None-league Chester pulled off the FA Cup surprise of the weekend beating League 2’s Southend. To celebrate, here’s our top 10 things to do in Chester.
The Chester Rows
The historic Rows in Chester line the four main shopping streets in the city centre. They comprise of continuous half-timbered galleries which are reached by steps from street level. The Rows are unique to Chester, there is nothing quite like them in the rest of the world, and no one is quite sure why they were built in this way. Dating from the medieval era, it is probable that they were built on top of rubble remaining from the ruins of Roman buildings.
See visitchester.com
Roman Heritage
The Roman city of Chester was originally built to control the native tribes of North Wales and northern Britain. The layout of the city today, still follows the original Roman pattern, with defensive walls circling the city which are the most complete in the UK and stretch for more than two miles. It is also home to the largest Roman amphitheatre in Britain, used for entertainment and military training by the 20th Legion and free to visit. You can also join a Roman Tour of the city where your very own centurion will give you an insight into Roman Chester.
See visitchester.com
Chester Races
According to official records Chester Racecourse is the oldest racecourse still in use in England. It is also thought to be the smallest racecourse of significance in England, at just one mile and one furlong in length. The Chester Racecourse site was home to the famous and bloody Goteddsday football match. The game was very violent and, in 1533, banned by the city, to be replaced in 1539 by horse racing. Today over 15 annual race meets are held at Chester Racecourse and draw in huge crowds from the North West and beyond.
See chester-races.co.uk
Chester Cathedral
In a city steeped in heritage, Chester Cathedral is the embodiment of what is attractive about the city. With a fascinating history spanning almost 2,000 years it boasts some wonderful sights such as the Nave Mosaics dating back to 1880 and are said to be some of the finest in the country. It is also home to Cathedral at Height, a guided tour that takes you behind the scenes providing an unparalleled level of public access. The tour lets you explore the bell-ringing chamber, peer down on the 14th century quire stalls, amble along the galleries and take in the panoramic views from the roof.
See chestercathedral.com
Guided Tour
One of the best ways to discover Chester’s fascinating past is to join a guided tour. Daily Walking Tours, Roman Tours and Heritage Bus Tours operate from the Visitor Information Centre and are extremely popular with visitors to the city as they get to experience Chester from a different perspective, taking in all the sights of the black and white buildings, architecture and history.
See visitchester.com
Image: Joe Wainwright
River Dee
Flowing through the city, the River Dee is a great focal point. Home to boats offering cruises, a bandstand and benches, it’s the perfect place to relax on a sunny day with cafes and restaurants lining its banks and plenty of scenery to enjoy. Chester Boat run daily river cruises from The Groves which pass by the beautiful Eaton Estate, home to the Duke of Westminster.
See visitchester.com
Boutique Shopping
Chester is well renowned for its quirky, unique boutique shopping. As well as hosting a wide range of high street brands, you’ll find a wealth of unusual independently run shops along the side streets and famous Rows. Watergate Street, branded ‘The Independent Quarter’ is mainly filled with independents, from galleries to clothing boutiques, trendy bars and quaint café’s all a stone’s throw from the main shopping street and an absolute must when visiting Chester.
See visitchester.com
Chester Zoo
Chester Zoo is home to more than 11,000 animals and 400 species including some of the most endangered in the world. From magnificent elephants and rhinos to delicate butterflies there’s something different to see around every corner.
See chesterzoo.org
The Chester Grosvenor
Housed in an historic building with a black and white timbered façade, The Chester Grosvenor is situated in the centre of the beautiful Roman city of Chester. The five red star hotel is one of the city’s greatest landmarks, standing alongside the iconic Eastgate Clock. It’s has an award-winning Michelin starred Restaurant, Simon Radley at the Chester Grosvenor, which has retained its coveted star since 1990 and also has four AA rosettes. The hotel is also home to a luxurious spa with more than 40 rituals and treatments.
See chestergrosvenor.com
Town Crier
Chester is the only place in Britain to have retained the tradition of regular midday proclamations at a fixed place and time. Located at the pedestrianised intersection of the four main streets of Chester, the High Cross has been the site of proclamations since the Middle Ages. From May to August, Tuesday to Saturday you can see the Town Crier at noon or 10.30am on Chester Race Days.
See chestertowncriers.com
