Chester travel guide

Chester - 2000 years of history and heritage

Encircled by a glorious 2-mile ring of Roman and medieval walls, Chester is a rare and truly magical blend of the ancient and traditional with modern cosmopolitan chic. Situated on the River Dee, close to the Welsh border, Chester is home to 2,000 years of history and one of Britain’s Heritage Cities. Step back in time amid pristine Georgian and Victorian architecture, shop in the unique medieval two-tier galleries called the Rows and enjoy the city's classy café culture.


Memory of Chester

“I lived in Chester for 9 months as an international student. It was great; the city is not big and you get to know it pretty well after while. I loved the walks around the city walls and next to the meadows. The rows are beautiful and there are good places to go out, eat, and drink…It’s also so easy to visit Liverpool and Manchester from here.”

Baluka, Helsinki


Culture and heritage

As the most complete walled city in Britain, Chester is one of Britain’s Heritage Cities. The surviving Roman grid pattern of streets are so compact that you can get around all the city's landmarks on foot, feasting your eyes on an amazing architectural panorama of the past. Stroll the Roman walls, studded with historic towers and gates, then drop into the Roman Amphitheatre – scene of a major archaeological project.

Attractions

With 2,000 years of history, Chester isn’t short of great attractions. Marvel at Chester Cathedral, located in the heart of the city and discover a fascinating history spanning a thousand years. Other attractions include the beautiful River Dee, the Grosvenor and Cheshire Military Museums, the beautiful Grosvenor Park and the city’s famous Roodee Racecourse.

Food and drink

Chester offers a mouth-watering menu of delicious cuisine, whatever your taste or budget. Quality local produce is available across the county at many farmers markets, butchers, bakers and fishmongers and used in many of the pubs and restaurants - where you can expect great food and superb service.

Shopping

Chester‘s main shopping area is within the beautiful historic walled city. The 2-tiered galleries of shops in “The Rows” are packed with independent boutiques and high-street stores. And if that’s not enough, head to Cheshire Oaks, the UK’s largest designer outlet village just 10 miles from the city centre.

Must see and do


Top daytime must-do's

Top night time must-do's
  • See a live gig at Alexander’s Jazz Bar.
  • Take a night time walking tour around the eerie haunts of Chester’s murky past.
  • Enjoy a great night out at Telfords Warehouse.
  • Treat yourself to an overnight spa break at the tranquil Karma Spa.
  • Take in the beauty and character of Chester on a river cruise.
Bridge Street

Chester podcast

Download the Chester podcast (7.3Mb), a city rich in heritage and style. With Roman origins, Chester has the largest uncovered Roman Amphitheatre in the UK and the most complete City Walls in England. Chester Cathedral, The Rows and Eastgate clock add to Chester's appeal combined with its nightlife, horseracing and shopping.

Features, attractions & events

We list over 15,000 attractions and events in Britain and here we feature a few of the best ones. If you want to find a specific event for when you’re over here, or top attractions near your destination, use our handy attractions and events search.

Storm Sky by Maggie Feeny, winner of Best 2D Artist Award at Artists Open Houses © Maggie Feeny

Artists Open Houses

If you're an art lover, don't miss the annual festival of Artists Open Houses. It involves over 1,000 artists opening their homes to the public to display their works in unusual and original surroundings.

Artists Open Houses

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