Chester, located on the border between England and Wales, is a town that was founded during the Roman Empire, then developed and expanded during the Middle Ages. It is one of the best preserved cities in Britain, full of historical and cultural attractions, from its wonderful Cathedral to the remains of the Roman Theatre.
Here are all our tips on what to see in Chester, England.
10 things to see in Chester
1 - Eastgate Clock
An itinerary in Chester can only begin with one of its landmarks par excellence: the Eastgate. This is the ancient gateway to the Deva Victrix, the legionary fortress built when Chester was a Roman city, in the first century AD.
The Eastgate has always been one of the main entrances to the city: in the past it was part of the city wall itself, today it is the entrance to the city centre. An elegant ornate clock was added in the late 19th century, hence the name Eastgate Clock. Created to celebrate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee, today it is perhaps the most photographed attraction in the city!
The Eastgate Clock is located at 41-45 Eastgate St, Chester CH1 1LE, UK. Within easy walking distance of Chester Cathedral (240 m, 3 min). Foregate Street Reference Bus Stop - Get Directions
2 - Old Town and The Rows
Photo by Glen Bowman. Once you cross the Eastgate you will find yourself in the heart of Chester's historic centre. Walk down Eastgate Street until you reach the Chester Cross, one of the city's most beautiful sights, located just a 2 min walk from the door. The streets are full of clubs, shops and countless English pubs, where the nightlife is concentrated!
But as you walk around, you will certainly notice an unusual detail: the half-timbered buildings in the main streets have raised arcades on the first floor, which can be reached by climbing the numerous wooden stairs. These arcades, where shops and restaurants are located, are called The Rows and date back to Tudor times. They are not privately owned, but are open to all, so you can stroll along these veritable elevated galleries admiring the city from a different perspective!
3 - Chester Cathedral
After crossing the Eastgate and strolling through the city streets exploring The Rows, you definitely can't miss one of Chester's most important attractions: the wonderful Chester Cathedral.
The building we can admire today was built in 1092, but the original structure dates back several years earlier. The interior is truly spectacular: in Gothic style, it has large arches and a wonderful stained glass window in the background. If you take part in the guided tours that it organises, you can also climb to the top of the tower, admiring the city from a height of 38 m. Be careful though: you will have to climb a good 216 steps, but it is well worth it.
When you have finished your visit, we recommend that you enjoy a walk in the beautiful gardens that surround it, which are very popular in summer, or stop for a drink in the café housed inside the old refectory dating back to the time when the Cathedral was a Benedictine monastery!
How to get there: at Werburgh St. Easy walk from Eastgate Clock (240 m, 3 min). Reference bus stop Foregate Street - Get directions
Hours: Mon-Fri 10am-6pm, Sun 10am-5pm
Ticket price: free
4 - Chester City Walls
Photo by Harry Mitchell. If you're lucky enough to visit Chester on a sunny day or, at any rate, a day without rain, take the opportunity to enjoy one of the best experiences to have in the city: a walk along the ancient city walls. They encircle the whole of the old city centre, but you can start your tour from the section behind the Cathedral.
Chester's ancient walls are some of the best preserved Roman fortifications in the whole country! Some sections have been rebuilt over the years, but along the Chester Canal you will still find the original walls, built by the Romans themselves!
Start your walk from the City Walls point, near the Cathedral. Easy walking distance from the Eastgate Clock (500 m, 6 min). Reference Bus Exchange bus stop - Get directions
5 - Roman Amphitheatre
Photo by Nadia. Another important testimony to Chester's Roman past is the Chester Roman Amphitheatre, now a real landmark in the city: it is always open and accessible to all and on sunny days many locals come here to relax in the sunshine.
This amphitheatre is the largest Roman amphitheatre in the UK. Once a venue for entertainment and gladiator fights, it is now partly covered by grass, while some remains are still clearly visible! Nearby, there are other attractions that tell the story of the city's Roman era, such as the Dewa Roman Experience, a museum dedicated to the period when Chester was a Roman legion.
The Amphitheatre is located on Little St John St. Easily accessible on foot from the Eastgate Clock (250 m, 3 min). Vicar's Lane Reference Bus Stop - Get Directions
6 - Grosvenor Park
Photo by Tanya Dedyukhina. Close to the Roman Amphitheatre is the wonderful Grosvenor Park, one of Chester's most beautiful city parks. Located between Union Street and the River Dee, which runs through the city, it is a true oasis of peace.
It's a must if you're travelling with little ones: there are plenty of activities for them inside the park, such as the numerous play areas or the miniature train, which goes around part of the park. In addition, in summer, various activities and small open-air shows are organised in the present theatre. If you are lucky, you may even come across squirrels living in the trees of the park.
How to get there: on Grosvenor Park Rd. Easy walking distance from Eastgate Clock (450 m, 6 min). Reference bus stop Vicar's Lane - Get directions
Hours: daily 7am-8pm
Ticket price: free
7 - The Grosvenor Museum
Photo by Dennis Turner. But Chester is also a city of culture, with some wonderful museums! One of these, not to be missed, is The Grosvenor Museum, a museum that traces local history and whose full name is The Grosvenor Museum of Natural History and Archaeology, with Schools of Science and Art.
The museum, housed in a historic building and spanning several floors and galleries, provides an insight into the history of the city and the whole of Cheshire, the county in which Chester is located. You can admire objects from Roman and medieval times, for example, as well as jewellery and fine paintings.
How to get there: 27 Grosvenor St. Easy walking distance from Eastgate Clock (550 m, 7 min). Grosvenor Street Reference Bus Stop - Get Directions
Hours: Tue-Sat 10:30am-5pm, Sun 1pm-4pm, Mon closed
Ticket price: free
8 - Cheshire Military Museum
Photo by Worm That Turned. A short walk from The Grosvenor Museum is another important museum in the city, the Cheshire Military Museum. This is the city's military and armed forces museum, a must-see for all lovers of the genre.
Inside the Cheshire Military Museum you can discover the history of Chester's soldiers from the 17th century to the present day, all the battles they have fought, even overseas. Particular attention, for example, is given to evidence of life in the trenches during the First World War. The collection features exhibits and documents, as well as photographs bearing witness to each historical event.
How to get there: at Colvin House, Grosvenor St. Easy walking distance from Eastgate Clock (700 m, 8 min). Grosvenor Street Reference Bus Stop - Get directions
Hours: Thu-Sun 11am-4pm, Mon-Wed closed
Ticket price: Full £4.00 (€4.80), Concessions £2.00 (€2.40)
9 - Queens Park Bridge and River Dee
Photo by Rodhullandemu. As mentioned above, Chester is crossed by the River Dee, which provides wonderful views of the city. Of all the bridges crossing the river, surely one of the most fascinating is the Queens Park Bridge, which connects Grosvenor Park to the opposite bank, where the Queen's Park Campus of theUniversity of Chester is located. The bridge is within easy walking distance of the Eastgate Clock (600 m, 7 min; get directions).
From the bank of the park there are several boat tours on the river, lasting about 30 min, ideal for seeing the city from a different perspective and enjoying the beauty and sights that the river offers. It's sure to be a popular activity even for the little ones.
10 - Chester Zoo
Photo by James. Finally, if you're travelling with children and need to fill half a day, we recommend an excursion to Chester Zoo, the city's wonderful zoo located outside the city centre and easily accessible by bus.
Not too extensive, the Chester Zoo is the ideal place to spend half a day of fun. It is home to several endangered species and the zoo is committed to bringing the public closer to issues such as environmental protection and the importance of preserving the many animal species. You will find yourself walking through beautiful gardens or, alternatively, you can take a tour of the zoo on the monorail.
Directions: 5.2 km from Eastgate Clock, reached by direct bus line PR3 - Chester Zoo (Foregate Street-Upton Park & Ride, 15 min) - Get directions
Hours: open 10am, close between 4.30pm and 6pm. See official website
Ticket Price: Full £29.00 (€35.00), Concessions £22.00 (€26.50)
What to see in Chester in a day: Recommended itinerary
Start this day in Chester at theEastgate Clock, to lose yourself in the streets of the city centre and discover its The Rows. Enjoy a stroll along the city walls and visit the beautiful Chester Cathedral, even climbing its bell tower.
For lunch, stop at Chester's Fish and Chips, and then head to The Grosvenor Museum, the visit will take about an hour. Admire the beauty of theRoman Amphitheatre and enjoy a boat cruise through the canals (30 mins). Finally, discover Grosvenor Park and its nature.
If possible, enjoy an evening in the city centre. Dine at Duttons and then choose one of the many pubs in the city centre for a good time.
One-day itinerary at a glance
Eastgate Clock
Old Town and The Rows
Chester City Walks
Chester Cathedral - hours: Mon-Fri 10am-6pm, Sun 10am-5pm - ticket cost: free
Lunch at Chester's Fish and Chips(Get directions)
The Grosvenor Museum - hours: Tue-Sat 10:30am-5pm, Sun 1pm-4pm, Mon closed - ticket cost: free
Roman Amphitheatre and boat tour (30 mins, per person €8.44)
Grosvenor Park - times: daily 7am-8pm - ticket cost: free
Dinner at Duttons(Get directions)
What and where to eat in Chester: specialities and restaurants
Stopping by the traditional eateries you can discover the local produce and dishes, which go far beyond the much-loved and famous fish & chips, which you must try anyway! You can find excellent meat dishes, including the Sunday Roast. Here are some recommended places where you can sample local recipes:
Chester's Fishand Chips: in the heart of the city, a place to eat some of the best fish & chips in Chester
Average price per person: €10.00
Address and contact details: 14 Frodsham St(Get directions) / tel: +44 01244318376Duttons: restaurant in the heart of the city centre, serving European cuisine
Average price per person: €20.00
Address and contact details: 10-12 Godstall Ln(Get directions) / tel: +44 1244401869The Botanist Chester: an eatery near the Cathedral serving traditional dishes, including Sunday Roast prepared on Sundays
Average price per person: €20.00
Address and contact details: 13 St Werburgh St(Get directions) / tel: +44 1244408100
What to do in the evening: Chester's nightlife areas and best clubs
Chester is a lively place: as in any English city, there is no shortage of pubs in the streets of the city centre where you can spend the evening with mugs of beer. You can also find nightclubs and bars of all kinds, including wine bars for a quiet evening with a glass of wine.
The best pubs, clubs and discos
The Church Chester Bar & Restaurant: pub housed inside an old deconsecrated church, wide selection of cocktails / Address: Newgate St(Get directions)
Liquor and Co: pub specialising in cocktails from the common to the more unusual with whisky, vintage atmosphere and soft lighting / Address: 31 Watergate St (Getdirections)
BarLounge - Chester: elegant venue with sofas and outdoor garden, also frequented by many young people, excellent cocktails and wide choice / Address: 78-92 Foregate St (Getdirections)
Plan your stay in Chester: info and tips
Where is and how to get there: 65 km from Manchester, reached by direct train Transport for Wales line (1 hr). 337 km from London, served by several airports with direct connections from Italy. From London, by car via M1 and M6 (4 h 20 min) or train Avanti West Coast line to Crewe (1 h 30 min), then Transport for Wales line to Chester (25 min);
How to get around: on foot, the city centre is cosy and the main attractions close together. To visit the surroundings you can use the efficient English rail network. Alternatively, the tourist bus is recommended;
Where to stay: compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
