Spotlight On: Chester

Once a Roman fort originally known as Deva Victrix, Chester is a picturesque and small city teeming with history. Bearing witness to countless battles between Welsh and Saxon kingdoms, the city was founded in the 1st century. Today, it is a great place to visit for shopping, sightseeing, drinking, dining and more. From watching the river go by to walking the ruins of a Roman amphitheatre, there are countless, fascinating things to do. We’re exploring some of them in this guide.    

Is Chester the prettiest city in the world?

According to a team of mathematicians – yes! Chester was crowned the prettiest city in the world in a study published by Online Mortgage Advisor, who used the ‘golden ratio’ to analyse the city’s architecture and appearance. The golden ratio, expressed as 1:1.618, represents a set of proportions that has captivated mathematicians since ancient times. This ratio is frequently observed in the natural world, including in flowers and shells. For reasons not entirely known to scientists, humans perceive objects exhibiting this ratio as inherently beautiful.

Where is Chester?

Chosen by the Romans for its strategic position on a natural sandstone ridge with easy access to the River Dee, Chester is located in northwest England, in a prime spot for visiting North Wales, Liverpool and Manchester.   

Important info: Where to park for visiting Chester 

Chester is teeming with car parks and has a regular park & ride service, so you shouldn’t ever be stuck for somewhere safe to leave your car. For instant city-centre access on foot, our favourite car parks include: 

• New Market Car Park (CH1 2AR) – A multi-story car park with space for up to 800 vehicles. This spits you out into the indoor food market, with very quick access to the cathedral, town hall and shops. Tariffs start at £3.50 for 1 hour.  
• Grosvenor Car Park (CH1 1DE) – Another multi-storey with direct access into the Grosvenor Hotel and Grosvenor Shopping Precinct, this one has space for 410 cars and is convenient for shopping, exploring the Roman ruins and exploring the park. Charges start at £3. 
• Little Roodee Car Park (CH1 1SL) – Perfect if you don’t mind a short walk into the city centre, the Little Roodee Carpark is a spacious outdoor option perfect for bigger vehicles. Parking is also much cheaper here at £6 for a full 12 hours.  

Is there any free parking in Chester? 

Some on-street parking is free on a Sunday in Chester; however this differs across the city, and the parking wardens are hot on tickets, so do check beforehand. 

What does the name Chester mean? 

The name Chester has been translated to mean ‘fortress,’ ‘camp,’ or ‘camp of soldiers. ’ It is derived from the Old English word ceaster (castra in Latin), which refers to a Roman military camp or fortified town.

Things to do in Chester  

Home to the UK’s largest Roman amphitheatre, a 500-species-strong zoo that funds essential conservation work in over 20 countries and the second most-famous clock in Britain, it should come as no surprise that there are lots of things to see and do in Chester. We’ve listed our non-negotiables below, before getting more specific with family and dog-friendly attractions.

Here are some of our favourite things to do in Chester: 

• Walk the historic city walls. Accessed at the four different points of Northgate, Eastgate, Watergate and Bridgegate, parts of this stunning city circuit are over 2000 years old. 
• Experience the interior of Chester Cathedral. Sprawling, stunning and sacred, the interior of Chester Cathedral is even more impressive than the outside. Admire intricate Gothic architecture, internationally-significant stained glass and 14th-century squire stalls. If you book the tower tour, you’ll even be able to climb the tower’s 216 steps and take in panoramic views of 5 counties. 
• Enjoy a spot of shopping on the Rows. Chester is famed for its medieval half-timber structures, and the Rows are arguably the most famous of all. A gallery system of two tiers, the Rows are a combination of stone and timber structures forming shopping streets and enchanting walkways. 
• Admire the Eastgate Clock. Installed in 1899 to commemorate the diamond jubilee of Queen Victoria two years earlier, the clock is the second most-photographed in the UK – we’ll let you guess which one is number one. 
• Walk through the Roman amphitheatre. Easily accessible on foot from the shops, bars and restaurants, the amphitheatre sits adjacent to the pretty Grosvenor Park and Roman Gardens. Once you’ve finished musing over how the Latins used to live, follow the gardens down to the Groves – a scenic riverside stretch with seating, cafes and a bandstand.           

Things to do for families in Chester 

Chester is a fabulous family-friendly destination with lots of things to do for little ones. Here are our top five attractions in the city centre and beyond: 

• Chester Zoo: With a real commitment to conservation and a choice of amazing animal experiences, Chester Zoo is a must during any visit to the city. Our top tip? Don’t be put off by the rain! It tends to be much quieter on a rainy day, and the elephants can often be found playing outside in the water during a downpour. 
• Sick to Death, Chester: Described as a ‘gory story of medicine through time,’ Sick to Death is a city-centre attraction that takes you on a journey through a plague-ridden Chester. A great, playful option for curious kids with strong stomachs! 
• Deva Roman Experience: Anyone who has ever spent any time in Chester will have heard the familiar cry of a Roman soldier and his gaggle of children closely following behind. The Deva Roman Experience is a rite of passage – and gives the more grown-up guests a great insight into the city’s history. 
• Delamere Forest: Just 25 minutes out of the city centre, you’ll find Delamere Forest. A stunning, sprawling green space complete with several trails, a cafe, play area and Go Ape climbing experience, you can strike the perfect balance between city slicking and adventuring outdoors. 
• The Cheshire Ice Cream Farm: 22 minutes by car from Chester city centre, the Cheshire Ice Cream Farm is an exciting establishment with lots for little ones to enjoy. Not only is there a drive-thru experience for those paying a flying visit, but onsite you can find soft play, creative zones, several play areas and a mini go-kart track.    

Dog-friendly things to do in Chester

Chester is a very dog-friendly city, and you’ll find that many of the shops, cafes, bars and restaurants allow dogs or have a dog-friendly section. In terms of what you and your four-legged friend can get up to, we’d recommend enjoying the endless green spaces on offer which include Grosvenor Park (just watch out for squirrels here – there are lots!,) Chester Meadows and even Chester Racecourse – dog owners are free to exercise their pets here on non-event days, just make sure they don’t run on the track itself. There is also the canal, which you can follow out of the city to the east and into the scenic Cheshire countryside. 

Well-behaved dogs can also enter the cathedral and the Roman gardens. Our favourite dog-friendly pubs include The Architect, Old Harkers Arms and The Bear & Billet.  

The best places for food & drink in Chester    

As well as being a historical hotspot with great shopping and attractions, Chester is a foodie haven with a wealth of great places to drink and dine. 

For breakfast and brunch, there are some seriously great bakeries, including Kookaburra on Goss Street and The Bear Bakery, which sits slightly outside of the city centre near the Chester City football ground but trust us, it is worth the journey. Other great city centre cafes for breakfast and brunch include Marmalade, the Flower Cup and Jaunty Goat. 

For lunch and dinner, we’re not really sure where to begin. Play it safe and head for the New Chester Market to choose from a range of different food stalls under one roof. Grab award-winning Neapolitan pizza at Stile Napoletano, or venture just a couple of doors down to join the cult following of Death by Tacos. 

Covino is the place to go for moreish small plates and an endless wine list, while classic pub staples are the order of the day at The Architect and Old Harkers Arms. For keen carnivores, Rio Steakhouse and Upstairs at the Grill are firm favourites, and The Sandbar brings coastal flavours to the city. 

For dessert, you simply can’t miss out on the gelato from Lucas. It’s not strictly in Chester city centre, as you’ll find it in the neighbouring community of Hoole. It is a walkable distance for those who enjoy seeing the sights on foot, but there is on-street parking available for those who want to grab their sugar fix and go.     

Book your Chester holiday cottage 

We’re incredibly proud to offer a range of holiday cottages and properties within a short distance of Chester city centre. From cosy country escapes to jaw-dropping retreats on private Estates, you can explore the full collection and book your stay here.