We both lived in Chester for a number of years, so know the city like the back of our hand. Plus, we were able to discover some really unique hidden gems, that we love to return too! Chesters is a unique city where you can see different periods of history come together, from Roman to Saxon to Tudor to Georgian to Victorian.
Things to do
Visit the Cathedral, it’s rich in history and some parts date back to 1093, but don’t forget to take a roof top tour. It offers a truly unique perspective, that few get to experience and you’ll learn some really interesting facts. If you get claustrophobic, it’s worth a second thought as some of the stairways are narrow.
Visit parts of the cities Roman history. Walk around the entire length of the walls to truly get to grips with what the city has to offer. On the way stop at the amphitheater and gardens. You might even spot tour guides dressed as Romans, join one if its your type of thing, they're mainly seen leading school trips. There‘s also a hidden bar along the walls if you can find it!
As mentioned many different historical periods can be seen in Chester, one of the places this is most prominent is along the Main Streets including; Bridge Street, Eastgate Street and Watergate Street, through the centre, wander along the cobbled streets and amongst the famous rows with buildings dating back to the 13th century. Also, at first glance Grosevenor shopping centre is nothing special but head into the old part on your wanders.
From here you can also walk under and see the Eastgate clock located up on the Roman walls. There’s also 3 historical arches. Eastgate clock is the 2nd most photographed clock in England! (No doubt you can guess the 1st!) This is also one of the best places to view sunset, and Chester certainly has some stunning sunsets. Just off the bridge, there’s often an artists painting this view, with ones available to buy.
Cross the river over Queens park bridge, and visit the meadows, a tranquil calm away from the city admire the houses across the river, from different eras many with Georgian architecture.
River, rent a boat or go on a boat ride, on a warm day you'll find many people relaxing by the river, sometimes they'll be a band performing at the band stand, and they'll be a long queue for cheshire ice cream farm ice cream, it’s a lovely place to head on a summers day!
Many don’t know this but Chester has a castle dating back to 1070. A few years ago large conservation works were complete and it was once again open to the public through English Heritage.
Now zoos are a debatable subject, and on this post we won’t weigh in on them too much, but you can’t do a Chester guide without mentioning Chester Zoo. As far as zoos go the conservation work they do is fab!
Countess of Cheshire country park, a lovely place to walk and explore the wetlands outside the city centre.
Check out what’s on at the Live Rooms located by the station, it’s a small intimate venue but often has some fab acts on.
Story house, the building was shut for years whilst the story house was created. The building has been done out really well, everything has been thought about and it is not a hub for the community. Not only does it now house the library - which has a great cafe - but it has a cinema and a theatre. It’s definitely
worth checking out what’s running at the theatre and paying a visit.
Days out from Chester
Manchester
Liverpool
Llandudno
Conwy
Frodsham
Alderley Edge
New Brighton
Delamere Forest
Snowdonia
Llangollen
Where to eat - Chester has some great food - check out our seperate blog here. Chester actually has to competing ice cream makers both ranked high nationally, Cheshire ice cream farm as we mentioned and Snugberrys, try both and see which gets your vote.
Seasonal Must do’s
Chester Zoos Christmas lights show. If you’re a fan of the ones at Kew Gardens, Blenheim Palace, the Eden Project etc, it’s a bit different but worth checking out sure the animal shaped lanterns.
The cathedral’s christmas tree festival, head to the cathedral at Christmas and see the Christmas trees lined the halls, all decorated by different schools, organisations and community groups.
Christmas lights switch on, Chester goes all out for the Christmas lights switch on and it’s pretty unique. The star lights up at the cathedral. A parade for the twelve days of Christmas, bustling Christmas markets and Santa appearing on town hall roof to switch the lights on.
Remember, remember the 5th of November. Bonfire night in Chester is quite the show, head over to the race course for a spectacular display.
I don’t agree with horse racing but sadly it remains one of Chester largest summer events.
Socks and Sandals