Based on opposite sides of the Wales-England border, Wrexham and Chester are two sought-after locations in the UK’s north.
Luckily, their proximity to each other (just 11 miles as the crow flies) means that travellers can easily take in both destinations in a single trip to the region. In this article, we delve into visiting Chester from Wrexham in detail, exploring methods of transportation, sights to see and what visitors will find in the walled city on arrival.
How to Travel from Wrexham to Chester
Transportation options between the Welsh city of Wrexham and Chester are abundant. As such, tourists can choose to make the trip by train, bus or car to suit their preferences. Travelling by car offers the greatest flexibility as drivers can stop anywhere that they wish along the way, however, touring buses often take breaks in picturesque parts of the country in between the two locations. While rail travellers can’t access the same versatility as road users, they can relax and appreciate rural views from the comfort of their window seat.
Visiting Chester from Wrexham by car
Driving to Chester from Wrexham is extremely straightforward. Drivers can head south via the A483 to Chester and then pass through the Welsh village of Rossett and English village of Pulford. They then simply cross the River Dee and enter Chester
Travellers touring the north will find other cities and towns can be accessed along the way if they choose. These include Liverpool, Southport, Shrewsbury, Birkenhead, Ellesmere Port, Oswestry and Llangollen to name a few.
Visiting Chester from Wrexham by bus
Tourists who select to travel via bus can go the Wrexham Bus Station and take the Route 1 Arriva bus to Chester Bus Station. Travelling time between the two locations is around 45 minutes. Six days a week the bus service runs every 15 minutes, and on Sundays, every 30 minutes. Family tickets are available that offer a handy discount when parents are travelling with children.
Visiting Chester from Wrexham by train
Faster than bus, but more expensive, travelling to Chester from Wrexham takes about 25 minutes. Travellers can catch a train at Wrexham General that will take them to Chester Train Station and prices vary depending on the time of travel.
Things to Do in Chester You Won’t Find in Wrexham
Located in easy reach of Wrexham, Chester is an ideal destination for a day trip, however, the city has so many attractions a longer stay is often preferable. Fortunately, there are a wide range of accommodation options to choose from including the luxurious Chester Grosvenor in the city centre, rented apartments at Roomzzz and the Queen at Chester Hotel, right by the rail station.
While Wrexham has its own highlights, there are some unique sites in Chester you can’t find anywhere else. Each year, the city and wider Chester area attracts visitors from all over the world in droves due to the strength of such landmarks.
Chester Racecourse is the oldest active horse racing venue in the world. It holds some of the most prestigious racing events, including the Boodles May Festival featuring three grand race meetings Trials Day, Ladies Day and Chester Cup Day. The venue also hosts premier non-racing events like the Chester Food and Drink Festival.
A Grade I-listed building, Chester Cathedral dates to the 10th century. From its ancient organ to its stained-glass windows and medieval pews, the cathedral has many impressive features and remains a place of worship for city residents. It also hosts exciting events like Mystery Plays, art exhibitions and candle-lit concerts in The Nave.
With 128 acres of gardens, Chester Zoo is home to over 500 species and more than 37,000 animals. A registered charity, the zoo is also a dauntless conservationist and works to protect endangered animals and plants both here in the UK and around the world. This year, the zoo is launching a luxury safari-style resort where travellers can holiday with the attraction’s animals that include lions, snow leopards, red pandas, elephants, giraffes and more.
Finally, while Wrexham had its own part to play in Roman history, Chester was originally the site of a Roman fort, “Deva Victrix” and its walls still stand today. The city is also home to largest Roman Amphitheatre in the UK and has a specialist tour company dedicated to celebrating its roman relics. With Roman Tours, visitors are led around the city by a guide accurately dressed as a Roman Legionary, one of Rome’s elite soldiers.
The next time you stay in Wrexham, make sure you take a trip over the border to enjoy all that Chester has to offer.
