Explore the Best Things to do in Chester
Chester, Cheshire’s county town, is known for its extensive collection of historical monuments, especially its spectacular medieval city walls. Chester has Roman origins and has been under the control of Vikings, Danes, Saxons, Scots, and Normans at various periods. However, the marine trade along the River Dee from the 12th to 14th centuries significantly impacted the city, bringing financial and cultural riches.
For more than 50 years, the Old City has been a conservation area, and it still contains many well-preserved half-timbered houses, the Rows, and its stunning two-tier medieval arcades. Add to this the city’s beautiful bridges, parks, and riverside walks, as well as its many musical festivals, fantastic shopping, and one of the world’s best zoos, and it’s no surprise Chester is one of England’s most popular tourist destinations. Moreover, you can read more about such topics on the official Tripreviewhub website.
List of Things to do in Chester
There are numerous things to do in Chester on your next trip. The list of some of the best things is as follows:
1. The Historic Chester Rows
One of Chester’s most recognizable features is the galleried walkways that span the length of the old stone and half-timbered buildings. The Chester Rows, which date from the 14th century, originated from dwellings and businesses built partly in front of heaps of rubble left by Roman ruins, making it one of the best things to do in Chester. Moreover, you can find these rows in all four of the town’s principal streets, which meet at right angles at the market cross by the Roman town layout. Eastgate, Bridge, and Watergate Streets have galleries on the first floor, while Northgate Street has galleries on the ground floor.
2. Chester Cathedral
Chester Cathedral stands on the site of a much ancient church from AD 958 and a later Benedictine abbey (part of the old Norman church survives in the north transept). The monastery became a cathedral when Henry VIII established a new diocese following the Dissolution in 1541. The Lady Chapel and Chapter House are post-1240 Early Gothic, whereas most of the choir is High Gothic (1280–1315). Late Gothic features include the tower, west front, and top portion of the nave (1485–90).
While the magnificent three-aisle pillared nave of the Gothic basilica is probably one of the unique elements of this exquisite construction, the west end is also notable for various features. The baptistery, another Norman church relic, features a 6th-century Venetian font and the Consistory Court, which, while less physically stunning, is unique in England.
3. Chester Roman Amphitheatre
Chester Roman Amphitheatre, Britain’s largest such monument and one of the best free things to do in the city, is still being excavated and discovered. Excavations in 2005 uncovered two successive stone-built amphitheaters with wooden seats, one of which was identical to that found in Pompeii. The site was utilized for entertainment and military training by the legendary 20th Legion during Roman times, which is incredibly fascinating given that you are standing on the ground where such activities took place approximately 2,000 years ago.
4. Dewa Roman Experience
Make time to explore the Dewa Roman Experience, a fascinating interactive recreation of life within the 2,000-year-old Roman fortification buried beneath modern-day Chester. The experience begins on a Roman galley, then moves on to reproductions of the granary, barracks, bathhouse, and market booths that would have been part of the citadel that housed the 5,000-strong 20th Legion.
5. Riverside Stroll through the Groves
You’ll also pass some lovely old Georgian homes and picturesque, tree-lined green spaces with plenty of park seats to sit and reflect. Other highlights include the Edwardian bandstand (which hosts seasonal concerts) and the Queen’s Park Suspension Bridge. There are also a few restaurants, tearooms, and cafés.
6. Chester City Walls
Chester’s City Walls, primarily made of red sandstone, follow the even older Roman walls, save where they extend to the river and encompass Chester Castle. The entire circuit, the best preserved in the UK, is a roughly two-mile walk that includes the four main gates: Northgate, Eastgate, Bridgegate, and Watergate.
Eastgate has a clock built in 1897 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee, while Northgate indicates Roman foundations. King Charles’ Tower is also one of the must things to do in Chester. Finally, don’t miss the well-known Wishing Steps. People believe that anyone who can sprint up and down twice without stopping will have their wishes granted.
7. Watergate and Lower Bridge Streets
Watergate Street is home to several noteworthy half-timbered residences, including God’s Providence House, built in 1652. Bishop Lloyd’s House, with its magnificent carvings, is also located here. Leche House (1579) and the lavishly ornamented Stanley Palace include ornate half-timbering (1591). Watergate Street is also home to Chester’s oldest structure, the Blue Bell Inn, which goes back to the late 14th century.
Lower Bridge Street is especially famous for its lovely half-timbered residences, particularly Falcon House. Tudor House, established in 1603 and one of the city’s oldest residences, is also worth seeing. The Bear and Billet, a four-story half-timbered inn, and the Old King’s Head Hotel are both worth things to do in Chester.
8. Chester Cathedral Choir
Chester Cathedral’s most attractive feature, the Early Decorated Choir, is well worth a visit, even if it is the only thing you see of this magnificent structure. Its 14th-century stalls are wonderfully carved, with 48 droll misericords, a medieval abbot’s throne etched with the Tree of Jesse, and the Lady Chapel contains a portion of a 14th-century shrine to St. Werburgh. Visitors are typically delighted to hear the country’s oldest volunteer chorus in work and regular organ recitals, making it one of the best things to do in Chester.
9. Chester Zoo and the Blue Planet Aquarium
One of the most incredible things to do with kids in Chester is to visit the Chester Zoo. It is one of the UK’s largest and most popular zoological parks, located in Upton, slightly over a mile north of Chester city center. This 125-acre park is home to over 11,000 animals from 400 distinct species, award-winning landscaped gardens, and its monorail system. Among the animal, attractions are Chimpanzee Island, a penguin pool, and Europe’s largest tropical house.
Blue Planet Aquarium houses more than 50 exhibitions of fish and marine species and is another excellent wildlife-themed tourist attraction. The magnificent Caribbean Reef display holds over 700 fish, including Europe’s most extensive shark collection. If your budget allows, arrange one of the famous shark diving experiences at the park, as it can be one of the best things to do in Chester.
10. The Roman Gardens
The Roman Gardens, which are close to the Roman Amphitheatre and easily accessible from the majestic city walls, should be on your list of sites to visit in Chester. The enormous columns that previously supported the ceiling of the old Roman bathhouse and the fortifications’ assembly hall are set along the garden walkways and are possibly one of the most prominent things to do in Chester.
Conclusion
Above was all the Chester takeaway from our side. In other words, these are some of the best things to do in Chester that you can explore before your trip. Moreover, you can check out the official Tripreviewhub website for more such articles.
