With more than 2000 years of history, it’s not surprising that tales of the supernatural should haunt the ancient streets and historic buildings. Once the sun sets over the Roman Walls and medieval Cathedral, Chester offers a fantastic blend of heritage and hauntings. So how can you explore Chester after dark? And if you’re a fan of the supernatural, what should you not miss out on?
How can you explore Chester after dark?
Chester boasts a wide range of activities after dark. These include:
- Ghost tours
- Haunted pubs
- Chester Rows
- Paranormal hot spots
- Dewa Roman experience
Ghost Tours in Chester
One of the most captivating ways to experience Chester’s eerie side is by joining a ghost tour. These guided walks delve into the city’s haunted past, taking visitors to locations where spirits are said to linger. The Chester Ghost Tour, for instance, operates on Saturdays from December to May and on Thursdays through Saturdays from September to November. Departing from the Town Hall Visitor Information Centre, the tour lasts approximately 90 minutes and is priced at £10 for adults, with discounts for children, students, and seniors. Participants are led through the city’s most haunted spots, hearing spine-chilling tales of ghosts, ghouls, and things that go bump in the night .
Haunted Pubs and Historic Taverns
Chester’s pubs are not just known for their ales but also for their spectral residents. The Old King’s Head, a Grade II* listed building dating back to 1208, is reputed to be haunted by at least 13 spirits. Visitors and staff have reported phantom footsteps, sudden temperature drops, and shadowy figures flitting just beyond sight. For those brave enough, ghost hunts are organised here, offering a chance to communicate with the spirits through EVP sessions and spirit box communication .
Similarly, The Pied Bull, dating back to the 11th century, is said to have ghosts haunting all of its 12 rooms, with two bedrooms particularly known for their paranormal activity. The pub’s cellar is considered the spookiest place, with staff often hesitant to venture down alone. The ghost of a man named John Davies, who fell down a flight of stairs in 1609 and accidentally stabbed himself, is said to haunt the cellar .
The Enigmatic Rows
Chester Rows, a unique architectural feature of the city, consist of covered walkways on the first floor behind which are entrances to shops and other premises. These medieval structures, believed to be built on top of rubble from Roman buildings, are not only a shopper’s delight but also a hotspot for ghostly encounters. The undercrofts, or “crypts,” beneath the Rows are made from stone and are among the few remaining medieval structures in Chester. Many of these buildings are listed, and some are recorded in the English Heritage Archive, adding to their historical and haunted allure .
Dewa Roman Experience on Bridge Street
This is a centre that tells the story of the Roman era in Chester, is said to be home to three spirits named Nathaniel, Charlotte, and Brandon. The centre was even once visited by famous spirit medium Derek Acorah, who believed that the three ghosts were involved in an unknown tragedy within the building and are particularly active in the building’s cellar.
If you’re travelling to Chester in search of paranormal activity, we are sure that you won’t be disappointed. To make your trip extra special, why not choose luxury accommodation? Here at the Hotel Chester, our apart-hotel is perfect for solo travellers, couples, families and groups. With a central location and luxury design, you can unwind and relax in style after a long night of ghost hunting. Why not take a look today?