Chester: History and Tourism

In Brief.

With its Roman origins and a medieval cathedral, the walled city of Chester has a long and varied history. The historical sites and the attractive Victorian town centre, mean that Chester is a popular tourist destination, with extensive shopping and eating temptations alongside more worthy pursuits. Not being a serious shopper, I took a boat trip on the river, walked the walls, visited the Cathedral, and ate rather too much. There is plenty to fill a day in Chester while still leaving its famous Zoo for a return visit.

Chester Cathedral from the city walls.

What's Here?

Though Chester has a population of around 80,000, and thus occupies a considerable area, the historic center is compact, and delimited by essentially complete defensive walls. Seemingly started by the Romans, but completed in their current location in the 12th century, the walls now provide a walking route that gives excellent views of the main streets, the cathedral, the race course and the river. 

River cruises with the city walls in the background.

The River Dee has been important to Chester, which was once a busy port. To experience the river at first hand, there are regular 30 minute cruises that sail up river from the center, largely past grand riverside dwellings and modern apartments. This is a decidedly unexciting pursuit, but a chance for a seat and to watch the world go by.

Returning to the city center, there are numerous varied shops and eateries to explore, especially on the four main streets that are named after gates in the wall (Eastgate, Northgate, Watergate and Bridgegate), but the main historical site is the cathedral.  The red sandstone cathedral is largely a gothic building from the 13th and 14th century, and is well worth a visit, with characterful cloisters, elaborate choir stalls and a grand nave. The cathedral has a cafe in the imposing 13th century monastic refectory, which made me regret that my visit was just after lunch someplace much more mundane.

Practicalities.

Distance from Manchester Town Hall: 45 miles

Drive Time: 60 minutes

Price: $ for boat trip, Cathedral is free but asks for donations.

Parking: There are many carparks; I parked at the race course which has a reasonable day rate and is just outside the city walls.

Food and Drink: Judging from the number of restaurants and eateries, I am suspicious that houses in Chester don't have kitchens. There must be a lot of tourists in the summer! 

Retail Therapy: There is also no shortage of shopping opportunities, with eclectic shops lining the sides of the four main streets in the center, including at two levels in The Rows.

Child Friendly: Perhaps the town itself is primarily targeting an older demographic.

Toilets: Inside most of the sites, including The Market.

Do it justice in: The boat trip is 30 minutes, the walls take about 45 minutes to walk. The Cathedral will typically be less than an hour.

Inside-Outside: 60:40

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