Chester, United Kingdom: travel guide
A walled Roman city of black-and-white buildings and the two-tier Rows
Britain's best-preserved walled Roman city, Chester dazzles with its 2,000-year-old red sandstone walls, medieval black-and-white buildings, the famous two-tiered Rows shopping galleries, and a fine racecourse.
About Chester
Chester is a historic city in Cheshire, close to the Welsh border, and its Roman origins are still visible in the walls that encircle the centre. You can walk almost the whole circuit on top of the walls, passing gates, towers and views over the racecourse and river.
The Rows are the city's most unusual feature: medieval galleries of shops set above the street-level ones, in black-and-white timbered buildings. Chester Cathedral, the Roman Amphitheatre and the Eastgate Clock are other highlights, and Chester Zoo is a major attraction on the edge of the city.
Chester suits families, history lovers and short breaks, and is a handy stop before north Wales. Late spring to early autumn is the best period for walking the walls.
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Currency
- GBP
- Time zone
- Europe/London
- Nearest airport
- LPL
Last updated
Top places to visit in Chester
Chester Rows Shopping
medieval-rows · 4.7 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
The Chester Rows — the spectacular unique two-level medieval covered walkways, the only examples in the world, with the iconic 13th-century galleried shopfronts, and the famous shopping heritage.
Chester Zoo
Wildlife · 4.7 rating · about 5 h · entry £29 (≈ ₹3,660)
One of the UK's most popular zoos and a leading conservation organisation, with 35,000 animals from 500 species across 128 acres. The elephant habitat, Madagascar jungle, and Islands of South East Asia are spectacular.
Chester City Walls
Heritage · 4.8 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Britain's most complete Roman and medieval city wall circuit (3.2 km), dating from AD 70. The free walkway atop the walls gives superb views of the Dee, the rows, and the cathedral.
Chester Cathedral
church · 4.7 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
A magnificent red sandstone cathedral with 1,000 years of history. The medieval cloisters, 14th-century choir stalls, and the stunning entrance façade make it one of England's least-visited great cathedrals.
Chester Eastgate Clock
victorian-clock · 4.5 rating · about 0.3 h · check the fee at the gate
The Eastgate Clock — Chester's spectacular 1899 Victorian clock atop the medieval Eastgate, the most photographed clock in England after Big Ben, with the iconic 4-faces design.
Chester Roman Amphitheatre
roman-amphitheatre · 4.5 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
The Chester Roman Amphitheatre — Britain's spectacular largest Roman amphitheatre (originally seating 8,000), with the iconic 1st-century AD ruins and the rich Deva Victrix heritage.
Chester Grosvenor Museum
roman-museum · 4.6 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
The Grosvenor Museum — Chester's spectacular 1886 Victorian museum, with the iconic Roman tombstones (the world's largest collection), and the rich Roman Deva heritage.
Chester Beeston Castle Day
crag-castle · 4.7 rating · about 8 h · check the fee at the gate
A day trip from Chester to Beeston Castle — the spectacular 13th-century medieval castle on a 350-foot crag, with the iconic 8-county panoramic views and the rich heritage.
Chester Anderton Boat Lift
canal-lift · 4.7 rating · about 8 h · check the fee at the gate
A day trip from Chester to the Anderton Boat Lift — the spectacular 1875 "Cathedral of the Canals", the world's first boat lift connecting the River Weaver and the Trent & Mersey Canal.
Chester Cathedral Tower Tour
cathedral-tower · 4.6 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
The Chester Cathedral Tower Tour — Chester's spectacular 11th-century Norman cathedral with the iconic Falconry display, the famous bell tower views, and the rich heritage.
Where to stay in Chester
- City Centre & Kelham Island about GBP 90 per night
Sheffield city centre for transport links; Kelham Island for craft beer bars and independent restaurants in a converted industrial setting.
Hotels
- Chester Grosvenor Hotel 5-star · GBP 200 to GBP 700 per night
Where to eat
- Chez Jules Chester French, Bistro · about GBP 35 per person
Getting to Chester
Nearest airport: Liverpool (LPL), about 16 km away in a straight line. The road or rail journey is longer.
Getting around
- Bus
- Walking
More in United Kingdom
Frequently asked questions about Chester
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Chester?
- The highest-rated places in our Chester guide are Chester City Walls, Chester Rows Shopping, Chester Zoo, Chester Cathedral, Chester Beeston Castle Day.
- Where should I stay in Chester?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Chester: City Centre & Kelham Island.
- How do I get around Chester?
- Ways to get around Chester covered in our guide: City bus, Walking.
- Which airport is nearest to Chester?
- The nearest airport to Chester has the code LPL.