Chester is one of the most captivating historic cities in the UK, and summer is the perfect time to visit. If you’re interested in Roman history and you’ve already ticked off Bath, and Hadrian’s Wall, Chester is a fantastic place to add to your list. But why visit Chester? And what should you not miss when discovering Chester’s Roman history this summer?
Why choose Chester?
Originally founded as a Roman fortress in AD 79, Chester, which was then known as Deva Victrix, was one of the most important military settlements in Roman Britain. Today, it boasts some of the most complete Roman remains in the country. The city centre is compact, walkable, and brimming with ancient architecture seamlessly woven into modern life, making it an ideal summer destination for historical exploration.
What should you not miss when discovering Chester’s Roman history this summer?
So what can you expect to see in Chester when looking for Roman history? Well, there’s plenty on offer, including:
- The Roman City Walls- These are the most complete circuit of Roman and medieval defensive walls in Britain. The full circuit is about two miles long and offers elevated views of the city, river, and surrounding countryside. As you stroll along the sandstone ramparts in the summer sun, you’ll be tracing the very same lines once patrolled by Roman sentries nearly 2,000 years ago. Along the way, information plaques and viewing platforms offer insights into key historic moments and structures, making it an enjoyable, self-guided introduction to Chester’s Roman legacy.
- Visit the Roman Amphitheatre- No Roman city was complete without an amphitheatre, and Chester’s is the largest known in Britain. Located just outside the city walls near the east gate, the amphitheatre once hosted gladiator games, military training exercises, and public events. In its heyday, it could hold up to 8,000 spectators. Excavations here are still ongoing, but a significant portion of the site is visible and free to explore. During the summer, you might even catch one of the historical reenactments or open-air theatre performances held on the grounds, offering a dramatic way to experience history where it actually happened.
- The Grosvenor Museum- To truly delve into Chester’s Roman story, head to the Grosvenor Museum on Grosvenor Street. Entry is free, and it houses an impressive collection of Roman artefacts uncovered in and around the city. Expect to see ancient pottery, tools, coins, and weapons, providing a fascinating glimpse into everyday life in Roman Chester. One of the highlights is the gallery of Roman tombstones, many discovered on the outskirts of the old city. These stones, inscribed in Latin and often depicting the deceased, give a hauntingly personal window into the lives (and deaths) of Roman soldiers and civilians who once walked these same streets.
- Dewa Roman Experience- For families or anyone looking for a more hands-on approach to history, the Dewa Roman Experience is a must-visit. This interactive attraction on Pierpoint Lane invites visitors to step into the sandals of a Roman legionary. You’ll explore reconstructions of Roman streets, visit an archaeological dig site, and even descend into real Roman ruins beneath the city. Guided by costumed staff, the experience is designed to be fun, educational, and accessible for all ages. It’s particularly popular with children, who can try on Roman armour, wield a sword, and take part in mock military drills.
- Discover Roman Chester Underground- While much of Chester’s Roman history is visible at street level, there’s also a hidden world beneath your feet. A number of underground chambers, crypts, and Roman remnants are buried under shops and streets, only accessible via guided tours. Several local tour companies offer “Roman Chester” walking tours led by expert historians in costume. These typically include access to little-known underground locations, storytelling, and insights into how Chester evolved from a Roman fortress to a medieval market town. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during the busy summer season.
- Explore Minerva’s Shrine- Just across the River Dee is one of the UK’s only surviving in-situ Roman rock carvings: Minerva’s Shrine. Carved directly into the sandstone cliff, this rare find is dedicated to Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom and war. Though weather-worn, it’s a hauntingly beautiful relic and well worth the short walk across the Old Dee Bridge. You can even combine the shrine visit with a riverside picnic or a relaxing boat trip to round out a summer afternoon steeped in ancient history and scenic charm.
Choose the Hotel Chester for your stay
For your trip to Chester, choose The Hotel Chester. We offer luxury, boutique rooms, and a central location, so that you can make the most of your stay. Why not get in touch today to find out more or to book your stay?