Chester is a city that is bursting with history and modern city life where you can take in the 2,000 years of history while enjoying the latest theatre, food and music.

 

Highlights

 

• The city walls - medieval walls that surround the city and built in parts over original Roman walls. The walls were first built 2,000 years ago and feature a number of towers and ramparts, although most of these have been pulled down and replaced with Georgian arches. Open all year round

 

• Chester Zoo - Considered one of the UK’s best zoos with over 500 different animal types and award winning gardens. Open all year round from 10am. Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied.

 

• Chester Rows - These retail units feature Tudor buildings and galleries. A unique and beautiful way to shop. Open all year round.

 

• Chester Cathedral - Built on anglo saxon foundations in the year 907, this cathedral has been extended and rebuilt at least three times. The design we see today comes from 1250. Visitors can see the castle at height with its unique tours. Open Monday to saturday 9am to 6pm and Sunday 11am to 4pm.

 

Description

 

This Roman fortress city was founded in the first century AD and is known for its local red sandstone buildings. Visitors can see Roman ruins including an old Roman amphitheatre as well as the beautiful and unusual half timber saxon retail shopping areas known as The Rows. The city is constantly undergoing excavations to unearth hidden treasures which are then displayed in the local museums.

 

The city was originally known as Deva and was a strategic outpost of the Roman Empire due to its large harbour. This became a favourite stopping place for Viking raiders during the Dark Ages. After falling into disrepair the city was revived from 1070 and the local Chester Castle was built.

 

For those who love nightlife and shopping the city hosts a number of theatres and attractive hotels. As a university town, Chester has an enviable nightlife and is able to marry together modern living with its historical background and places of interest.