visit chester

15 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Chester

Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated Dec 28, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Chester, the county town of Cheshire, is noted for its vast array of historic monuments, including its magnificent medieval city walls.

Chester's roots date back to Roman times, and the Vikings, Danes, Saxons, Scots, and Normans also occupied the settlement at various times. By far the greatest influence on the city, however, was its maritime trade along the River Dee from the 12th to 14th centuries, which brought with it commercial and cultural prosperity.

The Old City has been a conservation area for more than 50 years and retains numerous well-preserved half-timbered houses, as well as the Rows , its magnificent two-tier medieval arcades. Add to this mix its attractive bridges, parks, and riverside walks, as well as the city's many musical festivals, excellent shopping, and one of the world's top zoos, and it's little wonder Chester ranks so highly on England's most popular places to visit.

Learn more about these and other great attractions with our list of the top things to do in Chester, England.

See also: Where to Stay in Chester

1. Take a Walk along Chester City Walls

2. see the historic chester rows, 3. watergate and lower bridge streets, 4. chester cathedral, 5. chester cathedral choir, 6. chester roman amphitheatre, 7. take the kids to chester zoo and the blue planet aquarium, 8. dewa roman experience, 9. the roman gardens, 10. enjoy a riverside stroll through the groves, 11. st. john the baptist's church, 12. grosvenor museum, 13. cheshire military museum, 14. cheshire workshops, 15. beeston and peckforton castles, where to stay in chester for sightseeing, chester - climate chart.

Built mostly of red sandstone, Chester's City Walls follow the even older Roman walls, except where they extend to the river to include Chester Castle . The complete circuit - the best preserved of its kind in Britain - is a nearly two-mile walk taking in the four main gates: Northgate, Eastgate, Bridgegate, and Watergate.

At Eastgate, you'll see a clock erected in 1897 to mark Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee, while at Northgate, traces of Roman foundations can still be seen. Another must-see while walking the walls is King Charles' Tower . It was here in 1645 that Charles I is said to have witnessed the defeat of his troops at Rowton Moor during the English Civil War. The tower houses a small civil war museum, and evidence of the conflict can still be seen at places along the wall.

Other City Wall highlights include Morgan's Mount, an impressive watchtower; Pemberton's Parlor, a semicircular tower with great views of the river area; and Bonewaldesthorne's Tower, a solid sandstone Water Tower built in 1325. You'll also pass Grosvenor Bridge, adjacent to the Rodee, an ancient horse racing track.

Finally, be sure to visit the famous Wishing Steps . It's said that anyone capable of running up and down twice without drawing breath will supposedly see their wishes fulfilled.

Address: Northgate Street, Chester

Among Chester's most distinctive features are its galleried walkways, with their many shops running the length of the old stone and half-timbered buildings. Dating from the 14th century, the Chester Rows evolved from houses and shops built partly in front of (and partly on top of) piles of rubble left from the Roman ruins.

These rows are found in all four of the town's main streets which, following the Roman town plan, meet at right angles at the market cross. In Eastgate, Bridge, and Watergate Streets, the galleries are at first floor level, while in Northgate Street they're mostly at ground level.

Address: Bridge Street, Chester

Watergate Street has several exceptional half-timbered houses, including God's Providence House, built in 1652 and so named as its inhabitants were spared the plague. It's also home to Bishop Lloyd's House, with its beautiful carvings.

Leche House (1579) also has elaborate half-timbering, as does richly-decorated Stanley Palace (1591). Watergate street is also where you'll find the oldest building in Chester, the Blue Bell Inn, which dates back to the late 14th century.

Lower Bridge Street is also well-known for its beautiful half-timbered houses, in particular Falcon House. Also worth seeing is Tudor House, built in 1603 and one of the oldest dwellings in the city. The Old King's Head Hotel and the Bear and Billet, a four storied half-timbered inn, are also worth checking out and make for great photos.

Address: Watergate Street, Chester

Chester Cathedral is built on the site of a much older church dating from AD 958 and a later Benedictine abbey (part of the old Norman church survives in the north transept). The abbey in turn became a cathedral when, following the Dissolution, a new diocese was created by Henry VIII in 1541.

The Lady Chapel and Chapter House are Early Gothic (post 1240), while most of the choir is High Gothic (1280-1315). The tower, west front, and upper part of the nave are Late Gothic (1485-90).

While the splendid three-aisle pillared nave of the Gothic basilica is undoubtedly one of this elegant structure's most striking features, the west end is also notable for several features. These include the baptistery, another relic of the Norman church, which contains a 6th-century Venetian font, and the Consistory Court, which, though less visually impressive, is nevertheless unique in England.

Address: 12 Abbey Square, Chester

Official site: www.chestercathedral.com

The finest part of Chester Cathedral, its Early Decorated Choir, certainly deserves to be visited – even if it's all you see of this magnificent building. Its 14th-century stalls are superbly carved, with 48 droll misericords and an old abbot's seat inscribed with the Tree of Jesse, and part of a 14th-century shrine to St. Werburgh can be seen in the Lady Chapel .

On a musical note, Handel's Messiah was first rehearsed here and is often performed during the Christmas season. Visitors are also often thrilled to have the opportunity to hear the country's oldest volunteer choir in action, along with regular organ recitals.

The largest such attraction in Britain – and one of the top free things to do in the city – Chester Roman Amphitheatre remains the subject of continual excavation and discovery. As recently as 2005, excavations revealed two successive stone-built amphitheaters with wooden seating, one of them similar to that found in Pompeii.

In Roman times, the site was used for entertainment and military training by the famed 20th Legion, a fact that is especially impressive as you stand on the very spot where such activities took place some 2,000 years ago.

Address: Little St. John Street, Chester

In Upton, just over a mile north of Chester city center, Chester Zoo is one of the UK's largest and most popular zoological parks. Home to more than 11,000 animals representing some 400 different species, this 125-acre site also features prizewinning landscaped gardens and its very own monorail system. Animal attractions include Chimpanzee Island, a penguin pool, and Europe's largest tropical house.

Another great wildlife-themed tourist attraction is Blue Planet Aquarium , home to more than 50 displays of fish and marine species. The largest section, the stunning Caribbean Reef exhibit, houses more than 700 fish, including southern stingrays and moray eels, as well as Europe's largest collection of sharks.

If your budget allows, book one of the attraction's popular shark dive experiences.

Address: Cedar House, Caughall Road, Chester

Official site: www.chesterzoo.org

Be sure to visit the Dewa Roman Experience, a fascinating interactive reconstruction of the sights, sounds, and smells of life inside the 2,000-year-old Roman fortress buried beneath modern-day Chester.

The adventure begins aboard a Roman galley, before moving into reconstructions of the granary, barracks, a bathhouse, and market stalls that would have formed part of the fortress that was home to the 5,000-strong 20th Legion.

Time it right, and you might be recruited for a fun Roman soldier patrol through the city. Guided city tours of Chester's Roman past are also available and are suitable for all ages. Afterwards, shop for souvenirs in the on-site gift shop.

Address: Pierpoint Lane, Chester

Official site: www.dewaromanexperience.co.uk

Located close to the Roman Amphitheatre and easily accessible from the magnificent city walls, the Roman Gardens should be on your list of places to visit in Chester. Established in 1949 as a place to display larger building remnants from the Roman fortress at Deva and other sites across the city, it's a delight to explore.

Set lining the garden paths, and perhaps the most notable remains, are the substantial columns that once supported the roof of the old Roman bathhouse and the fortresses' assembly hall. Also worth seeing are the gardens' three modern mosaics, along with a hypocaust, a stone building used by the Romans as a heating system.

While strolling through the gardens, look for the large section of the city wall that looks like it has been repaired. This was where, during the Civil War of 1645, Parliamentarian forces used cannons to create a breach large enough for troops to pass through. Access to the River Dee is also possible from the gardens.

Address: Pepper Street, Chester

Set alongside the pretty River Dee not far from Grosvenor Park (you can access the park from here), The Grove is fast becoming one of the top free things to do in Chester. This charming riverside promenade is a delightful place for a stroll at any time of year and offers some unique vistas of the city.

Start your stroll at the city walls on Lower Bridge Street on the Dee's north bank and simply follow the path all the way to Grosvenor Park. Along the way, you'll catch some great photo opportunities, including everything from the elegant homes of Queen's Park on the other bank, as well as of the swans that call the area home.

You'll also stroll past some very attractive old Georgian homes and plenty of pretty, tree-lined green space with ample park benches to stop and contemplate. Other top sights here include the Edwardian bandstand (seasonal concerts are offered), as well as the Queen's Park Suspension Bridge. A number of restaurants, tearooms, and cafés are also found here.

Just around the corner from the amphitheater stands St. John's Church. Known in full as St. John the Baptist's Church, parts of this attractive church – once the city's main cathedral – date from the late 19th century, along with a section comprising an earlier 12th-century Norman church.

The triforium is Transitional and dates from around 1200, and although the original choir and Lady Chapel were destroyed when the central tower collapsed, they can still be seen as picturesque ruins.

Also worth a visit is St. Michael's Church on Bridge Street. Although no longer in use as a church (it's now a heritage center), it contains numerous interesting features, including its fine stained glass windows and a 15th-century chancel.

Location: The Cross, Chester

Official site: https://stjohnschester.uk/history/

The Grosvenor Museum boasts a fine collection of Roman antiquities, along with special displays illustrating the life of the Roman legionary and the Roman fortification of Britain. Exhibits deal with matters of life and death during Roman times, including medicinal remedies and instruments, as well as impressive collections of modern artworks. There are also numerous paintings and sculptures dating back some five centuries.

At the rear of the museum is 20 Castle Street, the museum's Period House. Built around 1680, it's displayed as a sequence of nine period rooms dating from 1680 to 1925.

Other notable attractions close to Chester that are run by West Cheshire Museums include Weaver Hall Museum and Workhouse , a local history museum housed in what was once a schoolroom in a workhouse; the still-operating 19th-century Stretton Watermill ; and the restored Lion Salt Works near Northwich, with displays related to a once-important local industry.

Address: 27 Grosvenor Street, Chester

Located in Chester Castle, the Cheshire Military Museum tells the story of the four famous regiments connected with the area from 1685 to the present day. Among the groups and individuals featured in the display are Lord Baden Powell, founder of the scouting movement, and The Cheshire Yeomanry, the last horsed regiment in action during WWII.

Highlights include displays following the exploits of the Regiments of Cheshire, their travels across the world, and the wars in which they fought, including a fascinating exhibit focusing on life in the trenches during WWI. The museum also houses the archive of the Cheshire Regiment, providing information on people who have served with the regiment.

Location: The Castle, Chester

Official site: www.cheshiremilitarymuseum.co.uk

The Craftsmen and women of the Cheshire Workshop not only demonstrate their hand-carved candle-making skills, they encourage visitors to participate in the art, too. The facility also offers glass, pottery, and jewelry displays, as well as a café and gift shop.

The attraction is particularly popular for parents, as the site includes a playground and numerous fun activities for kids.

Address: Barracks Lane, Higher Burwardsley, Tattenhall, Chester

Official site: www.cheshireworkshops.co.uk

The history of Beeston Castle stretches back more than 4,000 years to its origins as a Bronze Age hill fort. Perched high atop a rocky crag, the castle ruins are fun to explore and offer incredible views of the surrounding countryside, all the way to the Pennines and Wales. An interesting museum is located in the visitor center, and a café is located on the grounds.

A much newer fortress to check out is nearby Peckforton Castle . This attractive medieval-style castle was built in 1850 and made famous as the set for Patrick Bergin's 1991 film, Robin Hood . ( Peckforton Castle now serves as a 4-star luxury hotel.)

Address: Chapel Lane, Beeston

We recommend these highly rated hotels with easy access to Chester's historic monuments and city walls:

• Roomzzz Chester City : A mid-range apartment hotel, Roomzzz Chester City features contemporary design and provides a free breakfast.
• Oddfellows : This affordable boutique hotel is known for its quirky style, themed rooms, afternoon tea, and Mediterranean restaurant.
• Premier Inn Chester Central (South East) Hotel : For a budget hotel, near the bus to the city center, this is a good choice. It features modern decor and comfortable beds.

More on England

21 Best things to do in Chester, England

• David Angel
• England , United Kingdom

About the author: David Angel is a British photographer, writer and historian with 30+years experience exploring Europe. His work regularly appears in global media including the BBC, Condé Nast Traveler, and The Guardian.

Chester is one of the best cities to visit in England, indeed Great Britain. It’s one of the most captivating cities in the country, with a wealth of medieval (and medieval-inspired) architecture.  

There’s nowhere else in the world like the Chester Rows, a warren of centuries-old walkways among the black-and-white half-timbered houses. You can shop, stop at cafes and pubs or simply wander back into the mists of time.   

You can also walk its ancient city walls or if you’re travelling with kids it has one of the best zoos in Europe on the edge of town.  

My guide to the best things to do in Chester covers all options. I show you all the historic sites, from Roman to medieval to Victorian, some of the best places to stay and eat, and Chester Zoo. I also suggest the best places to go near Chester, including across the border in North Wales and Liverpool. Enjoy! 

Table of Contents

Why Visit Chester  

Chester is one of the most beautiful cities in England, with a wealth of medieval architecture and half-timbered houses around the city. 

It has one of the finest cathedrals in northern England, with parts of the church around a thousand years old. 

Chester is renowned for its Rows, a series of unique covered walkways with shops and cafes above street level. 

It’s also rich in Roman history, and was the largest city in this part of Britain when the Romans conquered it 2,000 years ago. 

There are also plenty of fun things to do in Chester with kids, with the excellent Chester Zoo on the outskirts of the city, and the Deva Roman Experience for those with an interest in history. 

Chester is on the border with North Wales, and an excellent base for venturing into this wonderful part of the world. The gorgeous Snowdonia National Park and some of the great Castles of North Wales are little more than an hour away, as are some of the best beaches in North Wales.  

Chester is also very close to Liverpool or Manchester, within easy reach by train, bus or car. 

Things To Do In Chester

Chester cathedral  .

Chester Cathedral is one of the best cathedrals in the North of England. It was originally the Abbey of St Werburgh – the patron saint of the church – which was unusually spared destruction in the aftermath of King Henry VIII’s Dissolution of the Monasteries. It has been a Cathedral since 1541, but all the surrounding monastic buildings, including the cloister and refectory have survived. 

The dark red sandstone cathedral was built over 500 years, beginning with the foundation of the Abey in 1093. Some arches from this Romanesque period survive in the north transept, and much of the body of the church – including the Gothic chancel and Lady Chapel – were completed in the 14 th century. 

Further work was completed in the 16 th century, including the intricate great west window, a superb example of the English Perpendicular style. The Victorians also left their traces in their restorations, and there are also some 20 th century additions including the modern west window. 

While visiting the Cathedral, take time to explore the monastic buildings, particularly the lovely cloister garden, and its fine Water of Life sculpture. The Refectory café is also a spectacular setting for an afternoon coffee and slice of cake.  

Chester Architecture  

Chester’s architecture is outstanding, one of the finest of any city in England. It’s easily one of the most beautiful cities in England, its central streets lined with black-and-white half-timbered houses. The oldest buildings are from the 13 th century, and many date from the late 16 th and 17 th centuries.   

Many were also added 200 years later by the Victorians. You can tell some of their buildings apart from their medieval counterparts by the inscriptions on the facades, and some of the painted figures are also a bit of a giveaway. 

Explore the unique Chester Rows  

Wandering the famous Chester Rows is one of our favourite things to do in Chester city centre. They are the main reason many people visit Chester, and are unique in Europe. 

The rows are a series of covered passageways one storey above ground level, running along four streets in the centre of Chester. Shop, café or restaurant premises occupy the buildings at street level, and there are walkways above, accessed via flights of steps at intervals. At this level there are more shops and businesses – some of which are connected to the premises on the ground floor, and some are entirely separate.  

The shops in these walkways are set back a few metres from the street. The passageways are covered, with most of the buildings between two and four storeys higher. These passageways – along Eastgate, Northgate, Watergate and Bridge Streets – are the Chester Rows. 

Nobody knows how the Chester Rows came into being. There are various theories. One is that they were built on the rubble of ruined Roman buildings; writer George Borrow (best-known for his travelogue Wild Wales ) suggested that they were built so shopkeepers could defend their wares from raiding Welsh robbers!

Ultimately this is all guesswork. We do know that the Rows had come into being by the late 13 th century but that the walkways we see today are later, most likely from the 17 th to 19 th centuries. They are a fantastic warren of passages, with a vast range of shops, many of which are small and independent. There are also many great cafes and a few 17 th- century pubs to be discovered. A wonderful way to spend a day in Chester.  

Take a walk under the ornate late Victorian Eastgate Clock  

The famous Eastgate Clock stands on the site of the main Roman gateway to the city of Deva Victrix. It is frequently said to be the second most photographed clock in England after Big Ben in London. I certainly can’t think of one to rival it, and it’s undoubtedly one of the most famous landmarks in England .  

The ornate clock was built on the 18 th century sandstone bridge which forms part of the city walls of Chester. It was completed in 1899 to commemorate the Golden Jubilee (60 years) of Queen Victoria’s reign two years earlier.   You can walk below it at street level, or climb the stairs and walk right underneath the clock. It’s only a minute’s walk from a beautiful view of Chester Cathedral. 

Enjoy the circuit of Chester City Walls  

The city walls of Chester are the most complete circuit of ancient town walls in the UK. They were begun by the Romans to fortify the garrison town of Deva Victrix, and were built in the 1 st and 2 nd centuries AD. They should be on anyone’s Chester itinerary as they are such an unusual way to see the city. And you can comfortably complete the circuit in a couple of hours or so. 

Some original sections of the walls remain, but they didn’t comprise a complete circuit – this was probably finished the best part of a thousand years later after the Norman Conquest.  

The walls – or at least sections of them – fulfilled a defensive function as late as the English Civil War (1642 to 1647). However, after this they gradually became more appreciated as somewhere to visit and explore.  

You can almost walk the complete circuit of Chester Walls, save for sections currently being restored. I particularly recommend the section between Chester Cathedral and the River Dee, which offers superb views over the streets and rooftops of Chester.   

Seek out a few of the many medieval Chester pubs  

One of my favourite Chester things to do is exploring some of Chester’s centuries-old pubs. Many of them are in 17 th -century half-timbered buildings around the city centre.  

It’s amazing how many of them have survived, especially given the recent economic downturn, but most street corners seem to have one. The buildings are wonderfully evocative, intimate watering holes serving superb beer.  

One of my favourites is Ye Olde King’s Head, near the bottom of Bridge Street and the river, and I also recommend Ye Olde Boot Inn (there are quite a few Ye Oldes around the city!) upstairs in The Rows on Eastgate Street. 

Explore Roman Chester

Deva – also known as Deva Victrix – was one of the most important Roman towns in Britain. It was a major garrison town in a strategically important location, close to routes to Eboracum (later York), North Wales and Ireland.

There are substantial Roman remains around Chester, including parts of some sections of the city walls.

The most notable Roman sites in Chester include the substantial amphitheatre, the nearby Roman Garden and the adjacent baths (thermae).

The Roodee racecourse (see below) served as the Romans’ port, and marks on the city walls there where Roman ships once moored are still visible.

Take a boat trip on the River Dee  

The River Dee around Chester is gorgeous, and a great way to see it is on a short river cruise. Chester boat tours depart from The Groves, on the right bank (north side) of the river, near the Old Dee Bridge.  

Shorter cruises run beyond the suspension bridge upstream to the Earl’s Eye meadow on the outskirts of the city. Longer cruises (2 hours) run through the Duke of Westminster’s estate nearby, running as far as the elegant Aldford iron bridge. One of the best things to do around Chester if you’re in the area for a few days. 

Lunch at Chester Market  

Chester Market – just behind the City Hall and Storyhouse (see below) – is a great place to spend an hour or two. I met up there with some old friends from North Wales for a few hours, and the place was buzzing the whole time. 

There are various food stalls, cafes and eateries around the central seating (and eating) area. It’s open all day and into the evening. And if you’re driving into the city, one of the main car parks is next door.  

Visit the Art Deco Storyhouse, One Of The Best Arts Centres in the North of England  

The Storyhouse is a fantastic arts centre in an Art Deco cinema a two-minute walk from Chester Cathedral.  

It comprises an excellent library (with a superb children’s section), a restaurant, theatres and an independent cinema. We spent most of our time in the kids’ library with Our Little Man, and we loved the innovative reading spaces created for them.  

We were also impressed by the inclusivity of the place, including the message on the floor inside one of the entrances. It read, ’Come Inside, keep war, you’re safe now.’ Very touching. I also liked the numerous Benjamin Zephaniah (a British poet) quotes around the walls  

Treat the kids to a day out at Chester Zoo  

Chester Zoo is the largest zoo in the UK, with an astonishing collection of animals from around the world.  I visited a few times on day trips from North Wales during childhood holidays, and again with Faye more recently.  

The array of animals is staggering. Our favourite Chester Zoo experience was a face-to-face encounter with a beautiful female orangutan who took a great interest in our camera and the images in the back of it.  

Other stars of the show include the giraffes, black rhinos, Asian elephants and the elusive aye-aye, a fascinating nocturnal lemur from Madagascar. 

The Zoo is easily one of the best things to do in Chester with kids, but I suggest trying to pick a dry day if you do visit. Entry for a family of four works out at over £100 without a donation, and from experience it’s far better without the rain! 

Take a walk over the Old Dee Bridge  

The Old Dee Bridge is one of the most picturesque places to visit in Chester. It’s on the original site of the first crossing of the river in the city, built by the Romans.  

The present structure – a series of seven red sandstone pointed arches – dates from the 14 th century. The construction was ordered by Edward, the Black Prince, and a local levy was introduced to cover the costs of its upkeep.  

It’s a quirky bridge, with seven arches of irregular length. You can cross the Bridge on foot or by car, but if you’re driving, you may have to wait. The bridge is narrow, only wide enough for one lane of traffic. So you may be stuck waiting behind a red light for a couple of minutes before you can cross. Do what I did and walk!   

Discover the only intact in situ Roman Shrine in Britain at Handbridge  

The ancient Roman shrine of Minerva isn’t one of the most obvious things to see in Chester. But if you head as far south as the Old Dee Bridge it’s only a few more minutes’ walk to this remarkable ancient survival in the park in Handbridge, just across the river. 

The entrance to the park, known as Edgar’s Field, is just beyond The Ship Inn as you walk south from the Old Dee Bridge. It’s around 150 metres from the entrance, beyond the playground, and just to the left of the main pathway.  

It consists of a stone carving of Minerva, the Roman goddess of war. The figure is carved onto the sandstone rock face, which is believed to have been part of a small quarry. As you’ll see, the carving is quite worn, and partly protected by a hood framing it. 

Delve further into Chester History at the Grosvenor Museum  

The Grosvenor Museum is Chester’s local museum, covering the city and Cheshire’s history. There is a great section on the Romans, and I also recommend the Period House, a series of rooms decorated and fitted out in the styles of different eras from the 16 th to early 19 th centuries.  

Travel 900 years back in time to Chester Castle  

Chester Castle was founded a few years after the Norman Conquest in 1070, and later expanded and rebuilt in the 12 th century. Towards the end of the 13 th century it served as King Edward I’s headquarters for his invasion and occupation of North Wales. The outer bailey – pictured above – was added around this time. 

You enter through the Neoclassical gateway, and follow the signs right to the Castle. The 12 th -century Agricola Tower has a fine chapel (St Mary de Castro) with rare 13 th -century wall paintings.  

It’s one of the most intriguing Chester tourist attractions, but opening hours can be limited, especially in the off-season.  

Indulge in afternoon tea at Katie’s Tea Rooms  

Your visit to olde worlde Chester wouldn’t be complete without a little traditional indulgence. The best place we found was Katie’s Tea Rooms on Watergate Street, a couple of minutes’ walk from Chester Cross.  

They do the classic English afternoon tea with finger sandwiches, scones and cake, and also English breakfast, sandwiches and light meals.  

Watch horse racing at the Roodee, the oldest racecourse in the world still in operation  

I confess that we are not followers of horse racing. However, those of you who are may well be intrigued by the prospect of visiting Chester Racecourse. It is believed to have been founded in 1539, and is recognised as the oldest racecourse in the world which is still in use.  

Also known as the Roodee, the racecourse is relatively small, at just over a mile in length. It’s located on a bend of the River Dee, with a section of the Chester City Walls also running along part of it.  

Places To Visit Near Chester  

Chester is only a mile or two from the Welsh border, and has its own Welsh name, Caer. It’s an ideal base for day trips to North Wales, whether you’re heading for the coast, Anglesey, the mountains of Snowdonia or the World Heritage Castles in North Wales.  Here are a few top suggestions for day trips from Chester. 

Llangollen  

The country town of Llangollen is thirty miles or so up the Dee Valley from Chester, in the heart of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. 

There are enough things to do in Llangollen to warrant a couple of days’ stay, from the haunting ruins of Dinas Bran Castle and Valle Crucis Abbey to Plas Newydd, the home of the famous Ladies of Llangollen in the late 18 th century.   

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct  

This remarkable bridge carries the Llangollen Canal 36 metres (138 feet) above the Dee Valley a few miles downstream from Llangollen. It’s one of the greatest landmarks in Wales , and one of four UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the country, completed in the early 19 th century by master engineer Thomas Telford.

You can walk across the Aqueduct, or take a trip in a horse-drawn narrowboat. But you’ll need a head for heights as one side is open to the elements with no railings. 

It’s in the county of Wrexham, one of Cheshire’s Welsh cross-border neighbours.

Snowdonia National Park  

Also known by its Welsh name Eryri, this spectacular mountain range is one of the most beautiful landscapes in Wales and the UK.   This tour from Chester takes you to the stunning Llyn Ogwen lake below the mighty Tryfan peak, also calling at the popular village of Betws-y-Coed and the seaside town of Llandudno. 

Another tour from Chester follows a different route, taking you into the heart of Snowdonia, while also stopping at the gorgeous riverside town of Conwy , home to one of the finest Castles in North Wales . 

Clwydian Range  

The Clwydian Hills are part of the same Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty as the Dee Valley around Llangollen. The long-distance Offa’s Dyke Path follows the upper ridge of this series of hills, which command superb views over the patchwork of fields of the Vale of Clwyd below.

Beyond these, on a clear day, you’ll be treated to the breathtaking sight of the distant peaks of Snowdonia. The walk between the hillforts of Moel Famau and Moel Arthur offers some of the best views. 

See Also : 27 of the Best Places To Visit In North East Wales   

Where To Stay In Chester  

There are plenty of great hotels in Chester, both in the city centre and in the countryside around the city. 

The Chester Grosvenor is the best luxury option in the city, and the location is as central as you can get. It’s within a few metres of the Eastgate Clock, with the Rows and Cathedral both a couple of minutes’ walk away. 

Hotel Indigo is another fabulous Chester hotel, only five minutes’ walk away from the main Chester sights.  It’s also right next to beautiful Grosvenor Park and a short stroll from the River Dee and city walls. 

The Mill Hotel Chester is a great choice between the station and city centre, housed in a red brick converted mill next to the Shropshire Union Canal. The Queen at Chester Hotel BW is a gorgeous grand hotel across the street from the train station, ideal if you’re travelling by public transport. 

There are also several options in the villages around Chester. I once stayed at the splendid Rossett Hall Hotel, a fine Georgian country house with gardens a short drive just across the border in Wales. 

How To Get To Chester  

The city of Chester is easy to reach from wherever you’re travelling. 

The closest international airports are Manchester and Liverpool, both of which are around an hour and a half away by public transport. Each journey entails a change of train or bus en route.  

Chester is well connected by rail and is on the main line between North and South Wales (which runs along the English side of the border with Wales.  There are direct trains from Liverpool Lime Street (47 minutes) and Manchester Piccadilly (1 hour 10 minutes and upwards). If you’re travelling from Ireland, the direct train from Holyhead Port to Chester takes between 1 hour 36 minutes and 2 hours. 

If you’re travelling from London to Chester by train, direct services from London Euston take as little as two hours.  

If you’re driving, Chester is very close to the A55 North Wales Expressway, so has great connections to the west. The M53 connects Chester with Liverpool via the Wirral peninsula, and the M56 links Chester with Manchester.  

Things To Do In Chester – Final Words  

We had a wonderful time revisiting Chester, somewhere I had visited many times in the past. We stayed for five days on this visit, which was enough to see everything in the city and also explore beyond. 

Chester makes a great base for travelling around the northwest of England and North Wales. It’s much smaller, more intimate (and beautiful!) than Liverpool or Manchester. It’s somewhere we’d happily return to as a couple or family. 

David Angel is a British photographer, writer and historian. He is a European travel expert with over 30 years’ experience exploring Europe. He has a degree in History from Manchester University, and his work is regularly featured in global media including the BBC, Condé Nast Traveler, The Guardian, The Times, and The Sunday Times.  David is fluent in French and Welsh, and can also converse in Italian, German, Portuguese, Spanish, Czech and Polish.

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Things to do in Chester

Welcome to the Official Attractions Website. Book Direct for best deals.  All the best things to do in Chester.

Chester is one of Britain’s finest heritage cities with an action-packed history and great treasures past and present.

This website is your guide to the best Chester attractions.  Just click on the attractions below to get all the latest information on opening hours, facilities and special offers.

You can get a Free printed version of the Chester Attractions Map from the Town Hall Visitor Information Centre as well as many local hotels and cafes. Or download the map .

Buy tickets for many of our attractions here.

Escapism Chester

Cheshire Falconry

Cheshire Military Museum

Cheshire Segway

Chester Boat

Cheshire Outdoors

Grosvenor Shopping Centre

Chester Ghost Tours

Get your latest guide to major events in Cheshire, North Wales, Warrington and Wirral in 2024.

The Chester Tour

Roman & Medieval Tours

Commonhall Local

The Ice Cream Farm

St John The Baptist

Three Wrens Cheshire Distillery

Cheshire Cycle Hire

A rich history.

There are so may things to do in Chester.  It’s one of Britain’s great heritage cities with an action-packed history and great treasures from the past.

2000 years ago, the Roman Empire built Fortress Deva here to suppress fierce Welsh tribes across the border, and stayed for over 300 years.

They established the pattern of the city’s streets, built the original City Walls and created the largest Amphitheatre ever uncovered in Britain where 7000 spectators watched spectacular events including circuses and gladiatorial combat.

Must-See Heritage

Things to do in Chester include a visit to the oldest  racecourse  in the country, stand in the largest  Roman Amphitheatre  ever uncovered in Britain, or explore the retail delights of the 700 year old Rows two-tier shopping galleries, which are unique to Chester.

In the heart of the City is the 1000 year old  Cathedral  built by Norman invaders on the site of a Roman temple and changed across the centuries by different architectural styles.

Its many highlights include the finest mediaeval carvings in Europe in the Choir and misericordes, the Cathedral at Height Tower Tour offering a bird’s eye view of Chester, and the Refectory.

Trips & Tours

Chester offers a great choice of trips and tours to help you find out about the city’s action-packed past.

Guided walking tours leave the Town Hall every day all year and include  The Chester Tour , Secret Chester Castle Tour and The Ghost Tour or find out what life was like in the Fortress of Deva with Roman Tours featuring a legionary in full battle-gear (see map for details). It’s all the best things to do in Chester.

Nearby Chester Bus Tours iconic red Routemaster double-decker departs from outside the Town Hall hourly from 11am until 3pm daily.

The new attraction takes to the road from 4th July and gives you a leisurely sightseeing trip with live commentary en route, while a ride aboard the  Grosvenor Park Miniature Railway  is delightful way to explore this 150 year old, floral masterpiece.

Fancy a fun-filled adventure tour around North Wales? Head for Chester Railway Station and step aboard the  Busybus  for an all-day excursion exploring the castles, countryside and coast of the area, or take a trip to the Lake District and enjoy the breathtaking beauty of its rugged mountain fells and lakes and take to the water with a steamer sailing.

You can also take to the water in Chester with a pleasure cruise along the River Dee with  ChesterBoat  from the Groves, or wend your way along the Shropshire Union Canal with  The Mill Hotel’s restaurant boat  with fine dining or afternoon tea on board.

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Email: [email protected]

You can pick up a copy of the our Chester Attractions leaflet about all the things to do in Chester from hotels and B&Bs, attractions and the Town Hall Visitor Information Centre.

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Whilst Chester Attractions Partnership has made every effort to ensure that the information on this website is correct, they do not assume and hereby disclaim any liability to any party for any loss, damage, or disruption caused by errors or omissions, whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause.

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Places to visit in Chester

Visit Chester for its rows of overhanding black-and-white timbered houses, and almost complete medieval city walls with goblin towers. Base yourself in this Cheshire city to explore the rambling stately mansions and turreted castle of North West England and their landscaped gardens. Wildlife lovers can trace the food chain from tiny bugs to giant Asian elephants at Chester Zoo, and food lovers can enjoy one of the many regular food and drinks festivals in this gastronomic city. So loosen your belt a notch and treat yourself to locally made chocolate truffles and lashings of Cheshire Farm ice cream.

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Things to do on a Chester city break

Navigate Chester’s city walls, go shopping on The Rows and meet furry friends at Chester Zoo on a city break in Chester.

Discover 1,000 years of history at Chester Cathedral

Journey through hundreds of years of history and discover hidden spaces as you climb to the top of the cathedral tower.

Location: Chester, Cheshire

Discover Chester's Roman, heritage and spooky history

On a guided tour of Chester you’ll meet Roman soldiers, float along the River Dee and find out the spine-chilling tales of the city’s past.

View Chester from an open-top vintage bus

Ride the open-top vintage bus on a Chester Tour and see the city’s archaeological and architectural heritage.

Romans, racing and the famous Rows in Chester

Discover Roman walls, medieval shopping galleries and England’s oldest racecourse in the historic city of Chester.

A thrilling day at Chester Races

You can’t beat a fantastic day at the races, so get dressed up and pick up your race card for a day of fun and socialising.

Take the whole family to Chester Zoo

Venture to tantalising tropical islands in the heart of Cheshire with innovative exhibits at the UK’s most popular zoo.

Location: Upton near Chester, Cheshire

A weekend of champagne and romance at The Chester Grosvenor

Spend a romantic break at The Chester Grosvenor in the heart of the ancient city of Chester. Enjoy a couple’s massage, drink champagne and eat spectacular food in this beautiful hotel.

November events: Join the highbrow chit-chat at Chester Literature Festival

There’s no shortage of wordy stimulation and novel debate for book worms at the Chester Literature Festival.

Enjoy a romantic city break at Oddfellows

With its gorgeous Georgian architecture, Oddfellows is the perfect place to have a romantic break away.

December events: Start off your Christmas season in Chester

Visit Santa, sip on mulled wine and spend the weekend celebrating all things festive in the beautiful city of Chester.

Rekindle your love with a romantic weekend break in Chester

Stroll hand in hand around the ancient Roman Walls, take a romantic boat trip along the River Dee and go for a delicious dinner in Chester.

Find romantic things to do at Chester’s hot new Storyhouse

Fall in love at this new cultural centre combining theatre, cinema, bars and more.

Our favourite things to do on a Chester city break

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