I was going to avoid cities on my great British road trip. The goal was to stick to the countryside. But if there was ever a city that could tempt me to break my rule, it’s Chester. After seeing countless photos of the city’s historic streets, discovering all the great things to do in Chester has been high on my travel itinerary.
Day Out in Chester
Following amazing visits to the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales, my boyfriend and I arrive in Chester with high expectations.
But as we park our camper van in the city center, a downpour sets in. I wonder whether it’s worth bringing my camera, but like a good Californian I put it in my bag with characteristic weather optimism.
And I’m glad I do. As if by magic, as soon as we step out of the car the rain stops and the sun bursts through. I take it as a sign I’m supposed to photograph every inch of the city in our day out in Chester, and I do.
Because Chester is even prettier than I imagined. From pedestrianized streets lined with half-timbered facades to one of the most stunning cathedrals I’ve ever seen, its beauty wins my heart.
Things to Do in Chester
We start our visit with coffee and breakfast at the Jaunty Goat Cafe on Bridge Street. It’s delicious and fuels us for our day of exploring all the lovely things to do in Chester.
Back outside, we discover the rain has started up again. It gives us an excuse to explore the raised covered walkways on either side of the street.
Together with the shopping arcades they extend to an impressive portion of the city center and keep us dry and entertained at the same time.
When the drizzle lets up again, we climb to the top of Eastgate to take in the views and walk along the city walls. The Romans founded Chester in the 1st century AD and the layers of history here are amazing.
We pass by everything from a full-blown Roman amphitheater to a row of 17th-century almshouses known as the Nine Houses.
We walk beside the historic castle on the River Dee and explore the King Charles Tower, where legend has it that Charles I watched his army suffer defeat at the battle of Rowton Moor in 1645.
We come down from the walls to visit the cathedral, a spectacular building that has evolved from Roman times to today.
Every successive century has left its mark, and the result is an architectural hodgepodge of the most wonderful variety.
When we’re done exploring, we spend the rest of our day out in Chester taking in the streets. All the photos I’ve seen over the years haven’t done justice to the beauty of the city center, and I can’t put my camera down.
But eventually I have to, as our road trip must continue. It’s been a great detour from the countryside, though, and well worth breaking my rule to spend a day out here.
The next stop on our great British road trip is North Wales. Stay tuned…
What are your favorite things to do in Chester?
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30 Comments on Lady’s Lovely Guide to Things to Do in Chester
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beautiful architecture
Yeah!
Chester is an amazing city, I was there enjoying a visit a few weeks ago. If you love Chester then you would also love Stamford in Lincolnshire near to where I live. A little known but beautiful town well worth a visit.
Agreed! I went to Stamford earlier this year and wrote all about it, so please feel free to take a look at that post.
Beautiful pictures, what kind of camera do you use?
Thanks! Please see the FAQ page of my blog for all my camera information.
I think I am going to have to visit. We live in Manchester so it’s not that far but something always gets in the way. These pictures are just beautiful.
That’s great! I hope you have a good time when you go.
Chester is one of my favourites cities in the world, not just in the UK. I was fortunate enough to grow up about 25 miles from Chester and we spent a lot of time there when we were children.
My now husband and I held our wedding reception at the Chester Grosvenor and our son’s Christening lunch two years later. Although we live in London, we also stayed there in April, just because, and did all the stuff from my childhood … walked the Walls, explored the Rows, visited the Cathedral, you name it.
I never tire of suggesting Chester as a place to visit!
Wow, that’s great! I can see why you love it so much.
Another awesome post! More awesome pics! And another place in the UK i need to visit!
Thanks, Rachel!
Visited June 2019. Beautiful city. Would love to go back.
That’s great!
Chester, my hometown. Took it all for granted until I moved to USA! Miss it every day.
I can imagine!
Another great post You’ve made Chester look wonderful in the the bad weather.
I loved shopping there,walking along the wall and a picnic by the side of the river.
PS: loved the Zoo as a child.
I’ve traveled from Shrewsbury and Wallasey to Chester when I lived in those towns. Shrewsbury also has some Elizabethan Architecture not as much as Chester though.
Thanks!
These pictures are so pretty. I must put Chester on my to visit list.
Thanks! I’m glad to hear that.
I love walking along the river past the Bandstand watching the row boats, up to the Queens suspension bridge, through Grosvenor Park, walk through the ruins of St John the Baptist church, to the Ampitheatre, the Roman Gardens, along the Roman walls ending up in the gorgeous Cathedral.
That’s great!
Looks great will add to our list for our trip in September –
I’m glad to hear that! I hope you have a great time.
We will visit this lovely city on our trip to the UK later this year. A Canadian cousin.
That’s great! I hope you have fun.
You should see Chester at Christmas! The lights and the Carol singers on the street make it magical.
I can imagine! I’ll have to go someday at Christmas.
So enjoyed Chester! I have to go back and stay longer! Your photographs are beautiful and have me planning another trip with more time to spend in the UK.
I’m really happy to hear that!