There’s no shortage of things to see and do in Chester. Whether you’re visiting overnight, for the weekend, or for longer, you won’t run out of things to do, no matter what your interests are. From Roman history to medieval buildings, and from shops, restaurants, parks and walks, not to mention the events, there’s something here for everyone. So what should you do when visiting Chester?
Explore Chester’s historic city walls
Chester’s city walls form a nearly complete circuit around the city centre and you shouldn’t miss out on this unique perspective of the city. As you walk, you’ll pass a range of historic gateways, landmarks, and viewpoints that really make this walk special. You don’t have to complete the entire route either. Even a short section is a fantastic introduction to Chester and its history.
Wander through the Chester Rows
You can’t visit Chester without exploring the famous Chester Rows. These distinctive two-tiered medieval galleries run through some of the city’s main shopping streets and are unlike anything else you’ll find in the UK. Today, they are home to independent shops, cafés, restaurants, and boutiques. You can take your time exploring both levels, and this won’t be wasted as you never know what you might discover tucked away inside one of the historic buildings.
Discover Chester’s Roman history
Chester has an incredible Roman past, and you can still see evidence of it throughout the city. The Roman Amphitheatre is a particularly impressive place to visit. Dating back to the second century, it was once the largest Roman amphitheatre in Britain. You can also explore the Roman Gardens, where archaeological remains have been brought together to help tell the story of Roman Chester.
Take a walk along the River Dee
If you want to escape the busy city centre for a while, head towards the River Dee. The riverside is a lovely place for a leisurely stroll, with views across the water and plenty of opportunities to stop and watch the boats. You can walk towards the historic Old Dee Bridge or continue towards the surrounding green spaces. It’s particularly enjoyable during the warmer months when you can make an afternoon of it with a riverside café stop or picnic.
Spend some time in Grosvenor Park
Just a short walk from the city centre, Grosvenor Park provides another opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. This beautifully landscaped Victorian park has gardens, lawns, walking paths, and plenty of space to relax. It’s a particularly good choice if you’re visiting Chester with children, but there’s plenty for adults to enjoy too.
Visit Chester Cathedral
Chester Cathedral is one of the city’s most impressive buildings and is well worth adding to your itinerary. The cathedral has a history stretching back centuries, with beautiful architecture, stained glass, carved details, and peaceful spaces to explore. Take some time to look around rather than simply passing through. The building offers a fascinating insight into Chester’s religious and architectural history.
Enjoy Chester’s food and drink scene
The city centre is packed with restaurants, independent cafés, traditional pubs, wine bars, and more contemporary places to eat. You’ll find everything from relaxed lunches to restaurants suited to special occasions. The compact nature of the city centre means you can easily combine sightseeing with regular food and coffee stops, making it simple to turn a day of exploring into a relaxed experience.
Take a boat trip on the River Dee
For something a little different, why not see Chester from the water? Boat trips along the River Dee offer a relaxing way to take in the city and surrounding countryside. They’re particularly appealing if you’ve spent the day walking and want to sit back for a while.
Go shopping in the city centre
If you enjoy shopping, Chester has plenty to keep you occupied. The Chester Rows are home to a mixture of independent retailers and familiar names, while the surrounding city centre offers boutiques, gift shops, fashion stores, and specialist businesses. It’s easy to spend a few hours browsing, particularly if you’re looking for something different from the usual high street shopping experience.
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