Tours & Sightseeing

Frequently asked questions

What guided tours are available in Chester?

Chester has a strong selection. Walking tours with costumed Roman guides bring the fortress of Deva Victrix to life in a way that no museum quite replicates. Chester Ghost Tours take a more atmospheric approach, exploring the city's medieval streets after dark. Food tours through the independent dining scene are a popular option for those who like their history served with lunch. Sightseeing bus tours cover the main landmarks with commentary, and river cruises with ChesterBoat offer a relaxed way to see the city from the water. The Visitor Information Centre at the Town Hall can help with bookings and recommendations.

Are there walking tours of Chester's Roman history?

Yes, and they are among the best ways to experience Chester's Roman heritage. Roman Tours UK puts a costumed Roman guide at your side as you walk the city, covering the amphitheatre, the walls, the bathhouses and the story of the 20th Legion who called Deva Victrix home. It brings almost two thousand years of history to life in a way that works for all ages.

Are there ghost tours in Chester?

Chester has a well-earned reputation as one of England's most haunted cities, and there are two tours that make the most of it in very different ways. Chester Ghost Tours wind through the medieval streets and into the city's darker corners, with stories that range from the genuinely chilling to the historically fascinating.

Dark Chester takes a different approach, shining a flickering candlelight into the city's dark tourism heritage through a storytelling walking tour that weaves together history, folklore and dark humour in equal measure. Named Tourism Business of the Year at the Marketing Cheshire Tourism Awards 2024, it is one of Chester's most distinctive and celebrated experiences. Tickets can be booked in person or by phone at the Visitor Information Centre in Town Hall Square.

Can you do a boat trip in Chester?

Yes. ChesterBoat runs half-hour and two-hour sightseeing cruises along the River Dee, with bar facilities on board. It is a lovely way to see Chester from a completely different angle, particularly on a summer afternoon. Private charters are also available for groups and special occasions.

Does Chester have a Visitor Information Centre?

Yes, located at the Town Hall in the heart of the city centre (Northgate St, Chester CH1 2HJ). The team there can help with tour bookings, self-guided trail maps, accommodation recommendations and anything else you need to make the most of your visit to Chester.

How long does it take to walk the Chester city walls?

The full circuit of the Roman walls takes around 45 minutes at a leisurely pace, though most people take longer once they start stopping to take in the views. The walls are free to walk at any time and offer some of the finest views of the city, the River Dee and on a clear day, the hills of North Wales beyond.

Does Chester have a food tour?

It has two, and both are excellent. Chester on a Plate Food Tours and Tours Around Chester each take small groups through the city's independent food and drink scene, combining great eating with the kind of local knowledge and storytelling that turns a good meal into a genuinely memorable experience. If you want to get under the skin of Chester's culinary character, this is one of the finest ways to do it.