Chester is a beautiful city in the north-west of England with over 2,000 years of history. It is home to some of the country’s most famous landmarks and places to visit, as well as some of the area’s best restaurants, shops and bars.
From its stunning cathedral to its ancient amphitheatre, Chester offers plenty of things to see and do for people of any age group. In fact, it’s one of the top tourist locations in the UK, attracting around 8 to 9 million visitors every year!
Whether you’re staying in Chester or simply planning a day trip, here are ten of the top attractions that the area has to offer.
1. Chester Cathedral
This stunning building is a prime example of one of Britain’s oldest and most impressive cathedrals, dating back to the year 907. It’s known for its impressive architecture, which was extensively restored in the 19th century. It’s also used as a venue for a variety of events, such as concerts and art exhibitions.
Chester Cathedral is home to some of the most remarkable pieces of art in the city, including the impressive Creation Window and St. Werburgh’s Shrine. In addition, visitors can enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding landscape from the cathedral’s spire. No trip to Chester is complete without a visit.
2. The Rows
The Rows are a series of half-timbered buildings located in Chester city centre that date from medieval times. They are renowned for their shoppers’ galleries, which are covered walkways stretching along either side of the street, offering shoppers shelter from rain or sun.
The Rows are a unique feature in Chester, as they are believed to be the most complete medieval shopping galleries in Europe. They were constructed during the 13th and 14th centuries, but many of them have been modernised over time. Many of the buildings located within The Rows still feature stunning timber-framed facades that add to their character and charm. These distinctive buildings provide visitors with an insight into Chester’s past and demonstrate how people have lived in the city for centuries.
3. Grosvenor Bridge
If you’re looking to soak up some local history and Victorian architecture on your UK break, a trip to Grosvenor Bridge is a must.
Built in 1832, this Grade I listed structure is one of Chester’s oldest surviving bridges and spans across the River Dee. It’s an impressive sight, with its stone balustrades and deep steel arch – 60 feet high and 200 feet wide. At the time it was built, it was the largest arch in the world, and it still holds the record for the longest masonry arch in Britain.
4. Chester’s Roman Amphitheatre
This 1st-century Grade I listed building is the largest surviving amphitheatre of its kind in the country. Dating back to the 1st Century, it provides a fascinating glimpse into Roman Britain.
Originally built to accommodate up to 8,000 people, Chester’s roman amphitheatre fell out of use around the year 350 and was rediscovered in 1929. Since then, a lot of work has gone into its excavation, though half remains eerily buried beneath the surrounding buildings. Chester is the ideal place to visit if you’re interested in history – in one small place, you can journey through 2000 years.
5. Cheshire Military Museum
The Chester Military Museum is home to a vast collection of military memorabilia, including medals, uniforms and weapons used by the armed forces throughout the ages. It is housed in a beautiful Regency building, which is built on the site of a ruined Norman castle.
The museum follows the story of Chester’s soldiers, from the 17th century through to modern times. It’s home to many historical artefacts, including the pen that was used to sign the Japanese surrender at the end of WWII. It’s an excellent place to visit for those interested in learning more about Britain’s military history.
6. Grosvenor Park
This Victorian park is one of the most beautiful outdoor spaces in Chester, situated on the banks of the River Dee. Opened in 1867, it was one of the UK’s first public parks outside of the industrial cities, and remains one of the area’s most popular attractions.
Grosvenor Park plays host to a variety of wildlife, including swans and ducks, as well as plenty of lush greenery. It’s also home to a miniature steam railway! It’s the ideal place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre. This is exactly the kind of heritage Chester is known for.
7. River Dee
The River Dee flows right through the heart of Chester and is a popular spot for walks and fishing. Take a trip along the river in a hired row boat or motorboat, or enjoy a peaceful showboat cruise.
If you’d rather stay on dry land, relax on the river’s banks and enjoy the birdsong and sunshine, or take in spectacular views of the Dee from one of its many bridges. It’s a particularly popular attraction in the summertime, when the river and surrounding area plays host to several events, including festivals.
8. Chester Zoo
No Chester travel guide would be complete without a mention of Chester Zoo – one of the largest zoos in the UK, and one of Britain’s most popular tourist attractions. In fact, if you grew up in the North West, you’ve probably already been! Chester Zoo holds over 7,000 animals and 500 individual species from across the world in its sprawling grounds. It’s open every day of the year except for Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
As well as its famous animals, Chester Zoo is also home to a range of education centres, gift shops, food courts and more. It promises a fun-filled day for all the family!
9. Eastgate Clock
Chester is home to one of the UK’s best-recognised clocks, the Eastgate Clock: an iconic feature of the city. It was installed in 1899 to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee.
Built on top of an ancient Roman gate, the Eastgate Clock is a beautiful piece of architecture that looks majestic beneath the blue sky above. It is one of the most well known landmarks and photo spots in the city, featured in many postcards and guides.
10. Chester Racecourse
This world-famous racecourse, first opened in 1539, has been attracting horse racing fans for almost five hundred years. In fact, it’s the oldest racecourse in the world that’s still in operation to this day!
Chester Racecourse holds regular events throughout the year, so it’s worth checking what’s on if you’re planning a visit to the city. Whether you’re a fan of the sport or just want to soak up the atmosphere, this is one attraction you won’t want to miss.
Experience Chester with 53 Degrees Property
Chester is an incredible city full of history and culture that any visitor will love exploring. With its impressive architecture, beautiful parks and plenty of activities, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city – all you have to do is explore!
Why not experience Chester with 53 Degrees Property? We offer short-term lets perfect for tourists or business professionals who want to be close to the city centre. Our properties are carefully selected and offer a range of amenities such as Wi-Fi, flat screen TVs and comfy beds. So if you’re thinking of visiting Chester, make sure you choose 53 Degrees Property for a hassle-free stay. Contact us today to discover our available holiday lets!
