Catching the train from Aberystwyth to the glorious market town of Chester is the easiest, most relaxing way to travel. Whether you’re going for business, a family day out or a long weekend, sitting back in comfort, watching the stunning countryside fly by is the way to go. Why not take advantage of our free onboard Wifi and catch up with the latest news, or social media posts?

Rich in culture, with a history spanning centuries, the beautiful city of Chester is one of the most popular destinations in the UK. Nestled behind its iconic red sandstone walls, backed by the meandering River Dee, Chester sits on the border between Wales and England, and as such, has been the site of numerous battles. Now, though, this cosmopolitan cathedral city offers enough attractions to keep any visitor happy for days.

  • Free Wi-Fi
    Free Wi-Fi
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    Charging points
Live departures and arrivals

Mention Chester, and inevitably The Rows are brought up. This two-storey medieval shopping centre, with parts dating back to the 13th century, is unique to Chester. The reason for their existence has been lost in the mists of time, but they are a must-visit. Running along the four main streets from Chester Cross, the half-timbered galleries are reached by uneven staircases, with many parts still having their original stone undercrofts - making The Rows three stories in places. Evidence suggests that there have always been merchants and companies trading here, with offices, coffee houses and restaurants alongside high end shops. If you’re looking for something unique - a special gift or trinket, head to the second-floor gallery where you’ll find charming boutiques and independent stores showcasing local crafts and produce. Handmade jewellery, beautiful knitwear, or studio pottery - it can all be found here, as can delicious homemade cakes and pastries. 

For something at the other end of the spectrum, Jodrell Bank Observatory is a stargazer’s delight. Telescopes, including the world famous Lovell Telescope, monitor and record activity in outer space, looking for any signs of life. Focusing principally on star formation and evolution and planetary nebula, the high tech equipment also looks at pulsars and galaxies. Opened in 1939, July 2019 saw the observatory become a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

After the space age excitement of the Observatory, why not head back in time again, when things were just as thrilling? Dewa Roman is the perfect adventure for any wannabe Roman Centurion. Here, you can strap on your armour, load a catapult and stop any invaders scaling the city walls, or delve deep into Chester’s gory past with a spooky ghost tour. Taking you through dank cellars and down the narrowest, darkest cobbled streets, you’ll discover how the most haunted city in the UK gained its gruesome reputation. 

After exploring Chester, head to one of the many award winning restaurants and with regular trains taking you back to Aberystwyth, there’s nothing stopping you enjoying a glass or two of wine with your meal. With our downloadable app, you can book tickets, catch our money saving special offers and check train timetables on the move, while our Twitter feed keeps you updated with any reports as they happen.