England’s medieval cities have long been a draw for tourists, who come to admire and enjoy their Gothic cathedrals, cobbled streets, and quaint, half-timbered houses.

Chester, with its long history dating back to the Roman era, has plenty of experiences to offer, and many of these are completely free.

Chester Cathedral

Chester’s famous cathedral is noted for its elegance and beauty. Blending elements of medieval and Victorian architecture, it is a place of worship, a centre of musical excellence and a fascinating historical monument.

Entry to worship services is completely free, and if you love traditional church music, choral evensong is something you won’t want to miss.

To the north of the cathedral, there is an unusually extensive complex of monastic buildings, which can give visitors an insight into the life and work of a medieval monastery.

Do be aware, though, that if you want to look around the cathedral and are not attending a service, you will be asked to pay a small admission fee.

There are guided tours on offer for those who want to learn more about the cathedral’s rich history. Find out more here.

Chester Walls

Probably the best way to appreciate the beauty of Chester’s historic centre is to walk around the footpath atop its ancient city walls. These remarkably intact walls completely encircle the ancient city, and are thought by many to be the best preserved in the country.

There are quite a few steps to negotiate on the walk, so it may not be suitable for everyone. A complete turn around the walls takes from forty-five minutes to an hour, and will give you a unique panoramic view of the city’s famous attractions, including the castle, river, racecourse and cathedral.

You can find further information about walks in and around Chester here.

Grosvenor Park

Situated just outside the city walls, this award-winning, the ornamental Grosvenor Park dates back to 1867. Originally laid out by Edward Kemp, the 20-acre park is a popular destination for residents and visitors alike who are attracted by its peaceful atmosphere and beautiful layout. Tree-lined avenues, ornamental shrub beds and statues preserve its Victorian elegance alongside more recent developments. The miniature railway and play area provide activities for children, and there is the Lodge Café if you fancy a spot of lunch or a coffee break.

River Dee

The 70-mile-long River Dee begins in the mountains of Snowdonia, Wales, and flows through the heart of Chester. Many visitors find that a leisurely walk down the banks of the river is a great way to experience the unique vibe of the city, especially as you pass through the Groves, a much-loved area with its bandstand, ice-cream sellers and elegant town houses. There are established footpaths along the banks where you can relax and drink in the atmosphere of the city.

Chester Rows

The half-timbered galleries of the Chester Rows are unique, and leave a lasting visual impression on visitors to the city. Ascending the steps, you will reach a second row of shops running above those on the street level. No one knows quite why the rows were built in this way, and nothing quite like them can be found in any other city. While many of the facades are Victorian imitations, some 13th Century buildings have survived intact.

Chester Castle

The substantial remains of Chester’s medieval castle combine with later buildings in the neo-classical style. The castle’s original entrance, the 12th Century Agricola Tower stands imposingly, conjuring up the stormy history of the region. There was a military presence in the castle as recently as 1999, and the courts and County Hall are situated in the castle grounds to this day.

The castle was founded by William the Conqueror, and played a significant part in British history. In the Civil War, it was the base of John, Lord Byron, the Royalist governor. The rich history and distinct atmosphere of the castle can be enjoyed by visitors of all ages, and admission is free.

Roman Gardens

Chester is built on the site of Deva, a major Roman fort, and elements of the city’s Roman heritage survive to this day. The Roman Gardens were laid out in the 1950s to display fragments of Roman buildings found in Chester during archaeological digs. Finely carved stone artefacts recall ancient times in a peaceful garden setting just outside the city walls.

Whether you are interested in history, or just want to soak up Chester’s distinctive atmosphere, these are just some of the ways you can enjoy this remarkable city. Enjoy your visit!