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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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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.

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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

Related items, nearby cities to visit.

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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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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Packed with incredible history, amazing places to visit, cool attractions, and fun-filled pubs, Chester, England is no doubt one of my favorite English cities! If you’re planning a visit to this ancient Roman town, I’ve got just the list for you. Here’s the best attractions, places to visit, and things to do in Chester, UK! And stick around for the end, where I’ll show you the best places to stay in Chester.

Psst. This post contains affiliate links. Read our disclosure .

After spending nearly 5 months collectively near the city of Chester, I’ve had a blast exploring its Roman walls, strolling through its cobblestone roads, admiring its picturesque two-story rows, and — of course — taste-testing many pints in its fun pubs and clubs.

Throughout this time, Chester has become one of my all-time  favorite cities in England.

Here are just a few things which make Chester absolutely awesome:

✓ Its ancient and captivating Roman history.  ✓ How freakin’ old some of the pubs are (seriously — older than the United States itself!).  ✓ The beautiful River Dee running right through it.  ✓ One word: Chester Rows — found only in one place throughout the world: Chester. ✓ Its unbelievably magnificent cathedral. ✓ Super duper old Roman walls which completely encircle Chester’s town centre. ✓ It’s incredibly cute and totally perfect for photos.

Seriously, this little city has it all! I’m so lucky I get to spend most of my time here when Dan and I are with his family in Wales. It’s such a perfect place to wander about. Days out in Chester are the best days!

Anyways, after spending so much time here, I’ve nailed down the best places to visit and how to make the most of your time in the city, so you never ever have to wonder what to do in Chester again!

Table of Contents

BEST THINGS TO DO IN CHESTER, ENGLAND

Walk the chester city walls.

First and foremost, when coming into the city you’ll notice tall, ancient walls completely surround the city center. Those happen to be the ancient Roman Walls, built over 2000 years old. Cool, right?

In fact, Chester is the only remaining city in Britain who’s walls are still completely intact! And almost as a rite of passage, you must walk the walls! No doubt, this is a must-do thing in Chester.

About 2 miles of path, walking the walls gives you great views of the city below, as you walk right on top of the wall itself. Additionally, you’ll get some great insight into Chester’s past. Throughout the stroll, helpful plaques and signs display fascinating information about the city.

Definitely don’t miss out on the Chester City Walls! They’re one of my absolute favorite places to visit in Chester.

Visit the Chester Cathedral

Boasting beautiful architecture, magnificent stained-glass windows, awe-worthy archaeological artifacts, and adorned with breathtaking towers, spectacular spires, and sky-reaching ceilings, the Chester Cathedral is no doubt impressive.

Founded as a Benedictine abbey in 1092, it was original built in the Romanesque or Norman style, which can still be seen today in parts of the cathedral.

Although, in 1250 the Chester Cathedral was rebuilt in the Gothic style. A process that took nearly 250 years and resulted in the spectacular structure we see today!

As a prominent icon, the Chester Cathedral is no doubt one the bucket list things to do around Chester.

Interested in learning about the full history of Chester? Book a sightseeing Chester heritage tour !

View the Roman Amphitheater

An incredible site managed by the English Heritage group, the Chester Roman Amphitheater is the largest in Britain.

Dating back to 86 AD, the amphitheater was discovered by the archaeologist W. J. Walrus Williams when a hole was dug for the grounds of the Ursuline Convent to install a heating system.

Nowadays, the amphitheater can be walked around and explored. Visitors can see ruins of the rooms where fighters would wait, the block which would hold and anchor animals (such as bulls or lions), and a large painted mural depicting what the amphitheater would have looked like in the past.

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Admire the Eastgate and Eastgate Clock

One of the more iconic things to see in Chester, the Eastgate and Eastgate Clock stands tall near the luxurious Grosvenor Hotel. Built in 1899, it’s positioned at the original entrance to the Roman fortress of Deva Victrix .

Although the Eastgate dates back to the 2nd century, it was replaced in the 14th century by a stone tower. The present gateway dates back to 1768; in 1899 the clock was added to celebrate the diamond jubilee of Queen Victoria two years earlier.

But even more important… it’s also said to be the most photographed clock in England after Big Ben! Safe to say, it’s definitely one of the more popular Chester tourist attractions. Don’t miss out!

Visiting London while in England? Here’s the muggle’s handbook to visiting the Harry Potter Studio Tour !

Shop Around and Walk Through the Chester Rows

Have you ever heard of the Chester Rows? If you’ve never heard of Chester, probably not!

This is because the Chester Rows are a unique design and style for the Tudor buildings in Chester… and, as it happens, the style isn’t found anywhere else in the world !

Dating back to medieval times, the first floor (in America, this is the second floor) of the Chester Rows consists of shops with a covered walkway. The ground floor of shops, often entered by going down a couple stairs, are below the upper row of shops.

Now I know what you may be thinking… this Chester attraction doesn’t sound very interesting. But what makes them cool is that the Chester Rows are completely unique to the city, some of the shops are literally older than the United States itself,  and the Tudor design is completely adorable.

Definitely  do not  skip checking out the Chester Rows!

Psst, want to stay at the best cheap hotels in Chester’s city center? Take a look at this post !

Stroll Through Grosvenor Park

After visiting a good amount of places to visit near Chester, you might want a little break away from the crowds! The Grosvenor Park is the perfect place to do it.

Even though it’s situated right in the middle of the city, the park doesn’t feel like it. Lush with gorgeous greenery like flourishing trees, beautiful bushes, and stunning flowers, it’s a great place for a stroll. You’ll also find an array of ducks and birds making a home throughout the park!

And if you want to relax and take a seat, the park is filled with benches. So, sit back, get comfortable, and do some people or bird watching!

Walk About the Chester Roman Gardens

Many a times, the Chester Roman Gardens are not on the “to-do” list of things to do in Chester… but they should be!

Even though it’s a rather small garden that’ll take you about 20 minutes to walk through (and that’s if you take your time), it’s interesting to see the artifacts, pieces from military buildings, the main baths, relics, and other items collected and excavated from the ancient Roman fortress of Deva.

Even better, the Roman Gardens are situated very close to the amphitheater. Thus, the two Chester tourist attractions can easily be combined.

Check Out the Coffin in the Wall

Now you might have read that and went “ whaaaat…? “

But, yes! Right in Chester’s city center in the ruined part of St. John’s the Baptist church, the most fascinating ( and creepy ) medieval wooden coffin can be found within one of the few standing walls of the former section of the church. Cool, right?

In fact, according to Atlas Obscura , it’s actually called the “Medieval Coffin of St. John’s” and the churchyard claims it to be from the 11th century.

But what’s even creepier about it is that there are actually scratches within the coffin… as if someone was totally buried alive.

Love to see creepy, yet cool things? Check out this abandoned waterpark in Vietnam for inspiration  or this eery bone church in Prague !

Meander Along the River Dee (Old Dee Bridge)

Who doesn’t love taking a leisurely stroll down a beautiful, flowing river? The River Dee flows right through the city and taking in the views whilst walking along it is one of my favorite free things to do in Chester.

Along the banks of the River Dee, you’ll find a beautiful promenade, relaxing views, and restaurants and cafes to grab a bite to eat at. If you want to get out on the river, you can rent yourself a motorboat, rowing boat, or a pedalo to get a different view of Chester from the water.

Additionally, don’t miss out on the Old Dee Bridge when walking along the banks. It’s the oldest bridge in Chester and was originally built in the Roman era. Nowadays, the bridge which can be seen is from a reconstruction in 1387.

View the Chester Racecourse

Known as the Roodee, the Chester Racecourse is the oldest racecourse still in use in England — dating back to the early 16th century!

Now, see, I said “view the Chester Racecourse” … because as a vegan traveler, I do not support horse racing whatsoever. ( You can find out why here  and here ). Thus, I’m not going to tell you to go to a horse racing event at the Chester Racecourse.

Although, even if you don’t go a horse racing event, it’s still cool to checkout the Chester Racecourse from afar! You might even be able to explore the grounds if lucky.

Have a Drink at the Oldest Pub in Chester

Ready to cheers a few beers with a couple of ghosts? Have a drink at the oldest pub in Chester for a super unique experience!

One of the coolest things to do in Chester at night ( or in the day depending on your bedtime ), the  The Pied Bull  is the oldest pub in Chester, dating back to the 11th century.

Although, there are few pubs in Chester claiming they’re the oldest… but who knows, right?

Here are a few other pubs worth getting a pint at, where you also might find a couple lost souls wandering the dark halls:

• The Falcon.
• Bear and Billet.
• Blue Bell (neighbor to The Pied Bull).
• The Old Queen’s Head. 
• Ye Old Custom House. 

Ready to be a more eco-friendly traveler? Here’s 8 super duper easy plastic-free travel tips !

Check Out the Grosvenor Museum

Step back in time and admire some of the Roman artifacts and relics housed in the Grosvenor Museum. One of the best things to do in Chester with kids, this museum covers numerous educational and interesting topics!

For example, visitors learn about habitats, transportation methods, the history of Cheshire, portraits, and even the Vikings. Whilst walking about, follow the a timeline of the history of Chester, going back nearly 2,000 years.

If you’ve done everything else on this list and anything else you want to do in Chester, the Grosvenor Museum is a good place to spend a couple hours learning about the Romans, Chester itself, and a few other bits and pieces of history.

Visit the Chester Military Museum

Love to go back in time and learn more about military shenanigans? Visit the Chester Military Museum where you can dive deep into the life of 17th century Cheshire soldiers to present day soldiers!

For centuries, Cheshire soldiers have fought in conflicts and battles that have significantly shaped not only England but world history. The museum contains a huge diversity of material to tell their stories you’ll no doubt be captivated by!

Chester Tourist Map

If you’re wanting to look at a map of the Chester attractions and things to do listed above, here’s a handy dandy Google map!

Places to Stay in Chester

If you’re wondering where to stay in Chester, here’s a few recommendations. Throughout the list, you’ll find something for every budget!

Chester has numerous hotels, bed and breakfasts, AirBnBs, and a few hostels. Whichever you prefer, it’ll likely be right in or very near the center of Chester, as the city isn’t very big!

Recommended Hotels in Chester

If you’re looking to splurge while in Chester, the Chester Grosvenor Hotel is the place to do it. With incredible reviews, smack dab in the center of the city, and surrounded by all the top Chester attractions, this hotel can’t be beat.

Book the Chester Grosvenor Here ($200/night)

Also situated right in the Chester city centre, The Coach House Inn is a 19th century coaching house. Even better? The Chester Cathedral is right across the road! The Coach House Inn also has raving reviews which say it has super duper comfy beds.

Book The Coach House Inn ($140/night)

The Bull & Stirrup Hotel Wetherspoon is a more affordable option compared to the Chester Grosvenor, yet it still has awesome reviews and is rather close to the city center. The building architecture is also beautiful!

Book The Bull & Stirrup Hotel Wetherspoon ($85/night)

Recommended Bed and Breakfasts in Chester

The Stone Villa Chester is one of the best bed and breakfasts in Chester! Exceptional reviews — of both the hotels itself  and  the included breakfast — and located near the heart of the city, it’s a great option for those who want a more homey experience.

Book the Stone Villa Chester ($125/night for two)

Recommended Hostels in Chester

The Bunkroom in Chester is right outside the main center of the city, is right next to the Chester train station, and is very affordable.

Throughout the reviews, people rave the rooms are clean, comfortable, and not crowded — which is great for a hostel!

Book The Bunkroom in Chester ($26/night)

More Chester Accommodations

Click here to view my post on the best cheap hotels in Chester, England!

It includes various sections on the best regular hotels, B&Bs, and even haunted pubs where you can stay (and maybe make a few ghost friends!

If you’re planning a trip to Chester, this list gives you the best things to do, top attractions, and cool places to visit, as well as the best accommodations in Chester! And, if you’re like me, you’ll absolutely fall head over heels for this beautiful city.

With its picturesque Chester Rows, breathtaking cathedral, incredible Roman walls, and amazing ancient history, it’s a city worth visiting no doubt.

Tell me, have you ever visit Chester? Or have you ever heard of this little city in northwest England? Let me know in the comments!

Not sure what to check out next? Readers love these posts:

• The in-depth guide to vegan food in Chester, England
• Best cheap hotels in Chester City Centre, England, UK
• Hiking Blencathra via Sharp Edge in the Lake District – England, UK
• 3 fantastic, lesser-known alternatives for popular UK destinations
• 33 reasons why you need to visit Wales that’ll have you booking a flight ASAP

Love this helpful Chester city guide? Pin it!

Yay for transparency! This post contains affiliate links; if you make a purchase through one of the links, this site receives a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps to keep the site running! Read the full disclosure here .

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Article comments.

Cerys Jones

Hey there! Great post! I’ve lived in Chester for the past 10 years or so, and love how you showcase the city! I also have a small travel blog of my own, feel free to check it out: jonescerys.wixsite.com/vojaganto Best, Cerys

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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

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12 Best Things to Do in Chester, UK

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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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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4.8 magnitude earthquake rattles NYC, New Jersey: Live updates

NEW YORK – A 4.8 magnitude earthquake recorded in New Jersey that shook residents in surrounding states and New York City on Friday morning was one of the strongest in state history.

The temblor was reported about 5 miles north of Whitehouse Station, New Jersey, at about 10:23 a.m. Friday, according to the United States Geological Survey. The epicenter was about 45 miles from New York City, where residents reported shaking furniture and floors.

“Earthquakes in this region are uncommon but not unexpected. It’s likely people near the epicenter are going to feel aftershocks for this earthquake in the magnitude 2-3 range, and there’s a small chance there can be an earthquake as large or larger, following an earthquake like this,” Paul Earle, a seismologist at the USGS Earthquake Hazards Program told reporters. “In terms of our operations, this is a routine earthquake … Immediately we knew this would be of high interest and important to people who don’t feel earthquakes a lot.”

People reported feeling the shaking as far north as Maine and as far south as Norfolk, Virginia, following the quake, according to USGS. Scientists said those in the affected area should listen to local emergency officials and be prepared to seek cover if aftershocks occur.

“If you feel shaking, drop, cover and hold,” Earle said.

No major disruptions or damage have been reported in New Jersey or New York.

"We have activated our State Emergency Operations Center. Please do not call 911 unless you have an actual emergency," said New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy.

President Joe Biden spoke with Murphy about the earthquake and the White House is monitoring the situation.

“He thinks everything's under control,” Biden told reporters before leaving the White House for a trip to Baltimore. “He’s not too concerned about it, the governor of New Jersey, so things are all right.”

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said the quake was felt throughout New York, and officials are assessing impacts and any potential damage.

In Yonkers, New York, Mayor Mike Spano said City Hall shook but no injuries were reported.

"A few moments ago our entire house shook for about 25 seconds or so here in Mendham, New Jersey," former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie said.

USGS is still investigating the exact fault line at the center of Friday’s quake and said it occurred in a region with dozens of fault lines that were more active millions of years ago.

4.0 magnitude aftershock strikes hours after earthquake

Officials in New York and New Jersey alerted residents to an aftershock Friday evening, nearly eight hours after the earthquake.

A 4.0 magnitude aftershock slammed New Jersey at around 6 p.m., with an epicenter about four miles southwest of Gladstone, according to the USGS. New York City’s emergency notification system alerted residents to the aftershock minutes later, urging people to remain indoors and call 911 if injured.

Hochul said there were no reports of serious damage after the aftershock, and officials were continuing to assess critical infrastructure.

The aftershock Friday evening was at least the third that USGS recorded after the quake struck.

As of Friday afternoon, the USGS aftershock forecast predicted a 36% chance of aftershocks at a 3.0 magnitude or higher, an 8% chance of aftershocks at a 4.0 magnitude or higher, and a 1% chance for aftershocks at a magnitude of 5.0 or higher over the next week.

USGS scientists said informal observations can be a big help in understanding earthquakes, especially in a region where they’re less common.

“We encourage people to fill out the ‘Did You Feel It?’ reports on our website,” said Sara McBride, a scientist with the USGS Earthquake Hazards Program. “This citizen science project is critical in terms of building our knowledge around earthquakes.”

By midafternoon on Friday, the agency said it had received more than 161,000 reports, and extrapolated that the quake had been felt by millions of people. McBride acknowledged that earthquakes can be nerve-wracking for people who don’t live in seismologically active regions, and said knowledge is power in combatting that discomfort.

“The best thing you can do to relieve any unsettling feelings you might have is to learn how to protect yourself during shaking and how to prepare for earthquakes in the future,” she said.

Man getting vasectomy during earthquake recounts experience

One Horsham, Pennsylvania, man shared his unusual earthquake experience, saying the tremors hit when he was in the middle of receiving a vasectomy.

"The surgeon sort of froze and all of us kind of seemed a bit confused," Justin Allen told USA TODAY . "Even when the surgeon said 'that’s gotta be an earthquake,' I thought he was joking."

Luckily, Allen's doctor was able to resume the procedure after a brief pause, and the rest went off without a hitch. Now recovering at home, Allen said it's an experience no one involved will forget, especially because his social media post about the incident has since gone viral.

"My wife says that 'this is a clear and obvious sign that we should not have any more kids,'" Allen said.

New Jersey resident thought sound from earthquake was an explosion

Madeline Nafus had just finished feeding her 7-week-old baby when, simultaneously, she was thrown off balance and the loudest sound she’d ever heard rang out.

“I thought it was either an explosion or a bombing because of how loud it was,” said Nafus, who lives in Long Valley, New Jersey, a few miles from the earthquake's epicenter. “It was just terrifying.”

Nafus, 29, watched as her light fixtures swung and wine glasses, framed photos and a 6-foot elk head crashed onto the floor. Feeling as if her “house was going to crumble,” she picked up her baby boy, grabbed some blankets and headed outside. Meanwhile, her friend came running downstairs and picked up Nafus’ quivering dog, Olivia, a small golden doodle.

After about 15 seconds, the rumbling went away and only occasional, minor tremors could be felt. Nafus called her husband, who was teaching a golf lesson at the time, and then their 2-year-old’s day care.

“They said the children were all confused and asking a lot of questions but that they were OK,” she said.'

How common are East Coast quakes?

Earthquakes are less frequent in the eastern part of the country than in the west, but they have occurred in every state east of the Mississippi River, according to the USGS.

"Since colonial times people in the New York – Philadelphia – Wilmington urban corridor have felt small earthquakes and suffered damage from infrequent larger ones," according to the USGS. "Moderately damaging earthquakes strike somewhere in the urban corridor roughly twice a century, and smaller earthquakes are felt roughly every two to three years."

USGS officials also said that even smaller-magnitude quakes are more likely to be felt more widely on the East Coast than similar size quakes on the West Coast due to the rock properties of eastern soil, which can cause concern to East Coasters not used to the tremors.

Rocks in the eastern part of the country are much older than in the west, by up to millions of years. Those older rocks have been exposed to more extreme temperatures and pressure, and faults have had more time to heal. Seismic waves travel across the resulting harder and denser faults much more efficiently, so the effects of a quake are felt across a larger area. In the West, faults are newer and absorb more of the seismic wave energy without spreading as far.

Quake felt in Massachusetts

In Auburn, Massachusetts, more than 200 miles from the earthquake's epicenter, Jerry Steinhelper was on a video call for work when his house began to tremble. His dog Maize started barking, and books and trinkets fell from their shelves. He looked out the window and saw trees shaking.

“I thought at first it may be ice falling off the roof. But it kept going and the entire house was shaking,” he told USA TODAY. “Then I just knew it was an earthquake.”

Steinhelper, 55, lived in San Diego in the 1980s and experienced temblors there, but he’s never felt one in Massachusetts, where he’s been for over 25 years.

“It was an interesting 10 to 15 seconds,” he said.

'It felt like a plane crashed outside' near epicenter

Nicole Kravitz, 33, was baking muffins at the cafe she co-owns with her husband in New Jersey when the floor began to shake. She and the cooks looked at each other for a few moments, and then at some stacked plates and glasses that had started vibrating.

Their eatery, Branchburg's Best, is located in New Jersey's Somerset County, near the epicenter of Friday’s earthquake.

“It felt like a plane crashed outside,” she said. “No one knew what was happening.”

Some workers ran out the door to see if something had smashed into the building while she checked the basement for damage. Meanwhile, Patrick Tucker, her husband, who was picking up beef from a nearby farm, watched agitated chickens and cows run around in their pens, visibly shaken by the quake.

Kravitz said the intensity of the earthquake made her feel like she was back in Southern California, where she had lived for several years before she returned to her home state in 2016.

Quake was one of the strongest to ever impact New Jersey

Friday's earthquake was the most significant in New Jersey since 1884 , when an Aug. 10 earthquake somewhere near Jamaica Bay, New York, toppled chimneys and moved houses off their foundations as far as Rahway, New Jersey, 30 miles away.

Other than that quake, there were only  three earthquakes in modern history  that caused damage in the state: 1737 (New York City), 1783 (west of New York City) and 1927 (New Jersey coast near Asbury), according to New Jersey Office of Emergency Management records.

The Dec. 19, 1737 earthquake is believed by modern experts to have been a 5.2 magnitude quake. Charted as taking place in the greater New York City area, some accounts say its epicenter was near Weehawken. State records show it threw down chimneys. Chimneys were also hurled down during the Nov. 29, 1783 quake. Estimated at a 5.3 magnitude that originated in modern-day Rockaway Township, according to state records, it was felt from Pennsylvania to New England.

The Aug. 10, 1884 quake, estimated at a 5.2 magnitude was the last the state has seen of its significance and was felt from Virginia to Maine, according to state records.

  Read more about New Jersey's earthquake history.

– David M. Zimmer, NorthJersey.com

New Jersey business owner describes worst quake ever felt but went right back to work

It was a busy day for La Bella Salon & Spa in Lebanon, New Jersey, when an earthquake struck near the rural township.

About a dozen stylists and customers, some whom were getting their hair dyed while others got manicures and eyelash extensions, all froze as the building rattled for about 30 seconds.

“People started to feel the shaking, and it got worse and worse. We were like ‘Oh, my god, what is going on?’" said shop owner Rosanne Drechsel. “I thought a truck hit the building or something.”

After the tremor subsided, nearly everyone in the building started receiving texts and phone calls from friends and family, Drechsel, 61, said.

Nothing was damaged and no one was injured, but Drechsel, who was born and raised in New Jersey, said it was “by far the worst earthquake” she had ever felt.

“We all went back to work and finished the appointments,” she said. “Customers are calling now to see if we're still open and if they can still make their appointments later on today.”

'It was scary': Quake rattles shelves in Brooklyn bodega

In Brooklyn, residents said they felt their buildings shake and many went outdoors after the rumbling stopped to check in with neighbors.

Julio Melo, a deli worker, said he thought the sounds of the earthquake resembled those of a large truck going down the street. But when Melo, 32, looked around and saw beer bottles rattling on store shelves, and a potted plant shimmy down the counter, he thought it might be something bigger, he told USA TODAY.

“I looked at my employee and he had the same tragic face on as me, it was scary,” he said at Jenesis’ Grocery Corp. in Brooklyn’s Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood.

– Claire Thornton

Where was the earthquake felt?

Residents and officials said the earthquake was felt throughout New York, as well as in New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and elsewhere. It was also felt as far away as Cambridge, Massachusetts, about 250 miles away from the reported epicenter.

Charita Walcott, a 38-year-old resident in the Bronx borough of New York, said the quake felt "like a violent rumble that lasted about 30 seconds or so."

"It was kind of like being in a drum circle, that vibration," she said.

Earthquakes common in the region, but the size is unusual: Expert

Chuck Ver Straeten, a geologist and curator of sedimentary rocks at the New York State Museum, told USA TODAY it’s not surprising this earthquake happened where it did.

“New York, around New York City going into New Jersey, there’s a lot of earthquakes historically down there. Happens every year,” he said. But it’s less common for them to be of such a high magnitude. It’s not surprising that many people felt it, he said. Usually, earthquakes in the region are at a lower magnitude and less likely to be felt.

Ver Straeten said the real question now is if this is just a precursor to a larger quake.

“You never know what is the earthquake, what is a pre-earthquake, what is an earthquake happening after the main earthquake, you just have to see,” he said. “One slip along the rock fault, when one happens, it makes other areas around there more tense also and they start to slip and you slip again and slip again.”

But, he added, it would be unlikely for a larger quake to follow this one. In the Northeast, it’s more common for one large quake to be followed by smaller aftershocks, rather than a mounting series of tremors. 

What does magnitude mean in an earthquake?

Magnitude is a measurement of the strength of an earthquake . Officially it's called the Moment Magnitude Scale . It's a logarithmic scale , meaning each number is ten times as strong as the one before it. So a 5.2 earthquake is moderate while a 6.2 is strong.

The magnitude and effect of an earthquake, according to Michigan Technological University :

◾ Below 2.5: Generally not felt

◾ 2.5 to 5.4: Minor or no damage

◾ 5.5 to 6.0: Slight damage to buildings

◾ 6.1 to 6.9: Serious damage

◾ 8.0 or greater: Massive damage, can totally destroy communities

Intensity scales, measured in Roman numerals, are used to describe how strong the earthquake felt to people in the area.

According to the California Earthquake Authority , an intensity of I is typically felt only under especially favorable conditions. A IV, which leads to light shaking, is felt indoors by many, but not typically outdoors. It might awaken some people at night and lead to a sensation like a truck striking a building. A parked car would rock. Intensities VI and above would be strong, frightening and felt by all, with the damage increasing up to a X where the shaking would be violent. Some well-built wooden structures would be destroyed and most masonry and frame structures along with their foundations would be ruined.

While you might have heard the term " the Richter Scale " used to describe earthquakes, it is no longer commonly used because it was only valid for certain earthquake frequencies and distance ranges.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

Contributing: Reuters

When and where the solar eclipse will be crossing the U.S.

A total solar eclipse will grace the skies over North America on Monday, one of the most hotly anticipated sky-watching events in recent years.

Weather permitting , millions of people in Mexico, 15 U.S. states and eastern Canada will have the chance to see the moon slip between Earth and sun, temporarily blocking the sun’s light .

The total solar eclipse will be visible along a “path of totality” that measures more than 100 miles wide and extends across the continent. Along that path, the moon will fully obscure the sun, causing afternoon skies to darken for a few minutes.

Follow live updates on the solar eclipse

In all other parts of the continental U.S., a partial solar eclipse will be visible, with the moon appearing to take a bite out of the sun. Exactly how big a bite depends on the location.

The first spot in North America that will experience totality on Monday is on Mexico’s Pacific coast at around 11:07 a.m. PT, according to NASA .

After moving northeast across Mexico, the eclipse’s path travels through Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Slivers of Michigan and Tennessee will also be able to witness totality if conditions are clear.

In Canada, the eclipse will be visible in parts of southern Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Cape Breton, at the eastern end of Nova Scotia.

The timing of the eclipse and the duration of totality varies by location. Most places will experience around 2 minutes of darkness, but the longest periods of totality are typically in the center of the eclipse’s path.

This year, the longest stretch of totality will last 4 minutes and 28 seconds in an area northwest of Torreón, Mexico.

Below is a list of timings for some U.S. cities along the path of totality, according to NASA .

• Dallas: Partial eclipse begins at 12:23 p.m. CT and totality at 1:40 p.m. CT.
• Idabel, Oklahoma: Partial eclipse begins at 12:28 p.m. CT and totality at 1:45 p.m. CT.
• Little Rock, Arkansas: Partial eclipse begins at 12:33 p.m. CT and totality at 1:51 p.m. CT.
• Poplar Bluff, Missouri: Partial eclipse begins at 12:39 p.m. CT and totality at 1:56 p.m. CT.
• Paducah, Kentucky: Partial eclipse begins at 12:42 p.m. CT and totality at 2:00 p.m. CT.
• Carbondale, Illinois: Partial eclipse begins at 12:42 p.m. CT and totality at 1:59 p.m. CT.
• Evansville, Indiana: Partial eclipse begins at 12:45 p.m. CT and totality at 2:02 p.m. CT.
• Cleveland: Partial eclipse begins at 1:59 p.m. ET and totality at 3:13 p.m.
• Erie, Pennsylvania: Partial eclipse begins at 2:02 p.m. ET and totality at 3:16 p.m. ET.
• Buffalo, New York: Partial eclipse begins at 2:04 p.m. ET and totality at 3:18 p.m.
• Burlington, Vermont: Partial eclipse begins at 2:14 p.m. ET and totality at 3:26 p.m. ET.
• Lancaster, New Hampshire: Partial eclipse begins at 2:16 p.m. ET and totality at 3:27 p.m.
• Caribou, Maine: Partial eclipse begins at 2:22 p.m. ET and totality at 3:32 p.m. ET.

Other resources can also help you figure out when the various phases of the eclipse will be visible where you live, including NationalEclipse.com and TimeandDate.com .

If you plan to watch the celestial event, remember that it’s never safe to look directly at the sun, including through binoculars, telescopes or camera lenses. Special eclipse glasses are required to safely view solar eclipses and prevent permanent eye damage.

Denise Chow is a reporter for NBC News Science focused on general science and climate change.