Discover Cheshire
Chester
Why Visit Chester?
Two thousand years of history. One city that never lets you forget it.
Chester is unlike anywhere else in Britain. Walk its ancient streets, and the past isn't something you read about on a plaque; it's all around you, woven into the walls, the rows of black-and-white timber, the curve of the amphitheatre. This is a city that has been continuously lived in since the Romans built their fortress here, and it shows in every corner.
Those Roman walls are the most complete in Britain. The racecourse on the Roodee is the oldest still in use anywhere in the country. The amphitheatre, once the scene of gladiatorial spectacle, is the largest ever excavated in Britain. Chester Cathedral carries Europe's finest collection of medieval carvings. These aren't just facts to file away; they're reasons to slow down, look up, and linger.
Then there are the Rows. The world-famous, 700-year-old galleried walkways are Chester's great architectural curiosity, a double-decker street scene found nowhere else on earth. Browse independent boutiques, well-known names, and hidden finds across two levels of medieval shopping galleries. And if the appetite for retail therapy is serious, Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet, the largest of its kind in the country, is just half an hour away.
Beyond the city walls, Chester Zoo draws more visitors than any other attraction outside London, with 35,000 animals and some of the most ambitious conservation work in the world. Or for something altogether quieter, hire a rowing boat and drift along the River Dee, watching the city's famous skyline slip past at your own pace.
Experiences in Chester
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Lunch with a view
Amboseli restaurant welcomes non-residents of the Reserve at Chester Zoo for lunch throughout the week.
Vineyard & Wine Tasting Tours
Set within the beautiful grounds of Cheshire our Vineyard and wine tasting tours offer a truly memorable experience for wine lovers.
£75.00 From price per person
Afternoon Tea at the Oakfield
With pride and passion, the Oakfield serves freshly prepared locally sourced food and hand-picked beers, wines and spirits. The Oakfield has been lovingly restored and our garden room offers incredible views of our award winning gardens.
£25.00 From price per person
Afternoon Tea in Cafe 1092
Enjoy Afternoon Tea in a thirteenth century monks’ dining hall.
£22.00 From price per person
Unmissable Events in Chester
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Storyhouse in the Park
Dates: 27th Jun - 6th Sept 2026
Chester's magical theatre-in-the-round returns to the heart of the picturesque Grosvenor Park.
Moonlight Flicks at Rooftop Social Club
Dates: 2nd Jul - 3rd Sept 2026
This year, Moonlight Flicks kicks off the summer as Rooftop Social Club brings some of the most loved and cult classic films to the heights of the city centre.
Spirit of Summer
Dates: 25th Jul - 31st Aug 2026
This summer, Chester Cathedral becomes a place to rest, play and reconnect
Eastgate Square: Eastgate Garden
Dates: 3rd Aug - 27th Aug 2026
Eastgate Garden located in Eastgate Square, is an immersive seasonal experience in the heart of Chester.
Trails in Chester
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1 Miles
Caldy Nature Park is a small area of wetland, woodland and meadows close to Chester city centre. The active Friends group organise events and activities throughout the year including practical task days.
The Whitegate Way
5 Miles
Welcome to Whitegate Way, where heavy goods trains laden with salt once lumbered to Cuddington to join the Chester - Manchester line.
3.3 Miles
This is the ultimate way to explore the whole of the city, taking you from the Visitor Information Centre along the Shropshire Union Canal, River Dee, through Grosvenor Park and even around the racecourse.
Three Counties Connected
Travelling to Cheshire by train? Below you will find all the attractions, eateries and events that you will find within close proximity of Chester, Crewe and Nantwich Railway Stations.
Businesses in Chester
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Ring O'Bells
Ring O' Bells is situated in a picturesque village, Christleton. Escape the madness of the city centre with a 10 minutes drive. Perfect for any occasion and celebration!
Restaurant Noted
A small neighbourhood restaurant in the heart of Chester city centre, brought to you by Chef Andrew Sheridan and Open Restaurant Group.
Liongate Lodge
Liongate Lodge is an exclusive one-bedroom retreat nestled within the private grounds of Bolesworth Castle.
Deva Roman Experience
The DEVA Roman Experience will take you on a voyage back through time 2000 years ago to Roman Britannia where the fortress of DEVA Victrix is welcoming visitors from far and wide.
Rooftop Social Club
Perched above Pepper Street car park, we’re serving up independent street food, great drinks and a full lineup of games and activities in the heart of Chester.
The Ivy Chester Brasserie
Situated on Newgate Street in the heart of the city centre, The Ivy Chester Brasserie offers a sophisticated yet relaxed environment for every occasion.
The Forge Restaurant
The Forge was awarded two AA Rosettes for Culinary Excellence in 2023, showcasing that quality food and unrivalled service is core to the offering.
Panda Mami
Panda Mami is a critically acclaimed restaurant group that rivals high end buffet restaurants more commonly found in 5 star hotels, and popular in the Far East.
Offers in Chester
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2 courses £21.95 or 3 courses £26.95 menu deal Monday to Friday
Expiry Date: 28th Aug 2026
A fantastic discount on Palm Court’s signature afternoon tea for two!
Expiry Date: 1st Nov 2026
Save on your next zoo adventure with our family tickets offer. Get up to £41 off your visit with a group of 4 or 5 people of any age. Offer available online only.
Expiry Date: 7th Sept 2026
Stay a little longer this Summer and enjoy 20% off when booking a three-night or more escape in one of our lakeside lodges.
Frequently asked questions
- How do I get to Chester?
Chester is well connected by rail, with direct services from Liverpool (around 45 minutes), Manchester (around 1 hour) and Birmingham. By road it sits just off the M56 and M53. Most of the city centre is easily walkable once you arrive.
- Is Chester a walkable city?
Yes. The city centre is compact and genuinely best explored on foot. The Roman walls form a natural circular walking route that takes in most of the key sights. Chester Zoo is about 10 minutes by car or bus from the centre.
- How long do you need in Chester?
A full day gives you a good taste, but Chester rewards a longer stay. Two days lets you do the city properly and still get out to Chester Zoo or Cheshire Oaks. A short break of two or three nights means you can explore at a relaxed pace and still have time for the River Dee.
- When is the best time to visit Chester?
Chester is a year-round destination. Summer brings the full energy of the racecourse season and outdoor dining along the river. Spring and autumn are quieter and still beautiful. Christmas is exceptional, with the city's historic streets making a particularly atmospheric backdrop for the festive season.
- What is Chester famous for?
Chester is best known for its rich Roman heritage. Once the fortress of Deva Victrix, it boasts the most complete city walls in Britain, the country’s largest Roman amphitheatre, and some of the finest Roman remains anywhere in the UK. Beyond its Roman past, Chester is famed for its distinctive medieval Rows and the magnificent Chester Cathedral. The city is also home to the UK’s oldest racecourse still in use, as well as Chester Zoo, the nation’s top-rated, largest, and most popular conservation zoo. Adding to its appeal is the iconic Eastgate Clock, the second most photographed clock in the UK, while fans of television may also recognise Chester as the fictional setting of the long-running soap Hollyoaks.
- Are the city walls free to walk?
Yes, walking the city walls is free and one of the best things you can do in Chester. The full circuit takes around 45 minutes and gives you a completely different perspective on the city.
- What are the Chester Rows?
The Rows are Chester's unique two-tiered medieval shopping galleries, found along the four main streets of the city centre. Dating back around 700 years, there is nothing quite like them anywhere else in the world. They combine independent boutiques, well-known names and cafés across both levels.
- Is Chester good for families?
Very. Chester Zoo is one of the most visited attractions outside London. The city walls, the Grosvenor Museum, Grosvenor Park and river boat trips all work well for families, and the city centre is manageable with children.
- Is parking easy in Chester?
Chester has several city centre car parks. It is worth booking in advance during busy weekends and race days, when demand is high.