chester place to visit

15 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Chester

Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated Dec 28, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Chester, the county town of Cheshire, is noted for its vast array of historic monuments, including its magnificent medieval city walls.

Chester's roots date back to Roman times, and the Vikings, Danes, Saxons, Scots, and Normans also occupied the settlement at various times. By far the greatest influence on the city, however, was its maritime trade along the River Dee from the 12th to 14th centuries, which brought with it commercial and cultural prosperity.

The Old City has been a conservation area for more than 50 years and retains numerous well-preserved half-timbered houses, as well as the Rows , its magnificent two-tier medieval arcades. Add to this mix its attractive bridges, parks, and riverside walks, as well as the city's many musical festivals, excellent shopping, and one of the world's top zoos, and it's little wonder Chester ranks so highly on England's most popular places to visit.

Learn more about these and other great attractions with our list of the top things to do in Chester, England.

See also: Where to Stay in Chester

1. Take a Walk along Chester City Walls

2. see the historic chester rows, 3. watergate and lower bridge streets, 4. chester cathedral, 5. chester cathedral choir, 6. chester roman amphitheatre, 7. take the kids to chester zoo and the blue planet aquarium, 8. dewa roman experience, 9. the roman gardens, 10. enjoy a riverside stroll through the groves, 11. st. john the baptist's church, 12. grosvenor museum, 13. cheshire military museum, 14. cheshire workshops, 15. beeston and peckforton castles, where to stay in chester for sightseeing, chester - climate chart.

Built mostly of red sandstone, Chester's City Walls follow the even older Roman walls, except where they extend to the river to include Chester Castle . The complete circuit - the best preserved of its kind in Britain - is a nearly two-mile walk taking in the four main gates: Northgate, Eastgate, Bridgegate, and Watergate.

At Eastgate, you'll see a clock erected in 1897 to mark Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee, while at Northgate, traces of Roman foundations can still be seen. Another must-see while walking the walls is King Charles' Tower . It was here in 1645 that Charles I is said to have witnessed the defeat of his troops at Rowton Moor during the English Civil War. The tower houses a small civil war museum, and evidence of the conflict can still be seen at places along the wall.

Other City Wall highlights include Morgan's Mount, an impressive watchtower; Pemberton's Parlor, a semicircular tower with great views of the river area; and Bonewaldesthorne's Tower, a solid sandstone Water Tower built in 1325. You'll also pass Grosvenor Bridge, adjacent to the Rodee, an ancient horse racing track.

Finally, be sure to visit the famous Wishing Steps . It's said that anyone capable of running up and down twice without drawing breath will supposedly see their wishes fulfilled.

Address: Northgate Street, Chester

Among Chester's most distinctive features are its galleried walkways, with their many shops running the length of the old stone and half-timbered buildings. Dating from the 14th century, the Chester Rows evolved from houses and shops built partly in front of (and partly on top of) piles of rubble left from the Roman ruins.

These rows are found in all four of the town's main streets which, following the Roman town plan, meet at right angles at the market cross. In Eastgate, Bridge, and Watergate Streets, the galleries are at first floor level, while in Northgate Street they're mostly at ground level.

Address: Bridge Street, Chester

Watergate Street has several exceptional half-timbered houses, including God's Providence House, built in 1652 and so named as its inhabitants were spared the plague. It's also home to Bishop Lloyd's House, with its beautiful carvings.

Leche House (1579) also has elaborate half-timbering, as does richly-decorated Stanley Palace (1591). Watergate street is also where you'll find the oldest building in Chester, the Blue Bell Inn, which dates back to the late 14th century.

Lower Bridge Street is also well-known for its beautiful half-timbered houses, in particular Falcon House. Also worth seeing is Tudor House, built in 1603 and one of the oldest dwellings in the city. The Old King's Head Hotel and the Bear and Billet, a four storied half-timbered inn, are also worth checking out and make for great photos.

Address: Watergate Street, Chester

Chester Cathedral is built on the site of a much older church dating from AD 958 and a later Benedictine abbey (part of the old Norman church survives in the north transept). The abbey in turn became a cathedral when, following the Dissolution, a new diocese was created by Henry VIII in 1541.

The Lady Chapel and Chapter House are Early Gothic (post 1240), while most of the choir is High Gothic (1280-1315). The tower, west front, and upper part of the nave are Late Gothic (1485-90).

While the splendid three-aisle pillared nave of the Gothic basilica is undoubtedly one of this elegant structure's most striking features, the west end is also notable for several features. These include the baptistery, another relic of the Norman church, which contains a 6th-century Venetian font, and the Consistory Court, which, though less visually impressive, is nevertheless unique in England.

Address: 12 Abbey Square, Chester

Official site: www.chestercathedral.com

The finest part of Chester Cathedral, its Early Decorated Choir, certainly deserves to be visited – even if it's all you see of this magnificent building. Its 14th-century stalls are superbly carved, with 48 droll misericords and an old abbot's seat inscribed with the Tree of Jesse, and part of a 14th-century shrine to St. Werburgh can be seen in the Lady Chapel .

On a musical note, Handel's Messiah was first rehearsed here and is often performed during the Christmas season. Visitors are also often thrilled to have the opportunity to hear the country's oldest volunteer choir in action, along with regular organ recitals.

The largest such attraction in Britain – and one of the top free things to do in the city – Chester Roman Amphitheatre remains the subject of continual excavation and discovery. As recently as 2005, excavations revealed two successive stone-built amphitheaters with wooden seating, one of them similar to that found in Pompeii.

In Roman times, the site was used for entertainment and military training by the famed 20th Legion, a fact that is especially impressive as you stand on the very spot where such activities took place some 2,000 years ago.

Address: Little St. John Street, Chester

In Upton, just over a mile north of Chester city center, Chester Zoo is one of the UK's largest and most popular zoological parks. Home to more than 11,000 animals representing some 400 different species, this 125-acre site also features prizewinning landscaped gardens and its very own monorail system. Animal attractions include Chimpanzee Island, a penguin pool, and Europe's largest tropical house.

Another great wildlife-themed tourist attraction is Blue Planet Aquarium , home to more than 50 displays of fish and marine species. The largest section, the stunning Caribbean Reef exhibit, houses more than 700 fish, including southern stingrays and moray eels, as well as Europe's largest collection of sharks.

If your budget allows, book one of the attraction's popular shark dive experiences.

Address: Cedar House, Caughall Road, Chester

Official site: www.chesterzoo.org

Be sure to visit the Dewa Roman Experience, a fascinating interactive reconstruction of the sights, sounds, and smells of life inside the 2,000-year-old Roman fortress buried beneath modern-day Chester.

The adventure begins aboard a Roman galley, before moving into reconstructions of the granary, barracks, a bathhouse, and market stalls that would have formed part of the fortress that was home to the 5,000-strong 20th Legion.

Time it right, and you might be recruited for a fun Roman soldier patrol through the city. Guided city tours of Chester's Roman past are also available and are suitable for all ages. Afterwards, shop for souvenirs in the on-site gift shop.

Address: Pierpoint Lane, Chester

Official site: www.dewaromanexperience.co.uk

Located close to the Roman Amphitheatre and easily accessible from the magnificent city walls, the Roman Gardens should be on your list of places to visit in Chester. Established in 1949 as a place to display larger building remnants from the Roman fortress at Deva and other sites across the city, it's a delight to explore.

Set lining the garden paths, and perhaps the most notable remains, are the substantial columns that once supported the roof of the old Roman bathhouse and the fortresses' assembly hall. Also worth seeing are the gardens' three modern mosaics, along with a hypocaust, a stone building used by the Romans as a heating system.

While strolling through the gardens, look for the large section of the city wall that looks like it has been repaired. This was where, during the Civil War of 1645, Parliamentarian forces used cannons to create a breach large enough for troops to pass through. Access to the River Dee is also possible from the gardens.

Address: Pepper Street, Chester

Set alongside the pretty River Dee not far from Grosvenor Park (you can access the park from here), The Grove is fast becoming one of the top free things to do in Chester. This charming riverside promenade is a delightful place for a stroll at any time of year and offers some unique vistas of the city.

Start your stroll at the city walls on Lower Bridge Street on the Dee's north bank and simply follow the path all the way to Grosvenor Park. Along the way, you'll catch some great photo opportunities, including everything from the elegant homes of Queen's Park on the other bank, as well as of the swans that call the area home.

You'll also stroll past some very attractive old Georgian homes and plenty of pretty, tree-lined green space with ample park benches to stop and contemplate. Other top sights here include the Edwardian bandstand (seasonal concerts are offered), as well as the Queen's Park Suspension Bridge. A number of restaurants, tearooms, and cafés are also found here.

Just around the corner from the amphitheater stands St. John's Church. Known in full as St. John the Baptist's Church, parts of this attractive church – once the city's main cathedral – date from the late 19th century, along with a section comprising an earlier 12th-century Norman church.

The triforium is Transitional and dates from around 1200, and although the original choir and Lady Chapel were destroyed when the central tower collapsed, they can still be seen as picturesque ruins.

Also worth a visit is St. Michael's Church on Bridge Street. Although no longer in use as a church (it's now a heritage center), it contains numerous interesting features, including its fine stained glass windows and a 15th-century chancel.

Location: The Cross, Chester

Official site: https://stjohnschester.uk/history/

The Grosvenor Museum boasts a fine collection of Roman antiquities, along with special displays illustrating the life of the Roman legionary and the Roman fortification of Britain. Exhibits deal with matters of life and death during Roman times, including medicinal remedies and instruments, as well as impressive collections of modern artworks. There are also numerous paintings and sculptures dating back some five centuries.

At the rear of the museum is 20 Castle Street, the museum's Period House. Built around 1680, it's displayed as a sequence of nine period rooms dating from 1680 to 1925.

Other notable attractions close to Chester that are run by West Cheshire Museums include Weaver Hall Museum and Workhouse , a local history museum housed in what was once a schoolroom in a workhouse; the still-operating 19th-century Stretton Watermill ; and the restored Lion Salt Works near Northwich, with displays related to a once-important local industry.

Address: 27 Grosvenor Street, Chester

Located in Chester Castle, the Cheshire Military Museum tells the story of the four famous regiments connected with the area from 1685 to the present day. Among the groups and individuals featured in the display are Lord Baden Powell, founder of the scouting movement, and The Cheshire Yeomanry, the last horsed regiment in action during WWII.

Highlights include displays following the exploits of the Regiments of Cheshire, their travels across the world, and the wars in which they fought, including a fascinating exhibit focusing on life in the trenches during WWI. The museum also houses the archive of the Cheshire Regiment, providing information on people who have served with the regiment.

Location: The Castle, Chester

Official site: www.cheshiremilitarymuseum.co.uk

The Craftsmen and women of the Cheshire Workshop not only demonstrate their hand-carved candle-making skills, they encourage visitors to participate in the art, too. The facility also offers glass, pottery, and jewelry displays, as well as a café and gift shop.

The attraction is particularly popular for parents, as the site includes a playground and numerous fun activities for kids.

Address: Barracks Lane, Higher Burwardsley, Tattenhall, Chester

Official site: www.cheshireworkshops.co.uk

The history of Beeston Castle stretches back more than 4,000 years to its origins as a Bronze Age hill fort. Perched high atop a rocky crag, the castle ruins are fun to explore and offer incredible views of the surrounding countryside, all the way to the Pennines and Wales. An interesting museum is located in the visitor center, and a café is located on the grounds.

A much newer fortress to check out is nearby Peckforton Castle . This attractive medieval-style castle was built in 1850 and made famous as the set for Patrick Bergin's 1991 film, Robin Hood . ( Peckforton Castle now serves as a 4-star luxury hotel.)

Address: Chapel Lane, Beeston

We recommend these highly rated hotels with easy access to Chester's historic monuments and city walls:

• Roomzzz Chester City : A mid-range apartment hotel, Roomzzz Chester City features contemporary design and provides a free breakfast.
• Oddfellows : This affordable boutique hotel is known for its quirky style, themed rooms, afternoon tea, and Mediterranean restaurant.
• Premier Inn Chester Central (South East) Hotel : For a budget hotel, near the bus to the city center, this is a good choice. It features modern decor and comfortable beds.

More on England

21 Best things to do in Chester, England

• David Angel
• England , United Kingdom

About the author: David Angel is a British photographer, writer and historian with 30+years experience exploring Europe. His work regularly appears in global media including the BBC, Condé Nast Traveler, and The Guardian.

Chester is one of the best cities to visit in England, indeed Great Britain. It’s one of the most captivating cities in the country, with a wealth of medieval (and medieval-inspired) architecture.  

There’s nowhere else in the world like the Chester Rows, a warren of centuries-old walkways among the black-and-white half-timbered houses. You can shop, stop at cafes and pubs or simply wander back into the mists of time.   

You can also walk its ancient city walls or if you’re travelling with kids it has one of the best zoos in Europe on the edge of town.  

My guide to the best things to do in Chester covers all options. I show you all the historic sites, from Roman to medieval to Victorian, some of the best places to stay and eat, and Chester Zoo. I also suggest the best places to go near Chester, including across the border in North Wales and Liverpool. Enjoy! 

Table of Contents

Why Visit Chester  

Chester is one of the most beautiful cities in England, with a wealth of medieval architecture and half-timbered houses around the city. 

It has one of the finest cathedrals in northern England, with parts of the church around a thousand years old. 

Chester is renowned for its Rows, a series of unique covered walkways with shops and cafes above street level. 

It’s also rich in Roman history, and was the largest city in this part of Britain when the Romans conquered it 2,000 years ago. 

There are also plenty of fun things to do in Chester with kids, with the excellent Chester Zoo on the outskirts of the city, and the Deva Roman Experience for those with an interest in history. 

Chester is on the border with North Wales, and an excellent base for venturing into this wonderful part of the world. The gorgeous Snowdonia National Park and some of the great Castles of North Wales are little more than an hour away, as are some of the best beaches in North Wales.  

Chester is also very close to Liverpool or Manchester, within easy reach by train, bus or car. 

Things To Do In Chester

Chester cathedral  .

Chester Cathedral is one of the best cathedrals in the North of England. It was originally the Abbey of St Werburgh – the patron saint of the church – which was unusually spared destruction in the aftermath of King Henry VIII’s Dissolution of the Monasteries. It has been a Cathedral since 1541, but all the surrounding monastic buildings, including the cloister and refectory have survived. 

The dark red sandstone cathedral was built over 500 years, beginning with the foundation of the Abey in 1093. Some arches from this Romanesque period survive in the north transept, and much of the body of the church – including the Gothic chancel and Lady Chapel – were completed in the 14 th century. 

Further work was completed in the 16 th century, including the intricate great west window, a superb example of the English Perpendicular style. The Victorians also left their traces in their restorations, and there are also some 20 th century additions including the modern west window. 

While visiting the Cathedral, take time to explore the monastic buildings, particularly the lovely cloister garden, and its fine Water of Life sculpture. The Refectory café is also a spectacular setting for an afternoon coffee and slice of cake.  

Chester Architecture  

Chester’s architecture is outstanding, one of the finest of any city in England. It’s easily one of the most beautiful cities in England, its central streets lined with black-and-white half-timbered houses. The oldest buildings are from the 13 th century, and many date from the late 16 th and 17 th centuries.   

Many were also added 200 years later by the Victorians. You can tell some of their buildings apart from their medieval counterparts by the inscriptions on the facades, and some of the painted figures are also a bit of a giveaway. 

Explore the unique Chester Rows  

Wandering the famous Chester Rows is one of our favourite things to do in Chester city centre. They are the main reason many people visit Chester, and are unique in Europe. 

The rows are a series of covered passageways one storey above ground level, running along four streets in the centre of Chester. Shop, café or restaurant premises occupy the buildings at street level, and there are walkways above, accessed via flights of steps at intervals. At this level there are more shops and businesses – some of which are connected to the premises on the ground floor, and some are entirely separate.  

The shops in these walkways are set back a few metres from the street. The passageways are covered, with most of the buildings between two and four storeys higher. These passageways – along Eastgate, Northgate, Watergate and Bridge Streets – are the Chester Rows. 

Nobody knows how the Chester Rows came into being. There are various theories. One is that they were built on the rubble of ruined Roman buildings; writer George Borrow (best-known for his travelogue Wild Wales ) suggested that they were built so shopkeepers could defend their wares from raiding Welsh robbers!

Ultimately this is all guesswork. We do know that the Rows had come into being by the late 13 th century but that the walkways we see today are later, most likely from the 17 th to 19 th centuries. They are a fantastic warren of passages, with a vast range of shops, many of which are small and independent. There are also many great cafes and a few 17 th- century pubs to be discovered. A wonderful way to spend a day in Chester.  

Take a walk under the ornate late Victorian Eastgate Clock  

The famous Eastgate Clock stands on the site of the main Roman gateway to the city of Deva Victrix. It is frequently said to be the second most photographed clock in England after Big Ben in London. I certainly can’t think of one to rival it, and it’s undoubtedly one of the most famous landmarks in England .  

The ornate clock was built on the 18 th century sandstone bridge which forms part of the city walls of Chester. It was completed in 1899 to commemorate the Golden Jubilee (60 years) of Queen Victoria’s reign two years earlier.   You can walk below it at street level, or climb the stairs and walk right underneath the clock. It’s only a minute’s walk from a beautiful view of Chester Cathedral. 

Enjoy the circuit of Chester City Walls  

The city walls of Chester are the most complete circuit of ancient town walls in the UK. They were begun by the Romans to fortify the garrison town of Deva Victrix, and were built in the 1 st and 2 nd centuries AD. They should be on anyone’s Chester itinerary as they are such an unusual way to see the city. And you can comfortably complete the circuit in a couple of hours or so. 

Some original sections of the walls remain, but they didn’t comprise a complete circuit – this was probably finished the best part of a thousand years later after the Norman Conquest.  

The walls – or at least sections of them – fulfilled a defensive function as late as the English Civil War (1642 to 1647). However, after this they gradually became more appreciated as somewhere to visit and explore.  

You can almost walk the complete circuit of Chester Walls, save for sections currently being restored. I particularly recommend the section between Chester Cathedral and the River Dee, which offers superb views over the streets and rooftops of Chester.   

Seek out a few of the many medieval Chester pubs  

One of my favourite Chester things to do is exploring some of Chester’s centuries-old pubs. Many of them are in 17 th -century half-timbered buildings around the city centre.  

It’s amazing how many of them have survived, especially given the recent economic downturn, but most street corners seem to have one. The buildings are wonderfully evocative, intimate watering holes serving superb beer.  

One of my favourites is Ye Olde King’s Head, near the bottom of Bridge Street and the river, and I also recommend Ye Olde Boot Inn (there are quite a few Ye Oldes around the city!) upstairs in The Rows on Eastgate Street. 

Explore Roman Chester

Deva – also known as Deva Victrix – was one of the most important Roman towns in Britain. It was a major garrison town in a strategically important location, close to routes to Eboracum (later York), North Wales and Ireland.

There are substantial Roman remains around Chester, including parts of some sections of the city walls.

The most notable Roman sites in Chester include the substantial amphitheatre, the nearby Roman Garden and the adjacent baths (thermae).

The Roodee racecourse (see below) served as the Romans’ port, and marks on the city walls there where Roman ships once moored are still visible.

Take a boat trip on the River Dee  

The River Dee around Chester is gorgeous, and a great way to see it is on a short river cruise. Chester boat tours depart from The Groves, on the right bank (north side) of the river, near the Old Dee Bridge.  

Shorter cruises run beyond the suspension bridge upstream to the Earl’s Eye meadow on the outskirts of the city. Longer cruises (2 hours) run through the Duke of Westminster’s estate nearby, running as far as the elegant Aldford iron bridge. One of the best things to do around Chester if you’re in the area for a few days. 

Lunch at Chester Market  

Chester Market – just behind the City Hall and Storyhouse (see below) – is a great place to spend an hour or two. I met up there with some old friends from North Wales for a few hours, and the place was buzzing the whole time. 

There are various food stalls, cafes and eateries around the central seating (and eating) area. It’s open all day and into the evening. And if you’re driving into the city, one of the main car parks is next door.  

Visit the Art Deco Storyhouse, One Of The Best Arts Centres in the North of England  

The Storyhouse is a fantastic arts centre in an Art Deco cinema a two-minute walk from Chester Cathedral.  

It comprises an excellent library (with a superb children’s section), a restaurant, theatres and an independent cinema. We spent most of our time in the kids’ library with Our Little Man, and we loved the innovative reading spaces created for them.  

We were also impressed by the inclusivity of the place, including the message on the floor inside one of the entrances. It read, ’Come Inside, keep war, you’re safe now.’ Very touching. I also liked the numerous Benjamin Zephaniah (a British poet) quotes around the walls  

Treat the kids to a day out at Chester Zoo  

Chester Zoo is the largest zoo in the UK, with an astonishing collection of animals from around the world.  I visited a few times on day trips from North Wales during childhood holidays, and again with Faye more recently.  

The array of animals is staggering. Our favourite Chester Zoo experience was a face-to-face encounter with a beautiful female orangutan who took a great interest in our camera and the images in the back of it.  

Other stars of the show include the giraffes, black rhinos, Asian elephants and the elusive aye-aye, a fascinating nocturnal lemur from Madagascar. 

The Zoo is easily one of the best things to do in Chester with kids, but I suggest trying to pick a dry day if you do visit. Entry for a family of four works out at over £100 without a donation, and from experience it’s far better without the rain! 

Take a walk over the Old Dee Bridge  

The Old Dee Bridge is one of the most picturesque places to visit in Chester. It’s on the original site of the first crossing of the river in the city, built by the Romans.  

The present structure – a series of seven red sandstone pointed arches – dates from the 14 th century. The construction was ordered by Edward, the Black Prince, and a local levy was introduced to cover the costs of its upkeep.  

It’s a quirky bridge, with seven arches of irregular length. You can cross the Bridge on foot or by car, but if you’re driving, you may have to wait. The bridge is narrow, only wide enough for one lane of traffic. So you may be stuck waiting behind a red light for a couple of minutes before you can cross. Do what I did and walk!   

Discover the only intact in situ Roman Shrine in Britain at Handbridge  

The ancient Roman shrine of Minerva isn’t one of the most obvious things to see in Chester. But if you head as far south as the Old Dee Bridge it’s only a few more minutes’ walk to this remarkable ancient survival in the park in Handbridge, just across the river. 

The entrance to the park, known as Edgar’s Field, is just beyond The Ship Inn as you walk south from the Old Dee Bridge. It’s around 150 metres from the entrance, beyond the playground, and just to the left of the main pathway.  

It consists of a stone carving of Minerva, the Roman goddess of war. The figure is carved onto the sandstone rock face, which is believed to have been part of a small quarry. As you’ll see, the carving is quite worn, and partly protected by a hood framing it. 

Delve further into Chester History at the Grosvenor Museum  

The Grosvenor Museum is Chester’s local museum, covering the city and Cheshire’s history. There is a great section on the Romans, and I also recommend the Period House, a series of rooms decorated and fitted out in the styles of different eras from the 16 th to early 19 th centuries.  

Travel 900 years back in time to Chester Castle  

Chester Castle was founded a few years after the Norman Conquest in 1070, and later expanded and rebuilt in the 12 th century. Towards the end of the 13 th century it served as King Edward I’s headquarters for his invasion and occupation of North Wales. The outer bailey – pictured above – was added around this time. 

You enter through the Neoclassical gateway, and follow the signs right to the Castle. The 12 th -century Agricola Tower has a fine chapel (St Mary de Castro) with rare 13 th -century wall paintings.  

It’s one of the most intriguing Chester tourist attractions, but opening hours can be limited, especially in the off-season.  

Indulge in afternoon tea at Katie’s Tea Rooms  

Your visit to olde worlde Chester wouldn’t be complete without a little traditional indulgence. The best place we found was Katie’s Tea Rooms on Watergate Street, a couple of minutes’ walk from Chester Cross.  

They do the classic English afternoon tea with finger sandwiches, scones and cake, and also English breakfast, sandwiches and light meals.  

Watch horse racing at the Roodee, the oldest racecourse in the world still in operation  

I confess that we are not followers of horse racing. However, those of you who are may well be intrigued by the prospect of visiting Chester Racecourse. It is believed to have been founded in 1539, and is recognised as the oldest racecourse in the world which is still in use.  

Also known as the Roodee, the racecourse is relatively small, at just over a mile in length. It’s located on a bend of the River Dee, with a section of the Chester City Walls also running along part of it.  

Places To Visit Near Chester  

Chester is only a mile or two from the Welsh border, and has its own Welsh name, Caer. It’s an ideal base for day trips to North Wales, whether you’re heading for the coast, Anglesey, the mountains of Snowdonia or the World Heritage Castles in North Wales.  Here are a few top suggestions for day trips from Chester. 

Llangollen  

The country town of Llangollen is thirty miles or so up the Dee Valley from Chester, in the heart of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. 

There are enough things to do in Llangollen to warrant a couple of days’ stay, from the haunting ruins of Dinas Bran Castle and Valle Crucis Abbey to Plas Newydd, the home of the famous Ladies of Llangollen in the late 18 th century.   

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct  

This remarkable bridge carries the Llangollen Canal 36 metres (138 feet) above the Dee Valley a few miles downstream from Llangollen. It’s one of the greatest landmarks in Wales , and one of four UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the country, completed in the early 19 th century by master engineer Thomas Telford.

You can walk across the Aqueduct, or take a trip in a horse-drawn narrowboat. But you’ll need a head for heights as one side is open to the elements with no railings. 

It’s in the county of Wrexham, one of Cheshire’s Welsh cross-border neighbours.

Snowdonia National Park  

Also known by its Welsh name Eryri, this spectacular mountain range is one of the most beautiful landscapes in Wales and the UK.   This tour from Chester takes you to the stunning Llyn Ogwen lake below the mighty Tryfan peak, also calling at the popular village of Betws-y-Coed and the seaside town of Llandudno. 

Another tour from Chester follows a different route, taking you into the heart of Snowdonia, while also stopping at the gorgeous riverside town of Conwy , home to one of the finest Castles in North Wales . 

Clwydian Range  

The Clwydian Hills are part of the same Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty as the Dee Valley around Llangollen. The long-distance Offa’s Dyke Path follows the upper ridge of this series of hills, which command superb views over the patchwork of fields of the Vale of Clwyd below.

Beyond these, on a clear day, you’ll be treated to the breathtaking sight of the distant peaks of Snowdonia. The walk between the hillforts of Moel Famau and Moel Arthur offers some of the best views. 

See Also : 27 of the Best Places To Visit In North East Wales   

Where To Stay In Chester  

There are plenty of great hotels in Chester, both in the city centre and in the countryside around the city. 

The Chester Grosvenor is the best luxury option in the city, and the location is as central as you can get. It’s within a few metres of the Eastgate Clock, with the Rows and Cathedral both a couple of minutes’ walk away. 

Hotel Indigo is another fabulous Chester hotel, only five minutes’ walk away from the main Chester sights.  It’s also right next to beautiful Grosvenor Park and a short stroll from the River Dee and city walls. 

The Mill Hotel Chester is a great choice between the station and city centre, housed in a red brick converted mill next to the Shropshire Union Canal. The Queen at Chester Hotel BW is a gorgeous grand hotel across the street from the train station, ideal if you’re travelling by public transport. 

There are also several options in the villages around Chester. I once stayed at the splendid Rossett Hall Hotel, a fine Georgian country house with gardens a short drive just across the border in Wales. 

How To Get To Chester  

The city of Chester is easy to reach from wherever you’re travelling. 

The closest international airports are Manchester and Liverpool, both of which are around an hour and a half away by public transport. Each journey entails a change of train or bus en route.  

Chester is well connected by rail and is on the main line between North and South Wales (which runs along the English side of the border with Wales.  There are direct trains from Liverpool Lime Street (47 minutes) and Manchester Piccadilly (1 hour 10 minutes and upwards). If you’re travelling from Ireland, the direct train from Holyhead Port to Chester takes between 1 hour 36 minutes and 2 hours. 

If you’re travelling from London to Chester by train, direct services from London Euston take as little as two hours.  

If you’re driving, Chester is very close to the A55 North Wales Expressway, so has great connections to the west. The M53 connects Chester with Liverpool via the Wirral peninsula, and the M56 links Chester with Manchester.  

Things To Do In Chester – Final Words  

We had a wonderful time revisiting Chester, somewhere I had visited many times in the past. We stayed for five days on this visit, which was enough to see everything in the city and also explore beyond. 

Chester makes a great base for travelling around the northwest of England and North Wales. It’s much smaller, more intimate (and beautiful!) than Liverpool or Manchester. It’s somewhere we’d happily return to as a couple or family. 

David Angel is a British photographer, writer and historian. He is a European travel expert with over 30 years’ experience exploring Europe. He has a degree in History from Manchester University, and his work is regularly featured in global media including the BBC, Condé Nast Traveler, The Guardian, The Times, and The Sunday Times.  David is fluent in French and Welsh, and can also converse in Italian, German, Portuguese, Spanish, Czech and Polish.

Discover more of our articles on England here:

What is Manchester Famous For? – Cotton mills, Coronation Street and much more….

Things To Do In Hereford – border city in the stunning Wye Valley

Famous Buildings In London – the 50 finest buildings in London

Chester Travel Guide (with essential tips, itinerary & map)

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: August 10, 2023

Our  Chester Travel Guide  includes recommended places to visit and things to do, accommodation options, tips and more for one of England’s most beautiful cities. Everything you need to plan your visit and essential reading for any visitor to Chester!

Plan your visit to Chester

Chester is a walled city located in Cheshire in England’s north west close to the border with Wales .

This historic cathedral city was founded in 79AD during the time of the Roman Empire when a Roman fort was constructed on the site. It is one of the best-preserved walled cities in England (other walled cities include York , Durham , Carlisle and Canterbury ) and has many medieval buildings located in the city centre.

Chester is one of England’s most beautiful cities and can be easily reached by train in around 2 hours from London which makes it possible to plan a day trip to Chester.

If you are considering spending one day in Chester or even a weekend in Chester ( staycation vacation ) our Chester guide contains all the information you need to plan your trip.

What you will find in this complete Chester Travel Guide

Map of Chester

When is the best time of year to visit chester, how many days do you need in chester, what is the best way to explore chester, by train from london, things to do in chester, accommodation in chester, tickets, tours & attractions in chester, best day trips from chester england, books to read before visiting chester, enjoy your visit to chester.

Chester travel guide – Visiting Chester FAQ’s

Chester is a great destination to visit throughout the year. While temperatures drop over the winter months to an average high of only 10-degrees centigrade it is still a popular time to visit due to the city’s annual Christmas market.

The warmest time of year to visit Chester is during the summer months of June – August. These are on average also the driest months to visit Chester.

Chester is a popular destination for those seeking a short break although a day trip to Chester will enable you to see many of the city’s attractions.

Chester is a great destination to add to a train trip itinerary of the UK due to its excellent transport links from cities such as Liverpool , London, Manchester Cardiff and Birmingham.

Chester is also a great base from which to explore North Wales and even the Lake District . Tours such as this day trip to North Wales which includes the Snowdonia National Park are an ideal way to see the amazing landscape associated with this stunning part of Wales.

The historic centre of Chester is easy to explore on foot. In fact, the centre is actually closed to traffic between 10:30 am and 4:30 pm!

Alternatively consider buying tickets on the Chester hop-on-hop-off bus tour and enjoy unlimited hop-on hop-off for 24 or 48 hours.

What is the best way to travel to Chester from London?

For timetables and tickets, we recommend the trainline . Take the train to Chester for a short break or incorporate it into your UK train travel itinerary.

Tip – If this is your first time catching a train in the UK read our complete guide to UK train travel which includes all the information you need to know to make travelling around the UK by rail a relaxing and stress-free experience.

• Distance from London: 263 km
• Time taken by train: 2 hours
• Leave from: London Euston

Click the links for more information about the best things to do in Chester (plus the best places to visit in Chester too.)

THINGS TO DO IN CHESTER

LIVERPOOL TRAVEL GUIDE / THINGS TO DO IN LIVERPOOL

NORTH WALES TRAVEL GUIDE

MANCHESTER TRAVEL GUIDE

LAKE DISTRICT TRAVEL GUIDE

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN CHESTER

Find more special stays in my Accommodation Guide for England.

This is our selection of the best tours and attractions available in Chester.

• Private Walking Tour: Experience a private walking tour of Chester and gain a fantastic insight into its multi-layered history stretching from its Roman origins, through historical events such as the English Civil War to today’s bustling city. Highlights include the unique shopping arcade called The Rows, historical streets and the 16th-century cathedral as well as the beautiful riverside along the Dee.
• Admission Ticket to Sick To Death in Chester: Sick to Death offers a unique attraction full of learning and discovery as well as activities and fun things to do. This is ideal for families (although some areas may be parent advisory.) Experience science and medicine in a unique way which may be gory at times but will also leave you asking questions.
• Fascinating Walking Tours Of Roman Chester With An Authentic Roman Soldier – An award winning tour which consistently receives four and 5 star reviews on trip advisor. A unique quality experience of the lives of those that built Britain biggest Roman fort and amphitheatre.

I have handpicked the best tours available from Chester through Get Your Guide (we book most of our day tours and organised activities through Get Your Guide due to their great customer service and cancellation policy) and Viator (another tour company we have used during our travels).

• Lake District Tour – This tour gives you a day in the Lake District National Park, leaving from Chester. It’s an ideal way to see the amazing landscapes associated with this stunning National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site. 
• North Wales tour – This tour gives you a day in North Wales including the Snowdonia National Park, from Chester. It’s an ideal way to see the amazing landscape associated with this stunning part of Wales and the National Park.
• Yorkshire Adventure – Sightseeing Day Trip Tour – Spend the day exploring the Yorkshire Moors and sights including the family home of the Bronte Sisters and the Ribblehead viaduct .

This guide will have provided inspiration plus practical information to help plan your visit to Chester. You will find more inspiration and ideas to help plan your travels around England in these travel guides:

• Devon Travel Guide (including tips, itinerary + map)
• Northumberland Travel Guide (including tips, itinerary + map)
• Cornwall Travel Guide (including tips, itinerary + map)
• Peak District Travel Guide
• Oxford Travel Guide
• Cotswolds Travel Guide (with Essential Tips, Itineraries & Map)
• 10 virtual tours of famous landmarks in the UK
• 12 Historical Places in England you simply can’t miss

Looking for more inspiration for your travels in England? Check out my England Travel Planning Guide which has lots of ideas, tips and resources to plan your itinerary.

The Top 10 Things to Do in Chester, England

The charming English city of Chester, found just south of Liverpool, displays Britain's connection to ancient Rome. With many well-preserved ruins to explore, including the remains of a Roman amphitheater, Chester is great for history buffs, as well as those who want to experience a classic English town. It's easily accessible from Manchester, Liverpool or Birmingham if you prefer a day trip, but travelers can also find a lot to see and do in the area for several days.

Chester, with its famous zoo and nice cultural institutions, is particularly good for families and it's easily walkable if you don't want to drive around. Whether you're looking for historical insight or just some shopping, Chester has a lot to offer. Here are the 10 best things to do when visiting.

Tour Chester Cathedral

Chester Cathedral was first founded as a Benedictine abbey in 1092 and later rebuilt in 1250 in the Gothic style. Part of the Church of England, the impressive cathedral still features the remains of Roman barracks and stands as the largest performance space in Chester today. Visitors are welcome Monday through Saturday (Sundays are for services only), and entry is free, although donations are encouraged. Stop by the Refectory Café, build in a 13th-century monk’s dining hall, for a snack or meal, and there's also a gift shop selling local items. Check the cathedral's calendar for upcoming performances and special services.

Explore Chester Zoo

Chester Zoo, which opened in 1931, is one of the U.K.'s biggest zoos and a good addition to any family itinerary in Chester. There are over 35,000 animals to see during your visit, as well as some memorable gardens, and kids will love the Treetop Challenge adventure course. Parking is free of charge, and the zoo has plenty of places to buy snacks or for young ones to run around. Grab tickets in advance online, especially when visiting during the summer.

Shop the Chester Rows

The Chester Rows, continuous two-tiered timber galleries with a signature black and white look, are the town's most iconic spot. Some of the buildings date back to the 13th century, while others are Victorian copies, and today they are filled with shops and boutiques. The Rows can be found on Watergate Street, Northgate Street, Eastgate Street, and Bridge Street, and the most famous building, the Three Old Arches, is on Bridge Street. It's a good spot to shop for souvenirs or to grab a photograph.

Walk the Chester City Walls

Dennis Barnes

Chester is surrounded by old stone walls, which can be traced all the way back to the Romans in 70 A.D. Once a defensive fortress, the walls, the oldest, longest, and most complete in Britain, are now a cool attraction that makes for a nice way to see Chester in its entirety. Access can be found at several points throughout the city. Guided walking tours are available from the Town Hall Visitor Information Centre if you want to learn more about Chester's history with the Romans. It's a relatively easy walk, but you'll want comfortable shoes and some rain gear when strolling during cloudy weather.

Visit the Grosvenor Museum

The Grosvenor Museum of Natural History and Archaeology, known as the Grosvenor Museum, is one of Chester's must-see attractions. The city's Roman history is, of course, on display, but the museum also has exhibitions on the overall history of Chester and its art and silver heritage, as well as the area's natural history. There are permanent and special exhibits, along with a calendar of events for both adults and kids, and visitors can also stop by for lectures by various local societies in the Lecture Theatre. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, with limited hours, so it's best to book your tickets on their website ahead of a visit.

Explore the Roman Amphitheater and Chester Roman Gardens

Getty Images

Chester has several sites dating back to the Romans, including its Roman amphitheater and the Chester Roman Gardens. The gardens, built in 1949, display ruins from the Roman fortress of Deva, which were uncovered in Chester in the 19th century (the city was once known as Deva Victrix). The amphitheater, a Grade I listed building and English Heritage site, was once the largest in Britain and used for entertainment and military training. The gardens and the amphitheater are free to enter and open year-round, making them great stops for any visitor.

Ride a Boat on the River Dee

George Standen

The scenic River Dee runs right through Chester, making it a great way to see the town. Several companies offer boat trips down the river, as well as rental shops where you can hire your own boat. Look for ChesterBoat , which offers a Half-hour City Cruise or a Two-hour Iron Bridge Cruise, as well as party cruises and private boat trips. Travelers can combine a ChesterBoat tour and a City Sightseeing open-bus tour ticket to get a complete land and water view of Chester. Cruises leave from near the Roman Amphitheatre on Souters Lane and can be booked the day of.

See a Show at Storyhouse

There's a lot to do (and see) at Storyhouse, a multi-use cultural center in Chester that features a movie theater, city library, drama theater, and restaurant. Located in the historic city center, Storyhouse makes a fun day or evening out, especially if you have a few days to spend in the area. The calendar of events is ever-changing, from films to plays to readings, and there are also numerous activities and events on offer for kids. It's open daily, so you can stop by for storytime in the library or make an evening out of it with dinner and a movie. Tickets range in price (and some events are free) so check online for the best option for your trip.

Place a Bet at Chester Racecourse

Getty Images Sport

Chester Racecourse opened in 1539 and remains the oldest of its kind still in operation. Races occur during the annual season, which typically launches each year in May and runs through September. Tickets range from 10 to 95 pounds, making them affordable for all budgets, and kids 17 and under a free when accompanied by an adult. There is a strict dress code when attending a race, so be sure you are following the guidelines on Chester Racecourse's website and pack something smart when traveling to Chester. Guests are allowed to bring their own picnics (although food and drinks are available there), so make a day out of your racing experience.

Grab a Pint

Courtesy of Coach House Inn

No visit to the historic town of Chester is complete without a visit to a historic pub. Chester has many good options, but the Coach House Inn, a 19th-century pub, will fulfill your cliched British dreams. The pub serves both food and drink, and visitors can even sleep in one of the rooms above the Coach House Inn. The menu includes many English classics, like fish and chips and sausages and mash, and there's a strong selection of beers on tap. The pub is close to Chester Cathedral and the Chester Rows, so book a table for lunch or dinner to take a break from sight-seeing.

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8 Best Things to Do in Chester, England Or What to See in Chester in One Perfect Day

By Author Rossi Thomson

Posted on Last updated: 4th September 2022

Categories England , Lists

The city of Chester in England is 2,000 years old and stands out with its Roman ruins, medieval cathedral, the second most photographed clock in England (after Big Ben) and a lovely bunch of black and white Tudor houses.

All this history and yet, the city feels very modern and vibrant..

Chester is a pleasure to explore and makes for a great day trip from London which is about two hours away by train.

I have to admit that my visit to Chester this summer happened completely by chance.

The city had never been on my travel wishlist. Spending a day there though left me grinning like the proverbial Cheshire Cat. For, yes, Chester happens to be Cheshire’s county town.

It all happened like this:

On a grey August day during our yearly visit to England this summer, I was busy looking at the map musing over the stopovers for our road trip to North Wales . This is when the name of Chester jumped out at me. We were to drive past it right before crossing from England into Wales. Spontaneously, a decision was made to stop at Chester for a couple of hours at most.

I didn’t even do a search for sights or other things of interest that we could potentially do there. The city’s name sounded really cool, it had a certain ring to it and, I thought, even if we didn’t like it that much, we could simply jump back in the car and continue to the island of Anglesey – our final destination for that day.

I am happy to report that Chester turned out to be an amazing destination all in itself.

The time that we had originally planned to spend there quickly tripled in length. We filled it with (among many other things):

• gawking at Chester’s stunning black-and-white Tudor houses,
• wandering in its cavernous cathedral,
• window shopping in the city’s unique Rows,
• taking selfies with Chester’s Eastgate Clock (which happens to be the second most photographed clock in the UK after Big Ben!);
• and even meeting Chester’s town crier which turned out to be the highlight of our day.

So, just in case you are looking for ideas for a great day out in England, may I wholeheartedly recommend Chester?! It’s an exciting, multilayered city built on the foundations of several historical periods to create something new and quite unique.

You can easily get to Chester not only from London but also from Liverpool, Manchester, Birmingham, and Leeds, to mention but a few of the many possible departure points.

If you are wondering what to do once in Chester, England, fear not! There are many things to get up to, see, and enjoy there. And to make it easy for you, I have prepared this very handy shortlist giving you first-hand tried and tested tips and details about the best sights in Chester to enjoy in one perfect day.

Let’s start! Here they are:

1. Chester Cathedral

A thousand years old, Chester Cathedral is an unmissable sight in the city of Chester. If you don’t have time to do anything else there, head straight to the cathedral for a substantial introduction to the medieval and modern history of Chester in archaeological, religious, and art terms.

Plus, Chester Cathedral – which is dedicated to Christ and the Blessed Virgin Mary – is a centre of musical excellence and has the longest-serving volunteer choir in England. You can listen to it six days a week during the choral evensong.

If you are spending a whole day in Chester, then put at least an hour (even better two) aside to spend in and around Chester Cathedral taking in its stunning architecture, beautiful gardens and myriad of curious details that make it such an unmissable sight.

For example, did you know that the cathedral’s nave was started in 1360 but it took over 130 years to build? The reason was the lack of workmen as the local population had been decimated by the Black Death.

Chester Cathedral is free to visit. While there, I was stunned to read that keeping the cathedral open for the public costs £5,500 per day! As such donations are much appreciated.

Complimentary guided tours of the Cathedral are held Monday to Saturday. Plus, you can take a Height Tour (paid for) to the top of the cathedral’s central tower. At a height of 125 feet (just over 38 metres), you will see both England and Wales.

What I particularly loved seeing in Chester Cathedral was its Victorian mosaics. Made between 1883 and 1886, they depict four Old Testament characters.

These huge mosaic panels reminded me of the stunning mosaics in Ravenna and at St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice, although, of course, they all are very different in style.

Some interesting spots and sights to see inside and outside Chester Cathedral are:

• Consistory Court (c.1590) – the most complete example of a church court in England;
• Chester Imp – a carving of the devil in chains to scare the evil spirits away;
• Medieval Quire Stalls (1380) – made of oak, they represent the finest medieval woodcarving in England;
• Lego model of Chester Cathedral – made of 350,000 Lego bricks. Plus, during our visit, huge sea creatures recreated with Lego bricks were displayed in the cathedral. Called ‘The Deep’ the exhibition highlighted the diversity of ocean life and the environmental threats it faces. It was quite unusual, to say the least, to see the Lego models positioned in the large medieval body of the cathedral. Great contrast of colours, shapes, and aesthetics! 

2. Chester’s Tudor and Mock Tudor Buildings

The first thing that will grab your imagination when you find yourself in Chester are the city’s black and white Tudor buildings. There is an abundance of these stunning timber-framed old houses. You will feel like you have found yourself in an English historical tale.

Take your time walking up and down Chester’s central streets and just feast your eyes on the shapes and decorations of its Tudor buildings. Watergate Street, Eastgate Street, Northgate Street, St. Werburgh Street and Bridge Street are particularly rich in timber-framed jettied houses but feel free to stray further afield for more black and white gems in the city’s historic centre.

You will soon notice that while some of these Tudor buildings look rather flash and gleaming, others seem to be a bit more battered by the hands of time. Thus the black colour of their timber-framing has paled under the elements and their walls and floors look quite warped.

This is because Chester has both original Tudor buildings built as early as 1603 and mock Tudor buildings erected in the second half of the 19th century during the Tudor Revival in English architecture. It’s interesting to note that the Tudor Revival incorporated not only original Tudor elements but also several medieval ones. As a result, the 19th-century mock Tudor buildings look even more stunning than the original Tudor ones.

Original or mock, the Tudor buildings in Chester are simply beautiful. Each comes with its own decorative details which make you want to stand there for hours trying to spot and decipher them all.

I particularly loved seeing the Art Gallery building on Bridge Street with its Biblical scenes carved out of black wood on blue background.

Some of the most notable Tudor and mock Tudor buildings to see around Chester are: Stanley Palace on Watergate Street, the Tudor House on Lower Bridge Street, as well as the iconic building known as 1 Bridge Street.

Many of Chester’s Tudor and mock Tudor buildings nowadays are used as shops and cafes so you can enjoy some retail therapy or a cup of coffee surrounded by stunning architecture.

3. Chester’s Rows

700 years old, Chester’s Rows are a feature unique to this multilayered city where different cultures and building practices existed in close succession to one another.

The Rows are long galleries that run through several buildings in the historic centre of Chester. Unlike galleries (or porticoes) in Italian cities, for example, though, Chester’s Rows are on the first floor of the buildings. It may be difficult to visualise, so let me use some photos here.

Basically, you have large buildings which are stuck next to one another. On their ground floors, there are shops, bars, and eateries. The unusual thing is that every now and then there is an outside flight of steps which allows you to go from the ground up to the first floor of the buildings. This first floor is like a large terrace giving you a lovely view of the street below.

All these terraces are connected with a long walkway – it’s like a street inside the buildings. At this level, there are shops, cafes, and bars, too. Plus there are also doors to the upper residential floors.

This way, you can walk from one end of the street to the other completely ensconced inside the long line of buildings. You can also shop on two levels or sit to have a nice cup of coffee with a great view of the street hubbub below.

Chester’s Rows are a great sight to explore. They are also unique to the city and can be seen on all four main streets of Chester. Traversing the walkways makes you feel close to the city and its secrets. It’s quite magical, really. 

While the origin of the Rows is not precisely established, there are several theories. One is that the Rows were built on the rubble left over from the Roman period. Another is that due to a devastating fire in the 13th century, the houses had to be rebuilt with stone undercrofts which gave rise to the two-storey design of the local shops. 

4. Eastgate Clock

Eastgate Clock is a very elegant and eye-catching timepiece which adorns the three-arched 18th-century gateway over Chester’s central Eastgate Street. 

Shaped like a turret, this colourful clock was placed there in 1899 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee which had been celebrated two years prior to that. 

The locals claim that Eastgate Clock is the second most photographed clock in the UK. It’s topped only by London’s Big Ben. I happily contributed to Eastgate Clock’s photo fame by snapping it from several different angles. It posed like a true star!

It’s curious to point that Eastgate Clock stands on the spot where the original gateway into the Roman town of Deva Victrix (Chester’s Roman name) had once stood. As such, the clock serves as a nice link between the past and the present, reminding us all that time flies but memories stay with us.

There are steps that lead all the way to the top of the gateway on which the clock stands. From there you can enjoy lovely views over Chester’s historical centre and then walk on the Roman walls which surround the city to this day.

5. Chester’s Town Crier at Chester Cross

Who would have thought that our very best experience in Chester would be meeting the town crier?!

Traditionally, a town crier was the person with a loud and clear voice who was employed to make public announcements in the streets or the marketplace of a town. In other words, he was like a walking newspaper or an old-fashioned podcast, if you like, telling people of yore what were the news of the day. Like, who was about to be beheaded for stealing a hen or how much new tax the king was levying on his subordinates. You get the drift!

And then, obviously, newspapers, radio, TV, and, of course, the internet sprung on us leaving town criers jobless Europe-wide. Thus, the profession fell into oblivion like so many other honest professions of the past like scribes, for example, or hangmen, if you wish. 

Well, guess what! Chester has revived the lovely town crier’s tradition and claims to be the only place in Britain with regular midday proclamations at a fixed day and time (Tuesday to Saturday, June to August). We came across one of the two town criers of Chester at Chester Cross. Dressed in historical garb, he was getting ready for his proclamation and soon a large crowd of tourists and other curious people had gathered around him.

Chester’s town crier – David Mitchell – put on a real show for all of us. It was fun, it was entertaining, there was lots of historical information weaved in, too. Above all, David was a real-life embodiment of English humour – dry, sarcastic, a bit self-deprecating and with lots of play-on-words. He got us to cheer, laugh, and generally made us feel very welcome to Chester.

Curiously enough, Chester’s other town crier – Julie Mitchell (who is also a historical costume maker among many other things) – happens to be David’s wife. We didn’t have a chance to see her perform her town crier’s duties on the day we were in Chester. Maybe next time!

Click here to find out when you can see the Chester’s Town Criers perform. On the right day and at the right time, you will find him or her at Chester Cross – the intersection of the former main Roman roads, presently Chester’s main streets. A cross – known as Chester High Cross – has been standing at this spot since the 14th century. The current one was placed there in 1476 but then it got badly damaged in the following centuries before being restored a few decades ago.  

6. Chester’s Roman Heritage

Chester is a city founded in 79 AD by the Romans. Vestiges of their presence here survive even though almost 2,000 years have passed. The Roman castrum (town and fortress) established at this place was called Deva Victrix. Chester’s four main streets – Eastgate, Northgate, Watergate, and Bridgegate – follow exactly the main roads that were built by the Romans.

In addition, don’t miss the following sights in Chester in order to feel the Roman spirit of centuries long past:

• Roman Walls – these are the most complete Roman city walls preserved in England. You can walk on them in order to see the city of Chester from above and gain a better understanding of its history and heritage – from its Roman days to our present times. 
• Roman Amphitheatre – the largest Roman amphitheatre in England. In comparison with the one in Verona , Italy, for example, not much has survived the test of times. Still, you can see the outline of the amphitheatre and sit where once 8,000 to 10,000 Roman soldiers and civilians used to sit to enjoy the spectacles. Only the northern half of Chester’s Roman Amphitheatre is uncovered. The rest remains underneath nearby buildings. 
• Roman Gardens – for more Roman remains and artifacts head to the charming Roman Gardens which run parallel to the city walls down to the River Dee.
• Grosvenor Museum’s Roman collection – immerse yourself in Roman history in the Roman archaeology collection of Chester’s unmissable Grosvenor Museum.  
• Roman Tours – alternatively, you can join a tour of Chester led by a Roman soldier who also happens to be a skilled guide. Ask at the local Visitors’ Centre about times and prices. 

7. Chester’s Landmarks

Beyond its Roman heritage and Tudor black-and-white buildings, Chester has many more sights which are worth it of your time. Here is a handy shortlist to get you started:

• Town Hall – Built in the Gothic Revival style, Chester’s Town Hall stands out with its 160-foot (almost 49 metres) tall spire. You will find it right opposite the main entrance of Chester Cathedral. Chester’s Visitors’ Centre is on the ground floor of the Town Hall. Head there if you need any information about the city and its sights and/or if you want to book tickets for tours.
• Chester Castle   – It looked stunning but this mighty castle was closed for repair works on the day we made it to Chester. Our loss! The castle stands on a small hill overlooking the River Dee. Next to it are some impressive Neoclassical buildings which serve as Chester’s Town Court and Military Museum. Nearby you will also find the Roodee (see next bullet point).
• Chester Racecourse, known as the Roodee – officially, this is the oldest racecourse still in use in England. It stands at a place which used to be a bustling Roman port (before the River Dee silted). Apparently, you can watch the races for free from the adjacent Roman walls. There were no races at the time we passed by the Roodee so we admired its green expanse and tried to imagine what it must have looked like many centuries ago when boats instead of horses had the run of the land.
• Chester Market – a large covered hall with dozens of stalls. From books and vinyl to fish, meat, spices, and nuts, the market is a great place to get some locally produced food. Chester Market was our first experience in the city. You will find it inside the centrally located Forum Shopping Centre where we parked our rental car during our exploration of Chester.  

8. Chester’s Grosvenor Buildings

Everywhere you go in Chester, you will keep coming across one name – Grosvenor!

From Chester’s posh shopping centre called the Grosvenor to the local fab museum called the same, the name of Grosvenor is all over this beautiful English city.

I was curious to find out why and it turns out that all the Grosvenors in town are named after the Duke of Westminster whose family name is Grosvenor. The Grosvenor is an English aristocratic landowning family. Many of their properties are in Chester where in the 19th century many iconic for the city buildings were erected thanks to the investments of the Grosvenor Family. Among them are: 

• Grosvenor Museum – a very well-organised museum with a rich collection split into several thematic sections – from Chester’s Roman past to the city’s silver heritage and art. It’s free to visit (a small donation of £3.00 is appreciated) and there is lots to see and admire there, so put some time aside to enjoy it fully.
• Grosvenor Bridge – this was the longest single-span stone arch bridge in the world when it was opened by Princess Victoria (later Queen Victoria) in 1832. 
• Grosvenor Shopping Centre – a very nice place to indulge in a spot of retail therapy while in Chester.
• Grosvenor Club and North and South Wales Bank   – a historical building nowadays occupied by the HSBC Bank. You will find it next to Eastgate Clock. I particularly loved the shields which decorate its facade. The arms are of the twelve former shires of Wales.
• Grosvenor Park – a fine Victorian park with a miniature railway.

What I Loved the Most about Chester, England

I had a great time in the city of Chester in England.

The city felt very vibrant, clean, and friendly. It could be because we really lucked out with the weather. It was a gorgeous sunny day, one of those that make historical English buildings really stand out against the blue sky and Chester was taking full advantage of this to showcase its best sights. Plus, there were lots of people on the streets, the coffee shops and the eateries were bustling and street musicians were singing and playing their heart out in the historical city centre.

I found Chester’s central part very easy to orientate myself in and to explore. The main streets were wide and filled with light and all sights we managed to squeeze in were very close to one another thus making the city very walkable even with a small child.

What I loved the most about Chester were the original Tudor buildings and their mock counterparts. They were stunning to look at and I couldn’t help it but wonder how people – so many centuries ago – had managed to manipulate wood in so many swirly intricate designs. What tools and the wood from which trees did they use?! I would definitely love to learn more about it.

Chester is a city rich in details and everywhere you look try to spot as many beautiful details as you can. From floral patterns…

and ladies’ breasts on mock Tudor buildings…

to stone demons and scribes on Chester Cathedral…

the more you look, the more curious images you will come across. They definitely had my imagination fired and, if I had had the time, I would have spent hours just chasing them up and down Chester’s streets to take endless photos of them.

What We Missed in  Chester, England

It was amazing that we managed to see so much of Chester in such a short amount of time, considering that (and as I mentioned above) I didn’t do any research in advance. The city is very easy to walk around and navigate, organically coming across its most important sights as you take your time to explore its walled central part.

Had we had more time though, I wish we could have seen and done the following activities, too:

• River Cruise – the picturesque River Dee flows through Chester and it is inextricably linked to the city’s ancient past. River cruises run regularly taking you on a lovely journey past important historical buildings and sights. We couldn’t squeeze a river cruise in our day in Chester but it would have been nice to have the river angle when getting to know this beautiful city in England up close and personal.
• The Ice Cream Farm – a free to enter kids’ amusement park which boasts the world’s largest ice cream shop where 50 different flavours of ice cream are sold. It sounds quite exciting, especially, if you travel with a child. In any case, this place is about half an hour away by car from Chester Cathedral so we wouldn’t have had time for it no matter what but it’s something I would like to see if I am ever in that area again.
• Chester Zoo – this happens to be the most visited zoo in the UK and the third best zoo in the world. There are 27,000 animals there and the zoo spreads over 125 acres. They say you need a whole day to see and explore it all, so plan accordingly.

In Conclusion

Chester is an exciting city to visit in the county of Cheshire in England.

With a rich multilayered history starting when Britannia was a Roman province, nowadays Chester is a great destination for a day trip from many larger English cities as well as from the British capital London.

Chester is very walkable and its many sights and landmarks are close to one another making it easy to see lots in a short amount of time with or without kids in tow. Don’t miss the 1,000-years old Chester Cathedral, the Roman walls, the Grosvenor Museum and the many Tudor and mock Tudor black and white buildings which make a visit to Chester so unique and memorable.

The above blog post gives you detailed first-hand tried and tested information about the best places to see and experience in Chester, England. Logically organised, this list of the eight best things to do in Chester will give you plenty of ideas about how to spend one perfect day there.

Enjoy spending a day exploring the sights of Chester, England!

More helpful links.

• 10 Towns in England You Have Never Thought of Visiting but You Should
• Crab Sandwiches on Lindisfarne – A Moment in Time on England’s Holy Island
• A Postcard from Cambridge
• Carisbrooke Castle – The Prisoner King, Donkeys,  and Ghosts
• The Beauty of North Wales, UK in 13 Photos and Stories
• 18 of the Best Cities to Visit in Northern Italy (With Travel Tips and Nearest Airports)
• Day Trips from Padua – 35 Unmissable Destinations in the Veneto, Lombardy, and Emilia-Romagna
• Day Trips from Verona – 16 Destinations to Fall in Love With (With Travel Times and Train Tips)
• Day Trips from Vicenza, Italy – Over 90 of the Best Destinations
• 11 of the Best Day Trips from Venice (With Lots of Photos, Travel Times and Italy Train Tips)
• Best 12 Towns to Visit Around Lago di Garda – Italy’s Largest Lake
• The Beauty of Vicenza, Italy in 30 Photos and Stories
• Bologna, Italy – 10 Stories to Introduce You to the Fat Lady of the Italian Cities
• Ravenna, Italy – 10 Stories to Make You Want to Visit the City of Mosaics Now

Have you been to Chester before? Which sights from the above list did you enjoy seeing the most? Which other sights in Chester would you recommend that I see next time that I find myself there? Which are your favourite day trips in England and the UK?

Let me know in the Comments section below.

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Thursday 13th of January 2022

Its great you enjoyed your visit to Chester. As a resident for twenty years, it is still feels exciting to me when i'm walking around the center. There is so much more that few visitors will get to see. For instance there is a good cultural events and small festivals happening at different times of the year from theatre in the grovesnor park in the summer along to the midsummer and winter watch parades. Plus there are some lovely places to take in at your own pace as the meadows and around the old dee bridge. There's some more history to find out as Chester was where the King watched as his calvary lost a key battle in the Civil war. You can get on your bicycle and explore south to some lovely villages and pubs, north up to the Wirral and over the border along the Dee. There are a lot of decent places on the way to Angelsey, such as the victorian resort of Llandudno and Conwy along with rolling hills. Yet this is still only scratching the surface.

Friday 14th of January 2022

Dear Darren,

Thank you for stopping by and for your kind and very informative comment. Chester really is a great place to visit in England and I am sure, the longer one spends there, the more secret corners and great experiences they get to discover and accumulate. I certainly did enjoy my short time there!

Best wishes,

Tuesday 5th of January 2021

Hi great article! I went to Chester 2 years ago and was surprised how beautiful it was too loved the cathedral it is so amazing. Happy new year!

Wednesday 6th of January 2021

Yes, Chester is lovely. There is so much to see there, too! Have a great year ahead! Best wishes,

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Whether you’re seeking culture, nightlife, history, or just good fun, there are plenty of things to do and see in Chester.

Be absorbed by the beautiful attractions such as the beautiful  Chester Cathedral which is over 1,000 years old and is free to enter and hosts regular events and exhibitions; walk around the most complete city walls in the country that date back over 2,000 years and are 2 miles long.

Fancy a flutter on the gee-gee’s.  Chester Races has the oldest racecourse in the country which dates back to 1539 and is known as the Roodee.  You might even spot a celeb or two especially at the Glamorous May Festival.

For those who enjoy shopping take in Chester’s famous 700 year old shopping rows where you will find plenty of high street names along with local independent shops.

And if you need to keep the kids entertained, there’s plenty on offer. Explore the city aboard an open top bus or visit the World famous Chester Zoo which is the most visited visitor attraction outside of London and houses over 27,000 animals to see.

As the Gateway to the North, its easy to expand your Chester visit even further with a trip to the beautiful Cheshire countryside, including the Lake District and the Peak District, and cosmopolitan cities such as Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool and York.

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