- Chester holds the title of the oldest racecourse in Britain, with horse racing documented at the Roodee since 1539.
- The city's 'Rows' are unique in the world, featuring continuous covered walkways at the first-floor level that date back to the 13th century.
- Chester was founded as a major Roman fortress, Deva Victrix, in 79 AD and remains one of the best-preserved walled cities in the country.
- The Eastgate Clock is officially the second most photographed clock in the United Kingdom, eclipsed only by Big Ben.
- Chester's city walls are the oldest, longest, and most complete defensive walls in Britain.
About Chester
Chester is a cathedral city in Cheshire, England, uniquely defined by its remarkably preserved Roman walls and distinctive two-tiered medieval shopping galleries known as The Rows. Visitors can traverse the complete circuit of the ancient Chester City Walls or view the ruins of the Chester Roman Amphitheatre, which once hosted gladiatorial combat. The cityscape is anchored by the iconic Eastgate Clock and the grand Chester Cathedral, reflecting over two millennia of history. For modern cultural engagement, the Storyhouse provides a theatre and library hub, while the outskirts host the extensive conservation efforts at Chester Zoo.
Highlights of Chester
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Zoos
It is one of the world's leading conservation zoos, housing thousands of animals in extensive, naturalistic enclosures.
Historical places
You can walk the entire circuit of the medieval and Roman-era fortifications for panoramic views of the city.
Historical places
This ornate landmark marks the original main entrance to the Roman fortress of Deva Victrix.
Temples
The building showcases a blend of architectural styles from Norman to Perpendicular Gothic, featuring intricate wood-carved choir stalls.
Historical places
This site represents the largest stone-built Roman military amphitheatre discovered in Britain.
Venues
Housed in a repurposed Art Deco cinema, this facility integrates a library, theatre, and cinema into a single community space.
Parks
These gardens contain genuine Roman-era masonry and hypocaust remains situated along the River Dee.
Places of interest
This iron suspension bridge offers a scenic pedestrian crossing over the River Dee.
Top things to do in Chester
The 108 highest-rated places in Chester, ranked by travellers.
1
Zoos
Chester Zoo is the UK's most visited zoo, spanning 128 acres of zoological gardens and conservation habitats. It houses...
2
Temples
Chester Cathedral is a former Benedictine abbey church that evolved into the seat of the Bishop of Chester in 1541. Its...
3
Places of interest
The Ice Cream Farm in Cheshire is a family-oriented attraction centered around one of the world's largest ice cream parl...
4
Parks
Wepre Park is a 160-acre public green space in Connah's Quay featuring the 13th-century Ewloe Castle ruins. The park's t...
5
Amusement parks
The Crocky Trail is a mile-long outdoor adventure course located in Waverton, Chester, designed specifically for childre...
6
Historical places
The Eastgate Clock is an ornate, cast-iron timepiece situated directly above the main entrance to Roman-founded Chester....
7
Historical places
Beeston Castle is a 13th-century ruin situated on a 350-foot-high sandstone crag in Cheshire. Built by Ranulf de Blondev...
8
Venues
Storyhouse is a multi-purpose cultural hub in Chester that combines a library, theatre, and independent cinema within a...
9
Historical places
Chester City Walls constitute the most complete Roman and medieval defensive circuit in Britain. The elevated walkway fo...
10
Historical places
The Chester Roman Amphitheatre is the largest stone-built Roman military amphitheatre currently excavated in Britain. Bu...
11
Places of interest
Chester Cross serves as the historic commercial heart of Chester, marking the traditional junction of the city’s four ma...
12
Places of interest
Queens Park Bridge is a reinforced concrete suspension bridge spanning the River Dee in Chester, constructed in 1923. It...
13
Museums
The Grosvenor Museum showcases the rich Roman heritage of Chester, featuring one of the most significant collections of...
14
Historical places
Castell Ewloe is a 13th-century Welsh fortification built by Llywelyn ap Gruffudd to assert power in the disputed border...
15
Zoos
Greenacres Animal Park is a family-oriented wildlife facility located in Mancot, Deeside, featuring a combination of ani...
16
Parks
Chester Roman Gardens serve as an open-air museum featuring architectural fragments salvaged from various archaeological...
17
Parks
Sandy Lane Park is a riverside public space located on the banks of the River Dee in Chester. It is best known for its s...
18
Places of interest
19
Museums
20
Beaches and ponds
21
Museums
22
Places of interest
23
Historical places
24
Parks
25
Temples
26
Parks
27
Temples
28
Temples
29
Parks
30
Museums
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Chester on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Chester
May to September, as the mild weather is ideal for walking the city walls and exploring outdoor historical sites.
2-3 days to fully explore the historical center and dedicate a full day to the zoo.
The city center is compact and highly walkable, with pedestrianized areas; regional transport is supported by a local bus network.
Stay within the city walls to be within walking distance of major historical landmarks and the main retail areas.
Mid-range; while many historical sites are free or low-cost to view from the outside, popular attractions and central accommodation carry standard UK tourist pricing.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 108 curated attractions in and around Chester, ranked by traveller ratings.
Chester Zoo is the highest-rated place to visit in Chester right now.
The largest category is temples, with 48 places to explore.
Travellers also explore London, North Kensington, Manchester.
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