People think they have to go to London or York for history, smiled my tour guide Geoff as we stood beneath the towering Eastgate Clock.
“But Chester… Chester’s the hidden gem they never see coming.”
He was right. I had not seen Chester coming.
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My Travel Guide to Chester
To be fair, Chester had not seen me coming either, but thanks to a networking misfortune that turned into a surprise relocation, Chester unexpectedly appeared in my summer travel schedule.
Just 2 hours on a direct train from Euston and I arrived, expecting to find a, dare I admit it, slightly down-at-heel English city with a few old buildings and a zoo.
What I actually found was a vibrant living museum, a city where Roman walls encircle medieval streets, and black-and-white Tudor façades lean over bustling modern shops.
One moment, I was sipping coffee in a 700-year-old crypt-turned-café; the next, I was walking the same ancient path Roman soldiers once patrolled, staring out over the world’s oldest operational race courses.
Visiting Chester for the first time felt like stumbling into a storied secret – the kind of place that’s significantly altered the national history books, but has somehow flown under the radar ever since.
Once the jewel of the northwest – long before Manchester and Liverpool rose to fame – it now rarely makes the travel headlines, instead preferring not to shout about its past, but rather reveal it slowly, one cobblestone at a time.
And luckily, there’s plenty of them!
So whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer break, this Chester travel guide has you covered, with all the best things to do, see, eat, explore and stay in this charmingly underrated UK destination.
How to Get to Chester
Train run regularly from London, Liverpool, Manchester and Cardiff. Book in advance through Trainline.
For driving times and parking information, see below:
- London – Chester: ~3 hrs 45 mins (190 miles via M6)
- Birmingham – Chester: ~1 hr 45 mins (90 miles via M6)
- Manchester – Chester: ~1 hr (40 miles via M56)
- Liverpool – Chester: ~40 mins (20 miles via M53)
- Leeds – Chester: ~1 hr 50 mins (85 miles via M62)
- Cardiff – Chester: ~3 hrs 15 mins (150 miles via M6)
- Edinburgh – Chester: ~4 hrs 30 mins (230 miles via M6)
Parking Information: https://visitcheshire.com/directory/category/car-park
Where to Stay in Chester
One of the best things about The Queen Hotel in Chester is that it’s literally a stone’s throw from the station.
No need to even open Google maps on my phone, as soon as I step off my Avanti West train and out of Chester station into the beautifully bright blue morning, I spot the Queens.
Wheeling my case over, I find a grand old hotel that’s been beautifully restored with a contemporary designed reception and bar area, complete with quirky wall art and some seriously deep sofas – although there’s no time to relax in them.
My room, while less modern, is still perfectly comfortable with good bed and excellent shower pressure.
Readers will know well my delight of a good kettle and tea selection in a hotel room and The Queen does not disappoint!
Top Chester Hotel
The Queen Hotel, 52 City Road, Chester, CH1
https://www.thequeenatchesterhotel.co.uk/
Prices start from £80 per night
Top Things to Do in Chester
So after a pitstop refresh, it was off to explore Chester’s centre, just a short walk away from the hotel.
With the weather playing game, I decide to make the most of it and head for the Roman Walls.
One of the must-do activities in Chester, walking this ancient loop, which actually forms the most complete set of city walls in Britain, is delightfully free of charge and wonderfully relaxing.
And at just under two miles, it’s an easy stroll too, that conveniently loops you past some of Chester’s top landmarks, including the River Dee, the Eastgate Clock, the cathedral, and even the ancient amphitheatre – the perfect way to get your Chester itinerary bearings.
After stretching my legs, it’s then time to enjoy the city from a different perspective, cue a delightful boat cruise along the River Dee with ChesterBoat.
Sedentary and scenic, this was sightseeing as its most relaxed – drifting past the leafy banks and historic sights of this once instrumental river that charted the course of Chester’s fortunes.
Today, a few riverside houses still chart the fortune of this watery way, but for me it was the peaceful glimpse of the Cheshire countryside that made this boat ride one of the top things to do in Chester.
Acutely aware of my duty as a blogger, I then set off to dig out some of Chester’s best culinary treats, in particular one of its most famous produces – after all, Cheshire cheese is, I learnt, the oldest named cheese in the country.
Tangy and crumbly, the aptly named Cheshire Cheese Shop seems the perfect place to give it a go!
My culinary trail continued at the recently restored Chester Market.
A hub for independent eatery options – from bao buns and wood-fired pizza – this is where much of Chester’s thriving food scene began its journey before branching out into independent restaurants, artisan bakeries, and trendy wine bars that give the city its vibrant foodie edge today.
Definitely don’t miss Vin Santo or That Beer Place if you fancy a Chester tipple.
Then for dessert, it has to be local Cheshire ice cream, creamy and indulgent, and readily available at Huxley’s.
Situated right by Chester’s iconic Eastgate Clock, this cute café also boasts unique views of Chester’s most famous timepiece – the perfect backdrop while you try to catch the drips!
Best Places to Eat and Drink in Chester
Dabba – Heartwarming southern Indian gem, where creative dishes are served within walls filled with the owners’ artwork.
Chef’s Table – Award-winning, independent restaurant, championing seasonal ingredients – about 90% of its vegetables come from a local supplier, Natural Veg Men, and all produce is locally or UK-sourced.
Sticky Walnut – Located in Hoole, this modern European bistro is known for its innovative, high-quality dishes using fresh ingredients, and remains a strong favourite among locals.
Covino – A stylish owner-run wine bar & small plates restaurant offering a daily-changing menu based on seasonality and provenance, along with a curated list of 130+ wines.
Twenty Eight – A lively shared‑plate spot serving British tapas with a street-food vibe, featuring produce from the pesticide‑free farm Growing@Field28, praised for its vibrant atmosphere and exceptional value.
Pars Kahve – Recognised as Chester Restaurant of the Year 2025, this café impresses with its passion for quality, coffee, and breakfast.
The Ice Cream Farm – Located just outside Chester, this charming spot boasts the world’s largest ice cream parlour, serving over 50 award-winning flavours of local Cheshire Farm ice cream.
That Beer Place – Indie craft beer haven within Chester Market celebrated in 2024 as CAMRA National Cider & Perry Pub of the Year. Rotating taps, curated bottle selections, tasting flights, and a friendly, atmosphere for beer lovers make it a must.
Vin Santo – historic wine bar – Tucked into a 13th-century crypt , this unique spot offers a well-curated list of wines, champagnes and spirits, including a focus on local Cheshire gins and beers.
Chester’s Historical Attractions
Claimed to be the 2nd most photographed clock in England after Big Ben, The Eastgate Clock in Chester stands where the original entrance to the Roman fortress of Deva could once be found.
With the fortress long gone, the clock dates back to 1899, when its wrought-iron detailing and elegant red sandstone arch was built to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee.
But this isn’t the only towering icon in Chester – the Gothic Chester Cathedral, a place of worship for over 900 years, is also a top spot to explore in the city
From it enormous East Window to its astronomical clock, its intricately carved medieval choir stalls, to its gorgeous free gardens, the Cathedral is a peaceful place to pause… and finish off your ice cream if you haven’t already.
Don’t skip climbing the Central Tower, even if the sugar hit hasn’t kicked in, or the free Choral Evensong (every day except Wednesday) – the perfect pairing with this stunning historic setting.
History buffs will also love Chester’s Roman Amphitheatre, once Britain’s largest.
Standing in the centre of where soldiers trained and gladiators once fought, brings Chester’s Roman heritage vividly to life. Especially if you indulge in a local ghost tour after dark.
Guided by lantern light through narrow medieval streets, you’ll hear stories of Roman soldiers still marching and tragic tales of the city’s haunted inns.
Whether you believe in ghosts or not, it’s an entertaining way to uncover Chester’s darker history – both physically and figuratively!
Finally, don’t miss grabbing a quick snap of the unique Chester Rows – the two-level medieval shopping gallery that frames this city centre.
With timbered façades, quirky boutiques, and cosy cafés, they’re an essential stop on any Chester things to do list.
Then its time for afternoon tea in a retired 747.
Yup that’s right, this truly unforgettable afternoon tea experience, is one of Chester’s quirkier assets housed, as it is, inside a decommissioned Boeing 747 jumbo jet.
Blending aviation history with the quintessentially British afternoon tradition, step aboard directly into the former plane’s Upper Deck to enjoy vintage business-class seats, delicate cakes, and perfectly brewed tea served on iconic tray-tables – it’s the perfect Instagram moment!
Best Chester Attractions
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Walk the Roman Walls – The most complete city walls in Britain, free to explore.
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See the Eastgate Clock – One of England’s most photographed landmarks.
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Cruise the River Dee – Relax with a boat ride through the heart of Chester.
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Visit the Roman Amphitheatre – Once the largest in Britain.
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Explore The Chester Rows – Unique medieval two-tiered shopping galleries.
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Step inside Chester Cathedral – Stunning Gothic architecture and daily choral services.
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Climb the Cathedral Tower – Panoramic views over Chester, North Wales, and the Pennines.
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Wander Chester Market – Recently revitalised, with indie food stalls and local produce.
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Taste Cheshire cheese & ice cream – Sample the region’s oldest-named cheese and creamy local ice cream.
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Afternoon Tea in a Retired Aircraft Hangar – A quirky twist on a British classic.
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Sip & Savour – Wine tastings, cosy pubs, and a thriving independent food scene.
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Experience Chester Racecourse – The world’s oldest still-operational racecourse.
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Catch a Show – Enjoy theatre productions at Storyhouse.
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Join a Ghost Tour – Discover Chester’s haunted tales on a lantern-lit walk.
Chester Day Trips
The travel blogger life is many things, but despite popular opinion, relaxed is not one of them!
After a mammoth day exploring the highlights of Chester on day one, and passing out the moment I got back to my room post Ghost-tour, iI’m up for another full day of unearthing Chester’s surrounding gems on day two.
Luckily, The Queen Hotel’s proximity helps – our meeting at the train station is little earlier than I’d like!
My destination? Port Sunlight – a model village just on the Wirral, a 30 minute train ride away.
Built in 1888 by soap magnate William Lever (of now Unilever fame), Port Sunlight is a fascinating example of Victorian social planning.
Spanning 130 acres with 900 Grade II-listed homes, this village once housed the 8,000–10,000 people employed at the Lever soap factory.
Now it’s a fascinating way to learn about the burgeoning social justice system of the Victorian era, as well as the life of Lord Leverhulme MP, who was instrumental in effecting important social reforms in Britain, such as the state pension.
I’m led around Port Sunlight by Mary, lifelong resident and incredibly informed tour guide, for whom Lord Lever appears a personal hero.
Her trump card is pulled when she leads me to the village’s Hulme Hall – the spot where a soon-to-be-famous foursome played their first gig with Ringo Starr in 1962, and Mary’s soon-to-be-husband was their fixer.
Apparently the band were so hungry when they arrived from Liverpool that they were encouraged by Peter to pop round to his mum’s house, pre-gig, for some beans on toast.
Sadly the multi-million dollar photo of the event never got taken!
Mary is now one of just 3,000 residents who live in Port Sunlight, but judging by the numbers playing on the bowls lawn, there’s still a thriving community here.
Jewel in the crown is the brilliant Lady Lever Art Gallery, managed by National Museums Liverpool, which is home to a mighty 12,000 objects, spanning Pre‑Raphaelite paintings, Wedgwood jasperware, Chinese ceramics and 19th-century sculpture – don’t miss the Turner and Constable, especially as entrance is free.
Afterwards, a quick scoot around the Port Sunlight Museum and neighbouring Edwardian Worker’s Cottage completes this fascinating day trip, with the £8 entrance costs seeming like a fair price for a full morning of discovery.
If you weren’t convinced Chester is a living museum, Port Sunlight certainly seals the deal!
PIN IT TO PINTEREST!
Surprising at every turn, Chester with its Roman walls, medieval shopping rows, quirky markets, and thriving food scene, is the perfect UK city break for those looking to get off the well-trodden trail.
Add in a day trip to Port Sunlight, and you’ve got social development, culture and creativity rolled into one easy trip just a couple of hours from London.
In Chester, every cobblestone has a story to tell, it’s just about walking this city’s streets to discover them.
My trip was gifted by Visit Chester but, as always, all views are my own.
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