Sitting right on the border between England and Wales, Chester is one gorgeous city to visit whilst exploring the north of England. Not only that, there are heaps of the best things to do in Chester dotted across this walkable city.
Now, Chester is the kind of city you can visit for a day (or a weekend) and get a really good feel of the place. That being said, there’s also heaps to do if you’re planning a longer trip too. After all, Chester is steeped in history that dates back beyond Roman times.
So, to help you get the most out of your visit, I’m sharing my top places in Chester. This way, you’ll be able to focus on the all-important exploring, without getting bogged down in the planning. Have an amazing time visiting Chester.
1.) Chester City Walls
Built within the Roman and Medival periods in England, Chester’s City Walls are incredible to stroll.
You see, they once protected Chester and its residents from the unruly residents (and Vikings) around the wider region. Nowadays, the unruly residents aren’t a problem, but you can still walk quite a bit of the City Walls in Chester itself.
Best of all, over 2 miles of the City Walls are still on raised walkways that once protected the residents inside. Now, you can complete the walk around the City Walls in around 60 minutes.
Not only that, you’ll be able to spot some of Chester’s top spots as you stroll the route. Along the way, you’ll get to see the likes of the Roman Gardens, and the famous Rows and spot Chester Racecourse, too.
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2.) Grosvenor Museum
Around a 10-minute walk from Eastgate Clock, visiting the Grosvenor Museum is one of the best things to do in Chester if you want to learn more about the city’s local history.
You see, once inside, there are heaps of Roman artefacts, centuries-old paintings, and sculptures in the various rooms. Now, there’s definitely an emphasis on Chester’s Roman history, so if that piques your interest, make sure to head inside.
Best of all, it’s totally free to enter the Grosvenor Museum and perfect for a 45-minute visit.
Afterwards, stroll over to the nearby Cheshire Military Museum which is located within Chester Castle. The Museum features artefacts from the 1600s, until the present day.
It’s well worth a visit if you are interested in Military history; though, it can be a little dull if not. I’m more on the latter, but I can totally see why it’s so interesting if you are.
3.) Chester Cathedral
Chester Cathedral is right in the heart of the city and one place you can’t really miss whilst strolling the streets of Chester.
Dating back nearly 1,000 years, its foundations started in the 11th Century, with lots of construction continuing until the 17th Century.
Now, a visit here will take around 45 minutes and it’s well worth exploring, especially for the nave and the Cloister Garth and Refectory that dates back centuries.
Oh, and don’t forget to spot the Abbey Gateway just outside the cathedral. It dates back to the 1300s and acted as a gatehouse for Chester.
4.) Roman Gardens
Just shy of Pepper Street, the Roman Gardens are a relatively small garden to explore some of the city’s Roman history. You see, it follows the pathway of the Roman City Walls and also has the ruins and artefacts that line the route.
Perched by the River Dee, the Roman Gardens are free to enter and easy to visit on your way to the banks of the River Dee.
Read more: Best places to visit in the East of England
5.) Roman Amphitheatre
Just shy of the Roman Gardens, the ruins of the Roman Amphitheatre is well worth visiting whilst in Chester. You see, it’s the largest Roman Amphitheatre in all of Great Britain.
Even though the site is in ruins, and you can only really see the foundations, you can still get a sense of how this site was thousands of years ago.
Visits take around 15 minutes and it’s so easy to see whilst you walk Chester City Walls.
Not only that, you’ll spot Newgate, which spans the road just shy of the Amphitheatre.
Oh yeah, and afterwards, make sure to head over to the nearby St John the Baptist’s Church. This was the ‘original’ Chester Cathedral and still has lots of artefacts and a nave that dates back to the 1400s.
Read more: Best places to visit in the East of England
6.) Chester Rows
Nobody really knows why the Chester Rows were built, but there is one place you can’t miss whilst visiting Chester. These totally unique rows are tunnelled walkways that are on the first floor of most buildings on Watergate, Eastgate and Bridge Streets.
Today, they can still be strolled, with local retailers and stores following the rows themselves. They’ve been around for approximately 700 years and are still going strong.
Read more: Best places to visit in the East of England
7.) River Dee boat trip
If you’re looking for a little chilled spot in Chester, then head to the banks of the River Dee. You see, just east of Bridge Gate, you’ll find Chester Boats where you can rent your pedalboat or join a river cruise on the River Dee itself.
Boat tours take around 30 minutes and it’s such a great way to learn more about Chester’s history whilst onboard.
Read more: Best places to visit in the North of England
8.) Eastgate Clock
Situated on the historic Roman entrance to Chester, Eastgate Clock is a city gate that never shuts. You see, there’s been an entrance to Chester at this very site for thousands of years.
Whilst the original Roman gate might be long gone, the Eastgate Clock (from the 1800s) watches over the historic city streets.
Visiting is easily one of the best things to do in Chester, as it’s one of England’s most famous clocks (after Big Ben in London).
Honestly, it’s well worth seeing, especially as it was created to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee.
Read more: Best places to visit in the North of England
9.) St Michael’s Arcade
Accessed via Bridge Street, visiting St Michael’s Arcade is easily one of the best things to do in Chester as you stroll the city centre’s pedestrian streets.
Not only will you find heaps of rows to explore within the wider St Michael’s building, but you’ll also get to wander through the arcade that’s well worth a visit.
Once inside, you’ll get to explore some of the little shops and stores (there are around 20 of them) that call Chester home. It’s pretty lovely to see and easy to spot when walking the city centre streets.
Read more: Best places to visit in the North of England
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