Chester

Day 1: Roman foundations and first impressions

Begin with a sweeping overview to get your bearings. Chester’s compact centre rewards walkers, so wear sturdy shoes and arrive early to enjoy the streets before day-trippers. If driving, use Park & Ride to avoid the medieval traffic maze.

• Morning: Start at Eastgate and the clock, then walk the full circuit of the city walls counter‑clockwise (90 mins–2 hrs). Pause at King Charles’ Tower and Phoenix Tower for views over the Roodee and cathedral; descend near Newgate to peek into the Roman Gardens and amphitheatre from above.
• Midday: Head to the High Cross for the Town Crier at 12:00 (Tue–Sat, Jun–Aug; earlier on race days). Then explore the Rows on Eastgate and Bridge Street, keeping left and using the staircases; lunch at Chester Market in the Northgate development for independent stalls and quick, tasty options (great in bad weather).
• Afternoon: Visit Chester Cathedral (donation entry) for cloisters, choir stalls and, if running, a tower tour; then stroll to St John the Baptist’s church and its atmospheric ruins by the amphitheatre. Tip: look for the medieval misericords in the choir and the modern sculpture in the garth.
• Evening: Wander the Groves by the River Dee; in lighter months take a short boat trip before dinner. For a historic pub experience try the Bear and Billet or the Falcon (one of the few spots where you can step into the open “Row below” level).

Day 2: Medieval commerce, hidden gems and Northgate nights

Today digs deeper into the city’s layered fabric, from crypts and true Tudor houses to Victorian “black‑and‑white revival” showpieces. You’ll also sample the rejuvenated Northgate quarter.

• Morning: Explore Watergate Street’s undercrofts and crypts (politely ask shop staff if you can peek during quiet times). Drop into Stanley Palace, then compare genuine timber‑framed buildings with Victorian revivals along Lower Bridge Street; spot the subtler, slightly uneven beams of older structures.
• Midday: Cross the Old Dee Bridge to Handbridge for a short riverside stroll and the Minerva Shrine in Edgar’s Field (the only rock‑cut Roman shrine in situ in Western Europe). Return to the centre for lunch on the Rows or back at Chester Market if you prefer more choice.
• Afternoon: Visit the Roman amphitheatre at ground level and the Roman Gardens for columns and hypocaust remains; then browse independent shops along Watergate and Northgate Streets. Tip: on race days, the city is busy and lively—book restaurants and expect dressy crowds near the Roodee.
• Evening: Stay in the Northgate area for dinner and, if you like, a film at Picturehouse or a show at Storyhouse. Autumn is perfect for a ghost tour weaving through alleys and the Rows; book ahead for prime evening slots.

Day 3: Walls revisited, the Roodee and seasonal traditions

Your final day is for favourite corners and slower exploration. Tailor it to the season—al fresco in summer, candlelit heritage in winter.

• Morning: Re-enter the walls near Watergate and drop down to lap the Roodee racecourse (flat, easy circuit; mind event days). Pop back up through Bridgegate for coffee on Lower Bridge Street and a last browse of the boutiques.
• Midday: Circle back to the High Cross for a final Rows walk—this time focus on Northgate Street’s galleries and side passages like Godstall Lane for lunch in a tucked‑away spot. Tip: pronounce Roodee (“Roo‑dee”) and Grosvenor (“Gro‑ve‑nor”) like a local.
• Afternoon: Choose-your-own deep dive: cathedral tower climb if you missed it, the Grosvenor Museum for Roman and local history, or a guided Roman soldier tour for lively storytelling. If accessibility is a concern, prioritise street‑level sites and the cathedral, and use the council’s mapped step‑free routes.
• Evening: In summer, linger by the river with ice cream and watch rowers at sunset; in winter, time your visit for the Christmas market, the Winter Watch Parade or the torchlit Saturnalia (check dates). Toast your trip with a final pint at the Pied Bull or a cosy wine bar on Watergate Street.

Notes:

• Footwear is key: many surfaces are uneven.
• The Rows have steep stairs and are not fully accessible; most highlights have good alternatives at street level.
• Book dining on weekends and race days; ghost and Roman tours sell out in peak seasons.

By Air

• Manchester Airport (MAN): ~35 miles/56 km. Direct trains to Chester up to hourly (around 1h10–1h25); via Manchester Piccadilly similar timings. Driving via M56/M53 takes ~45–60 mins.
• Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LPL): ~25 miles/40 km. No direct rail; bus to Liverpool South Parkway then Merseyrail to Liverpool Central and on to Chester (typically 1–1.5 hrs total), or bus to Runcorn then train (~1 hr). Driving via A561/M53 takes ~40–50 mins.
• Birmingham Airport (BHX): ~80 miles/130 km. Trains 1h50–2h10 with a change (usually Birmingham New Street and/or Crewe). Driving via M6 takes ~1h30–1h45.

By Train

• Chester (station code: CTR) is the main station.
• Operators: Avanti West Coast, Transport for Wales (TfW), Merseyrail, Northern.
• Typical direct/regular connections:
  • London Euston: ~2 hrs (Avanti).
  • Liverpool (Liverpool Central via Merseyrail): every 15 mins, ~45 mins.
  • Manchester Piccadilly: ~1 hr (TfW/Northern); Manchester Airport: ~1h15–1h25 (some direct TfW services).
  • Birmingham New Street: ~1h40–1h55 (TfW, usually via Shrewsbury).
  • Cardiff Central: ~3h15–3h45 (direct TfW).
  • North Wales Coast: Llandudno ~1h10; Holyhead ~2 hrs.
  • Crewe (for nationwide connections): ~20–25 mins.

By Coach/Bus

• Chester Bus Interchange (Gorse Stacks) is the main hub.
• National Express operates intercity coaches (services to cities such as London, Birmingham, Manchester and Liverpool; some may require changes).
• Extensive regional services by Arriva/Stagecoach.
• Park & Ride services from all main approach roads into the city centre.

By Car

• Primary routes: M56 (from Manchester), M53 (from Wirral/Mersey), A55 (North Wales Expressway), A483 (from Wrexham/Shrewsbury).
• Approximate drive times: Liverpool ~45 mins; Manchester ~1 hr; Birmingham ~1h45–2 hrs; London ~3.5–4 hrs.
• City centre streets are constrained and parking is limited/expensive; Park & Ride is recommended.