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Chester

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For other places with the same name, see Chester (disambiguation).

Chester [1] is a very pretty and historic English city on the river Dee in the North-Western county of Cheshire. It's well worth a day trip to see the Roman walls and see the market town. This fine city is also the gateway to North Wales ,standing as it does directly on the border with the Principality. It is the nearest city of any size for a sizeble population in North Wales.

Understand[edit]

Shopping in Chester city centre

Chester originated in the Romano-British period at the latest, when it formed the settlement known as Deva or Castra Devana, the fortress city of the 20th Legion (Legio XX Valeria Victrix). As a result some parts of Chester are around two thousand years old. It was a Royalist stronghold during the English Civil War in the 1640s, and along the walls one can see the tower from which King Charles I watched his troops do battle.

A native of Chester is called a 'Cestrian'; though as is the case that Cockneys must be born within earshot of the Bow Bells to be classed a 'true' Cockney, to be strictly deemed a 'Cestrian' the person must have been born within the boundaries of the city's Roman walls. However, the last maternity ward within those defined limits was relocated to its current site a couple of miles outside the City Walls in the mid-1960's.

Get in[edit]

By train[edit]

Wikitravel has a guide to Rail travel in the United Kingdom.

  • From London [2] - Hourly service to and from London; otherwise a single change of trains at Crewe connects with many other London trains. Chester is on the North Wales Coast line, over which trains starting at Crewe and Manchester run to Llandudno and Holyhead; direct trains also run from and via Chester to Birmingham, Cardiff and Shrewsbury.
  • From Liverpool (40min) and Birkenhead - Chester is a southern terminus on Merseyrail's Wirral Line which provides direct trains.
  • From Manchester (60min) - a second line runs between Chester and Manchester - the journey is the scenic route in all senses of the word. The trip takes substantially longer, but travels through rural Cheshire before reaching Manchester's outer suburbs. So if time is of the essence, you would be advised to take the more regular aforementioned rail journey and save around half an hour in travelling time.

By car[edit]

Chester is situated near the eastern end of the A55, which becomes the M53, which crosses the M56. London is approximately 170 miles by road, Birmingham approximately 90 miles, Manchester approximately 40 miles, Liverpool approximately 15 miles.

By coach[edit]

Most national coaches stop in Chester. Chester coach station in the city centre has now been closed. The coaches stop at a bus stop on Vicars Lane, opposite the Visitor Centre near the Roman Amphitheatre.

  • National Express [3]

Get around[edit]

The city centre itself is relatively small with everything within walking distance. During the day, there are regular buses, or one can take a taxi.

  • Abbey Taxis 100 Foregate Street, Chester. 01244 318318 Taxis & private hire vehicles [4]
  • Northern Ferrari Hire, Deeside Lane, Chester. 01244 434445 Self drive supercar hire [5]
  • Chester Taxi Services, 01244 421024. Taxis, minibuses and airport transfers available. [6]

See[edit][add listing]

Chester's imposing cathedral. It was left untouched by Henry VIII during his dissolution of all the monasteries because he rather liked it!
  • Cathedral, 12 Abbey Square, +44 1244 324756 (fax: +44 1244 341110), [7]. 9AM-5PM. Adult £4, child 5-16 £1.50, senior £3, family £10.  edit
  • Grosvenor Park, [8]. The main ornamental park in Chester and includes a pond, miniature railway [9] and children's play area.  edit


Roman Chester[edit]

Chester (or "Deva" in Latin) was one of the great military bases in Roman England, and as such, has its fair share of Roman ruins. Historians have even speculated that had the Roman departure not happened, Chester would have become the Roman Capital of England.

  • Walls. The city centre is enclosed by the walls, which offer a pleasant strolling route for visitors and locals alike. Walk around the top of Roman walls that surround the city.  edit
  • Amphitheatre, Vicars Lane, Chester (Adjacent to the Grosvenor Park), [10]. Believed to have been the site of the largest wooden structure ampitheatre in the Roman Empire outside of Rome for its time, with a larger stone ampitheatre later built on-top of the foundations  edit
  • Roman Gardens. With reconstructed hypocaust.  edit
  • Spud u Like, Bridge Street. The basement of this shop gives access to an original hypocaust.  edit

Do[edit][add listing]

  • The Groves, riverside (Behind Grosvenor Park). The Groves is Chester's own riverside promenade running alongside the River Dee from the Grosvenor Park to the Old Handbridge (which gave it's name to one of the suburbs on the other bank). The Groves is one of Chester’s premier open spaces, running along the city bank of the River Dee. It became a promenade in the early 1700s and is now part of a longer Riverside Promenade. In 1726, the area was leased to Charles Croughton who secured the river bank and planted an avenue of trees. By the late 18th century it had become known as The Groves. The City Walls also became a fashionable place and during the 18th century, the circuit was modified and the Groves and the walls were connected through the construction of Recorder’s Steps. In Roman times, this section of riverside was a series of quarries where stone was extracted for building the fortress. In Saxon times, The Groves was probably the main port area and may have had a concentration of leatherworking. The Groves is also the best place to go to take a trip down the river itself through all manner of vessels from motorised tour-boats to row boats and, in warm weather, even pedaloes.  edit
  • Grosvenor Park, (via Grosvenor Park Road). Grosvenor Park is a classical, 19th century designed park with a typical Victorian layout that includes formal avenues lined with trees, large sweeping lawns surrounded with ornamental shrub beds and bedding plants, which provide a colourful display throughout the spring and summer months. The park is located near the River Dee and with views across the river to the meadows and Queen’s Park and out towards the south of Chester. Grosvenor Park was one of the first public parks in Britain outside of the big industrial cities and was given to the city of Chester in 1867 by Richard Grosvenor, the Second Marquess of Westminster.  edit
The River Dee, which runs through Chester
  • Boating. Along the river. Rowing boats can be hired, or if you don't want to exert yourself, there are many boat trips that go from the river bank on the city centre side between Handbridge Suspension bridge and the walls, and they show you everything you will want to see!  edit
  • Chester Racecourse, +44 1244 304 600 (), [11]. Located on the Roodee, originally the site of the Roman port. If you're really keen on horseracing, find out the dates of the 'races days' Chester hosts a few times a year. You may have to book/ will have to book tickets in advance, check with Chester racecourse, and there is quite a range of prices. If you just want to see a bit of the race atmosphere for free, the walls walk you right past a view of the action down below. City centre bars are best avoided before and after the races, unless you wish to be very sociable because they are usally full and diffcult to get a drink! It's also a prolonged period before a taxi can, and I say can, come and collect you because of the high volume of traffic and personel demand.  edit
  • Chester Zoo, Upton-by-Chester, Chester, CH2 1LH, +44 1244 380280 (, fax: +44 1244 371273), [12]. Well worth a visit, the zoo is absolutely superb and reportedly one of the best in Europe. The elephant collection is world class and it has a unique bat cave where they fly freely around visitors. It's best to leave 3-5 hours to do it properly. It's a little way out of the city centre, so either catch a bus from the bus station, or take the train from Chester Station to Bache on the Wirral Line. The latter option is extremely quick (under five minutes) and correspondingly cheap. £10-12.  edit
  • Grosvenor Museum, 27 Grosvenor Street, Chester. CH1 2DD., 01244 402008, [13]. 10.30 - 5 Mon - Sat, 1 - 4 Sun. Small but informative museum majoring on the city's Roman heritage.  edit
  • Dewa Roman Experience, Pierpoint Lane, Bridge Street. CH1 1NL., 01244 343407, [14]. 9 - 5 Mon - Sat, 10 - 5 Sun. Interactive museum about Chester's Roman history, with hands-on exhibits. If visiting in term time worth waiting until after 3pm to avoid parties of schoolkids.  edit
  • The Cheshire Military Museum, The Castle, Chester. CH1 2DN., 01244 327617, [15]. 10 - 5. Museum remembering the county's military past, with archives, a shop and changing exhibitions.  edit
  • Open-top Bus Tour. Will get you round all the main tourist sites in 30 minutes. Several bus operators run tours: Heritage Tours [16].  edit
  • Christmas Lights, city center. December. Chester is the prettiest city in the run up to Christmas when the streets are tastefully decorated with lights. The shops are hectic but try a walk round the walls after 5 pm.  edit
  • The Spa Chester (the spa at hoole hall chester), Warrington Rd Chester CH2 3PD, 01244 40 88 40, [17]. A world-class day spa offering an exhilarating sensory journey with an extensive treatment menu. Definitely worth a visit when in Chester, but lots to do so need to set aside enough time to make full use of the facilities!  edit

Buy[edit][add listing]

Chester has fantastic shopping for its size. All the major stores are based in one of the most attractive city centres in the country. Traditional black and white Tudor buildings and The Rows (an historic two-tiered shopping gallery, the only one of its kind in the world!) coupled with good shops and great places to eat, such as The Watergates Wine Bar, are sure to make this a pleasant shopping trip.

Chester's attractive shops draw shoppers from far and wide

If that doesn't satisfy your consumerist needs, Cheshire Oaks is a designer outlet 10 miles away by bus or car.


Also Chester has a traditional indoor Market located behind the town hall.

Eat[edit][add listing]

Good choices for food are:

  • The Watergates Bar, 13 Watergates Street, +44 1244 320515. A historic Norman crypt dating from the 11th Century on the main cobbled streets just under The Rows. An extensive menu with loads of choice all at a reasonable price. Well worth a visit!  edit
  • Piccolino, 33 Pepper Row, Pepper St, Chester CH1 1EA, +44 1244 312123 (, fax: +44 1244 344869), [18]. Italian restaurant. Piccolino serves a huge selection of dishes and has very good service. When you go, go for the antipesto for starters!  edit
  • Siam, City Road. A well-converted canal-side building (above Harkers Arms).Upstairs is good-quality Thai menu. Downstairs is Teppan-yaki style Japanese food, prepared in front of you with all the performance of juggling utensils, fire etc. Dinner £25-35.  edit
  • Pastarazzi, 29 Grosvenor Street. Situated in a beautiful old building near the racecourse. Offers fine dining at expensive prices.  edit
  • Brasserie 10-16, Brookdale Place, Chester, CH1 3DY, 01244 32 22 88. Whether you want for a quiet lunch, business dinner, romantic treat or full on celebration, 10-16 caters for everyone who appreciates fabulous food, excellent service and attention to detail at reasonable prices.  edit

Drink[edit][add listing]

Chester has plenty of historic, old-fashioned English pubs, with beer at around £2.50-£3 a pint. However, most places will stop serving at around 11:30pm, and even a little earlier on Sundays. The only true exception being Watergates which trades until 2am on Fridays and Saturdays.

  • The Watergates Bar, 13 Watergate Street, +44 1244 320515. A great setting in an old church crypt under The Rows. Generally relaxed by daytime with a stunning rooftop garden with outside bar. Attracts a lively crowd in the evening with great music and a wide range of cocktails, beers, shooters, spirits and bottles.  edit
  • The Bear and Billet, Lower Bridge Street. Recently renovated seventeenth century tavern features a wide selection of beers in convivial surroundings. Decent food too.  edit
  • Ye Olde Cottage Inn, Brook Street, Chester (Turn right out of station, follow Brook St towards City Centre. On Left Hand Side opposite Spice Balti.). Good local pub, serving real cask ale and selection of beers, wines and spirits. Real log fires in winter, excellent beer garden at rear. Traditional English pub, oak beamed and bar, with pool and darts. Home of the famous B-Troop Darts Club, saviours of pub darts.  edit
  • The Falcon, Lower Bridge Street. An old tavern situated at the top of Lower Bridge Street - allegedly haunted in its basement - it serves an excellent range of beer from the Sam Smith's brewery.  edit
  • The Marlbororough Arms. When it needed its sign painting, the artist stopped to quench his thirst half-way through, and the rest is history. Very close to the city centre, outside it offers a 'husband-creche', where ladies can deposit their hapless other halves for an afternoon's shopping in peace.  edit
  • The Albion Inn, Park Street, Chester, CH1 1RN, +44 1244 340345, [19]. . Defiantly traditional, 'family-hostile' pub with walls covered in First World War memorabilia. Excellent beer and good home cooking.  edit


  • Grosvenor Pulford Hotel, Wrexham Rd, Pulford, 01244 570560, [20]. Ciro’s Brasserie at the Grosvenor Pulford Hotel & Spa is a magnificent Mediterranean style restaurant offering modern European cuisine and an excellent selection of fine wines from around the world.  edit
  • Marco Pierre White's Steakhouse, Bar & Grill (MPW Steakhouse Chester), Hoole Hall, Warrington Road, Chester, 01244 408830, [21]. Set on the outskirts of Chester at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel, the steakhouse menu comprises everything you would expect from a traditional Steakhouse with the superior quality you would expect from Marco Pierre White. 2 courses £14.50, 3 courses £18.50.  edit
  • The Red Lion, (Northgate Street Chester within a short stroll of Chester Railway Station, Chester Cathedral and Chester Cross), [22]. A traditional pub of unique character, revered for its eclectic range of real ales and its quality pub food, which are served, as they should be, with a generous measure of famous British hospitality.  edit

Bars[edit]

  • Watergates, 13 Watergate Street, +44 1244 320515. For late night drinks in a superb setting, you have to visit Watergates. An old church crypt under The Rows that is deceptively large with long barrels rooms and a hidden snug, great for that chill out and chat with friends. Attracts a lively crowd in the evening with great music and a wide range of cocktails, beers, shooters, spirits and bottles. Open until 2am on Fridays and Saturdays  edit
  • Amber Lounge.  edit
  • Bar 69, 1 Boughton. Chester's main gay bar  edit

Clubs[edit]

There are only a handful of night clubs and late bars to choose from. The latest any club will stay open in Chester is 3am.

  • Telford's Warehouse. One of the best clubs, alongside the canal.  edit
  • RB's (Rosie's). Ground floor is a 90's Bar, Babylon. Two more floors playing different music. Good security, lively venue.  edit
  • Cruise, 4 St.John’s Street, Chester. CH1 1DA., 01244 408000, [23]. New club with four bars in six distinct themed areas, specific rooms for different persuasions.....bring leather trousers and lube if you're visiting the top floor! Classy and always a good night out.  edit

Pubs[edit]

Sleep[edit][add listing]

There are many good hotels in and around the city. Contact the tourist office for details.

Budget[edit]

Mid range[edit]

Most B&Bs are clustered to the East of the City in Hoole. This has its own centre, with good local pubs, some restaurants and shops. Its about a mile into the city centre and not a very attractive walk, but is convenient for the train station.

  • Mercure Chester North Woodhey House Hotel, Berwick Road, Little Sutton, Cheshire CH66 4PS (From exit M53 junction 5 - take 3rd exit towards North Wales (Queen's Ferry). At second traffic lights at the Esso garage turn right down A550 (Welsh Road). The hotel is approximately 1 mile on your left.), +44 151 339 5121, [27]. From £38 per room. Special 'Real Deal' from £100 per couple for 1 nights 3 Course Dinner, a bottle of wine and Full Breakfast.  edit
  • Mercure Chester North Woodhey House Hotel, Whitchurch Road, Christleton, CH3 5QL Chester, (+44)844/8159001, [28]. The 4-star Mercure chester North Woodhey House Hotel is 2 miles from central Chester. 126 rooms with internet access and satellite TV.  edit
  • Days Hotel Chester North, Sealand Nr Chester, Flintshire CH5 2HX, +44 1244 830332 (), [29]. Modern hotel near Chester Racecourse and just 10 minutes from Chester centre..  edit
  • Roomzzz Chester City, Norroy House, Nuns Road, Chester CH1 2LJ (Next to Chester Racecourse on Nuns Road), 0203 504 5555, [30]. Roomzzz Chester City offers 64 luxury apartments including 5 penthouse apartments overlooking Chester racecourse. Complimentary breakfast, toiletries and ready meals are all available in an inclusive price as well as onsite parking (subject to availability). (53.190228,-2.897102) edit

Splurge[edit]

  • The Chester Grosvenor Hotel and Spa *****, Foregate Street, Chester CH1 1LT, +44 1244 324024 (, fax: +44 1244 313246), [31]. For the seriously moneyed, there is only one choice. The Grosvenor is the height of luxury and is in the centre of town.  edit
  • Macdonald New Blossoms Hotel ****, St John Street, Chester CH1 1HL, 0344 879 9113. checkout: 11am. Located in Chester's city centre.  edit
  • Village St David's, Ewloe, Flintshire, CH5 3YB, 0871 222 4716 (13p/min + access charge), [32]. Village hotels have accommodation in St David's near Chester. The hotel boasts 140 stylish bedrooms with modern decor. There are all the typical facilities you would expect to find in modern day accommodation including an indoor heated swimming pool, state of the art health & fitness club, spa, Victory pub & kitchen, Verve grill restaurant, its own Starbucks coffee house and Hub conference and meeting facilities.  edit

Stay safe[edit]

Chester is not an especially dangerous city, with no particular reputation for crime. The general rule is the nearer the racecourse (thus more expensive), the safer the area. However, between midnight and 3am or so, especially on Friday and Saturday nights, there will be plenty of drunken people about, so stick to well-lit areas and main roads. If you are one of these people and do not know the city well, consider taking a cab home.

Get out[edit]

Wales - Chester is on the border with Wales, and the Victorian seaside resort of Llandudno is just 50 miles away.

Liverpool is a vibrant cosmopolitan city with a vast array of shops, bars and restaurants. Its world famous waterfront with the magnificent Albert Dock, along with its numerous museums of national importance, its wealth of fine Victorian and Georgian buildings and its two very contrasting cathedrals make Liverpool well worth a visit. Liverpool One, the biggest city centre shopping development in the UK, has put Liverpool in the top five most popular retail destinations in the country. A must for any visit is a trip on the world famous Mersey Ferry. Liverpool is just 45 minutes away by train using the Merseyrail network

Manchester - vibrant city.



This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!
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