Chester is a popular town for tourists and it is very busy in the summer - ideal for a stroll around or visit some of the attractions.
The county town of Cheshire , it gave the county its name. Residents here are known as 'Cestrians'. Originally called 'Deva', it was established as fortress in 70 AD by the Roman 20th Legion.The city's four main roads ,Eastgate, Northgate, Watergate and Bridge, follow routes laid out almost 2000 years ago.
Chester's amphitheatre, build in around 86 AD to hold around 7,000 spectators, is the largest uncovered Roman arena in the UK.
One of the three main Roman army bases, Deva later became a principal town of Roman Britain. After the Romans left in the 5th century AD, the Saxons fortified the town against the Danes and gave Chester its name. The Saxon patron saint of Chester, Saint Werburgh, is buried in Chester Cathedral.
After the Battle of Hastings, Chester was one of the last towns in England to fall to the Normans. William the Conqueror had a castle built to dominate the town and the nearby Welsh border. In 1071 he created Hugh de Avranches ,known as 'Hugh the Wolf', 1st Earl of Chester.
Chester was ruled by Norman Earls until 1237, when the last Earl died. The title was claimed by Henry III and since then the first in line to the throne has held the title, so the current Prince of Wales includes Earl of Chester among his many titles.
Chester became the largest port in northern England, trading with Dublin, Scotland and parts of the Continent. At its height from 1350 to 1450, and the Bristol to Chester road was known as the Great Irish Road. A Royalist stronghold at the time of the English Civil War, but was taken by Parliamentarians troops in 1646 after a two year seige.
From the mid-18th century, the silting up of the Dee estuary and the use of ocean-going vesselsled to the decline of the port of Chester, but the city retained its status as an important regional trading centre and many elegant Georgian terraces were built for the wealthy merchants.
The Industrial Revolution brought railways, canals and new roads to the city, and the renewed prosperity saw substantial development - the Grosvenor Museum and the Town Hall are examples of Victorian architecture.
The famous Eastgate Clock, which forms part of the city walls, was erected in 1897 to commemorate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee. Today it is the second most photographed clock in the UK , after Big Ben.
The centre of Chester remains medieval in appearence and it is the only city in the UK to have retained its original wall stretching for two miles around the city.
To the east and north the city wall is mainly Roman in construction but refurbished in the early-13th century. The wall to the south and west -demolished by the Normans - was replaced by a new longer wall with towers and gateways.
Entirely open to the public, the City Walls are worth the visit for the views over the city and surrounding countryside.
Chester is famous for its 'Rows'. These distinctive black and white timber-framed buildings date in plan from the 13th century. The unique galleries, arranged over two levels, house a range of shops, pubs and restaurants.
The stone flights of steps lead you to the upper levels, projecting out into the main streets, some of the oldest shop frontages in the world can be seen here.
Four of the streets meet at the 15th century Cross which marks the historic heart of the city. Although smashed during the Civil War the Cross was later reassembled.
In the summer the Town Crier can be seen here at mid-day from Tuesday to Saturday.
Chester was recently voted one of the best shopping centres in the country. As well as the famous Rows, there are indoor shopping centres and an indoor market.
Chester has a lively nightlife with lots of pubs, wine bars and clubs. In the summer the city hosts the Chester Mystery Plays which date from Medieval times, the Chester Midsummer Watch Parade and the Chester Music Festival.
There are many things to visit in Chester and it makes a good base for touring the Wirral Penninsular and North Wales.
Chester Races, Chester
home to the oldest horse races in Britian, dating back the 5th century. Known as the 'Roodee', the racecourse stands beside the River Dee, on the site of Chester's massive Roman harbour. Chester Races information
Beeston Castle Beeston, Tarporley CW6 9TX
9.5 miles south-east of Chester, off A49. Built by the Earl of Chester, 1220, consisting of two circuits of walls.During the Civil War it was besieged, starvation forcing surrender. Woodland trails and exhibition. English Heritage site. Beeston Castle information
Grosvenor Museum 27 Grosvenor Street, Chester CH1 2DD
Housed in a magnificent 19th century building near the Castle, holds Chester's largest collection of local and international history. Grosvenor Museum information
Chester Toy Museum 13a Lower Bridge Street, Chester CH1 1RS
A nostalgic museum with a collection of dolls and teddies dating from 1860 to 1950. Chester Toy Museum information
River Dee, Chester
The river has always played an important role in the history of Chetser, the Roman fort took its name from the Dee . River Dee information
Chester Zoo Upton-by-Chester, Chester CH2 1LH
Chester Zoo, located at Upton-by-Chester (2 miles north of the centre of the city), is the largest garden zoo in the UK. Set in 110 acres of landscaped grounds, the zoo boasts lots of rare and exotic animals. Chester Zoo information
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Eastgate Street, Eastgate Chester CH1 1LT MAP This award-winning 5-star hotel boasts a Michelin-starred restaurant and individually decorated luxury rooms with bathrobes and Bose CD players. Guests can relax in the spa’s herb sauna or ice fountain. All of the luxurious rooms have their own individ... More Information and Book ... |
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Parkgate Road, Mollington Chester CH1 6NN MAP This 4-star country-house hotel is in beautiful grounds, a short drive from Chester city centre. For leisure, it has an indoor swimming pool, a sauna, gym, hot tub, squash courts and spa. The Brook Mollington Banastre Hotel & Spa is a historic mansion ho... More Information and Book ... |
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63 City Road Chester CH1 3AH MAP Opposite Chester Station, the Premier Queen first opened in 1860, and offers grand Victorian style and free Wi-Fi. The city centre is nearby. All rooms at Best Western Premier Queen Hotel have satellite TV and 24-hour room service. Some rooms have a sump... More Information and Book ... |
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Northgate Street Chester CH1 2HQ MAP Dating from 1155, The Pied Bull is situated within the walls of the Roman city of Chester. Reputed to be the city's first licensed house, today the inn's interior reflects its distinctive heritage and haunted past. Period features include an original ha... More Information and Book ... |
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Hamilton St Chester CH2 3JG MAP With a cosy bar, free parking and free Wi-Fi, Hamilton Court Guest House is 10 minutes’ drive from Chester Zoo. Chester Railway Station is 5 minutes’ walk away. The individual rooms at Hamilton Court are traditionally decorated, and each has a work d... More Information and Book ... |
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4 Greenfield lane, Hoole Village Chester CH2 2PA MAP With beautiful views of the gardens and fields from some rooms and the breakfast conservatory, this B&B is less than 10 minutes’ drive from central Chester. There is a bus stop just outside the house, and free parking on site. Rooms at Summerhill bed a... More Information and Book ... |
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Mill Farm Red Lane Huxley Huxley near Chester CH3 9BZ Idyllically situated by a small river and enjoying extensive country views from its private and peaceful patio this newly rebuilt barn also boasts a very smartly furnished interior and lovely walking from the door. Set on the owners' dairy farm throug Sleeps 5... |
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Chester CH1 2LE This delightful apartment has 2 bedrooms and can sleep up to 4 people The accommodation is split over 2 floors, with the bedrooms being upstairs. Sleeps up to 4 in 2 bedrooms. Changeover Day: Fri Price Guide: 231.00-384.00... |
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Chester CH1 4JB This immaculate apartment enjoys wonderful views over the ancient city walls, park and recently built municipal tennis courts The well equipped accommodation includes one double bedroom; fitted kitchen, and sitting room with dining area. Sleeps up to 2 in 1 bedrooms. Pets allowed. Changeover Day: Fri Price Guide: 231.00-361.00... |
Towns Near Chester To Visit - straight line distance:
Hawarden Tourist Information (5.62 miles) Ellesmere Port Tourist Information (6.46 miles) Holt Tourist Information (7.83 miles) Frodsham Tourist Information (9.99 miles)