With a 2,000 year history, medieval architecture and the oldest racecourse in Britain, Chester is the perfect location for a short break, or a longer stay to explore further afield. Whether you’re drawn by Roman ruins, award-winning food experiences, or the Cheshire countryside, Chester offers a rich and varied itinerary for every type of traveller.
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Why Visit Chester?
Chester is a historic city and the county town of Cheshire. Once home to Romans and Vikings, it boasts some impressive medieval architecture, and has some of the most complete city walls in Britain.
But Chester is not just about the past. You’ll also find indie food tours, live music events, and immersive attractions that bring history to life. You could visit the Zoo and the Racecourse, or take a boat trip on the River Dee. Or explore the countryside of Cheshire and North Wales, or take a day trip to one of the many nearby landmarks.
What To See And Do In Chester
Chester is compact and walkable, with a wide choice of things to see and do. For most visitors a highlight will be a walk around the old town. Here you can visit the famous Chester Rows (worth visiting both for the architecture and for the independent shops), walk around the city walls, and relax in the traditional pubs, some centuries old and (reputedly) full of ghosts.
Discover The City’s Heritage
Chester is best known for its Roman past and its medieval buildings. Highlights include the Roman amphitheatre, the magnificent Cathedral, and the city walls. And don’t miss the Eastgate Clock, said to be the most photographed clock in England after Big Ben.
Read more about Uncovering The History Of Chester.
The Grosvenor Museum
The free entry Grosvenor Museum is a must for history lovers, with numerous archaeological exhibits relating to Chester’s Roman heritage. Other displays cover the natural environment and decorative arts, with paintings, musical instruments, and special exhibitions.
The museum also includes a “Period House”, whose rooms offer a glimpse into domestic life from the 17th century up until the 1920s. And don’t forget to look at the building itself: purpose built in the Victorian era, it has lots of ornate features.
Chester Market
Purpose-built in 2022, Chester Market has quickly become the city’s most visited attraction. It might be modern, but it retains the feel of a traditional market, with 31 stalls, including a florist, butcher, and fishmonger.
The market also acts as a food hall, especially in the evenings when it is buzzing with activity. With 16 food stalls and a bar, you can enjoy everything from brunch to street food, with a variety of cuisines from across the globe. And there is live music at the weekends.
Other features include a Lego model of Chester and information boards telling the story of the Roman fortress that once stood on the site. The market has over 400 seats and is fully accessible. Located next to the town hall, it is part of a vibrant complex that includes restaurants and cinemas. Note that the market is closed on Mondays.
Chester Racecourse
Built on the site of the old Roman harbour, Chester Racecourse (also known as the Roodee) is the oldest active horse racing venue in the world. Racing was first recorded here in 1539, and today it continues to draw crowds for sport, dining, and entertainment.
The Boodles May Festival kicks off the flat racing season in style, while the annual family-friendly Roman Day celebrates Chester’s ancient heritage with live re-enactments and interactive activities. Hospitality at the Roodee ranges from bars and cafés to fast food and fine dining.
Chester Zoo
One of the UK’s leading wildlife attractions, Chester Zoo is home to over 30,000 animals and 500 different species. It’s a conservation-focused zoo with immersive habitats and educational exhibits. The most recent addition is “Heart of Africa”, a 22 acre habitat recreating an African landscape with giraffes, zebras, ostriches and many other species.
From elephants and orangutans to butterflies and reptiles, the zoo is a full-day experience for families, solo travellers, and wildlife enthusiasts alike. It is around 6 km from the city centre, and it is possible to get there by car or by bus (services 1 and X1).
Take A Tour
Walking tours are a brilliant way to explore the many different faces of the city. Possibilities include a Heart of Chester Walking Tour or exploring via the Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus.
If food is your passion, Walking Food Tours UK offers immersive experiences that combine sightseeing with storytelling, showcasing independent producers and local flavours. Or, for something completely different, you could frighten yourself with a walk through Dark Chester!
Day Trips From Chester
If you want to travel around the surrounding area you’ll find charming villages, peaceful countryside and attractions such as the Ness Botanic Gardens or Port Sunlight, a 19th century workers’ village created for the Sunlight soap factory. Discover the towns and castles of north Wales, or explore Jodrell Bank, a UNESCO-listed observatory with interactive science exhibits.
A short train ride will take you to Liverpool, the home of the Beatles and former maritime city. Or take a trip to Manchester for museums and galleries, a contemporary music scene, and a surprising amount of cultural heritage.
Where To Stay In Chester
Accommodation in Chester ranges from boutique hotels to countryside retreats, with something for every taste and budget. The Hotel Indigo offers stylish rooms in the heart of the city, and the Chester Grosvenor is another popular city centre choice (also a great spot for afternoon tea). A short distance from the city, the Grosvenor Pulford Hotel & Spa is a luxurious option with spa facilities (you can read more about my stay at the Grosvenor Pulford).
How To Visit Chester
- Chester is easily accessible by train, with direct services from London Euston, Manchester and Liverpool.
- If you’re driving, there’s ample parking, including the new 800 space car park next to Chester Market.
- For international visitors, Manchester Airport is the nearest major hub, with onward connections by rail or car.
This article is also featured on GPSmyCity. To download this article for offline reading or create a self-guided walking tour to visit the attractions highlighted in this article, go to Walking Tours and Articles in Chester.
