Afternoon Tea at 35,000 feet
- Travelling to Chester for the 744 Experience
- From London to Chester by train
- Driving from London
- Where to Stay: The Grosvenor Pulford Hotel and Spa
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What is the 744 Experience?
The 744 Experience is a fully restored section of a former British Airways Boeing 747-400, rescued from retirement and transformed into one of the most immersive aviation experiences in the country. Hidden away in the Cheshire countryside near Tattenhall, this isn’t just a simulator, it’s a lovingly recreated slice of aviation history. After three years of restoration, engineering, and research, they’ve brought both the cockpit and upper deck cabin back to life.
This project has been a true labour of love by aviation enthusiast Dan Chang and his two friends who have taken the retired Queen of the Skies and injected new life into the old girl. That's right, you’re not sitting in a replica, you’re sitting in the real thing. From the original seats and layout of the plane, to the toilet, instruments and even the air hostess's uniform. Their attention to detail is where the real magic lies, so when the inevitable tap on the shoulder and the words, "madam, we need you in the cockpit" are uttered, you'll have to remind yourself that you're not actually 10,000ft above the ground.
Boeing 747 Flight Simulator Experience
For aviation lovers, the Boeing 747 flight simulator is genuinely next level. Even if, like me, you don’t know your autopilot from your altimeter, you can’t help but be blown away by how real this experience feels. This is a fully operational former British Airways cockpit (G-CIVM), complete with every original button and switch still working, a huge 220° wraparound screen, and stunning 4K-capable visuals that make you feel like you’re actually in the sky.
You can even experience emergency scenarios and real-life procedures, all guided by friendly, professional instructors who make everything easy to understand. And the best part? You don’t need any flying experience at all – just a bit of curiosity and enthusiasm. Whether you’re an aviation nerd or simply love trying unique experiences, sitting in this cockpit is an unforgettable highlight.
Why this is the most unique afternoon tea in Chester
Let’s be honest, there are plenty of lovely places for afternoon tea in Chester. You’ll find elegant hotels, cosy cafés, and classic tearooms serving up delicate sandwiches and pretty pastries. And while they’re all nice… they’re also pretty predictable.
But how many of them let you sit inside a real retired Boeing 747?
How many let you “fly” across America, sip champagne in Business Class, step into the cockpit, help land a jumbo jet, learn real aviation history, and leave with a souvenir to remember it all by?
Exactly.
This is what makes the 744 Experience so special. It isn’t just another Chester afternoon tea spot, it’s a fully immersive, travel-inspired adventure that feels like stepping into another world for a couple of hours. One minute you’re in the Cheshire countryside, the next you’re cruising at 35,000 feet with cabin crew, safety briefings, and skyline views outside your window.
If you’re looking for something genuinely different, something memorable, and something you’ll still be talking about months later, this is it. The 744 Experience isn’t just afternoon tea in Chester, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Find out more about the Business Class ‘in-flight’ Afternoon Teas
My Personal Experience: Afternoon Tea at 35,000 feet
This has to be one of the most exciting “afternoon tea in Chester” experiences I’ve ever done. From the moment we stepped onboard, I was giddy with excitement. We took our seats in the Upper Deck Business Class, yes, actual business class seats, and were welcomed with a glass of champagne and a proper safety briefing from cabin crew. It genuinely felt like boarding a long-haul flight.
I've only had the pleasure of flying Business Class once and it was an experience I'll never forget, so this was a lovely reminder of just how luxe it was. We “took off”, the screens lit up, and suddenly we were flying from New York to San Francisco, all while enjoying a beautifully presented classic British afternoon tea. Complete with fresh sandwiches, sweet treats, cakes, tea and even champagne! All served as if you were on a real flight.
Meanwhile, the whole plane comes to life with announcements over the tannoy, a fully-functioning seat and even the toilet is taken from the plane!
And then… the highlight. During landing, I was invited into the cockpit and helped guide the plane down the runway. Sitting in a real 747 cockpit, hands on the controls, while “landing” a jumbo jet? I’ll never forget it. If you’re looking for a Chester afternoon tea that actually feels like an experience, not just a meal, this is it.
Travelling to Chester for the 744 Experience
From London to Chester by train
The easiest way to reach Chester is by train. You can catch direct trains from London Euston, which take around 2 hours and offer regular services daily. From Chester, you can take a taxi to the experience venue. >> Book your train tickets
Driving from London
If you’re driving from London to Chester, it's around 200 miles and will take around 4 hours (traffic dependent). For car hire, I recommend using Discover Cars to compare prices and find the best deals.
Where to Stay: The Grosvenor Pulford Hotel & Spa
If you’re turning this into a weekend trip, I highly recommend staying at The Grosvenor Pulford Hotel & Spa. I stayed here during my time in Chester and it was the loveliest base for my time in the UK city. Set just a short distance outside the city, it's calm, peaceful and beautifully designed. It would make the perfect stay for a girls' weekend or a couple stay and even has a beautiful spa. Pair this with the 744 Experience and you’ve got a brilliant short break.
