Visitors and residents of Chester alike will find the northwest city supplies an endless array of attractive scenery for photography. Whether you’re keeping images in a physical or online album or sharing them on photo-friendly social media platforms like Instagram, here are just some of the top spots for taking pictures in Chester.
The Eastgate Clock
With three out of four working clock faces, this Chester landmark carries the claim to fame of being England’s most photographed timepiece after The Great Clock of Westminster on Elizabeth Tower in London. Astride the city’s Roman walls, and overlooking historic architecture in the centre of the city, the Eastgate Clock makes an excellent feature for photos.
Chester Cathedral
Among the UK’s most beloved spiritual centres, Chester Cathedral on St Werburgh Street is a beautiful location for photography whether pictures are taken inside or out. A grade-listed building, it has impressive period features dating to medieval times, while its tower tours offer astonishing vistas that take in multiple counties and countries on a clear day.
The Rows
A unique collection of galleries running along four Chester Streets, the black and white Rows boast beautiful half-timbered architecture. Lined with boutiques shops, bistros and tea rooms, they are an excellent location for friends and family members to pose for pictures. Photos can be taken from street level or the upper tier to create dynamic shots in the vibrant city.
The Groves
Sited in between the Queens Park Suspension Bridge for pedestrians and the Old Dee Bridge, you’ll discover The Groves. A peaceful place to connect with nature by the stunning River Dee, it offers a rich bounty of photographic opportunities. Whether you capture friends gathered on the bandstand or get shots of canoes on the river, there’s plenty to take pictures of.
Roman Gardens & Amphitheatre
A former Roman fort, Chester has iconic sites that make for awe-inspiring images. These include the Roman Gardens & Amphitheatre. The largest site of its kind in Britain, the venue lets photographers take pictures that evoke tales of Roman legionaries training and gladiators battling for victory. Close to the city walls, the Roman Gardens feature many ancient remnants like columns and supporting structures that were once part and assembly hall and a Roman bath house.
Grosvenor Park
A verdant public greenspace in the heart of the city, Grosvenor Park is a free and fun place to photograph. All year round you’ll find interesting activities to catch images of from outdoor plays and miniature train rides to picnickers enjoying pop-ups selling wood-fired pizzas and colourful cocktails. It also has several scenic paths and a picturesque bandstand.
The Meadows
Near the city centre, Chester Meadows provides a rural aesthetic for images. Photographers can choose from a wide range of subjects from local wildlife and stately architecture to panoramic views of the glittering River Dee on a sunny day.
Chester Racecourse
Whether you’re looking for sporting action or an elegant environment to shoot family and friends, Chester Races has it all. The world’s oldest active racecourse, the venerable venue has a myriad of locations to capture lasting memories including the County Concourse, the elegant 1539 restaurant, the Roodee Centre and the historic Parade Ring.
Rufus Court
Home to exciting entertainment venues like Alexander’s Live and tapas and cocktail bars like Greenhouse, Rufus Court is a hidden gem in the city. It’s also an excellent place for photography and offer multiple corners and walls boasting the cheerful orange brick ubiquitous in Cheshire.
Chester Zoo
Home to more than 30,000 animals, Chester Zoo has no shortage of material for wildlife photography. Within its 130 acres you’ll find giraffes, snow leopards, lemurs, red pandas, elephants, zebra and much more each species in its own specially designed environment. The zoo is located just outside the city making it easy to access.
Whether you’re in Chester for a day or week or call the city home, explore the city’s streets to find a wealth of inspiration for your photographs. You might be an artist or simply seeking mementos of your trip, but either way, consider some of these prime locations in and around the city.