A historic city in the picturesque county of Cheshire, Chester is a popular tourist destination.
Each year, more than eight million tourists from the UK and beyond take a trip to the northwest English city and its surrounding area, and it’s not difficult to see why. Below, we look at five good reasons to pay Chester a visit this year.
Its rich history
Chester has long been a beloved location for history buffs, but you don’t need to be a student of the past to appreciate the cities relics from times gone by.
Once the site of a Roman Fort named Deva Victrix, Chester allows visitors to imagine and explore what life was like when the city was under their rule.
The City Walls date to Roman times, and visitors can walk them while enjoying spectacular views of landmarks and the hustle and bustle of daily life in Chester.
Those seeking an educational stroll can join the city’s Roman Tours led by expert guides in the authentic armour and garb of Roman soldiers.
Chester also has a medieval history, and the same type of tours are also available for this era, taking in historic sites like Chester Castle and the world-famous Chester rows.
The Grosvenor Museum and the Chester Military Museum are two other great sources of inspiration for those looking to delve into the rich history of the city.
World-class attractions
Some attractions in Chester are so celebrated, they are often the sole reason why people visit the city.
Chester Zoo is leading conservation and education charity working to save endangered species in the UK and around the world, but it’s also a world-renowned attraction. Home to around 27,000 animals, you’ll struggle to see everything the zoo has to offer in just one day.
Chester Racecourse is a Guinness world record holder, being the oldest active horse racing venue in the world. A wide range of race days are held each year along with other special events, like the famed Taste of Cheshire food and drink festival.
Chester is also the site of the biggest ice cream parlour on the planet. Visitors with a sweet tooth can check out over fifty different flavours at The Ice Cream Farm, which is located just 20 minutes beyond the city by car.
Endless variety of food and drink
Chester has an unparalleled choice when it comes to food, with options available for all tastes and diets.
From vegan delights at Shrub to plates packed with barbequed meats at the Hickory Smokehouse, there’s a plate to suit everyone. All meals of the day can be found in Chester, from sweet breakfasts at Zuger’s and exotic lunches at Paysan, to fine dining at La Brasserie.
Chefs in the city pride themselves on creating fare using seasonal, sustainable and locally sourced ingredients, but cuisine from all over the world is served in Chester. Made in Italy and Urbano32 serve up pizza and pasta, while Greek food with a twist is orderable at Olive Tree Brasserie.
The city is a popular haunt of wine and beer enthusiasts alike.
Chester has a multitude of wine bars, including Vin Santo. Named after the traditional Tuscan dessert wine, it can be found in historic cellars from the 13th Century beneath Watergate Street.
For freshly brewed beers, highlights include the Cavern of the Curious Gnome and The Brewery Tap. Clever cocktails are also easy to find in Chester at Red Door and Kuckoo, among other bars and restaurants.
First class accommodation
All budgets and needs can be met by Chester’s wide array of accommodation.
It’s never hard to find a home from home as your base for a city adventure. From the well-appointed rooms of The Chester Grosvenor to the flexible self-catering options offered at Roomzzz, first-class hotels offering an impeccable service are a hallmark of the city.
Impressive entertainment and activities
Leading venues in Chester offer a calendar of events for those with a passion for music, stage and screen.
Storyhouse is the heart of the arts in the city offering cinema, theatre and other live performances.
The grade 1 listed Chester Cathedral might be an active place of worship, but is also an important events venue, hosting candle lit concerts and art exhibitions throughout the year.
Grosvenor Park is the site of open-air theatre, with productions ranging from modern plays to classic works from William Shakespeare.
For those who want to get active, Chester also offers an extensive range of opportunities. Based on the river Dee, the city offers plenty of water sports, including kayaking and rafting, but visitors can also participate in Chester Parkrun or Treasure Hunt Chester.
Activities are also readily available for little ones, with options like Zippy’s Playworld and the BeWILDerwood adventure park.
Whether you need a reason to visit Chester or are looking for exiting ways to spend your time when you get here, consider these points when you plan your trip.
