How To Spend One Perfect Day in Chester

Last Updated on 1st December 2024 by Sophie Nadeau

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Welcome to the cathedral city of Chester! This timeless northwest English city is built atop a Roman fortress, and to this very day, visitors can still walk along the most complete city walls in all of Britain. Famed for its iconic black and white buildings and wealth of Roman heritage, here’s your guide on how to spend one perfect day in Chester!

What is Chester known for?

Chester is renowned for its rich history and heritage, which will become abundantly clear once you see the iconic Tudor-style timber-framed houses that line the main high street. However, the city is most notably renowned for its wealth of cultural sights and Roman ruins.

Chester’s city walls are the most complete in all of Britain, and some parts date back almost 2,000 years when the Romans first built them. The Roman’s, as they tend to do, left their firm mark on the settlement which can still be traced through the Roman Amphitheatre, the largest in the UK.

As well as this, Chester is home to the beautiful Chester Cathedral, which dates back over 1,000 years and boasts some of the finest medieval carvings to be found anywhere in England. The city is also home to a collection of double-tiered shopping galleries which are over 700 years old.

How long do you need in Chester?

Since the city is fairly small, one day is enough time to explore all of Chester’s historic sights, as well as visit the main attractions and activities. If you want to visit the nearby villages or Wallasey Beach, then you might consider spending a long weekend here.

One day in Chester suggested itinerary

Most of Chester’s city centre is pedestrianised, meaning that this itinerary is designed to be undertaken on foot. While wandering around, don’t forget to look up as you’ll see the ancient walls encompassing the city, and you may even spy one or two passers-by looking back down!

Chester Castle

Start your day in the city by visiting Chester Castle, a small stone fortress which lies in the south-west part of the walled city and overlooks the River Dee. It’s completely free to visit, but the opening times are currently only on Saturdays & Sundays from 11 am – 3 pm.

The castle was founded by William the Conqueror in 1070, and it’s believed that the original structure would have been a motte-and-bailey castle with a wooden tower. However, most of the site seen today was replaced in the 12th century.

The Agricola Tower is the original gatehouse to the castle’s inner bailey and the main part, which visitors can explore. From the top of the tower, you’ll be greeted with pleasant views that give insight into the castle’s once-commanding presence. From here, you can also access the city walls by climbing a set of stairs.

Check out the Roman Amphitheatre

Situated just a 10-minute walk from the castle is Chester’s Roman Amphitheatre which is the largest in Britain and is designated a scheduled monument (a nationally important archaeological site).

Although there was speculation of an amphitheatre existing in Chester for years, the first evidence only came to light in 1929, when nearby gardening works revealed a long curved wall.

It’s believed the Roman amphitheatre was built around 90 AD and could have easily sat up to 8,000 spectators. The amphitheatre was likely used for gladiator battles, and in the surrounding complex a sprawling layout of stables, dungeons (to keep the wild beasts and gladiators before the big fight), as well as food stands would have been built to support the matches.

Today, the remarkable excavated ruins sit in the very heart of the city. Though it’s only possible to see the northern half of the structure as the rest sits beneath buildings, many of which are listed.

Meander through the Roman Gardens

Spend a tranquil moment meandering through the gardens, taking note of the city walls that envelope this beautiful pocket that showcases Chester’s fascinating Roman heritage.

Next to the amphitheatre, this Roman-inspired garden was built in the 1950s to display a collection of artefacts and fragments from the Roman legionary fortress of Deva, upon which Chester is now built.

Most of the Roman remains seen in the garden were found during the city’s 19th-century excavations. Some of the most notable highlights include columns from the Roman gymnasium and the layout of a “hypocaust”, an underfloor heating system.

Visit the cathedral

Chester Cathedral is simply stunning. The ecclesial building was first founded in 1092 as a Benedictine Abbey but was rebuilt around 1250. The intricate design and transformation took around 275 years to complete, ending up with the spectacular Gothic-style building seen today.

Inside you can spy on the awe-inspiring stained glass windows, visit the cathedral cafe, and there’s even a small replica model of Chester Cathedral made entirely from Lego!

Set behind the cathedral grounds are the charming cloister gardens, where an iconic water feature depicting the encounter between Jesus and the Woman of Samaria sits above a small water fountain.

Visiting Chester Cathedral is free (though donations are always welcome).

Have lunch at Storyhouse

The Storyhouse is a large complex in Chester housing a theatre, cinema, restaurant and the city library. The Kitchen is the idyllic place to stop for lunch, serving a wide range of delicious and colourful food in the form of salad bowls, burgers, pizza, pittas, and homemade baked treats.

Admire Eastgate Clock

After lunch, head to one of Chester’s most famous historical landmarks (and the second most photographed clock in the UK, after Big Ben) the Eastgate Clock.

Perched atop the red stone archway of Eastgate, this elaborate and intricate clock was added in 1899 to celebrate Queen Victoria’s diamond jubilee two years earlier. This beautiful four-sided turret clock, rings on the hour every hour and is best seen when walking along the city walls.

Have a snack at Dinky Donuts

Wander down the steps beside Eastgate and you’ll be stopped in your tracks by the sweet and buttery scent of freshly fried dough. Dinky Donuts is possibly the smallest shop in Chester and is hidden below the city wall, tucked into the archway. Indeed, it would be easily missed if it weren’t for the delicious smells wafting out!

As the shop name suggests, the doughnuts are just as tiny. Stop by here for a sugary sweet treat along with a coffee or tea.

Walk along the town walls

After picking up a doughnut (or two), head back up the steps and enjoy strolling along the historic city walls. These walls are undoubtedly the most unique part of Chester, circling the city for almost two miles, as you walk along you’re stepping on thousands of years worth of history.

Chester is the only city left in Britain to retain its full circuit of ancient city walls. The trails that were once used to defend the settlement are now the idyllic spot to soak up views overlooking the city and admiring the layers of history that slowly reveal themselves through its sights.

Go shopping on the rows

The Chester rows are where the “past meets present”, as these unique half-timbered galleries boast over 700 years of history and are lined with a plethora of shops and eateries to explore.

Have dinner at Chester Market

End your day with a delicious dinner at Chester Market! While Chester itself has traded goods for well over 2,000 years, this ultra-modern and clean food-based covered market first opened its doors in 2022.

Here, you can expect to find anything from local produce to world foods, freshly cut flowers, and local arts and crafts. However, the main focus is the array of food stalls that encircle the food hall, where people indulge in the delights on offer. Check out the market traders here.

What if the weather is bad?

While it’s often frustrating in the rain when venturing into a new place, there’s something to be said for the cosy feel that Chester exudes. Plus, there are a number of museums you can check out:

• Deva Roman experience – This actor-led theatrical experience takes visitors back 2,000 years ago and gives them a hands-on ‘experience’ of Roman life.
• Grosvenor Museum – This museum houses a collection showcasing the history of Chester, its art and silver heritage, as well as its natural history. 
• Cheshire Military Museum – A museum dedicated to telling the stories of Cheshire’s soldiers from the 17^th century to the present day through a series of exhibitions and collections.

What to know before visiting Chester

You can park in Linehall car park, which is just a few minutes walk from the city centre. If you want to get even more information on events currently taking place in Chester and some informational brochures, then you can head to the tourist information office, which is directly opposite Chester Cathedral.

Where to stay in Chester

Chester makes for a charming place to base yourself when exploring the northwest of England. It’s also not too far away from Manchester, taking around 1 hour to visit by train. Here are a few suggestions of where to stay (based on web reviews):

The Pied Bull – This is the oldest coaching inn in Chester, a cosy pub which dates back to 1155. Situated just a 2-minute walk from the cathedral, in the accommodation downstairs you can find an oak-beamed bar with a log fireplace that roars during the winter months. Check prices and availability here.

The Coach House Inn – Set within a quaint 19th-century inn right beside Chester Cathedral, this charming and cosy hotel also boasts a 4-star award-winning restaurant downstairs. Check prices and availability here.

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