Itinerary Planner

Historic Chester

Historic Chester

2000 years of heritage make Chester an absolute delight to explore. Here's our recommended must-do's for a visit to the historic city.

MORNING - Walk the Walls. Take a gentle stroll around the most complete City Walls in Britain, exploring the towers, Eastgate Clock, River Dee, largest Roman Amphitheatre and oldest racecourse in Britain. The 2 mile walk is the perfect way to get your bearings.

Before lunch stop off at The Cross where you’ll find the Town Crier making a midday proclamation. Chester is the only place in Britain to have retained this tradition. Proclamations take place Tuesday to Saturday, May to August at 12 noon (10.30am on race days). It’s free, fun and totally unforgettable.

LUNCH - There’s a fabulous choice of dining experiences in locations like the Rows, ancient cellars, and the racecourse.

AFTERNOON - Explore the City at leisure by hopping aboard one of the city sightseeing buses. Visit the majestic 1000 year old Chester Cathedral, located in the heart of the city featuring the finest mediaeval carvings in Europe. Enjoy afternoon tea in the Refectory where monks once ate in silence.

DINNER - The choice is scrumptious and ranges from Thai and authentic Italian to Brazilian and Chinese.

EVENING - Book your place on the Ghost Tour. Hear spine-chilling tales of ghosts and ghouls as you walk along some of the most haunted streets in the world! It’s just one of many guided walks departing from the Town Hall Visitor Information Centre. Don't forget, if you want to see 11,000 animals in acres of spectacular gardens, head for Chester Zoo, for the complete day out!

Product Information

  1. Chester City Walls

    Chester

    The city walls are the oldest, longest and most complete in Britain, parts of which are almost 2000 years old.

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    Chester City Walls
    Chester City Walls

    The city walls are the oldest, longest and most complete in Britain, parts of which are almost 2000 years old.

    Chester is the only city in Britain that retains the full circuit of its ancient defensive walls. Walking the complete circuit gives wondrous views down into the city and gives a fantastic insight into Chester's long history. The main access onto the walls is at each of the four main gateways - Northgate, Eastgate, Watergate and Bridgegate, plus there are many other steps around the city, some including accessible ramps.

    Please note: Access to The Walls, Northgate

    The steps to the right of the Northgate will remain open which means pedestrians will be able to gain access to the wall at that point if they want to walk clockwise (towards King Charles Tower).  Pedestrians walking anticlockwise from KCT will be diverted off the walls at the right hand steps and taken to the next set of steps at Morgan's Mount.  It won't be possible to keep a through route open along the wall as part of the wall and core needs to be carefully dismantled.

     

    Contact Details:

    Vicar's Lane, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 1QX

    Tel:

    01244 351609
  2. Chester Racecourse

    Chester

    Chester Racecourse is the oldest Racecourse in Britain & the oldest in the world still in operation.

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    Race fixtures throughout the year at Chester Racecourse
    Chester Racecourse, the UK's oldest racecourse
    The thrill of the races at Chester Racecourse
    Chester Racecourse, since 1539
    Chester Racecourse a must visit
    Race fixtures throughout the year at Chester Racecourse
    Chester Racecourse, the UK's oldest racecourse
    The thrill of the races at Chester Racecourse
    Chester Racecourse, since 1539
    Chester Racecourse a must visit

    We’ve had years honing our craft in racegoer satisfaction and an afternoon (or evening) on the Roodee offers an experience like no other.

    Sample the thrill of watching competitive racing, whist enjoying premium food and beverages across a variety of areas and enclosures. Whether you’re looking to celebrate a special occasion or fill your weekend with some serious fun, we’ve something to suit. Mingle with the stylish crowd and enjoy a day to remember with family and friends.  

    Contact Details:

    Chester, Cheshire, CH1 2LY

    Tel:

    01244 304600

    Website

    Web Site

  3. The River Dee

    Chester

    The river is 70 miles long and stretches through Wales and Chester. On the bank of the river is the 'Groves', a paved promenade complete with bandstand, cafés, restaurants and public houses.

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    The River Dee
    The River Dee
    The River Dee
    The River Dee

    The river is 70 miles long and stretches through Wales and Chester.

    On the bank of the river is the 'Groves', a paved promenade complete with bandstand, cafés, restaurants and public houses. Take a stroll along the riverbank or propel yourself in a motorboat, a rowing boat or a pedalo.

    Contact Details:

    The Groves, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 1SD
  4. Roman Amphitheatre - Chester

    Chester

    Chester Amphitheatre is the largest Roman Amphitheatre in Britain.

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    Roman Amphitheatre - Chester
    Roman Amphitheatre - Chester

    Chester boasts the largest stone-built Roman Amphitheatre in Britain, scene of Britain's largest archaeological excavation in 2005. Finds uncovered at these digs are on display in the Grosvenor Museum. Often used to host events and outdoor theatre productions.

    Contact Details:

    Vicar's Lane, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 2HS

    Tel:

    01244 402260

    Website

    Web Site

  5. Town Crier Proclamation at the Cross

    Chester

    A unique regular midday proclamation in Chester's historic centre, where Bridge Street meets Eastgate Street and Watergate Street which is marked by a stone pillar "The High Cross". The proclamation takes place Tuesday to Saturday, from 1 June to 4 September, at noon, at the High Cross, except on on Race Days: June 12, June 25, June 26, July 9, July 10 and August 21.

    Add Town Crier Proclamation at the Cross to your Itinerary

    The Chester Town Crier

    A unique regular midday proclamation in Chester's historic centre, where Bridge Street meets Eastgate Street and Watergate Street which is marked by a stone pillar "The High Cross". The proclamation takes place Tuesday to Saturday, from 1 June to 4 September, at noon, at the High Cross, except on  on Race Days: June 12, June 25, June 26, July 9, July 10 and August 21.

    Contact Details:

    The High Cross, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 2HS

    Website

    Web Site

  6. City Sightseeing Open Top Tour

    Chester

    Chester City Sightseeing Bus Tours – hop on, hop off all day!

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    City Sightseeing Foregate St
    City Sightseeing Foregate St

    Chester City Sightseeing Bus Tours – hop on, hop off all day!

    We are excited to once again welcome you on board our Open Top Buses and show you the City's best sights.

    No city in Britain is richer in terms of archaeological and architectural treasures than Chester.

    Your Chester Sightseeing tour ticket is valid for 24 or 48 hours from when you first buy it, so there’s plenty of time to hop on and off the open-top bus to see the local attractions. Enjoy the sights and sounds of Chester from the top deck, where you’ll enjoy 360 panoramic views of Chester and its surroundings. Plus, you can simply buy your tour ticket direct from your bus driver when you're in Chester!

    Why not take a wander along the River Dee or catch a river cruise. You can buy a combined bus and river ticket from our driver!

    Take time to enjoy the tour at Chester Cathedral and then discover more rich history of the city with a stop off at the ancient Roman Amphitheatre.

    Our tour also stops at the famous Chester Racecourse where there are often more than just horse races to enjoy!

    There are historical exhibits at the Grosvenor Museum  and the Cheshire Military Museum too. Or make the stop at County Castle.

    If the outdoors is on your list you can simply stroll through Grosvenor Park or why not book a show in the open-air theatre.

    Shopaholics can stop off at Frodsham Street and find the Mall and Grosvenor Shopping centre.

    When does the tour run?

    Chester City Sightseeing bus tours are available 7 days a week from April to October. There are 12 bus stops along the route and you can hop on and off as much as you like!

    Tours start just after 9am, operating every 30 minutes throughout the day until early evening. Tour Timetable

    Contact Details:

    Chester

    Tel:

    01244 381461

    Website

    Web Site

  7. Chester Cathedral

    Chester

    Chester Cathedral is many things to many people: a vibrant community of worship, an ancient abbey, an archaeological treasure, a cultural hub, a centre of musical excellence, a unique blend of modern and medieval history.

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    Chester Cathedral,concert,music,orchestra,live
    Chester Cathedral,concert,music,orchestra,live

    Chester Cathedral is many things to many people: a vibrant community of worship, an ancient abbey, an archaeological treasure, a cultural hub, a centre of musical excellence, a unique blend of modern and medieval history.

    Come and spend the day

    Book on to one of the Tower Tours & Ground Floor Tours and explore the magnificent building which is a national treasure within the heart of Chester. 

    Enjoy and indulge in delicious food in the 13th Century Monks Hall Refectory Café or book a Traditional Afternoon Tea and take in the stunning surroundings.

    Visit the beautiful and unique Gift Shop which has a wonderful range of music, jewellery, books, cards, toys, confectionery, gifts and souvenirs for all seasons and occasions.

    Entry is FREE to the Cathedral but donations are welcome.

    Groups are welcome by appointment and tours can be specially tailored to include coffee, tea or lunch to make a great day out for your organisation. Disabled access and facilities including toilets and induction loop. For more information, regular service times and details of forthcoming events and concerts and online booking, please see the Chester Cathedral website.

    Chester Cathedral is also a unique venue for business meetings, corporate hospitality, pre and post concert receptions, gala dinners and much more.

     

    Contact Details:

    12 Abbey Square, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 2HU

    Tel:

    01244 324756

    Website

    Web Site

  8. Chester Ghost Tours

    Northgate Street, Chester

    Chester Ghost Tours have been delving into haunted happenings for over 30 years in a city renowned for its action-packed past.

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    Chester Ghost Tours - Does a monk haunt the area by St Johns Church?
    Chester Ghost Tours - Chester is Britain's most haunted city
    Chester Ghost Tours venture forth from the Gothic Town Hall,childrens ghost tour,half term fun
    Time for a Chester Ghost Tour when the sun goes down
    Chester Ghost Tours - Does a monk haunt the area by St Johns Church?
    Chester Ghost Tours - Chester is Britain's most haunted city
    Chester Ghost Tours venture forth from the Gothic Town Hall,childrens ghost tour,half term fun
    Time for a Chester Ghost Tour when the sun goes down

    Ghosts in every culture and age

    Ghosts.

    Let's face it.

    They have been with us since the dawn of time in every culture and age and often pop up in ancient Greek and Roman writings and even Shakespeare.

    Ghosts feature in languages across the world too including for example Gaelic (banshee), French (fantome),German (poltergeist) and Latin (exspiravit).

    The Ghosts of Chester

    Chester Ghost Tours have been delving into haunted happenings for over 30 years in a city renowned for its action-packed past.

    You'd expect to come across the odd ghost or two in a city that has seen just about everything over the past 2000 years from the Roman invasion of Britain via the English Civil War to the Industrial Revolution.

    The city has also seen Viking invaders land on the shores of Chester and set up camp in the deserted Roman Amphitheatre only to be driven out by Anglo-Saxon warriors led by warrior-queen Aetheldflaeda -the daughter of King Alfred The Great.

    Two hundred years later the Anglo-Saxon forces were beaten in battle by the army of William the Conqueror whose nephew - Hugh Lupus or Hugh the Wolf - built the formidable Chester Castle inside the City Walls.

    In the Middle Ages, Chester became the largest port in North West England and sailing ships from across the world unloaded their cargoes on its quayside and trade flourished but its peace and prosperity was shattered by the English Civil War, when Cromwell's cannons battered and besieged the city for over 2 years.

    Chester recovered from this period of death and devastation and prospered in Georgian England.

    It felt the heat of the Industrial Revolution that changed the landscape of Britain and brought bridges, canals and railways in its wake.

    The city flourished in the reign of Queen Victoria too with the development of a network of trams and omnibuses to its ancient streets.

    So the city has seen its fair share of battles across the centuries and Chester Ghost Tours turns back the pages of history to uncover the secrets of the past and goes in search of the paranormal......

    The city has also seen its fair share of crime and punishment, devastating plagues, public executions, disasters and murders so it's no wonder Chester is said to be the most haunted place in the UK.

    Chester Ghost Tours

    Chester Ghost Tours take you on even the darkest and coldest nights along cobbled streets, through ancient thoroughfares and the 'wicked old Rows' to locations -sometimes off the beaten track with eerie backdrops and tell you scary stories about 'ghosties and ghoulies, and things that go bump in the night'.

    The team of experienced Ghost Tour guides have their own set of spooky tales and preferred routes around the 2000 year old city so every tour is different.

    They don't indulge in gimmicks on the tours so if you experience something strange along the way, it's nothing to do with us!

    There are some things that they cannot explain and are beyond our understanding in a universe full of mysteries so come and enjoy an evening of fun and phantoms on the Chester Ghost Tour venturing forth at 7.30pm from the Town Hall every Saturday all year; every Friday and Saturday June-August; and every Thursday, Friday and Saturday September-November, plus extra tours throughout Halloween.

    You can book online at www.ghostcity.co.uk or call into Visitor Information Centre at the Town Hall to buy your tickets.

     

     

    Contact Details:

    Visitor Information Centre, Town Hall Square, Northgate Street, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 2HJ

    Website

    Web Site

  9. Chester Zoo

    Chester

    A visit to Cheshire isn’t complete without a trip to the UK’s number one zoo. Chester Zoo is home to over 27,000 endangered and exotic animals based in beautiful, award-winning zoological gardens.

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    Lemur, Chester Zoo
    Giraffes, Chester Zoo
    Anoa, Chester Zoo
    Spider Monkey, Chester Zoo
    Lion Experience, Chester Zoo
    Lemur, Chester Zoo
    Giraffes, Chester Zoo
    Anoa, Chester Zoo
    Spider Monkey, Chester Zoo
    Lion Experience, Chester Zoo

    ** Visitor Attraction of the Year at the Marketing Cheshire Tourism Awards 2022/23 - Highly Commended **

    ** Best Tourism Marketing Project Award Winner at the Marketing Cheshire Tourism Awards 2022/23 **

    Chester Zoo is home to over 27,000 endangered and unusual animals based in beautiful, award-winning zoological gardens. With over 500 different animal species in our 128 acres of award-winning gardens, you’re sure to have great day out full of adventure where you’ll feel empowered and inspired to create a better world for wildlife.

    Bring your pride to see ours and visit our incredible Asiatic lions in their savannah habitat. Take a trip to Madagascar and wander through our lemur walkthrough habitat, then explore the dense jungles of South-East Asia by boat, and immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and smells of the Monsoon Forest.

    Come and see some of our newest and cutest arrivals, with many making their very first appearances, from the critically endangered cotton-top tamarin to the incredibly rare dusky pademelon.

    Stop for a bite at one of the many restaurants, cafes and kiosks located throughout the zoo! From classic family friendly dishes to tasty street food.

    If you’re looking for something extra special, our contemporary British pub The Oakfield, serves freshly prepared locally sourced food and hand-picked beers, wines and spirits – the perfect accompaniment to your zoo visit.

    Join our Zoo Rangers for a jam-packed programme of talks and family-fun events to top up your knowledge of incredible animals across the globe! What’s more, we have plenty of playgrounds and activities to keep the kids (and the kids at heart) happy all day long!

    Why not turn your zoo visit into an adventure and book one of our unique Experiences that give you the opportunity to get even closer to our animals and plants with exclusive access and feeding activities? You’ll also gain behind the scenes knowledge from our expert keepers.

    Large Attraction of the Year Gold Award Winner and Silver Award Winner for the Resillience and Innovation Award at the 2022 Visit England Awards for Excellence. 

     

    Discover our revolutionary new app, Wild Wander; where Pokémon Go meets rambling!

    Wild Wander, our exciting new app has been designed to connect people with nature through the digital world and encourage them to explore and protect the great outdoors. The app will allow users to explore four trails in the zoo’s Nature Recovery Corridor like never before: thriving with beautifully animated local species in augmented reality.

    Download from App Store

    Download from Google Play Store

    Contact Details:

    Upton by Chester, Chester, Cheshire, CH2 1EU

    Tel:

    01244 380280

    Website

    Web Site

Itinerary Distances

FromToDistance * (metric)
Chester City Walls (53.18959,-2.88594)Chester Racecourse (53.18919,-2.89788)0.72
Chester Racecourse (53.18919,-2.89788)The River Dee (53.18752,-2.88307)0.9
The River Dee (53.18752,-2.88307)Roman Amphitheatre - Chester (53.19134,-2.89346)0.73
Roman Amphitheatre - Chester (53.19134,-2.89346)Town Crier Proclamation at the Cross (53.19134,-2.89346)0
Town Crier Proclamation at the Cross (53.19134,-2.89346)City Sightseeing Open Top Tour (53.19047,-2.88896)0.28
City Sightseeing Open Top Tour (53.19047,-2.88896)Chester Cathedral (53.19166,-2.89121)0.18
Chester Cathedral (53.19166,-2.89121)Chester Ghost Tours (53.19105,-2.89212)0.08
Chester Ghost Tours (53.19105,-2.89212)Chester Zoo (53.22551,-2.87758)3.56
Total Distance *6.46 miles
Estimated Journey Time12 minutes

* Approximate distance by road

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