Heritage Open Days
Water Tower - Open
Water Tower - Open
Visit this 14th century tower on Chester City Walls, built to defend the port of Chester which is now landlocked.
The Water Tower is attached by a spur wall to the older Bonewaldesthorne's Tower on the north-west corner of Chester City Walls. This part of the Walls probably dates to the early 10th century when Æthelflæd, Lady of the Mercians, extended Chester’s original Roman defences to protect the town from the Vikings.
This is a rare opportunity to see inside Water Tower. Accessed from Bonewaldesthorne's Tower, it once stood in the River Dee and housed the port authorities monitoring shipping and collecting import duties.
Grosvenor Museum will have artefacts there to tell the story of Chester’s past as a trading centre and other volunteers will be on hand to tell you about the Water Tower.
At busy times you may be required to wait for a few minutes to enter the Water Tower.
Please note it will not be possible to visit the camera obscura in Bonewaldesthorne’s Tower during the opening of the Water Tower, but the camera obscura will be open on Saturday 12 September and Sunday 13 September between 11.15am and 1.15pm.
Frequently asked questions
- Where are these towers?
The towers are on the north west corner of the City Walls and can be accessed from City Walls Road.
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- Is the venue fully accessible?
No, these historic buildings are only accessible by steps including a long steep flight from Bonewaldesthorne’s Tower down to Water Tower.
- Is this event suitable for children?
Yes. This event is suitable for all ages.