Chester is world renowned for its Roman walls, medieval Rows and magnificent cathedral, but there are plenty of attractions and features that are more overlooked. So if you’re planning a trip to Chester, what should you be sure to visit? And what should you not miss when exploring Chester away from the beaten path?
What should you not miss when exploring Chester away from the beaten path?
There are a lot of important historic places in Chester that are often overlooked in a city that is bursting with larger monuments. These include:
- The Watergate and Pemberton’s Parlour- Chester’s two-mile circuit of Roman and medieval walls is one of its defining features, but certain points along the route are less well known. One such spot is Pemberton’s Parlour, a small, turret-like structure on the north-west section of the walls. Once used as a vantage point and meeting place for local guildsmen, it offers a quieter location to pause and enjoy views across the racecourse. Unlike the busy Eastgate Clock, this corner of the walls feels pleasantly removed from the crowds.
- Minerva’s Shrine in Edgar’s Field- Across the River Dee in Handbridge lies one of the city’s most unusual relics. Carved directly into the rock face, Minerva’s Shrine dates back to the second century and is the only Roman shrine of its kind still in its original location in Britain. Dedicated to the goddess of wisdom and war, the figure is weathered but unmistakable, and it offers a tangible connection to Chester’s Roman past. The surrounding Edgar’s Field Park is a small but peaceful space, perfect for a short stroll away from the bustle of the city centre.
- St Mary’s Creative Space- While Chester Cathedral receives considerable attention, another ecclesiastical building has been transformed into a very different kind of venue. St Mary’s Creative Space, located near the Castle, was once a church and now serves as a hub for the arts. Hosting exhibitions, concerts and community events, it retains much of its architectural character while providing an intimate setting for culture and creativity. For visitors interested in seeing how historic spaces can be repurposed, it is well worth seeking out.
- The Chester Shot Tower- Industrial history is another aspect of Chester that often goes unnoticed. The Shot Tower, built in the eighteenth century, is one of the oldest surviving structures of its kind in the world. It was once used to produce lead shot by dropping molten lead from a great height into water, forming small spherical pellets. Although the building is not generally open to the public, it can be admired from outside as a striking reminder of Chester’s less-celebrated past as a centre of manufacturing.
- Grosvenor Park’s hidden corners- Grosvenor Park is one of the city’s most popular green spaces, but its quieter areas are sometimes missed by casual visitors. In particular, the St Mary’s Nunnery archway and the small model railway are worth discovering. The park also provides access to the riverside promenade known as The Groves, where a stroll along the Dee offers a refreshing contrast to the compact streets of the city centre.
- The Chester Imp and quirky details- One of the pleasures of exploring Chester is spotting the unexpected details tucked into its architecture. The Chester Imp, found inside the Cathedral, is a mischievous little carving that has long intrigued visitors. Elsewhere in the city, unusual gargoyles, inscriptions and symbols can be spotted if you take the time to look upwards or pause in quieter courtyards. These small discoveries often provide the most memorable impressions of the city.
- Joining a themed walking tour- whether it’s focused on Roman history, ghost stories or architectural curiosities, a themed walking tour can shed light on places that might otherwise be overlooked. Alternatively, a self-guided heritage trail allows you to set your own pace, with plenty of scope for lingering at lesser-known spots.
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