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Historic Chester

Historic Chester

2000 years of heritage make Chester an absolute delight to explore. Here's our recommended must-do's for a visit to the historic city.

MORNING - Walk the Walls. Take a gentle stroll around the most complete City Walls in Britain, exploring the towers, Eastgate Clock, River Dee, largest Roman Amphitheatre and oldest racecourse in Britain. The 2 mile walk is the perfect way to get your bearings.

Before lunch stop off at The Cross where you’ll find the Town Crier making a midday proclamation. Chester is the only place in Britain to have retained this tradition. Proclamations take place Tuesday to Saturday, May to August at 12 noon (10.30am on race days). It’s free, fun and totally unforgettable.

LUNCH - There’s a fabulous choice of dining experiences in locations like the Rows, ancient cellars, and the racecourse.

AFTERNOON - Explore the City at leisure by hopping aboard one of the city sightseeing buses. Visit the majestic 1000 year old Chester Cathedral, located in the heart of the city featuring the finest mediaeval carvings in Europe. Enjoy afternoon tea in the Refectory where monks once ate in silence.

DINNER - The choice is scrumptious and ranges from Thai and authentic Italian to Brazilian and Chinese.

EVENING - Book your place on the Ghost Tour. Hear spine-chilling tales of ghosts and ghouls as you walk along some of the most haunted streets in the world! It’s just one of many guided walks departing from the Town Hall Visitor Information Centre. Don't forget, if you want to see 11,000 animals in acres of spectacular gardens, head for Chester Zoo, for the complete day out!

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Itinerary Items

Item
Chester City Walls
Chester Racecourse
The River Dee
Roman Amphitheatre - Chester
Town Crier Proclamation at the Cross
Chester Cathedral
Chester Zoo
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  1. Chester City Walls

    Chester

    The city walls are the oldest, longest and most complete in Britain, parts of which are almost 2000 years old.

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    Chester City Walls
    Chester City Walls

    The city walls are the oldest, longest and most complete in Britain, parts of which are almost 2000 years old.

    Chester is the only city in Britain that retains the full circuit of its ancient defensive walls. Walking the complete circuit gives wondrous views down into the city and gives a fantastic insight into Chester's long history. The main access onto the walls is at each of the four main gateways - Northgate, Eastgate, Watergate and Bridgegate, plus there are many other steps around the city, some including accessible ramps.

    Please note: Access to The Walls, Northgate

    The steps to the right of the Northgate will remain open which means pedestrians will be able to gain access to the wall at that point if they want to walk clockwise (towards King Charles Tower).  Pedestrians walking anticlockwise from KCT will be diverted off the walls at the right hand steps and taken to the next set of steps at Morgan's Mount.  It won't be possible to keep a through route open along the wall as part of the wall and core needs to be carefully dismantled.

     

    Contact Details:

    Vicar's Lane, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 1QX

    Tel:

    01244 351609

  2. Chester Racecourse

    Chester

    Chester Racecourse is the oldest Racecourse in Britain & the oldest in the world still in operation.

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    Race fixtures throughout the year at Chester Racecourse
    Chester Racecourse, the UK's oldest racecourse
    The thrill of the races at Chester Racecourse
    Chester Racecourse, since 1539
    Chester Racecourse a must visit
    Race fixtures throughout the year at Chester Racecourse
    Chester Racecourse, the UK's oldest racecourse
    The thrill of the races at Chester Racecourse
    Chester Racecourse, since 1539
    Chester Racecourse a must visit

    We’ve had years honing our craft in racegoer satisfaction and an afternoon (or evening) on the Roodee offers an experience like no other.

    Sample the thrill of watching competitive racing, whist enjoying premium food and beverages across a variety of areas and enclosures. Whether you’re looking to celebrate a special occasion or fill your weekend with some serious fun, we’ve something to suit. Mingle with the stylish crowd and enjoy a day to remember with family and friends.  

    Contact Details:

    Chester, Cheshire, CH1 2LY

    Tel:

    01244 304600

    Website

    Web Site

  3. The River Dee

    Chester

    The river is 70 miles long and stretches through Wales and Chester. On the bank of the river is the 'Groves', a paved promenade complete with bandstand, cafés, restaurants and public houses.

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    The River Dee
    The River Dee
    The River Dee
    The River Dee

    The river is 70 miles long and stretches through Wales and Chester.

    On the bank of the river is the 'Groves', a paved promenade complete with bandstand, cafés, restaurants and public houses. Take a stroll along the riverbank or propel yourself in a motorboat, a rowing boat or a pedalo.

    Contact Details:

    The Groves, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 1SD

  4. Roman Amphitheatre - Chester

    Chester

    Chester Amphitheatre is the largest Roman Amphitheatre in Britain.

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    Roman Amphitheatre - Chester
    Roman Amphitheatre - Chester

    Chester boasts the largest stone-built Roman Amphitheatre in Britain, scene of Britain's largest archaeological excavation in 2005. Finds uncovered at these digs are on display in the Grosvenor Museum. Often used to host events and outdoor theatre productions.

    Contact Details:

    Vicar's Lane, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 2HS

    Tel:

    01244 402260

    Website

    Web Site

  5. Town Crier Proclamation at the Cross

    Chester

    A unique regular midday proclamation in Chester's historic centre, where Bridge Street meets Eastgate Street and Watergate Street which is marked by a stone pillar "The High Cross". The proclamation takes place Tuesday to Saturday, from 1 June to 4 September, at noon, at the High Cross, except on on Race Days: June 12, June 25, June 26, July 9, July 10 and August 21.

    Add Town Crier Proclamation at the Cross to your Itinerary

    The Chester Town Crier

    A unique regular midday proclamation in Chester's historic centre, where Bridge Street meets Eastgate Street and Watergate Street which is marked by a stone pillar "The High Cross". The proclamation takes place Tuesday to Saturday, from 1 June to 4 September, at noon, at the High Cross, except on  on Race Days: June 12, June 25, June 26, July 9, July 10 and August 21.

    Contact Details:

    The High Cross, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 2HS

    Website

    Web Site

  6. Chester Cathedral

    Chester

    Chester Cathedral is many things to many people: a vibrant community of worship, an ancient abbey, an archaeological treasure, a cultural hub, a centre of musical excellence, a unique blend of modern and medieval history.

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    Chester Cathedral,concert,music,orchestra,live
    Cathedral
    Chester Cathedral,concert,music,orchestra,live
    Cathedral

    Chester Cathedral is many things to many people: a vibrant community of worship, an ancient abbey, an archaeological treasure, a cultural hub, a centre of musical excellence, a unique blend of modern and medieval history.

    Come and spend the day

    Book on to one of the Tower Tours & Ground Floor Tours and explore the magnificent building which is a national treasure within the heart of Chester. 

    Enjoy and indulge in delicious food in the 13th Century Monks Hall Refectory Café or book a Traditional Afternoon Tea and take in the stunning surroundings.

    Visit the beautiful and unique Gift Shop which has a wonderful range of music, jewellery, books, cards, toys, confectionery, gifts and souvenirs for all seasons and occasions.

    Entry is FREE to the Cathedral but donations are welcome.

    Groups are welcome by appointment and tours can be specially tailored to include coffee, tea or lunch to make a great day out for your organisation. Disabled access and facilities including toilets and induction loop. For more information, regular service times and details of forthcoming events and concerts and online booking, please see the Chester Cathedral website.

    Chester Cathedral is also a unique venue for business meetings, corporate hospitality, pre and post concert receptions, gala dinners and much more.

     

    Contact Details:

    St Werburgh Street, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 2HU

    Tel:

    01244 324756

    Website

    Web Site

  7. Chester Zoo

    Chester

    A visit to Cheshire isn’t complete without a trip to the UK’s number one zoo. Chester Zoo is home to over 27,000 endangered and exotic animals based in beautiful, award-winning zoological gardens.

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    Lemur, Chester Zoo
    Giraffes, Chester Zoo
    Anoa, Chester Zoo
    Spider Monkey, Chester Zoo
    Lion Experience, Chester Zoo
    Lemur, Chester Zoo
    Giraffes, Chester Zoo
    Anoa, Chester Zoo
    Spider Monkey, Chester Zoo
    Lion Experience, Chester Zoo

    ** Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award Winner at the Marketing Cheshire Tourism Awards 2024**

    ** Visitor Attraction of the Year Award at the Marketing Cheshire Tourism Awards 2024 - Highly Commended **

    ** Tourism Marketing Project of the Year Award at the Marketing Cheshire Tourism Awards 2024 - Highly Commended **

    ** Visitor Attraction of the Year at the Marketing Cheshire Tourism Awards 2022/23 - Highly Commended **

    ** Best Tourism Marketing Project Award Winner at the Marketing Cheshire Tourism Awards 2022/23 **

    Chester Zoo is home to over 27,000 endangered and unusual animals based in beautiful, award-winning zoological gardens. With over 500 different animal species in our 128 acres of award-winning gardens, you’re sure to have great day out full of adventure where you’ll feel empowered and inspired to create a better world for wildlife.

    Bring your pride to see ours and visit our incredible Asiatic lions in their savannah habitat. Take a trip to Madagascar and wander through our lemur walkthrough habitat, then explore the dense jungles of South-East Asia by boat, and immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and smells of the Monsoon Forest.

    Come and see some of our newest and cutest arrivals, with many making their very first appearances, from the critically endangered cotton-top tamarin to the incredibly rare dusky pademelon.

    Stop for a bite at one of the many restaurants, cafes and kiosks located throughout the zoo! From classic family friendly dishes to tasty street food.

    If you’re looking for something extra special, our contemporary British pub The Oakfield, serves freshly prepared locally sourced food and hand-picked beers, wines and spirits – the perfect accompaniment to your zoo visit.

    Join our Zoo Rangers for a jam-packed programme of talks and family-fun events to top up your knowledge of incredible animals across the globe! What’s more, we have plenty of playgrounds and activities to keep the kids (and the kids at heart) happy all day long!

    Why not turn your zoo visit into an adventure and book one of our unique Experiences that give you the opportunity to get even closer to our animals and plants with exclusive access and feeding activities? You’ll also gain behind the scenes knowledge from our expert keepers.

    Large Attraction of the Year Gold Award Winner and Silver Award Winner for the Resillience and Innovation Award at the 2022 Visit England Awards for Excellence. 

     

    Discover our revolutionary new app, Wild Wander; where Pokémon Go meets rambling!

    Wild Wander, our exciting new app has been designed to connect people with nature through the digital world and encourage them to explore and protect the great outdoors. The app will allow users to explore four trails in the zoo’s Nature Recovery Corridor like never before: thriving with beautifully animated local species in augmented reality.

    Download from App Store

    Download from Google Play Store

    Contact Details:

    Upton by Chester, Chester, Cheshire, CH2 1EU

    Tel:

    01244 380280

    Website

    Web Site

Itinerary Distances

Sort By Shortest Journey

FromToDistance * (metric)
Chester City Walls (53.18959,-2.88594)Chester Racecourse (53.18919,-2.89788)0.72
Chester Racecourse (53.18919,-2.89788)The River Dee (53.18752,-2.88307)0.9
The River Dee (53.18752,-2.88307)Roman Amphitheatre - Chester (53.19134,-2.89346)0.73
Roman Amphitheatre - Chester (53.19134,-2.89346)Town Crier Proclamation at the Cross (53.19134,-2.89346)0
Town Crier Proclamation at the Cross (53.19134,-2.89346)Chester Cathedral (53.19166,-2.89121)0.14
Chester Cathedral (53.19166,-2.89121)Chester Zoo (53.22551,-2.87758)3.49
Total Distance *5.98 miles
Estimated Journey Time12 minutes

* Approximate distance by road

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