Welcome to Chester, a city where the old Roman heritage meets modern Britain. Located in the northwest of England near the Welsh border, Chester has a wealth of unique attractions. From the most complete city walls in Britain with views of the River Dee to the grandeur of Chester Cathedral.

Find the largest Roman Amphitheatre in Britain and walk the iconic 700-year-old rows, an unforgettable shopping experience. Whether you’re here for the Roman history, the cultural scene, or the world-famous Chester Zoo, there’s something for everyone. Get into the heart of this beautiful city and find out what makes Chester a must-see!

Best Things to Do in Chester

Chester is an underrated city, it's packed with history, nature, great shopping, and the beautiful River Dee, providing plenty of things to see and do. Let's explore the best things to do in Chester!

Explore the 700-Year-Old Rows

The 700-year-old Rows in Chester are a remarkable example of historic architecture that reflect the city’s past and present. These medieval two-tiered galleries are a must-see, with their beautiful timbered exteriors. Running along Northgate Street, Eastgate Street, Bridge Street, and Watergate Street, the Rows offer a shopping experience like no other.

As you make your way through the historic walkways, you will find modern boutiques, traditional shops, and independent retailers. You can also find cozy cafes to enjoy a coffee and vibrant bars to enjoy an evening drink.

The timber-framed buildings with their intricate design and history provide a lovely backdrop to your shopping trip. Perhaps more interesting than the shopping experience, the Chester Rows offer a chance to step back into Chester’s history with many of the buildings showing medieval and Tudor architecture.

Visitors can also enjoy street performances and seasonal events that bring the Rows to life, making them a must-see attraction for anyone visiting this lovely city. Whether you are looking for unique souvenirs, trying local delicacies, or just soaking up the historic atmosphere, the Chester Rows are a must-visit!

Chester Roman Amphitheatre

The Chester Roman Amphitheatre is a reminder of the city’s Roman heritage, the largest amphitheatre in Britain. Located in the city centre this ancient site was once the venue for gladiatorial games and military training, the Romans and locals loved it. The amphitheatre's impressive remains allow visitors to step back in time and imagine the vibrant events that once took place there.

Today you can walk around the remains and imagine the events that once took place there. It’s a must-see for Roman history enthusiasts, as it offers insight into Chester’s past and its importance as a Roman settlement. With displays and guided tours, this is an educational and fun day out for all who visit Chester.

Roman Gardens

Chester's Roman Gardens serve as a lovely, calm retreat away from the city while also being a living museum of the city’s heritage. In the gardens you’ll find lots of interesting Roman artifacts, including pillars, columns, and bits of the original Roman baths. These are thought to be from the Roman fort of Deva Victrix, which was a major military base in Roman Britain.

As you walk through the gardens, you’ll find information plaques that tell you more about the artifacts and their use in Roman life. The gardens themselves are designed to be traditional Roman gardens, so you can step back in time and experience Roman gardening.

The Roman Gardens are not solely about history; they are where nature and antiquity meet. The greenery and plantings are lush and carefully curated, making it a peaceful place to sit and explore. You can take a gentle stroll along the paths and imagine the activity that once went on in this ancient military base.

The gardens also have events and educational activities throughout the year, so they are a great place for history buffs and families. Whether you want to find out more about Chester's Roman history or are just looking for a peaceful spot to chill out, the Roman Gardens are a must-see on your visit to this fascinating city.

Exploring the Complete City Walls

The Walls of Chester are the most complete city walls in Britain and are a must-see for anyone visiting Chester, as they offer a fantastic journey through time. Chester's complete city walls are nearly 2 miles long, stretching around the city, with many sections dating back to Roman times.

As you walk along the walls, you’ll see stunning views of the River Dee and the surrounding countryside as well as views of the city centre and high street area. The walls were not just a defensive barrier but a part of the city’s urban landscape, letting visitors into the city’s medieval and Roman past. Highlights of Chester's city walls include the Eastgate tower with its clock and the unique 700-year-old rows.

Continuing along the walls, you'll come across the Watergate, a historic gateway that once served as a vital entrance to the city. Further along, the Northgate provides another fascinating stop, showcasing remnants of Chester's medieval past. Don't miss the King Charles' Tower, a landmark engulfed in history, this spot is said to be where King Charles I watched his troops' defeat during the Civil War.

Walking the City Walls also offers stunning views of the River Dee and the surrounding countryside, adding a beautiful scenic setting to your walk. Each section of the walls tells a story, from Roman times to medieval history, making it a captivating experience for history enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.

Chester Cathedral

Chester Cathedral is a brilliant piece of the city’s history and architecture. Originally a Benedictine abbey in the 11th century, this Gothic gem has evolved over the centuries but still stands today as one of the city's most important landmarks.

The Grade 1 listed cathedral is famous for its woodwork, stained glass, and the medieval choir stalls. Admiring the architecture of Chester Cathedral is definitely a must. It's thought to have been built between the 10th and 16th centuries with some modifications throughout the years.

Chester Cathedral offers a tower tour with unique views of Chester, along with a cafe where you can relax with some tea and a gift shop to support the cathedral and pick up some great souvenirs.

Whether you’re wandering the cloisters or attending one of the many events here, Chester Cathedral is a must-see landmark that sums up the spiritual and cultural heritage of this lovely city.

Chester Zoo

Chester Zoo is at the heart of Chester’s buzz, an experience not to be missed for all the family. With over 21,000 animals from around the world, you can explore the different habitats and exhibits, including the amazing Islands at Chester Zoo. Just looking isn’t enough; the zoo offers animal encounters and feeding experiences to get up close and personal with the wildlife.

Throughout the year there are loads of events and activities, including the annual festival, so there’s always something going on. Whether you’re a wildlife nut or just looking for a fun day out, Chester Zoo is an adventure in the middle of this lovely city.

The River Dee

The River Dee is a lovely scenic river that runs through the heart of Chester and adds to the city's unique charm. This beautiful river gives you stunning views and is a big part of the recreational life of locals and visitors. Along its banks, you can take a leisurely walk, go rowing or boating, or just sit in one of the many riverside parks.

The River Dee is also a big part of the city’s landscape and a peaceful backdrop to the historic architecture of the city, including Eastgate. Whether you want to get out of the city centre and explore the nature, have a picnic, or go on a river cruise, the River Dee is a must-see area of the city that makes visiting Chester so much more magical.

Places to Stay in Chester

Chester has a range of accommodations to suit every taste and budget. Hotels in Chester vary from luxury 5-star hotels to guesthouses and B&Bs. This means it's fairly easy to find a place to stay in Chester, however, it can get busy during weekends and peak seasons.

Staying in the city centre is an easy way to see all the sights in a day or two. However, if you want to enjoy the nearby countryside, you might want to look for a hotel outside of the bustling city centre and take the bus or drive into Chester. Whichever you choose, Chester and its surrounding countryside have some great options, and it's not particularly difficult to find a decent place to stay in the area.

Chester Visitor Information Centre

Located in the heart of the city at The Town Hall, the Chester Visitor Information Centre is the perfect starting point for anyone visiting Chester. The friendly team at the centre assists over 280,000 visitors each year, providing valuable information and helping both visitors and locals alike. The centre offers a range of local souvenirs, making it easy to take a piece of Chester home with you.

They also provide tickets for various attractions and tours, including hop-on-hop-off bus tours, Roman walking tours, and ghost tours, ensuring you experience Chester to the fullest. Whether you need directions, recommendations, or tickets, the Chester Visitor Information Centre is there to help you make the most of your visit.

Events and Festivals in Chester

Chester hosts a vibrant array of events and festivals throughout the year, catering to all ages and interests. From comedy shows and live music performances to cultural events and exhibitions, there’s always something happening in this lively city. The Chester Food and Drink Festival is a highlight, offering a chance to savor local and international flavors.

Music lovers can enjoy the Chester Music Festival, while book enthusiasts will find the Chester Literature Festival a treat. The city also hosts various sporting events, including the Chester Marathon and the Chester Half Marathon, attracting participants and spectators alike. To plan your visit around these exciting events, be sure to check Chester’s events calendar and make the most of your time in this dynamic city.

Beyond Chester

Beyond Chester's old city walls lies a ton of great travel opportunities, ranging from big cities to the Welsh countryside. Visiting the nearby city of Liverpool, with its beautiful Albert Docks UNESCO World Heritage Site, is definitely one of the best things to do near Chester.

The docks are some of the most beautiful city docks in Northern England and make a great addition to any day trip to Chester, especially as they are only a 45-minute drive towards Liverpool.

Alternatively, exploring the beautiful countryside of North Wales, with its stunning mountains and coastlines, is just as exciting. There are plenty of towns in North Wales that are also within a short drive or bus journey from Chester. A few great towns in North Wales are Llangollen, Llandudno, and Bangor.

Summary

Chester is a beautiful city packed with history and nature. Its Roman heritage means it has some great sights to see, like the city walls and Roman Gardens. The River Dee makes the city more magical, and there are plenty of things to do in Chester. Overall, it's a must-visit destination in the North West of England.