With its Roman walls, wonderful period buildings and quaint feel, Chester is a perfect place to visit during your vacation. Located on the border of England and Wales, it’s one of the UK’s most popular tourist destinations – wander around it and you’ll soon discover why.
Roam around Roman Chester
Start your historical tour with a two-mile walk around the perfectly preserved city walls - the oldest, longest and most complete in the country. Originally built by the Romans in 70 AD, the stone border encircles almost the entire urban center and is a great introduction to the city.
Afterwards, you can head to Chester Cathedral, which is right in the heart of the city. Construction started sometime around 1250 AD and continued over 275 years on the site of a Benedictine Abbey. This mightily impressive Gothic structure is surrounded by an extensive series of monastic buildings as well as the remains of a Roman barracks.
Close by is Eastgate, the original entrance to the Roman fort. This red brick archway is crowned with the iconic Eastgate Clock - one of Chester’s best-known landmarks - which was added in 1899 to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee.
A short walk from the clock, you’ll find the Rows - a series of half-timbered, two-level galleried arcades along Watergate Street, Eastgate Street, Northgate Street and Bridge Street. Though most of the buildings are Victorian copies of the medieval originals, the black and white facades are a jaunty feature of the city and offer a memorable shopping experience in the commercial district.
Perched on a south-westerly hill overlooking the River Dee is Chester Castle. Built by William the Conqueror in 1070 AD, the highlight of this structure is the 12th-century Agricola Tower where magnificent wall paintings of St Mary de Castro, dating from around 1240, decorate the chapel inside.
A day at the races
For a chance to dress up and do something a little different, you can enjoy a day at Chester Racecourse, known locally as ‘The Roodee’. Horse races have been held here since the early 16th century, making it the oldest existing racecourse in England. To find out the full story, ask to join a race-day tour when you’re buying your ticket.
Chester Zoo is another great day out, just three miles north of the city off the A41. This is one of the UK’s oldest, largest and most popular zoological gardens with over 20,000 exotic and endangered animals to see over 125 acres of lush, green land.
Take a trip to the seaside
From Chester it’s an easy drive to the beautiful coast of northern Wales. The elegant Victorian resort of Llandudno is a great place to enjoy the staples of a classic British seaside holiday: a stroll along the pier and a stick of cotton candy followed by a Punch and Judy puppet show.
While you’re in the area, you should visit the Mostyn Gallery - a striking Edwardian art exhibition with some fine contemporary displays. Round off a perfect day by the sea with a ride on the Great Orme Tramway, the only cable-hauled street tramway in Britain. Soak up the views as the tram climbs steeply from the coast up to the top of Great Orme, the huge limestone headland which towers over the town below.
Whether you’re coming to Chester for business or pleasure, rent a car and make the most of your time in the UK. From medieval castles to seaside towns, you’re in the perfect place for a quintessentially British adventure.