External view of the grounds and gardens at Chester Cathedral
Photo by Chester Cathedral/Gareth Rainsforth

Chester may not be the biggest city in the UK, but more than 2,000 years of history have left an abundance of things to see and enjoy along its streets.

You can walk around the ancient city walls, shop on two levels beneath The Rows, spend time beside the River Dee or make a full day of Chester Zoo - one of the UK’s best-known zoos.

Many of Chester’s best-known sights are close enough to cover on foot. With Chester railway station just a 10-minute walk from the historic centre, you can start exploring almost immediately.

 

Step into Chester’s history

Chester City Walls

If you’re unsure what to see in Chester first, the city walls are a good place to start.

They form the most complete circuit of Roman and medieval defensive walls in Britain, with the full route taking around 45 minutes to walk. Along the way, you’ll pass landmarks including Eastgate Clock, Chester Cathedral and the River Dee.

The walls are free to access, so they’re one of the easiest ways to get a feel for the city without needing to spend a penny.

Roman Amphitheatre

Chester was once the Roman fortress of Deva Victrix, and traces of that history remain across the centre.

The amphitheatre is the largest Roman amphitheatre so far excavated in Britain and can be viewed for free, just a short walk from the city walls.

DEVA Roman Experience

For a more hands-on look at Roman Chester, DEVA Roman Experience takes you back almost 2,000 years.

The attraction recreates parts of the Roman fortress and uses live characters, sets and interactive displays to show what everyday life in Deva Victrix might have looked like.

 

Visit Chester Cathedral

Chester Cathedral has stood at the heart of the city for centuries and combines medieval architecture, historic carvings, exhibitions and regular events.

Take a look around at ground level or climb higher on the Cathedral at Height experience for views across Chester and the surrounding area.

If you’ve travelled to Chester by train with us, you can also take advantage of our discounted Chester Cathedral tour offer. To claim the offer, simply show a valid TfW train ticket on the day to receive two tickets for £15 or a family ticket for £25.

 

Shop beneath The Rows

The Rows are one of the things that make Chester instantly recognisable.

These two-tiered covered galleries run along parts of the city’s main shopping streets and date back around 700 years. Unlike a standard high street, you can browse shops at street level before heading upstairs to another layer of independents, cafés and familiar names.

Chester Market is also nearby if you fancy stopping for something to eat or browsing local traders.

 

Family things to do in Chester

Chester Zoo

For many families, Chester Zoo is the main event. It covers around 130 acres and is home to more than 30,000 animals, with habitats ranging from tropical environments to wetlands and the newer Heart of Africa area.

The X1 bus runs from outside Chester railway station, making it simple to reach without a car.

Show your TfW train ticket when you arrive to get a second zoo ticket at half price.

Grosvenor Museum

Closer to the centre, the Grosvenor Museum covers Chester’s archaeology, natural history, art and local history.

Its Roman collection is particularly intriguing, including memorial stones and objects linked to the city’s military past. Entry is free, which makes it handy if you’re looking for something indoors or working with a tighter budget.

 

Spend time by the River Dee

A walk along the River Dee offers a slight change of pace after exploring the busy city centre.

Follow the riverside paths, cross the Queen’s Park Suspension Bridge or sit near The Groves with something to eat and drink.

If you’d rather see the city from the water, ChesterBoat runs sightseeing cruises along the river, including shorter daytime trips and longer cruises.

 

Entertainment and events in Chester

Storyhouse brings theatre, cinema, a library and places to eat together under one roof. Performances and screenings run throughout the year.

The city also hosts food, literature and music events, race meetings and outdoor theatre. It’s worth checking what’s happening around the dates of your trip.

For something with a darker edge, join a Chester Ghost Tour. When you travel with us, you can claim a discounted price of two tickets for £15 or a family ticket for £25.

 

Free things to do in Chester

Wondering what you can do in Chester for free? Quite a lot as it happens.

  • Walk the city walls
  • Visit the Roman Amphitheatre
  • Browse The Rows
  • Visit the Grosvenor Museum
  • Walk beside the River Dee
  • Spend time in Grosvenor Park

This makes Chester a good option if you want to combine visiting paid attractions with free sightseeing on foot.

 

Places to visit in Chester for the first time

Start with the city walls, then stop at Eastgate Clock and Chester Cathedral. Next, make your way through The Rows before finishing beside the River Dee.

That gives you a good mix of Chester’s history, architecture, shopping and riverside scenery. All easy to see in one day.

If Chester Zoo is high on your list, give it a day of its own rather than trying to squeeze it into a city-centre itinerary.

 

Getting to Chester by train

Chester railway station is around a 10-minute walk from the centre, with buses and local transport available for places further out.

Use our journey planner to check live train times and buy your tickets on our website or app.

Some of the most popular routes include:

 

Plan your day in Chester

Still deciding what to see in Chester? A day in the centre can comfortably take in the walls, cathedral, The Rows and River Dee. A longer stay gives you more time for Chester Zoo, museums and guided tours.

For more places to visit in Chester, events and ideas for your stay, head to Visit Chester before you travel.