This walled Roman city has preserved 12th-century ramparts, medieval rows of two-tiered shops, and Britain's largest collection of stained glass at its cathedral.
Chester, a city in northwest England, still has its complete circuit of medieval sandstone walls and distinctive two-tiered shopping galleries called the Rows. Walk past Tudor-era timber buildings with their black-and-white facades, stop at the Victorian Eastgate Clock, or watch falconry displays in the cathedral gardens. You can take a boat trip on the River Dee, spot Sumatran tigers at Chester Zoo, or climb the cathedral tower for views across to Wales.
Walking the Ancient City Walls
The sandstone walls stretch for two miles around Chester's historic center - the most complete city walls in Britain. A full circuit takes about an hour, leading you past medieval watchtowers and Roman foundations. From this elevated path, you'll see Chester's landmarks up close, including the cathedral's spires and the Victorian Eastgate Clock - one of England's most photographed timepieces after Big Ben.
Exploring The Rows
The Rows are medieval two-level shopping galleries that exist nowhere else in the world. These covered walkways run above ground level along Chester's four main streets, creating a double layer of shops. Look for the oldest storefront in England within The Rows, where timber frames and intricate carvings date back to the 13th century. You'll find independent boutiques, cafes, and modern retail stores spread across both levels.
Visiting Chester Cathedral
Construction of the cathedral began in 1092 as a Benedictine abbey and continued for over 400 years. Step inside to see detailed medieval stone carvings, explore the Norman crypt, and examine the 14th-century quire's wooden carvings. The cathedral runs regular musical performances, and in its gardens, you can watch flying demonstrations at the falconry center and meet different birds of prey.
Discovering Chester Zoo
Chester Zoo, located just outside the city center, spans 110 acres with more than 11,000 animals. Watch Asian elephants in their large enclosure, see orangutans swing through their habitat, or spot Sumatran tigers. The zoo's grounds include indoor tropical houses, a butterfly garden, and several places to eat. Conservation projects are active throughout the zoo, and you'll learn about these efforts during your visit.
Exploring the River Dee
The River Dee flows through Chester with The Groves - a paved promenade - running along its northern bank. Between spring and autumn, you can join river cruises or rent rowing boats. The waterfront has several restaurants with river views. Next to the river, Grosvenor Park spans 20 acres with a miniature railway and ornamental gardens. During summer, the park hosts outdoor theater performances.
Getting Around Chester
Chester sits near the Welsh border with direct train connections to major cities. Trains from London Euston take two hours, while Liverpool and Manchester are 45 minutes away. You can reach Chester from both Liverpool John Lennon and Manchester International airports by train. The main attractions are within walking distance of each other in the compact city center.
