Exploring Chester and Chester City Walls
With 2,000 years of heritage, Chester is a city filled with fascinating history and stunning architecture, making it an absolute delight to explore. We spent days in this beautiful city and managed to fit so much in. From the Chester Row’s to watching a Horse Race here are here’s our recommended must-do itinerary for a visit to Exploring Chester and Chester City Walls. You can easily spend a few days on a romantic break or sightseeing in this gorgeous city.
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Historic Things to Do in Chester: The Best Way to Journey Through 2,000 Years of History
Use this quick guide to pick out the must see historic hi lights of Chester on your next visit.
How to discover the best of the city
Start your day with a gentle stroll around Chester’s ancient City Walls, the most complete in Britain. Along the two-mile route, you’ll discover historic towers, the famous Eastgate Clock, stunning views of the River Dee, the largest Roman Amphitheatre in the country, and Britain’s oldest racecourse. This walk is the perfect way to take in Chester’s rich history while getting your bearings.
Top tip: Bake sure to stop at The Cross, where you’ll witness the Town Crier’s midday proclamation—a tradition unique to Chester. Proclamations take place Tuesday to Saturday from May to August at 12 noon (or 10:30 am on race days).
Food and Drink in Chester
Chester offers a fantastic selection of dining experiences, whether in the medieval Rows, ancient cellars, or overlooking the racecourse. Choose from traditional British cuisine, contemporary cafés, or international flavours to suit every taste.
We loved these amazing restaurants on our visit to Chester Old Town:
- Cinderbox Coffee Cafe for Breakfast
- The Grovesnor Hotel for a fine Dining Experience
- Artezzan Restaurant and Bar for Mediterranean Cuisine
- The Opera Grill for Sunday Carvery
Why not Try a City Tour?
If you do not want to explore on your own there are many tours on offer in Chester and most take place from the town hall:
- Try a Ghost Tour: You’ll hear eerie tales of ghosts and ghouls while wandering some of the most haunted streets in the world! These guided Ghost walks depart from the Town Hall Visitor Information Centre and offer a thrilling insight into Chester’s darker history.
- Chester Medieval Tour: Step back in time and uncover the remarkable life of a medieval soldier on a unique tour through 15th-century Chester. Join a public tour departing at 1 PM, Monday to Saturday, from the Town Hall Visitor Information Centre, where tickets can be purchased in person or booked online.
- Chester City Walking Tour: Discover 2000 years of the city’s history with a qualified Guide visiting all the main sights. Daily at 10.30am all year (and again at 2pm Easter-end October). All tours start at the Town Hall.
- Chester Boat Tour: Relax on a boat tour along the River Dee departing from the Grove these 30 minute river cruise depart every hour after 11am.
Explore the Chester Walls on your own
Chester’s city walls are the oldest, longest, and most well-preserved in Britain, with sections dating back nearly 2,000 years. We had an amazing walk along the walls and even saw a live band performing in the Pub gardens of Alexanders Live.
It is the only city in the UK where you can still walk a complete circuit of its ancient defensive walls. This scenic route offers breathtaking views over the city while providing a fascinating glimpse into Chester’s rich history. The walls can be accessed at the four main gateways—Northgate, Eastgate, Watergate, and Bridgegate—as well as various points throughout the city, some of which include accessible ramps for ease of entry. This is what you can expect to see from the walls;
- Park Street Tudor Houses
- East Gate & Clock
- Bridge Gate
- Pemberton’s Parlour
- Water Tower & Gardens
- New Gate
- Bonewaldesthorne’s Tower
- Deanery Field
- Chester Castle
- Cathedral From The East Wall
- Water Gate
- King Charles Tower
What not to Miss in Chester City
These are some of the best historic sites not to miss in Chester when you visit. If you walk the walls you should just about cover them all:
Chester Cathedral
Chester Cathedral is a breathtaking masterpiece, renowned for its stunning architecture and rich history. The intricate stained glass windows fill the cathedral with vibrant light, while its magnificent roof showcases stunning medieval craftsmanship. Visitors can admire the beautiful statues that adorn the building, each telling its own story of faith and heritage. Outside, the peaceful gardens provide a tranquil space to reflect, offering a perfect contrast to the grandeur of the cathedral itself. Whether inside or out, Chester Cathedral is an awe-inspiring site that captures the spirit and history of the city.
East Gate & Clock
No visit to Chester is complete without seeing the Eastgate Clock (also known as Chester Clock). Positioned at the site of the original entrance to the Roman Deva Victrix fort, the gate was rebuilt in Georgian times to accommodate coach access. The iconic Eastgate Clock was added later in 1897 to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. Now one of Chester’s most recognizable landmarks. It is said to be the second most photographed clock in the UK, right after Big Ben.
Chester Castle
Chester Castle, nestled on a low hill by a bend in the River Dee, is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. Just a stone’s throw from the Wales border, this historic fortress, though overshadowed by more recent buildings, still holds enough of its ancient structure to captivate history enthusiasts. The remains of this once-mighty castle offer visitors a fascinating glimpse into the past, making it a must-see for anyone interested in Chester’s rich heritage.
Chester Row’s
The Chester Rows are a unique architectural feature, dating back to the 13th century, and remain one of the city’s most distinctive attractions. These two-tiered galleries of shops, cafes, and businesses line the historic streets, offering a mix of medieval, Tudor, and Victorian architecture. Originally built as trading hubs, the Rows provided merchants with covered walkways to sell their goods, a design that continues to offer shelter and charm today. Now, they house a variety of boutiques, restaurants, and independent stores, making them a fascinating place to explore while soaking in Chester’s rich history.
The Timber Buildings of Chester
Chester is rightfully celebrated for its stunning architecture, especially the impressive black-and-white timbered buildings, with the Chester Rows standing out as a highlight. One building that particularly caught my attention was 4 Park Street, located next to the well-known Nine Houses. This charming Victorian-era building, constructed in 1881 as a townhouse, beautifully mirrors the architectural style of the surrounding area. I love the distinctive look of the building, and the verse inscribed across its facade—”The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life” (Proverbs 14:27, New King James Bible)—adds a unique touch of character and intrigue.
The Chester Roman Amphitheater
Chester’s Roman amphitheatre was the largest in Britain, serving both as a venue for entertainment and military training. Two stone-built amphitheatres have stood on the site over the centuries. The first featured access to the upper seating tiers via stairs on the rear wall, similar to Pompeii, and included a small shrine near its northern entrance. The secondamphitheatre offered access to seats through vaulted stairways. These two structures, which set Chester apart from other British amphitheatres, highlight the city’s significance during Roman times.
Chester Racecourse
Established in 1539, Chester Racecourse holds the title of the oldest racecourse still in use in England and is now recognized as the oldest in the world. Nestled beside the scenic River Dee, this historic venue has been hosting thrilling horse races for centuries, offering a unique blend of tradition and modern-day excitement. With its picturesque setting, lively atmosphere, and a calendar full of prestigious events, Chester Racecourse remains a premier destination for racing enthusiasts and visitors looking to experience the city’s rich sporting heritage. You can even watch a race from Chester City Walls!
Just For Fun: Try these fun activities in Chester!
We had so much fun in Chester and found some really interesting places to visit! Try these Fun activities for all the family!
Sick to Death Museum
Sick to Death is a fascinating museum set within a former church, delving into the gruesome history of diseases, doctors, and death in the medieval world. This immersive experience combines hands-on interactive exhibits with remarkable historical artefact’s, offering a unique and engaging way to explore the often grim but intriguing world of medieval medicine.
The Hole in the Wand Mini Golf
We love the Wizard themed mini golf! The Hole in the Wand Mini Golf is a magical, wizard-themed mini-golf experience in Chester, perfect for visitors of all ages. Step into a world of enchantment as you navigate nine spellbinding holes, encountering bubbling cauldrons, mystical portals, and other whimsical obstacles along the way. Located in the heart of the city. Don’t forget to stop by the Wizard Tavern afterward to enjoy a potion-inspired drink and complete your magical adventure!
Chester Zoo
If you have an extra day, a visit to Chester Zoo is a must! With over 11,000 animals set in acres of breathtaking gardens, it’s the perfect addition to your Chester adventure.
Explore Chester by Bus
If walking is not your thing you can also hop aboard an open-top City Sightseeing bus for a leisurely tour of Chester’s highlights. Stop off at the majestic 1,000-year-old Chester Cathedral, home to some of the finest medieval carvings in Europe. You can even enjoy afternoon tea in the Refectory, the very place where monks once ate in silence.
