Chester
Why we love Chester
Walk in the footsteps of fierce gladiators or follow the maze of the 700-year-old Rows for shopping delights. Beyond the city boundaries, tuck into uniquely local Cheshire produce and stand tall on ancient fortresses. Whether you’re a history buff, adventure lover or food aficionado, Chester and Cheshire tick every box.
Chester Market
Tuck into a celebration of local produce and indie traders as you explore this foodie, vintage and gift market. Pick up a coffee, grab a bite to eat and enjoy the fresh and vibrant atmosphere. Keep an eye out for bustling events filling the market, including artisan products at the makers market, live music and demonstrations.
Storyhouse
A mix of the arts, Storyhouse brings a theatre, cinema, city library and restaurant to Chester’s cultural scene. Located in Chester’s city centre, visit now for comedy shows, stage performances and new film screenings.
Chester Cathedral
A centrepiece of the city, the ancient monument stands proud in Chester. Book onto a Tower Tour to climb up the central tower and soar over the city, county and across to Wales. Or choose the likes of the Stained-Glass Tour and Gothic Architecture Tour to get insight into the build and history of the cathedral.
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Get up close with rare wildlife at Chester Zoo, a world-renowned conservation zoo with more than 37,000 animals and immersive exhibits.
Explore Chester Roman Amphitheatre, Britain’s largest Roman amphitheatre, offering a glimpse into ancient history.
Walk along the historic, two-mile-long Roman city walls for unobstructed views of Chester’s medieval architecture and scenic surroundings.
Marvel at the Gothic architecture of the 10th century Chester Cathedral and delve into its rich history on various tours.
Fun fact
Fun Fact
Chester has the only ‘Rows’ in the UK – two-tiered, half-timbered shopping galleries that date back to the 13th century, offering a unique shopping experience.
Did you know!
Did you know?
- Ghost Tours delve into the city’s spooky past, exploring haunted sites and eerie tales dating back to Roman times.
Daresbury, around 30 minutes from the city, hosts Creamfields Festival every August – one of the world’s largest electronic music events, attracting thousands of visitors for cutting-edge live performances.
- Just outside Chester, the Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet is Britain’s largest outlet shopping destination, featuring luxury brands and independent retailers.
- Kayaking adventures on the River Dee provide a unique way to experience Chester and its surrounding countryside.
- Chester is home to the world’s oldest operational racecourse, with regular race meetings held throughout the year.
Things to do in Chester
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Featured things to do
Paddle power on the River Dee
See Chester from the water as you paddle through the middle of the city. Get your blood pumping with the White Water sessions, or opt for the peaceful Nature Spotting tour, taking you upstream.
Take to the water with Dee River Kayaking
Glide on the river
See the city from a different perspective as you cruise down the River Dee on a sightseeing boat tour. For a quick cruise, hop aboard the half-hour tour on the Lady Diana boat, or opt for the relaxed two-hour journey for insight into the city’s Roman, medieval and industrial heritage.
Go on a river cruise
Do it like the Romans did
Do you have what it takes to be a Roman in Chester? Step into the world of the famous gladiators at the Deva Roman Discovery Centre and learn all about their history, take a seat at the amphitheatre and spot genuine artefacts.
Visit the Deva Roman Discovery Centre
Enjoy a Victorian Christmas at the Grosvenor Museum
Filled with archaeological finds, fossils and Roman memorial stones, the Grosvenor Museum holds secrets than span over thousands of years. This festive season, experience a Victorian Christmas at the museum, where you can meet Mother and Father Christmas in their Dickensian grotto.
Visit Grosvenor MuseumPlaces to stay in Chester
City centre
Surround yourself in the hustle and bustle of the city with a stay in the centre. With accommodation offerings that include well-known hotel chains, guest houses and self-catering options, you won’t be stuck for choice on where to rest your head.
Suburbs
Explore the fringes of the city for countryside infused stays. From on-site spas to cheaper hotel offerings, staying on the edges of Chester is a great option for those on a budget or those seeking a bit more space.
Rural Cheshire
Cheshire is a hotpot for quaint villages and stunning scenery, plus it’s packed with historical gems. Escape into the county for cottage stays, grand hotels and spas, alongside camping and glamping options.
Explore nearby
Getting to Chester
Chester is situated in the north west of England, close to the Welsh border. Manchester Airport and Liverpool John Lennon Airport serve the city, with trains to Manchester Airport running hourly to Chester.
Chester is well connected to the rest of the country by train. It’s a two-hour journey from London Euston, while Manchester and Liverpool are less than one hour away. Direct rail services also run from Birmingham and Cardiff.
Getting around
By foot
Chester is a small but mighty city that’s best explored by foot. Follow the Victorian Chester Trail for a route around the city streets and into history.
By bike
Pick up a bike from Chester Cycle Hire to explore the city on two wheels. Follow the Millennium Greenway National Cycling Network route for a traffic-free cycle.
By bus
Chester has an extensive public bus network. Connections can take you to Chester Zoo, Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet, Liverpool and into Wales.
Want to know more?
Want to know more?
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