Chester - a city of treasures

Soak it up. Breathe it in. Wallow in it. Chester’s action-packed, thrilling adventure of gladiators and invading armies, kings and queens, saints and sinners, poets and musicians has been going on for 2000 years. It’s real, it’s exciting and it’s all around you. Explore the Medieval streets, lined with Chester’s distinctive black
and white buildings and 13th century Rows shopping galleries. Walk on the walls – the most complete in Britain – which surround the city and create a uniquely intimate setting for festivals of literature and music.

Discover the fascinating findings of Britain’s biggest archaeological dig at Chester’s 2000 year old Roman  amphitheatre, and visit the Grosvenor Museum to see the city’s  extraordinary wealth of Roman treasures. Experience Chester’s history, in all its potent glory.

Chester Cathedral - Discover, Explore and Enjoy

Visit the cathedral, where Handel first rehearsed The Messiah – his marked score is proudly displayed. More cathedral highlights include the 200 year old Cobweb painting, 14th century Quire stalls, and the Medieval shrine of StWerburgh, a Mercian princess with miraculous healing powers.

Did you know?

The Roodee now stands where Chester’s harbour used to be, bustling with ships, traders and soldiers.

• The harbourwas one of the reasons that the Romans chose to make Chester – or Dewa as it was known – one of theirmost important settlements.
• Chester Races season runs between May and September, and includes 13 events.
• Ours is the oldest racecourse in Britain.

Discover our secrets

Join the Secret Chester Tour, which reveals historic treasures of the city that have been closed to the public for many years, including the King Charles Tower, and theWater Tower on the CityWalls, which was built to guard entry to the city’s harbour in the Middle Ages. Alternatively, the Chester Rows – The Inside Story tour takes you inside the unique Medieval two-tiered, timber framed Rows which make up the heart of Chester city centre, including visiting some of the Rows shops to see sights such as the Roman hypocaust.