Chester
A Historic City with Roman, Medieval and Victorian features
Chester
Chester is at the North, Midlands and Principality of Wales crossroads. It is a great historic city with archaeological remains dating back to the Roman period and beyond. The city has two miles of Britain's most complete City Walls, elements dating to the Roman occupation.
Chester is probably known mostly for a series of unique 700-year-old tiered shopping "Rows". The mix of half-timbered, stone and gothic structures of double-story streets are special and are genuinely one of a kind. The Roodee is the oldest racecourse, once the Roman Harbour and hosts top-notch events such as racing and polo.
Other sites include the ramains of the 7000-seat Roman Amphitheatre and the grand RED Cathedral, and please tour the church with your guide. The famous Eastgate Clock is a city icon and sits on the city walls next to The Chester Grosvenor Hotel. Lastly, your private guide will introduce you to the Town Crier, humorously telling local news and promoting the city attractions.
Roman Garrison, Medieval Market Town and Victorian Gem
A Brief History of Chester
The Romans
Founded in the first Century by the Romans, Fortress Diva derived from the River Dee, upon which the city owes much trade and transportation over the millennia. The great walls and huge harbour made Roman Deva a success and an important crossroads, trading centre and military town.
The Vikings
The next wave of attack comes during a period we call the Dark Ages. Little was written down during this time; therefore, we refer to this age as dark and mysterious. The attackers were from the north. They were The Vikings, whose longships sailed up the River Dee. The entire history of England takes a turn from focus on the north to the south with the invasion from the Normans, under the leadership of the ruthless warrior, The Duke of Normandy. The Duke became King William I, creating the first Earl of Chester, who built the castle.
The Middle Ages
The city became a prosperous trading port during a period we call medieval. At this time, the first two-story shopping arcades went up. They are known as the Rows and remain fascinating for visitors. Architecturally clever and attractive.
England's ferocious civil war pushed the citizens of Chester to the brink of starvation. The River evolved and silted up as time passed, making the seaport obsolete. By the 18th Century the mercantile elements of the city thrived, as in much of Britain at the time. The country was entering a new phase of innovation and prosperity, but not all could capitalise. Smart townhouses were constructed for the merchant classes.
The Victorians
The Victorian era is remembered by the Eastgate Clock celebrating Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee. The city is great for a two-night stop before entering North Wales, heading North to Lake District National Park, or south to the Cotswolds.
Touring and Accommodation
It is certainly worth staying overnight in Chester at The Chester Grosvenor. An overnight stay fits in well with an extended tour of Wales and Northern England, a grand old city between the hiking and mountainous regions of The Lakes District National Park and North Wales and Snowdonia National Park.
A wonderful scenic east from Chester takes you into the Peak District National Park with its spectacular landscapes and the awe-inspiring stately home, Chatsworth House. Contact us and our team can build a stop in Chester into an itinerary Touring England or England and Wales.
Explore Chester's layers of history
Walk the Roman Walls, Stroll the Ancient "Rows" and Cathedral
- Perfect city for a Private Walking Tour
- Explore Roman History
- Stay at the Chester Grosvenor
- Should be UNESCO World Heritage City
Chester Cathedral
Medieval Rows
Chester Cathedral Cloisters
Eastgate
Bustling Streets of Chester
Half Timbered Shops
Gathering people in Main Street
Chester Pub
Chester Rows with flowers
Chester Cocktail bar in the Rows
Chester Jubilee Clock
Details from the Rows
View from the Rows
Shops in the Rows
Help us make your trip exceptional
Our UK, EU and US office-based staff will listen to what you want to see and experience.
Whether you are a honeymoon couple, a family or a corporate incentive group, our team’s collective resources will be brought together to build the experience that’s right for you.
We will require your arrival and departure dates, details of your personal preferences and places that you would like to visit as well as the events you would like to experience.
We will then prepare a draft itinerary and send it to you by email for your approval. Once agreed, we will send you a Booking Confirmation with Personalised Itinerary and Information Pack via email.
Contact information
From the UK: +44(0)20 8669 3666
FREE from Canada or the USA: 1-888-472-1799
Email: [email protected]