Chester

Travel Guide

Chester showing a city, heritage elements and a monument
Chester which includes a city, night scenes and street scenes
Chester showing heritage elements, street scenes and a city
Chester showing street scenes, signage and a city
Chester Cathedral featuring a church or cathedral, heritage architecture and interior views

This pretty market town in northwest England is famous for its Roman heritage, unique shopping district and historic taverns.

Picturesque Chester attracts visitors with its Roman-era architecture, centuries-old pubs, lively shopping streets and horse racing. Founded 2,000 years ago, it was once Great Britain’s largest Roman settlement and today remains one of its best-preserved medieval cities. Chester is in northwest England, bordering North Wales.

Much of the interest to visitors lies in Chester’s distinctive city centre, a pleasant area to explore on foot. Start your visit with a walk around the City Walls, built by the Romans in the first century. The walls enclose a splendid assortment of elegant and historic landmarks. 

Spot towers and gates such as the Eastgate Clock, the traditional city entrance. Admire the intricate architecture and sculptures of Chester Cathedral. Go to Chester High Cross, where a town crier makes midday announcements during the summer. Explore the unique Chester Rows shops, a collection of half-timbered Victorian and Tudor buildings set on two galleried levels. 

Chester’s museums expertly showcase the city’s long history and culture. Experience Roman life at the Dewa Roman Experience. See Viking-era artifacts, costumes and period furniture at the Grosvenor Museum. Learn about the city’s military past at the Cheshire Military Museum, housed in Chester Castle. 

Step outside the city walls and stroll along The Groves, a scenic promenade that flanks the River Dee. For an alternative view of the city, take a boat tour along the river. Relax with a picnic or watch summer concerts and theatre productions at Grosvenor Park. Discover more of Chester’s Roman heritage at the Roman Amphitheatre.

Revel in the atmosphere of Chester’s many 17th-century pubs, including the photogenic Bear and Billet. The pubs become notably active from May to September when visitors come to attend horse racing events at Chester Racecourse. 

Reach Chester easily via direct bus and train from destinations such as London, Liverpool and Manchester. The city is also the gateway to the beaches and national parks of North Wales. Rent a car to visit the seaside resort of Llandudno or explore striking mountains and lakes in Snowdonia National Park.

The Mill Hotel & Spa
The Mill Hotel & Spa
3 out of 5
Milton Street, Chester, England
The price is RM325 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
RM325
RM390 total
6 Jul - 7 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star spa hotel in Chester. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,894 reviews)
"Good value nice hotel. Great location"

Reviewed on 28 Jun 2025

The Mill Hotel & Spa
The Queen at Chester Hotel, BW Premier Collection
The Queen at Chester Hotel, BW Premier Collection
4 out of 5
City Rd, Chester, England
The price is RM335 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
RM335
RM402 total
13 Jul - 14 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Chester. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"The building was beautiful!"

Reviewed on 29 Jun 2025

The Queen at Chester Hotel, BW Premier Collection
Grosvenor Pulford Hotel & Spa
Grosvenor Pulford Hotel & Spa
4 out of 5
Wrexham Road, Pulford, Chester, England
The price is RM571 per night from 10 Jul to 11 Jul
RM571
RM686 total
10 Jul - 11 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Chester. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,005 reviews)
"Excellent visit as always. Great service and friendly staff"

Reviewed on 30 Jun 2025

Grosvenor Pulford Hotel & Spa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Roomzzz Chester City
Roomzzz Chester City
4 out of 5
Norroy House, Nuns Road, Chester, England
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Chester. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,037 reviews)
"easy check in/out pleasant/helpful reception staff room was well equipped, spacious, modern & comfortable"

Reviewed on 26 Jun 2025

Roomzzz Chester City
14-16 Grosvenor Street Luxury Apartments
14-16 Grosvenor Street Luxury Apartments
3 out of 5
1 Cuppin Street, Chester, England
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly apartment in Chester. Enjoy free WiFi, Netflix, and premium bedding. Popular attractions Chester Racecourse and Chester ...
6.4/10 (10 reviews)
"This property was the second one in this complex we stayed in. It was much nicer and had a more modern feel however it’s not in the luxury’ category. Heaters worked really well. The mattress was narrower than the frame so was very cramped for two people. The grout in the shower could have been cleaner ..."

Reviewed on 29 Mar 2025

14-16 Grosvenor Street Luxury Apartments
Royal House Luxury Apartments Chester
Royal House Luxury Apartments Chester
3.5 out of 5
2 Delamere St, Chester, England
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Chester. Enjoy free WiFi, Netflix, and satellite TV channels. Popular attractions Chester City Walls and Chester Racecourse ...
7.4/10 Good! (46 reviews)
Jennifer's break
"Only problem was a strong smell in the hallway of a illegal substance and the heating didn't come on properly the actual location of the property is very good plenty of bars and restaurants close by as well as a good selection of shops."

Reviewed on 27 Feb 2025

Royal House Luxury Apartments Chester
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Reviews of Chester

4.4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
431
5 - Excellent 55%
4 - Good
276
4 - Good 35%
3 - Okay
58
3 - Okay 7%
2 - Disappointing
10
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
6
1 - Terrible 1%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

I live in Chester, it’s a lovely place to visit for anyone thinking of coming here. Great history, nice big green parks, lots of shops, bars, restaurants, live music (obviously not at the moment )

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Buildings wonderful but clearly economy suffering. Cathedral good except 50% roped off. Staff e.g. in shops excellent.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Didn’t go into Chester

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Generally good but few empty shops and some features like big car park next to wall not good.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Chester is a great place for a day/night out

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

We actually went to Broughton Wings for a night of Northern Soul and the accommodation was only 2 miles away.