tourist info chester

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Chester Tourist Information Centre

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Visit Chester and Cheshire is the tourist board responsible for tourism in Chester. It operates a tourist information centre in Chester city centre, a useful first port of call for visitors to the city.

Staff can offer visitors general tourist information and advice, and also help with hotel bookings. They also sell tickets for National Express coaches, shows, concerts, theatrical performances, bus tours, and more.

The centre also stocks a good range of maps, guides, and brochures, many of which are free. Brochures can also be downloaded from the official Chester and Cheshire website.

Various official guided walks also depart from here. Tours are themed and include Taste Chester, the Chester Walls Walk, Fortress Deva – A History of Roman Chester, the Chester Tour, and the Secret Chester Tour. Tickets and more information can be obtained from the centre. Tickets can also be purchased from the official Chester and Cheshire tourism website.

The Chester Tourist Information Centre is located in the Town Hall on Northgate, close to the entrance to McDonald’s and the Forum Shopping Centre.

The centre is open 7 days a week. Opening times are Monday to Saturday, 9 am to 5.30 pm, and Sunday 10 am to 5 pm.

Map showing location of Chester Tourist Information Centre.

Address and postcode Town Hall, Northgate Street Chester Cheshire United Kingdom CH1 2HJ

Visit Chester Tourist Information Centre Website

Reviews and Additional Information

I visited Chester for a trip down memory lane. I originate from Cheshire but have lived in Norfolk for over 40 years. I was not disappointed with my visit. We stayed at the MacDonalds New Blossom Hotel. It lacked a little as a 4 star but this was due to lack of staff. However my main complaint is about the down and outs and the beggars on the city streets. It felt a little threatening. Being approached and asked for any spare cash during the day and then being accosted by the Oxfam fund raisers was not what I had expected. We visited Chester Zoo, the Canal Museum at Ellesmere Port and did the city bus/river tour all were excellent value with extremely helpful and knowledgeable staff. The city was very clean and just needs the streets cleared of beggars.

Chester is a fine city but the train station is very poorly signed. Indeed some of the signs send you down one way streets. Missing your train significantly detracts from the pleasure of the visit. Improved signage might make the difference between a future visit and never wanting to come back again.

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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

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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

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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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Things To Do in Chester

There are so many great things to do in chester.

Take your pick from our choice of all the top things to do in Chester below  or discover your absolute favourites  by clicking ‘Find My Perfect Thing To Do’ to filter by your additional personal preferences.  

Chester and the surrounding areas have some of the top things to do and tourist attractions in the entire country from the big hitters like Chester Zoo, Chester Races and Blue Planet Aquarium to the amazing historic sightseeing and parks and gardens throughout this beautiful city not to mention the incredible shopping, food and drink and events and both indoor and outdoor activities to keep absolutely everybody entertained.

Whether you’re here on a staycation, visiting for the day or you’re lucky enough to live in and around Chester you will definitely find things to do to suit whatever your mood.

Discover Your Favourites

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When it comes to finding amazing things to do there are so many great things to experiences in Chester  

Race Day Hospitality Experience at 1539

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swimming with sharks experience for beginners at blue planet aquarium, fish & chip fridays experience with chesterboat, stag & hen parties experience at outpost paintball, pottery foam clay arty party experience at pictura studios, play at home virtual escape room experience at breakout chester, latest chester things to do news.

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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

• 1 Understand
• 2.1 By train
• 3 Get around
• 4.1 Roman Chester
• 10.1 Budget
• 10.2 Mid-range
• 10.3 Splurge
• 11 Stay safe

Chester ( Welsh : Caer ) is a very pretty and historic English city on the river Dee, and the county town (capital) of the North-Western county of Cheshire . Although maybe not worth a whole holiday, it's well worth a day or overnight trip to see the Roman ruins and medieval city centre. This fine city is also the gateway to North Wales , as it stands directly on the Anglo-Welsh border.

Understand [ edit ]

Chester originated in the Romano-British period at the latest, when it formed the settlement known as Deva or Castra Devana , the fortress city of the 20th Legion ( Legio XX Valeria Victrix ). As a result, some parts of Chester are around two thousand years old. It was a Royalist stronghold during the English Civil War in the 1640s, and along the walls, one can see the tower from which King Charles I watched his troops do battle.

A native of Chester is called a 'Cestrian'. Just as Cockneys must be born within earshot of the Bow Bells to be classed a 'true' Cockney, local tradition dictates that to be strictly deemed a 'Cestrian' the person must have been born within the boundaries of the city's Roman walls. However, the last maternity ward within those defined limits was relocated to its current site a couple of miles outside the city walls in the early 1970s.

• Visit Chester tourist information.

Get in [ edit ]

By train [ edit ]

Wikivoyage has a guide to Rail travel in Great Britain

Chester has trains from:

• London – London Euston hourly by Avanti West Coast , taking 2 hr 30 min via Stafford and Crewe , where you may have to change.
• Liverpool – Liverpool Central every 15 min by Merseyrail , taking 45 min via Birkenhead and the Wirral .
• Manchester – Manchester Airport , Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Oxford Road every 30 minutes, taking just over an hour via Warrington and Runcorn , and continuing along the Welsh coast to Holyhead (for Dublin ferries). Slower trains trundle from Piccadilly via Stockport , Altrincham , Knutsford and Northwich , and from Leeds via Bradford , Manchester Victoria and Warrington to Chester.
• Birmingham – Birmingham International (for airport) and New Street every two hours via Wolverhampton , Shrewsbury and Wrexham , and continuing along the coast to Holyhead. It's usually quicker to take a train towards Manchester and change at Crewe.
• Cardiff – Cardiff every two hours via Abergavenny , Hereford , Shrewsbury and Wrexham , and continuing to Holyhead.

By car [ edit ]

Chester is near the eastern end of the A55, which becomes the M53, which crosses the M56. London is approximately 170 miles by road, Birmingham approximately 90 miles, Manchester approximately 40 miles and Liverpool approximately 15 miles.

By bus [ edit ]

• National Express coaches run from London Victoria , taking six hours via Heathrow Airport , Oxford , Birmingham Airport and city centre, and Stoke-on-Trent . There's one daytime and one overnight service and they both continue to Liverpool. Megabus doesn't run to Chester.
• Stagecoach Bus 1 / X1 runs from Liverpool every 30 min, taking 1 hr 40 min via Birkenhead , Ellesmere Port and Bache.
• Arriva Bus 84 runs hourly from Crewe via Nantwich. Bus X30 runs hourly from Warrington , taking 90 min via Runcorn.
• Arriva Bus 1 runs every 10 minutes from Wrexham , taking 45 minutes. Bus 11 runs from Rhyl hourly, taking 2 hr 15 min via Prestatyn and Holywell , where you may have to change.

English and Welsh concessionary bus passes are only valid for their own section of the cross-border routes.

Get around [ edit ]

The city centre is relatively small with everything within walking distance. For areas a little further away, there are good bus services from the bus station on Gorse Stacks on the north side of the city to nearby villages like Blacon and Saltney, as well as more distant towns such as Mold, Wrexham and Liverpool.

Or one can take a taxi.

See [ edit ]

Roman Chester [ edit ]

Chester (or Deva in Latin) was one of the great military bases in Roman England, and as such, has its fair share of Roman ruins. Historians have even speculated that had the Roman departure not happened, Chester would have become the Roman Capital of England.

• Walls . The city centre is enclosed by the walls, which offer a pleasant strolling route for visitors and locals alike. Walk around the top of the Roman walls that surround the city.  
• Roman Gardens . With reconstructed hypocaust.  
• Spud u Like , Bridge Street . The basement of this shop gives access to an original hypocaust.  

Do [ edit ]

• The Groves is one of Chester’s premier open spaces, running along the city bank of the River Dee. It became a promenade in the early 1700s and is now part of a longer Riverside Promenade.
• In 1726, the area was leased to Charles Croughton who secured the river bank and planted an avenue of trees. By the late 18th century it had become known as The Groves. The City Walls also became a fashionable place and during the 18th century, the circuit was modified and the Groves and the walls were connected through the construction of Recorder’s Steps. In Roman times, this section of the riverside was a series of quarries where stone was extracted for building the fortress. In Saxon times, The Groves was probably the main port area and may have had a concentration of leatherworking.
• The Groves is also the best place to go to take a trip down the river itself through all manner of vessels from motorised tour-boats to row boats and, in warm weather, even pedaloes.
• Grosvenor Park was one of the first public parks in Britain outside of the big industrial cities and was given to the city of Chester in 1867 by Richard Grosvenor, the Second Marquess of Westminster.

• Boating . Along the river. Rowing boats can be hired, or if you don't want to exert yourself, there are many boat trips that go from the river bank on the city centre side between the Handbridge Suspension bridge and the walls, and they show you everything you will want to see!  
• 53.189193 -2.892146 6 Dewa Roman Experience , Pierpoint Lane, Bridge Street, CH1 1NL , ☏ +44 1244 343407 . M-Sa 9AM-5PM, Su 10AM-5PM . Interactive museum about Chester's Roman history, with hands-on exhibits. If visiting in term time worth waiting until after 3PM to avoid parties of schoolkids.  
• Open-top Bus Tour . Will get you round all the main tourist sites in 30 minutes. Several bus operators run tours.  
• Christmas Lights , city centre . December . Chester is the prettiest city in the run up to Christmas when the streets are tastefully decorated with lights. The shops are hectic but try a walk round the walls after 5PM.  
• The Spa Chester ( the spa at hoole hall chester ), Warrington Rd, CH2 3PD , ☏ +44 1244 408840 . A world-class day spa offering an exhilarating sensory journey with an extensive treatment menu. Definitely worth a visit when in Chester, but lots to do so need to set aside enough time to make full use of the facilities.  

Learn [ edit ]

• 53.2002 -2.8989 1 Welsh language course , University of Chester, Parkgate Road, CH1 4BJ , ☏ +44 1244 511 168 , [email protected] . Two hours a week, minimum 13 weeks . Learn Welsh in the closest English city to Wales! Part-time evening courses specifically for beginners and improvers, open to all. Part 1 (13 wk) £200, part 2 (15 wk) £240, parts 1+2 £390 . ( updated Jun 2020 )

Buy [ edit ]

Chester has fantastic shopping for its size. All the major stores are based in one of the most attractive city centres in the country. Traditional black and white Tudor buildings and The Rows (an historic two-tiered shopping gallery, the only one of its kind in the world!) coupled with good shops and great places to eat, such as The Watergates Wine Bar , are sure to make this a pleasant shopping trip.

If that doesn't satisfy your consumerist needs, Cheshire Oaks is a designer outlet 10 miles away by bus or car.

Also, Chester has a traditional indoor Market located behind the town hall.

Eat [ edit ]

• The Watergates Bar , 13 Watergates Street , ☏ +44 1244 320515 . A historic Norman crypt dating from the 11th century on the main cobbled streets just under The Rows. An extensive menu with loads of choices all at a reasonable price.  
• Piccolino , 33 Pepper Row, Pepper St, CH1 1EA , ☏ +44 1244 312123 , fax : +44 1244 344869 , [email protected] . Italian restaurant with a large selection of dishes and good service.  
• Siam , City Road . A well-converted canal-side building (above Harkers Arms). Upstairs is a good-quality Thai menu. Downstairs is Teppan-yaki style Japanese food, prepared in front of you with all the performance of juggling utensils, fire etc. Dinner £25-35 .  
• Pastarazzi , 29 Grosvenor Street . It's in a beautiful old building near the racecourse. Offers fine dining at expensive prices.  
• Blackstocks Fish & Chips , 33 Northgate St, CH1 2HQ , ☏ +44 1244 325822 . 11:30AM–8PM . Very high-quality fish and chips at a decent price. Delicious northern fare! ( updated Apr 2016 )
• The Slowboat , 57A Frodsham Street, CH1 3JJ , ☏ +44 1244 317873 . Restaurant offering a good selection of various east Asian cuisine dishes. ( updated Mar 2021 )
• The Forge on Grosvenor Park Rd, opened in 2021, serves modern British grills. They're open M Tu 6-9:30PM, W-Su 12:15-2:45PM, 6-9:30PM.

Drink [ edit ]

Chester has plenty of historic, old-fashioned English pubs, with beer at around £2.50-3 a pint. However, most places will stop serving at around 11:30PM, and even a little earlier on Sundays. The only true exception being Watergates which trades until 2AM on Fridays and Saturdays.

Pubs [ edit ]

• 53.19013 -2.89235 1 The Watergates Bar , 13 Watergate Street, CH1 2LB , ☏ +44 1244 320515 . A great setting in an old church crypt under The Rows. Generally relaxed by daytime with a stunning rooftop garden with an outside bar. Attracts a lively crowd in the evening with good music and a wide range of cocktails, beers, shooters, spirits and bottles.  
• 53.18629 -2.88939 2 The Bear and Billet , Lower Bridge Street . A renovated 17th-century tavern that features a wide selection of beers in convivial surroundings. Decent food.  
• 53.19493 -2.88604 3 Ye Olde Cottage Inn , 34-36 Brook St, CH1 3DZ ( turn right out of the station, follow Brook St towards City Centre; it's on the left-hand side opposite Spice Balti ). Good local pub, serving a selection of beers, wines and spirits. Real log fires in winter and an excellent beer garden at the rear. Traditional English pub, oak beamed and bar, with pool and darts.  
• The Falcon , Lower Bridge Street . An old tavern situated at the top of Lower Bridge Street — allegedly haunted in its basement — it serves an excellent range of beer from the Sam Smith's brewery.  
• 53.19051 -2.88789 4 The Marlbororough Arms , 3 St John St, CH1 1DA . When it needed its sign painting, the artist stopped to quench his thirst half-way through, and the rest is history. Very close to the city centre, outside it offers a 'husband-creche', where women can deposit their hapless other halves for an afternoon's shopping in peace.  
• 53.18819 -2.8881 5 The Albion Inn , Park Street, CH1 1RN , ☏ +44 1244 340345 . Defiantly traditional, 'family-hostile' pub with walls covered in First World War memorabilia. Excellent beer and good home cooking.  
• Grosvenor Pulford Hotel , Wrexham Rd, Pulford , ☏ +44 1244 570560 . Ciro’s Brasserie at the Grosvenor Pulford Hotel & Spa is a magnificent Mediterranean style restaurant offering modern European cuisine and an excellent selection of fine wines from around the world.  
• 53.20633 -2.85432 1 Marco Pierre White's Steakhouse, Bar & Grill ( MPW Steakhouse Chester ), Hoole Hall, Warrington Road , ☏ +44 1244 408830 . Set on the outskirts of Chester at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel, the menu comprises everything you would expect from a traditional Steakhouse with the superior quality you would expect from Marco Pierre White. 2 courses £14.50, 3 courses £18.50 .  
• 53.19318 -2.89315 6 The Red Lion , 59 Northgate Street, CH1 2HQ . A traditional pub of character, reknowned for its eclectic range of real ales and its good quality pub food. ( updated May 2016 )

Bars [ edit ]

• Watergates , 13 Watergate Street , ☏ +44 1244 320515 . For late night drinks in a superb setting, you have to visit Watergates. An old church crypt under The Rows that is deceptively large with long barrels rooms and a hidden snug. Attracts a lively crowd in the evening with great music and a wide range of cocktails, beers, shooters, spirits and bottles. Open until 2AM on Fridays and Saturdays.  
• Amber Lounge .  
• Bar Lounge .  

Clubs [ edit ]

There are only a handful of night clubs and late bars to choose from. The latest any club will stay open in Chester is 3AM.

• Telford's Warehouse . One of the best clubs, alongside the canal.  
• RB's (Rosie's) . Ground floor is a 1990s bar, Babylon. Two more floors playing different music. Good security, lively venue.  
• Cruise , 4 St.John’s Street, CH1 1DA , ☏ +44 1244 408000 . New club with four bars in six distinct themed areas, specific rooms for different persuasions. Classy and always a good night out.  

Sleep [ edit ]

There are many good hotels in and around the city. Contact the tourist office for details.

Budget [ edit ]

Mid-range [ edit ].

Most B&Bs are clustered to the east of the city in Hoole. This has its own centre, with good local pubs, some restaurants and shops. It's about a mile into the city centre and not a very attractive walk, but is convenient for the train station.

• Express by Holiday Inn Chester Racecourse , The Race Course , ☏ +44 8709 904065 , [email protected] .  
• Mercure Chester North Woodhey House Hotel , Berwick Road, Little Sutton, Cheshire CH66 4PS ( M53 junction 5, take 3rd exit towards Queensferry; at second traffic lights at the Esso garage turn right down A550 (Welsh Road); the hotel is approximately 1 mile on your left ), ☏ +44 151 339-5121 , [email protected] . From £38 per room. Special 'Real Deal' from £100 per couple for 1 nights 3-course dinner, a bottle of wine and full breakfast .  
• Oddfellows , 20 Lower Bridge St CH1 1RS , ☏ +44 1244 345454 . Living up to its history, this is an oddball but comfy, stylish hotel in the former meeting place of a society of odd fellows. But no dogs, however Byronically unruly. B&B double £130 . ( updated Aug 2020 )
• The Chester Townhouse , 49-51 Lower Bridge St CH11RS , ☏ +44 1244 567 300 , [email protected] . ( updated Mar 2024 )

Splurge [ edit ]

• 53.19601 -2.88027 2 Best Western Queen Hotel , City Road ( by Chester railway station ), ☏ +44 1244 305000 , [email protected] .  
• 53.187 -2.888 3 Edgar House , 22 City Walls, off Duke St CH1 1SB , ☏ +44 1244 347007 . Stylish upscale hotel on river bank, the former mansion of a Georgian snuff manufacturer. With 22 Restaurant W-Sa. No children under 14 or dogs. B&B double £160 . ( updated Jul 2020 )
• 53.2295 -2.7306 4 Lloyds Meadow Glamping , Delamere Rd, Mouldsworth CH3 8BD ( 8 miles east of city ), ☏ +44 1928 710740 . Lakeside glamping in bell tents, open Apr-Sep, books M-F-M. Double tent £70 . ( updated May 2022 )

Stay safe [ edit ]

Chester is not an especially dangerous city, with no particular reputation for crime. The general rule is the nearer the racecourse (thus more expensive), the safer the area. However, the usual UK rules apply. Be aware that, between midnight and 3AM or so, especially on Friday and Saturday nights, there will be plenty of drunken people about, so stick to well-lit areas and main roads. If you are one of these people and don't know the city well, consider taking a cab home. Some parts of the city, especially Blacon and The Lache should be strongly avoided if you don't know the area, as they are considered unsafe.

Connect [ edit ]

As of Oct 2022, Chester and its approach roads have 5G from EE and Three, and 4G from O2 and Vodafone.

Go next [ edit ]

Wales - the border runs through Chester's western suburbs, and the Wales Coast Path long-distance walk begins in the city centre. Industrial Deeside is first, but head west and Wales gets much better. The Victorian seaside resort of Llandudno and the mountain town of Betws-y-Coed (gateway to Snowdonia National Park ) are both around 50 miles (80 km) away.

Liverpool - vibrant and friendly port city, home of the Beatles, the Liver bird and a great skyline.

Manchester - old Cottonopolis is now a cosmopolitan metropolis.

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Places to visit in Chester

Visit Chester for its rows of overhanding black-and-white timbered houses, and almost complete medieval city walls with goblin towers. Base yourself in this Cheshire city to explore the rambling stately mansions and turreted castle of North West England and their landscaped gardens. Wildlife lovers can trace the food chain from tiny bugs to giant Asian elephants at Chester Zoo, and food lovers can enjoy one of the many regular food and drinks festivals in this gastronomic city. So loosen your belt a notch and treat yourself to locally made chocolate truffles and lashings of Cheshire Farm ice cream.

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Things to do on a Chester city break

Navigate Chester’s city walls, go shopping on The Rows and meet furry friends at Chester Zoo on a city break in Chester.

Discover 1,000 years of history at Chester Cathedral

Journey through hundreds of years of history and discover hidden spaces as you climb to the top of the cathedral tower.

Location: Chester, Cheshire

Discover Chester's Roman, heritage and spooky history

On a guided tour of Chester you’ll meet Roman soldiers, float along the River Dee and find out the spine-chilling tales of the city’s past.

View Chester from an open-top vintage bus

Ride the open-top vintage bus on a Chester Tour and see the city’s archaeological and architectural heritage.

Romans, racing and the famous Rows in Chester

Discover Roman walls, medieval shopping galleries and England’s oldest racecourse in the historic city of Chester.

A thrilling day at Chester Races

You can’t beat a fantastic day at the races, so get dressed up and pick up your race card for a day of fun and socialising.

Take the whole family to Chester Zoo

Venture to tantalising tropical islands in the heart of Cheshire with innovative exhibits at the UK’s most popular zoo.

Location: Upton near Chester, Cheshire

A weekend of champagne and romance at The Chester Grosvenor

Spend a romantic break at The Chester Grosvenor in the heart of the ancient city of Chester. Enjoy a couple’s massage, drink champagne and eat spectacular food in this beautiful hotel.

November events: Join the highbrow chit-chat at Chester Literature Festival

There’s no shortage of wordy stimulation and novel debate for book worms at the Chester Literature Festival.

Enjoy a romantic city break at Oddfellows

With its gorgeous Georgian architecture, Oddfellows is the perfect place to have a romantic break away.

December events: Start off your Christmas season in Chester

Visit Santa, sip on mulled wine and spend the weekend celebrating all things festive in the beautiful city of Chester.

Rekindle your love with a romantic weekend break in Chester

Stroll hand in hand around the ancient Roman Walls, take a romantic boat trip along the River Dee and go for a delicious dinner in Chester.

Find romantic things to do at Chester’s hot new Storyhouse

Fall in love at this new cultural centre combining theatre, cinema, bars and more.

Our favourite things to do on a Chester city break

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Grand listed buildings, riverside panoramas – and a city bursting with both pop and culture. Trips to this Merseyside city start at Liverpool Pier to snap the trio of iconic buildings.

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Home » Travel Guides » United Kingdom » England » 15 Best Things to Do in Chester (Cheshire, England)

15 Best Things to Do in Chester (Cheshire, England)

Right on the border with Wales, Chester was founded in AD 70 as the Roman fortress of Deva Victrix.

Excavations at the amphitheatre suggest that Deva was pegged to become the UK’s Roman capital in the 3rd Century if the invasion of Ireland had gone ahead.

The City Walls have big curtains of ashlar blocks from Deva’s ancient defences.

These are bolstered by Medieval towers and have tales to tell from the Siege of Chester in the English Civil War.

On Chester’s straight Roman streets you’ll see the Rows, Medieval timber buildings with raised galleries that can’t be found anywhere else in the world.

And you can’t talk about Chester without mentioning the zoo, one of the best in the world and one of the first to use humane enclosures.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Chester :

1. Chester City Walls

A fact that may stop you in your tracks as you walk along the three-kilometre walkway surmounting Chester’s walls is most of these defences follow the same course as when they protected the Roman fort of Deva.

Only the southeastern defences were altered when Chester was rebuilt in the 10th century, so that they could extend down to the River Dee.

The walkway gives is a fine way to admire Chester’s historic skyline and half-timbered houses, and will lead you to Medieval sandstone structures like Bonewaldesthorne’s Tower (1249), Thimbleby’s Tower (13th century) and the Water Tower (1325). Morgan’s Mount on the north side was built in 1645 as an observation platform and gun emplacement during the English Civil War.

It’s worth seeing the walls at ground level, where you’ll be able to identify the oldest Roman ashlar blocks, as well as pieces of spolia (Roman stone reused in the Medieval period).

2. Chester Cathedral

Built over nearly 500 years from the 11th to the 16th century, Chester Cathedral has traces of every Medieval English architectural style, from Norman Romanesque to Perpendicular Gothic.

The oldest parts of the cathedral are in the north transept, which has a semi-circular Romanesque arch, while the northwest tower also has 11th-century origins.

Here there’s a beautiful baptismal font, fashioned from black marble and dating to 1697. The choir needs to be seen for its Decorative Gothic stalls, carved around 1380. These have tall, sharp canopies adorned with little spires and crockets, and feature 48 misericords depicting an array of quirky characters.

The 13th-century Lady Chapel is in the Early English Gothic style, with a stone rib vault, while outside you can shuffle through the cloisters to see a 17th-century Mortlake tapestry on the refectory wall.

3. Chester Rows

The Rows are a set of timber-framed galleries on Watergate Street, Northgate Street, Eastgate Street and Bridge Street in the old centre of Chester.

These covered walkways have no equivalent anywhere in the world, and are set above street level, leading you past a second line of shops.

The first mention of the Chester Rows dates to 1293, following a city-wide fire two decades before.

They are believed to have been built to increase the amount of shopping space in the middle of the city.

Underground, beneath the galleries are vaulted stone undercrofts, 20 of which survive from the 13th and 14th centuries, while at no. 48 Bridge Street is the Three Old Arches, believed to be the oldest shop front in England, dating to 1274.

4. The Groves

Starting in the west under the city walls at Lower Bridge Street and ending at Grosvenor Park, The Groves is a pretty riverside promenade on the north bank of the Dee.

With beautiful views to the mansions of the Queen’s Park area on the south bank you’ll walk beneath the lime trees, past Georgian houses, pubs, iron gaslights and no shortage of benches to take a break and watch the swans.

One of the most photogenic sights is the Queen’s Park Suspension Bridge, a few metres east of the sweet Edwardian bandstand.

5. Chester Zoo

One of the best zoos, not just in the UK but the whole world, Chester Zoo in the north of the city is gigantic.

Over 125 acres there are more than 20,000 individual animals.

The founder George Motterhead wanted to built a zoo without bars, calling on natural barriers like ditches and moats to contain animals.

Every few years there’s a new multimillion pound habitat, and as of 2018 the newest is “Islands at Chester Zoo”. This mimicks six island habitats from Southeast Asia and has Sumatran tigers, cassowaries, Visayan warty pigs, Malayan tapirs, tentacled snakes and many more species from the region.

The list of other environments to check out is enormous, but you have to make time for Bears of Cloud Forest, Monkey Islands, Tsavo Black Rhino Reserve and the Realm of the Red Ape with Bornean Orangutans.

6. Grosvenor Museum

In a purpose-designed Renaissance Revival building from 1886, the Grosvenor Museum has assembled all sorts of fascinating curios over the last 130 years.

The name comes from Hugh Grosvenor, 1st Duke of Westminster, who put up more than a third of the funding in the 1880s.

Inside you’ll find the largest single collection of works by the 19th-century English watercolour artist Louise Rayner, stelae from the Roman period and a set of six recorders by the 17th and 18th-century woodwind instrument maker Peter Bressan.

The museum also has hands-on exhibits dealing with the natural history of the region, and reconstructions of period homes down the centuries, complete with original decor, furniture, paintings and everyday utensils.

7. Grosvenor Park

This genteel Victorian park covers 20 acres on the north bank of the Dee on land granted to the Chester by Richard Grosvenor, 2nd Marquess of Westminster.

Grosvenor Park was drawn up by Edward Kemp and is considered one of the country’s outstanding parks from this period.

Kemp’s design has regimented lawns, flowerbeds and paths, together with more picturesque elements like a stone arch removed from Chester’s St Michael’s Church, and the Grade II listed Jacob’s Well drinking fountain.

The miniature railway is from 1996 and runs on weekends and Tuesday and Thursday afternoons in term time, and every day during the school holidays.

There’s also an Activity Zone for youngsters, the Lodge Cafe and one of the UK’s top open-air theatres, staging productions from the start of July to the end of August.

8. St John the Baptist’s Church

Beyond the eastern walls, this Medieval church sits on a cliff overlooking the River Dee.

Constructed from sandstone, St John the Baptist’s Church has Anglo-Saxon origins, possibly going back to the 7th century.

The surviving architecture dates from the 11th century when the Bishop of Lichfield moved his episcopal seat to Chester, making St John’s a cathedral.

There are clear Norman Romanesque elements in nave, crossing, the first bay of the chancel, the drum arch to the Lady Chapel and in the ruins of the choir chapels.

This eastern portion of the church was torn down during the Reformation, and those remnants can be visited outside.

Back in the church you can see the pieces of Saxon stone crosses, thought to have stood in the churchyard.

9. Eastgate an Eastgate Clock

Chester’s most recognisable landmark, the Eastgate is the original entrance to the Roman fortress of Deva.

As we see it now, the gate has a sandstone arch from 1768, surmounted by the wall walk.

To celebrate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee (1897), the Cheshire architect John Douglas designed a handsome clock supported by openwork wrought iron pylons flecked with gold.

There’s a clock face on all four sides below a copper-clad ogee cupola.

The clock mechanism was supplied by J.B. Joyce of Whitchurch, and up to 1974 had to be hand-wound once a week.

Above the face on each side are the Queen’s initials, “VR” (Victoria Regina).

10. Roman Amphitheatre

An English Heritage Site and Grade I listed building, the Roman Amphitheatre was founded in the late 70s and lay undiscovered for almost 1,700 years.

Two different amphitheatres stood on the site, the latter dating to the 3rd century and able to seat at least 8,000 people.

The problem was that in the intervening years listed buildings had been constructed on all but the north side of this ancient monument.

So only the northern quarter has been recovered.

There’s a grassy bank where seating used to be a curved retaining wall delineating the pit.

In 2010 a trompe l’oeil mural was painted by London artist Gary Drostle to give a feel for what the rest of the building would have looked like.

11. Chester Cathedral Falconry and Nature Gardens

The grounds to the north of the cathedral, tucked into the northeast corrner of the city walls, are home to a nature attraction that kids are sure to love.

The Falconry allows you to get within centimetres of owls, hawks, falcons and a naughty vulture who goes by the name of Tinks.

The expert handlers show off these animals and provide lots of interesting information about their behaviour and diet.

Depending on the weather there are flight demonstrations, and if you’re brave you’ll be able to handle some of these birds of prey.

You can look around the centre, which also has terrariums for reptiles, and stroll in the gardens to pick up tips on how to attract wildlife to your garden at home.

12. Chester Cross

By the rows in the historic centre of Chester is a staggered crossroads at the junction of Northgate Street, Eastgate Street and Bridge Street.

Those latter three streets go right back to when Chester was a Roman fortress and were the main arteries in that period.

Just north of the junction of Bridge Street and Watergate Street was the setting for the fortress’ Principia building (headquarters). The focal point of the crossroads is the Grade II listed Chester High Cross.

This red sandstone monument is from 1476, but was taken apart by the Parliamentarians in 1646 during the English Civil War.

Pieces of the original were rediscovered in the 19th century and used in a restoration that was put up by Newgate in 1949, and then moved to its rightful position in 1975. The cross has an octagonal plinth, steps and shaft capped with a hexagonal head that is carved with niches beneath a circular finial.

13. Chester Roman Gardens

Bounded to the west by the city walls, the Chester Roman Gardens were plotted by the curator of the Grosvenor Museum, Graham Webster in 1949. The park was laid out in the run up to the 1951 Festival of Britain and has ancient architectural fragments found during the 19th-century excavations of Deva’s baths and military buildings like the Principia.

There’s a row of columns from the exercise hall in the main bathhouse, once almost two metres high.

The tallest column is from the Principia building, the site of the present day Chester Cross.

Also in the garden is a hypocaust heating system and mosaic, brought here from the Legionaries’ bathhouse.

Pay attention to the city wall you can see a section that was damaged during a bombardment in the Siege of Chester of 1645, and repaired quickly after.

14. Cheshire Military Museum

There isn’t much left of the Medieval Chester Castle, as the deteriorating monument was mostly reworked in a Neoclassical style in the 1780s by the acclaimed architect Thomas Harrison.

Along with the Crown Courts, the Cheshire Military Museum occupies former barracks in one of Harrison’s Grade I listed buildings.

With the help of authentic artefacts, photographs, paintings and accounts, you’ll learn about the various Regiments of Cheshire’s participation in some of history’s great battles and put yourself in the boots of a soldier fighting in the trenches in the First World War.

You’ll get to see curiosities like the silver collection of the Cheshire Regiment, a shield and baton from the Troubles in Northern Ireland, a WWII Vickers Medium Machine Gun (MMG) and memorabilia from the German surrender in 1945.

15. River Dee

On warm days you’ll be drawn to Chester’s river, and along The Groves there are a few companies providing cruises.

A typical trip will take you east, under the Queen’s Park Suspension Bridge, past the regal waterfront properties to the Chester Meadows on the city’s outskirts, before returning, all in less than half an hour.

On the way you’ll hear a running commentary, pointing out the monuments on the skyline and some of the river’s birdlife, like cormorants and kingfishers.

ChesterBoat and Chester Day Boat Hire also provide private charters if you’d like to float along for a day or more on your own vessel.

The river is also calm enough for pedalos and kayaking, all of which can be hired from The Groves.

15 Best Things to Do in Chester (Cheshire, England):

• Chester City Walls
• Chester Cathedral
• Chester Rows
• Chester Zoo
• Grosvenor Museum
• Grosvenor Park
• St John the Baptist's Church
• Eastgate an Eastgate Clock
• Roman Amphitheatre
• Chester Cathedral Falconry and Nature Gardens
• Chester Cross
• Chester Roman Gardens
• Cheshire Military Museum

• Three Wrens Cheshire Distillery BusyBus Cheshire Cycle Hire Cheshire Falconry Cheshire Military Museum Cheshire Outdoors Cheshire Segway Chester Boat Chester Ghost Tour Commonhall Social The Chester Tour Escapism Chester Grosvenor Shopping Centre Roman & Medieval Tours St John The Baptist The Ice Cream Farm Three Wrens Distillery
• Buy Tickets
• Chester History
• Attractions map
• Coach Parking

You can get a Free printed version of the Chester Attractions Map from the Town Hall Visitor Information Centre as well as many local hotels and cafes. Or download the map .

Buy tickets for many of our attractions here.

Escapism Chester

Cheshire Falconry

Cheshire Military Museum

Cheshire Segway

Chester Boat

Cheshire Outdoors

Grosvenor Shopping Centre

Chester Ghost Tours

Get your latest guide to major events in Cheshire, North Wales, Warrington and Wirral in 2024.

The Chester Tour

Roman & Medieval Tours

Commonhall Local

The Ice Cream Farm

St John The Baptist

Three Wrens Cheshire Distillery

Cheshire Cycle Hire

A rich history.

There are so may things to do in Chester.  It’s one of Britain’s great heritage cities with an action-packed history and great treasures from the past.

2000 years ago, the Roman Empire built Fortress Deva here to suppress fierce Welsh tribes across the border, and stayed for over 300 years.

They established the pattern of the city’s streets, built the original City Walls and created the largest Amphitheatre ever uncovered in Britain where 7000 spectators watched spectacular events including circuses and gladiatorial combat.

Must-See Heritage

Things to do in Chester include a visit to the oldest  racecourse  in the country, stand in the largest  Roman Amphitheatre  ever uncovered in Britain, or explore the retail delights of the 700 year old Rows two-tier shopping galleries, which are unique to Chester.

In the heart of the City is the 1000 year old  Cathedral  built by Norman invaders on the site of a Roman temple and changed across the centuries by different architectural styles.

Its many highlights include the finest mediaeval carvings in Europe in the Choir and misericordes, the Cathedral at Height Tower Tour offering a bird’s eye view of Chester, and the Refectory.

Trips & Tours

Chester offers a great choice of trips and tours to help you find out about the city’s action-packed past.

Guided walking tours leave the Town Hall every day all year and include  The Chester Tour , Secret Chester Castle Tour and The Ghost Tour or find out what life was like in the Fortress of Deva with Roman Tours featuring a legionary in full battle-gear (see map for details). It’s all the best things to do in Chester.

Nearby Chester Bus Tours iconic red Routemaster double-decker departs from outside the Town Hall hourly from 11am until 3pm daily.

The new attraction takes to the road from 4th July and gives you a leisurely sightseeing trip with live commentary en route, while a ride aboard the  Grosvenor Park Miniature Railway  is delightful way to explore this 150 year old, floral masterpiece.

Fancy a fun-filled adventure tour around North Wales? Head for Chester Railway Station and step aboard the  Busybus  for an all-day excursion exploring the castles, countryside and coast of the area, or take a trip to the Lake District and enjoy the breathtaking beauty of its rugged mountain fells and lakes and take to the water with a steamer sailing.

You can also take to the water in Chester with a pleasure cruise along the River Dee with  ChesterBoat  from the Groves, or wend your way along the Shropshire Union Canal with  The Mill Hotel’s restaurant boat  with fine dining or afternoon tea on board.

Get in touch

Email: [email protected]

You can pick up a copy of the our Chester Attractions leaflet about all the things to do in Chester from hotels and B&Bs, attractions and the Town Hall Visitor Information Centre.

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Whilst Chester Attractions Partnership has made every effort to ensure that the information on this website is correct, they do not assume and hereby disclaim any liability to any party for any loss, damage, or disruption caused by errors or omissions, whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause.

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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.

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Welcome to chester.

Welcome to Visit Chester, an independent Chester tourism site where you can search for Things to do in Chester , Book Accommodation , find Restaurants in Chester and Bars in Chester in this ancient City.  Chester is a city in the county of Cheshire in England in the UK.  Whether your looking for places to visit in Chester, things to do in Chester or hotels in Chester you will never get bored in our beautiful City.

Chester is encircled by a 2-mile ring of Roman and medieval walls , has the oldest racecourse in the country dating back to 1539 and half-timbered buildings where you can visit the 700 year old ‘ Chester Rows ‘ in the City Centre.  The 2-tiered galleries of shops in the Rows are packed with shops , cafes and restaurants .  If shopping is your thing then head to Cheshire Oaks , the UK’s largest designer outlet village which is just 10 miles away from the city centre.  How about the World famous Chester Zoo With over 35000 animals and 125 acres of zoological gardens to explore, you will never be bored that’s for sure.

Furthermore head to the Roman Amphitheatre – the largest in Britain which was built in the late first century AD or slow the pace down and explore the City on a sightseeing Boat .  Diverse, energetic and bursting with History; Chester is one of the most exciting places to visit in the UK right now.  Find out more about Chester on our site.

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12 Best Things to Do in Chester, England

Boasting one of the prettiest town centers in the country, the walled cathedral city of Chester can be found in the North West of England, right on the border with Wales. As it was founded as a Roman fort in 79 AD, it has a rich history and heritage, with ancient archaeological sites lying alongside centuries-old buildings and monuments.

Due to its strategic setting, and the trade and prosperity the River Dee brought, the city was often fought over. Everyone, from the Scots and Saxons to the Danes and Vikings, ruled it at one point or another. While most of its tourist attractions relate to its two millennia of history, there are also cultural and child-friendly things to do in Chester.

With fabulous shops and restaurants to be found in the historic heart of town and pretty parks, gardens, and riverside walks to enjoy, Chester is certainly well worth visiting if you have the chance.

12. Storyhouse

Set in the historic heart of town is the Storyhouse building which houses, not only a library and restaurant but a theater and cinema too. A very popular place, it puts on lots of excellent plays and performances with countless cultural events and films also shown during the year.

Since its opening in 1936 as an Odeon cinema, the Art Deco building has been at the center of cultural life in the city. While some people come to use its library, others take arts and crafts classes, enjoy a meal in its restaurant or attend community events. In addition, the fabled Storyhouse makes for a great evening out thanks to its fun Open Mic nights, film screenings, and fantastic theater shows.

11. Grosvenor Museum

Just a short stroll from Storyhouse is another of Chester’s top attractions; the engrossing Grosvenor Museum. In its exquisite Renaissance Revival building, you can find an extensive array of artifacts, artworks and archaeological findings with most of its collection focusing on the Roman period.

Inside are interesting exhibitions on life in the city during Roman times and the empire’s expansion in Britain, with displays looking at its legions and fortifications. Besides boasting some remarkable Roman antiquities and tombstones, there are also watercolor paintings, old toys, and a well-preserved Georgian house replete with period pieces.

The museum is named after Hugh Grosvenor, the First Duke of Westminster, who supported and sponsored its opening in 1886 and has their family’s coat of arms above its entrance.

10. Roman Amphitheatre

Also located in the center of town is the Roman Amphitheatre believed to be the largest of its kind in the UK. As its ruins were discovered as recently as 1929, only half of the ancient arena has been exposed so far. Ongoing excavations reveal ever-older finds and foundations each year.

The amphitheatre dates to the first century, and each discovery generates more discussion and debate as to its use. Most people now accept that it hosted both entertainment and military exercises.

Although much more of the massive stone structure is still to be unearthed, visitors can wander around its weathered walls and learn about its millennia of history from the informative displays that are dotted about.

9. St John the Baptist Church

Right next to the Roman Amphitheatre is St John the Baptist Church – a more recent, yet still centuries-old, addition to the center of the city. While it is thought to have first been founded in the seventh century by the Anglo Saxons, much of the current church and its astounding architecture dates from the eleventh century.

Once the Chester’s main cathedral, it fell into disrepair and ruin following Henry VIII’s Dissolution of the Monasteries in the 1500s. While the current church and its chapels and sturdy stone columns already make for a striking sight, wandering around its grounds is an even more amazing experience. This is because the remains of even older cloisters, towers, and arches lie scattered about its green spaces.

8. Chester Racecourse

If you’re after an exciting and adrenaline-filled day out, then you can’t beat watching a horse race at the Chester Racecourse. The oldest racecourse still operating in the world, it hosts numerous races and polo games throughout the year, as well as vintage fairs and black tie balls, among other events.

Impressively races have been held here since the sixteenth century with 1539 often cited as the year it all began. Although ‘the Roodee’ as it is known is one of the smallest courses in the UK, at just 1.8 kilometers in length, this makes races even more exhilarating as the jockeys have less time to jostle for first place.

Add in its grandiose grandstands, electrifying atmosphere, and action-packed races and the Chester Racecourse is certainly not to be missed.

7. Eastgate Clock

Widely claimed to be the second most photographed clock in the UK after Big Ben, the attractive Eastgate Clock was erected in 1897 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. One of Chester’s most recognized and renowned landmarks, it lies in the city center at what was once the original entrance to the Roman fort of Deva.

Perched atop of a sandstone arch that dates to 1768, the wrought iron clock makes for a superb sight with lovely old timber-framed buildings lying to either side of it. Besides its elegant ironwork, the clock is also adorned with glittering gold lettering, a copper-clad cupola and the Queen’s initials ‘VR’. Designed by architect John Douglas, it remarkably had to be hand-wound once a week right up until 1974.

6. Chester Zoo

One of the biggest and best zoos in the UK, Chester Zoo has an incredible array of animals from all around the world. The sprawling site with its enormous outdoor enclosures and exhibits can be found just a short bus ride to the north of the city center.

Since opening in 1931, the zoo has educated countless generations about the animals, their natural habitats, and behaviors. Visitors can enjoy exploring exhibits such as Fruit Bat Forest and Spirit of the Jaguar, as well as Bears of the Cloud Forest and Dragons in Danger. Besides its more than 700 species of invertebrates, birds, mammals, and reptiles, the zoo has playgrounds and cafes to stop by, all serviced by its massive monorail.

5. Roman Gardens

Not far from both the Roman Amphitheatre and Chester City Walls you can find the resplendent Roman Gardens. Dotted about its pretty flowerbeds and lush green spaces are fragments and ruins of Roman buildings, with crumbling columns and ancient stone pavings wherever you look.

A very pleasant and picturesque place to spend some time, the gardens were established in 1949 to preserve the city’s Roman past. Besides seeing the weathered remains of a bathhouse and its hypocaust heating system, you will also come across parts of the Roman fortress at Deva alongside other archaeological excavations.

In addition, visitors can also stroll along part of the city wall and see some magnificent modern mosaics.

4. Boating on the River Dee

Winding its way through the center of the city is the peaceful River Dee, which lends itself perfectly to all kinds of recreational activities. While the thriving maritime trade along the river once brought commercial and cultural prosperity to Chester, it is now instead kayaks, pedalos, and boat cruises that make their way up and down its tranquil waters.

As it meanders its way past many of Chester’s tourist attractions, as well as local wildlife spots and quaint countryside, it is well worth renting a boat so you can explore the River Dee. Although some companies run cruises that have a commentary on the city’s skyline, nature, and tourist sites, others rent you a private boat which you can paddle about in ‘til your heart’s content.

3. Chester Rows

One of the most popular places to see, shop, and spend time in Chester are The Rows – a series of striking structures that line the city’s four main streets. The only two-tiered shopping galleries of their kind in the world, the fascinating timber-framed buildings make for some fantastic photos, with the oldest of them said to date from the fourteenth century.

While the origin of the unique galleries is still subject to speculation, it is widely believed that the two-storeys of shops and their covered walkways were designed to maximize space in the packed historic heart of the town. Besides enjoying their astonishing architecture, visitors can stop off at any of The Row’s cosy cafes and traditional pubs with countless shops and restaurants also on offer.

2. Chester City Walls

Encircling the old town are the Chester City Walls, which are the oldest and longest city walls in the country and the best-preserved. First built out of earth, turf and wood by the Romans, the sandstone fortifications stretch over three kilometers in length and are remarkably more than two thousand years old in places.

The sturdy walls once protected the city and its inhabitants from attackers, but their ramparts are now, instead, used as a public pathway. As they loop around the center of town and reach up to five meters in height, the walls offer up some phenomenal views over the city’s tower-studded skyline.

While ambling along the parapet you’ll also come across informative displays explaining the history of the walls and the city.

1. Chester Cathedral

Set in the heart of the city is the spectacular Chester Cathedral, which exhibits some exquisite architecture. As it was built over several hundred years, its facade and towers showcase a range of styles, with Romanesque and Georgian elements on show alongside gorgeous Gothic features.

Erected atop a much older church, the colossal cathedral was constructed between the eleventh and sixteenth centuries, with splendid stained glass windows lining its red sandstone walls. While its pinnacles, battlements, and buttresses make for a striking sight, the undoubted highlight is its finely carved choirs. With elegant arches and refined religious artworks found alongside charming cloisters and chapels, it is no wonder that Chester Cathedral is the city’s standout tourist attraction.

Best Time to Visit Chester

As the weather is warm and pleasant, Chester sees by far the most visitors in both July and August. While temperatures average 20°C (68°F), there is still a pretty high chance of rain!

Besides being the busiest months, they are also among the most expensive. Summer is the best time, however, to walk or boat along the scenic River Dee. Events like its Summer Music Festival and Chester Heritage Festival do somewhat make up for the high prices. The famed Chester Racecourse also has exhilarating races to watch from May through October.

April, May and June also see a lot of visitors while average temperatures remain about 12 to 19°C (53 to 66°F). Prices rise again around Easter although there are generally fewer crowds than summer.

In contrast to spring’s blooming flowers, beautiful autumnal colours coat Chester’s riverside promenade and parks in September and October. These are great months to visit thanks to the mild temperatures and more affordable prices.

Apart from December, when its historic centre is delightfully decorated, relatively few people visit between November and March as Chester is colder, wetter and greyer.

Map of Things to do in Chester

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Chester Visitor Information Centre

• Chalk Coffee Online and In-Store
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Your Local Chester Visitor Information Centre can be found in the Centre of our City Centre, a part of the Town Hall looking towards the historic Cathedral.

When visiting Chester, whether this be for the first time or you’re a regular, pop in to the Visitor Information Centre. Here you can discover helpful services, fun products such as souvenirs and even attractions and tours around our beautiful city.

Find them situated in our Town Hall!

Town Hall Northgate St. Chester CH1 2HJ

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Just Imagine Spring Here

Welcome to chester county's, brandywine valley.

Less than an hour from Philadelphia and surrounded by lush countryside and rambling rivers, the Brandywine Valley is America's Garden Capital . Home to an array of intriguing museums, historical landmarks, extravagant botanical gardens and more. Brandywine is the perfect place to make new memories. From destination-worthy downtowns with cobblestoned streets, picturesque storefronts, and full calendars of entertainment and events to countryside villages featuring small town charm and hidden gems, our towns showcase some of the true personality and spirit of the Brandywine Valley.

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Historic sugartown summer biergarten, places to stay, america's garden capital, arts & history, getaway inspiration, mother's day weekend, spring getaway inspiration, brandywine museum of art's wyeth studio tours, brandywine valley record store round up, point to point and more: plan the perfect weekend, the brandywine valley tourism guide.

It’s everything you need to know to plan the ultimate trip to Chester County! Browse area attractions, accommodations, dining options, events, and more and begin crafting your visit.

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Chester County is a great destination for those who love to indulge in local libations. With more than 25 amazing craft breweries located in the area, visitors have the opportunity to taste a variety of unique and delicious beers, ciders…

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Learn more about our seasons and their attractions to plan your stay. No matter how and where you roam, we promise the views will be stellar, and the experience unforgettable.

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